Assassin’s Creed Shadows is on the cusp of introducing its inaugural downloadable content (DLC). Titled Claws of Awaji, this expansion is set to release before the year concludes. Players will have the opportunity to explore a new area within the game’s map, challenged by a novel faction while acquiring fresh gear and skills. This content is estimated to provide around ten hours of additional gameplay, which although not as extensive as the base title, still promises substantial enhancements.
While anticipation builds, many details regarding the DLC remain under wraps. However, it is clear that the new skills and equipment introduced in Claws of Awaji seem to tip the scales unfavorably for Yasuke, disproportionately favoring Naoe. With the ability to transition freely between the two protagonists, the existing imbalance in their capabilities appears destined to worsen with this upcoming release.
New Weapon for Naoe in Assassin’s Creed Shadows
Naoe’s Bō Offers a Tactical Edge
One confirmed feature of Claws of Awaji is the introduction of a new weapon type specifically for Naoe: the bō. This versatile hardwood staff is closely tied to various martial arts traditions throughout Asia, particularly in Okinawa. Fans may recall its usage in titles like Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty or as Donatello’s favored weapon in Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Turtles in Time.
Notably, while the DLC is named after Awaji, it’s worth mentioning that this locale is significantly closer to the mainland areas depicted in the base game than Okinawa.
In terms of armament diversification, excluding basic tools such as shuriken and kunai, the bō will elevate Naoe’s available weapon types to four, complementing her existing repertoire of the katana, tanto, and kusarigama. The exact implications this new weapon will have on her combat mechanics and skillset are yet to be fully detailed; further insights will likely emerge as we approach the Claws of Awaji release date.
Limited New Content for Yasuke in Claws of Awaji
Yasuke’s Weapon Status Remains Uncertain
Contrary to Naoe’s exciting new addition, Yasuke seems poised to miss out on similar updates. While he will likely benefit from some of the newly introduced skills and gear, expectations for an entirely new weapon type appear grim, unless Ubisoft has undisclosed plans.
The thematic enhancements of the DLC seem to favor Naoe’s gameplay style overall. The official website highlights the tagline “From hunter to hunted,” indicating gameplay mechanics where both protagonists will be pursued by the Sanzoku Ippa faction. These adversaries are expected to engage in stealth tactics, conducting ambushes and traps against our heroes.
For Yasuke, such a gameplay dynamic may not represent a substantial shift; rather, it could lead to increased combat scenarios without necessarily enhancing the challenge, particularly if new enemies prove less formidable than those encountered in the base game. In contrast, this could enrich Naoe’s gameplay, demanding strategic positioning and a shinobi’s acumen in navigating threats. While the potential for innovation exists for Naoe, Yasuke’s opportunities seem limited.
Weapon Diversity: A Core Strength for Yasuke
Naoe Challenges Yasuke’s Status
The addition of the bō increases Naoe’s operational weapon count to four, whereas Yasuke retains five, diminishing one of his significant advantages: weapon diversity. As a long-time advocate of Yasuke as an engaging protagonist within the Assassin’s Creed narrative, I believe his historical significance deserves exploration through compelling gameplay. However, he often feels misaligned with the series, primarily enjoyable in brief intervals.
While I appreciate the immersive historical contexts of Assassin’s Creed, combined with stealth mechanics, Yasuke’s character feels out of place, reminiscent of a less nuanced genre. Titles like Sekiro and Nioh exemplify how samurai RPGs can be executed beautifully, yet AC Shadows’ portrayal doesn’t achieve the same depth. My experiences with Yasuke largely involve relentless combat—a simplistic brawler lacking engagement. His weapon variety is critical for excitement, and without it, his allure diminishes.
As we await Naoe’s experience with the new bō, if Yasuke only garners minimal updates, my engagement with him is likely to wane. This feels disheartening; Yasuke holds immense potential as a protagonist, yet much of it is lost due to the underwhelming gameplay mechanics. Let’s hope that Assassin’s Creed Shadows‘ upcoming DLC provides him the chance for meaningful enhancements to his gameplay dynamic.
Source: Ubisoft