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TheAssassin’s Creedseries is known for its meticulous historical detail and immersive storytelling, coupled with engaging combat that always leaves players wanting more. However, with the announcement of its latest installment,Assassin’s Creed Shadows, the company is facing numerous controversies, especially about one of its main protagonists, Yasuke.
It seems like Ubisoft’s commitment to historical authenticity can sometimes falter, particularly when it comes to complex characters. The main backlash stems from the decision to label Yasuke as a Japanese samurai, sparking significant controversy among fans and historians alike. Many believe that instead of giving him the title of samurai, the game could have taken a similar route to the one it took with Ezio Auditore.
The Missed Opportunity byAssassin’s Creed Shadows
TheAssassin’s Creed franchisehas along and rich history of exploring diverse cultures full of complex charactersand narratives. In its previous and arguably the best game,Assassin’s Creed II, players encountered the complex character of Ezio Auditore as he navigated through the backdrops of Renaissance Italy.
He was an assassin who engaged in covert operations and learned from various cultures without becoming confined to a singular identity. Similarly, instead of relegating Yasuke, an African man who served under the powerful warlord Oda Nobunaga in 16th-century Japan, to the title of Samurai.
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Ubisoft should have made him an assassin or a civilian who was working for the Japanese feudal lord. By portraying him as a civilian who navigated through the dangerous waters of samurai politics, the game’s narrative could have delved deeper into his history of finding his identity and understanding the fluidity of social roles in that era.
This approach would have not only allowed players to engage with Yasuke’s story, similar to how Ezio infiltrated different regions and learned from their cultures but also would have shaped our understanding of his role and identity in Japanese society, negating all the controversies and drama.
Fans’ Discontent with Historical Inaccuracy
Since the information about Yasuke was released, fans have been vocal about how the game is misrepresenting historical details regarding social hierarchies in feudal Japan. This controversy has divided the community, with some arguing it’s just a fiction story in a game whileothers express frustration with incorrect representation in video games.
Reddit User, yamalins, also criticized the representation of the character and to support their point of view, explained that the prominent samurai of the time, such as Nobunaga and all his loyal retainers, had surnames but Yasuke didn’t so he fell under the the category of a civilian. This distinction is very crucial, as it shapes our understanding of his role and identity in Japanese society.
Had the developers chosen to portray Yasuke as a civilian navigating samurai society, they could have provided a richer narrative that not only honored the history of Japan but also deepened the character’s journey. This also would allow players to appreciate his character not dishonor his legacy like it is happening right now.
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If portrayed correctly,Assassin’s Creed Shadowscould have been a powerful story about identity, race, and the intersection of cultures. Instead, the game is now facing controversies by making him a samurai, raising critical questions about historical accuracy.
In the end, as fans of the franchise continue to engage and discuss every detail of the game, developers need to be careful when balancing artistic interpretation with historical accuracy.
Who is your favorite character in the entire series? Tell us in the comment section below.
Shubham Chaurasia
Gaming Writer
Articles Published :1368
At FandomWire, Shubham has spent over a year diving into the evolving world of live-service, action, and open-world games. Whether it’s the democratic galaxy of Helldivers 2 or finishing enemies in titles like Assassin’s Creed or Ghost of Tsushima, Shubham brings a sharp eye and genuine enthusiasm to everything he writes.When he’s not writing, you’ll probably catch him clutching rounds in Valorant or leaping off virtual cliffs into a pile of enemies for the perfect finisher. Outside of gaming, Shubham recharges by hitting the gym or heading out on long, spontaneous bike rides, always chasing the next open road. No matter the game or the gear, he’s always committed to bringing readers timely, accurate, and engaging updates from across the gaming industry.
