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Assassin’s Creed Shadowswas announced last week, and over the past seven days, the internet has been flooded with discussions about its two main characters: Yasuke, the legendary black samurai who served Oda Nobunaga in real life, and Naoe, a fictional Japanese woman created for the game. This has led some fans to complain about the historical inaccuracies of Feudal Japan.
However, theAssassin’s Creedfranchise has never been known for strictly adhering to historical events. After all, the Pope never engaged in fistfights with a man named Ezio Auditore, and we have no records of mythical creatures actually existing. In the end, no matter Ubisoft’s approach with the new game, it will never please everyone.
Why are Yasuke and Naoe the Protagonists of Assassin’s Creed Shadows?
It’s impossible to fully understand the creative decisions behind Ubisoft’s choice to make Yasuke and Naoe the protagonists of their new game.
However, looking at the market, we can seeseveral games with similar concepts toAssassin’s Creed Shadows:an open world set in Feudal Japan, such asGhost of TsushimaandRise of The Ronin. Expanding to the Soulslike genre, we also haveSekiro: Shadows Die TwiceandNiohwith similar settings.
Assassin’s Creed Shadows Breaks a Franchise Trend Not Seen for the Last 7 Years and Many Would Argue It’s for the Best
By featuring Yasuke, a real historical figure, Ubisoft might be trying to avoid comparisons with these other popular games. This is a smart move because there are not many detailed records about Yasuke’s history, allowing the developers to creatively fill in the gaps inAssassin’s Creed Shadows.
Naoe, on the other hand, is a fictional character, giving Ubisoft the freedom to craft her narrative without being tied to historical records. This approach is similar to most of the franchise’s previous protagonists. Also, this unique combination offers players a broader experience in both gameplay and storytelling.
It’s also worth noting that other games set in Feudal Japan have taken creative liberties without facing the same level of criticism Ubisoft has received. For example, inGhost of Tsushima, the protagonist Jin Sakai wields a poison blow dart, even though such weapons were not part of a samurai’s arsenal during that period. Meanwhile, the main character ofNioh, William, is an Irishman, which also strays from historical accuracy.
Assassin’s Creed Shadows as Part of a Larger Discussion
Unfortunately, the controversy surroundingAssassin’s Creed Shadowsis part of a larger, ongoing discussion about representation in media. Many fans have expressed their excitement about Ubisoft’s protagonists, seeing this as an important step towards greater diversity in video games. Nevertheless, some people argue thatUbisoftis trying to push a political agenda.
Assassin’s Creed Shadows Showcases a Hidden Connection to 1 of the Franchises Most-hated Entries
The reaction to Yasuke and Naoe highlights the ongoing struggle for greater representation in gaming. People of color, women, LGBTQ+ individuals, and other minorities often face significant backlash when they are prominently featured in games. This resistance is exhausting and underscores the challenges that developers face when trying to create more inclusive narratives.
Assassin’s Creed Shadowscontinues the franchise’s tradition of blending history with fiction, this time featuring both a real historical figure and a fictional character. Regardless of the controversy, the game will likely continue to attract attention and provoke discussion as it approaches its release.
Are you excited aboutAssassin’s Creed Shadows? Which character are you most looking forward to playing as? Let us know in the comments!
Eduardo Ariedo
Articles Published :22
Writer for as long as he can remember, with an unconditional passion for tabletop RPGs, Bernard Cornwell, and Football Manager.
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Assassin’s CreedAssassin’s Creed ShadowsUbisoft
