In a surprising revelation, it has come to light that a key character was not part of the original design for Assassin’s Creed Shadows. This installment prominently features two protagonists, each showcasing distinct gameplay elements: one character embodies stealth and parkour, while the other exemplifies might and brute strength. Initially, one of these characters was not included in the early vision of the game, prompting the developers to include an essential character to enrich the player experience in a Feudal Japan setting.
In an interview with GamesRadar+, Jonathan Dumont, the creative director of Assassin’s Creed Shadows, disclosed that Yasuke was not part of the initial concept. During the early stages, the game primarily featured a shinobi and offered a lighter representation of samurai elements. Dumont articulated that the development teams recognized the necessity to emphasize both the shinobi and samurai archetypes, revealing that Ubisoft initially attempted to create a character that combined stealth and brute force, which ultimately diluted the essence of the shinobi experience.
Reflecting on Yasuke’s eventual inclusion, Dumont remarked:
“It became clear, before going into production, that we’d probably do a story with two characters. .. The archetypes were coming out of the conception phase anyway – they were splitting, but it was happening naturally. So we decided to add a samurai.”
Yasuke Adds A “Feudal Fantasy”
A Unique Perspective on Feudal Japan
The introduction of dual protagonists has undoubtedly expanded the game’s narrative scope. By featuring Yasuke alongside Naoe, players can revel in a comprehensive feudal fantasy that encapsulates both shinobi and samurai traditions. This interwoven storytelling method allows gamers to experience diverse facets of the historical era, albeit with some creative liberties taken within the game’s setting.
Moreover, the inclusion of Yasuke facilitates a richer narrative landscape. Dumont describes the storyline as one reflecting an “East meets West”dynamic, with Yasuke embodying the intersection of these two cultural influences. This duality fosters an intriguing relationship between Naoe and Yasuke, offering players a fresh perspective and a vibrant dialogue between the characters that enhances the overall narrative depth.
Mixed Reactions to Dual Protagonists in Assassin’s Creed Shadows
A Double-Edged Sword
Feedback regarding the dual protagonist mechanic has yielded mixed results among players. Yasuke and Naoe represent contrasting aspects of Feudal Japan—melding the stealth of the shinobi with the raw strength of the samurai. Within gameplay, Naoe excels in stealth tactics while Yasuke thrives in direct combat scenarios. Consequently, players may find themselves favoring one character over the other, but gameplay restrictions may limit their ability to fully engage with their preferred style.
The narrative appears to lean more heavily toward Naoe, who not only anchors a significant portion of the storyline but also enjoys access to a wider array of gameplay mechanics compared to Yasuke, who primarily focuses on combat. Nevertheless, Assassin’s Creed Shadows stands out as a compelling title, despite its imperfections. It is undeniably challenging to envision the narrative without the contributions of both Yasuke and Naoe.
Source: GamesRadar+