A Standalone Entry in the Assassin’s Creed Series
Ubisoft’s latest installment in the long-running Assassin’s Creed Shadows, is designed as a largely standalone experience. Unlike many previous entries, which relied heavily on established lore, Shadows minimizes its ties to past games, making it accessible to both newcomers and returning players who may not have kept up with the series.
For those who last played an Assassin’s Creed game years ago—or even as far back as the popular Ezio era—there is no need to worry about catching up on the extensive backstory. Shadows takes place in 1579, roughly 60 years after Ezio’s adventures in Renaissance Europe, meaning the historical gap between those games and Shadows is relatively small.
The central premise remains the same: players are transported into the past through the Animus, a technology that explores ancestral memories via DNA. However, in Shadows, the Animus has evolved from its original futuristic design into a simple app, making the modern-day elements less intrusive than in earlier games.
No Need to Follow Past Storylines
For those who may remember Desmond Miles, the modern-day protagonist of the early Assassin’s Creed games, his story ended long ago. Likewise, Layla Hassan, who took on a similar role in Origins, Odyssey, and Valhalla, is not essential to understand Shadows. Even the mysterious Isu—an advanced ancient civilization often referenced throughout the series—is not required knowledge.
At its core, Assassin’s Creed Shadows keeps the fundamental conflict between the Assassins and Templars intact. The Assassins champion free will and individual choice, while the Templars, often aligned with the Catholic Church, believe in imposing order on humanity, even if it means taking control. This overarching battle serves as a loose connection to the franchise’s history, but Shadows focuses more on Japan’s internal conflicts rather than the larger Assassin-Templar struggle.
A Fresh Focus on Feudal Japan
The main narrative of Assassin’s Creed Shadows is centered around the power struggles in feudal Japan, with minimal influence from external events. While European presence in Japan during this period is acknowledged—such as the Portuguese traders—it is not a dominant theme. Those who have watched Shogun will find familiar historical elements woven into the game’s storyline.
Ubisoft has indicated that additional lore elements may be introduced over time through the Animus Hub, but at launch, these details are sparse and not essential to the core gameplay experience. This approach ensures that players can dive into Shadows without needing to study Assassin’s Creed history, making it an ideal entry point for both longtime fans and newcomers eager to explore Japan’s rich past.
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