Assassin’s Creed Shadows, though caught up in Ubisoft’s ongoing internal problems, is ostensibly giving players what they’ve been asking for for years now. While the prospect of a samurai-focusedAssassin’s Creedmight be long overdue,AC Shadows' narrative might deliver something equally satisfying, if the developers handle it the right way.
Many fans attribute the downfall ofAssassin’s Creed’s modern day story to the death of Desmond Miles inAssassin’s Creed 3, arguing that Ubisoft simply didn’t know where to take the story after the excision of its leading man. There’s probably some truth to this—the modern-day component of the franchise’s narrative certainly grew less compelling once Desmond was out of the picture—but the story was more than likely flawed from the start. It should be clear that, if Ubisoft ever did have a plan in mind forAssassin’s Creed’s overarching, modern-day narrative, it was abandoned fairly early on in the series' life, once it became clear that ending the modern saga would mean the end of the franchise as a whole. But now thatAssassin’s Creed Shadowsis continuing the modern-day story, there’s a chance to redeem it in the eyes of these jaded players.
Assassin’s Creed Shadows Would Be Wise To Restart Its Modern-Day Narrative
Assassin’s Creed Shadows Is Changing the Modern Day Story
AlthoughAssassin’s Creed Mirageomits the modern-day portionof the narrative, series lead Marc-Alexis Coté recently confirmed that this tradition will be present in the upcomingShadows. Speaking at arecent BAFTA eventin London, Coté took time to acknowledge the shortcomings of the overarching present-day storyline, which has essentially served as the only connective tissue between entries. He highlighted a number of commonly expressed pain points regarding the modern-day story, including how it is often criticized for being unfocused and overly convoluted.
Looking forward, Coté said that Ubisoft is aiming to “put history back at the centre of the players' experience,” noting thatthe modern-day narrative inShadowswill focus on “deeper themes” viewed through the lens of history. Of course, these comments don’t do much to illuminate Ubisoft’s plans for this part of theAssassin’s Creedformula, but they do suggest that the modern-day story ofShadowswill be both more distinct and less pivotal than those that came before it, which could involve some sort of reset; perhapsAC Shadowswill take a fundamentally different approach to its modern-day narrative, with new characters, conflicts, et cetera, giving it room to be less crucial to the historical storytelling and thematically unique.
Why a Full Reboot Would Be the Best Thing for Assassin’s Creed Shadows' Modern-Day Story
Assassin’s Creed’s modern-day narrative is rudderless—Coté’s aforementioned statement conveys as much. So manyACstories, especially post-AC3, have had an inescapable sense of improvisation, like the series has simply been experimenting with how best to continue the modern-day plot without making it feel too long in the tooth. But for a story to be satisfying, it has to be headed somewhere; it has to have an ending in sight. For years, it has felt like the overarchingAssassin’s Creedstory has lacked an architect, and if Ubisoft plans to continue the series indefinitely, which seems to be the case, then that can’t be the case much longer.
ForAssassin’s CreedShadowsto change the franchise, it will need to make a tough decision regarding the modern-day story, and this decision should involve wiping the slate clean in some way. This aspect of the series' plot can either take a back seat or it can present an existential, dramatic threat, but it cannot do both. In its current state, it’s attempting to have its cake and eat it too, so a culling is in order.
Assassin’s Creed Shadows
WHERE TO PLAY
Experience an epic historical action-adventure story set in feudal Japan! Become a lethal shinobi Assassin and a powerful legendary samurai as you explore a beautiful open world in a time of chaos. Switch seamlessly between two unlikely allies as you discover their common destiny. Master complementary playstyles, create your shinobi league, customize your hideout, and usher in a new era for Japan.• Explore the captivating open world of feudal Japan, from spectacular castle towns and bustling ports to peaceful shrines and war-ravaged landscapes. Adventure through unpredictable weather, changing seasons, and reactive environments.• Become Naoe, a shinobi Assassin, and Yasuke, a legendary samurai, as you experience their riveting stories and master their complementary playstyles. As Naoe, use stealth to avoid detection and agility to confound your enemies. As Yasuke, strike your foes with lethal precision and power. Unlock new skills, gear, and progression independently for each character.• Make information your weapon as you explore the world, and build your own network of spies to be your eyes and ears across locations to hunt down your next target. Along the way, recruit new allies with unique abilities to help accomplish your missions.• Create a fully customizable hideout for your growing shinobi league as you train your crew, craft new gear, interact with key characters, and choose your base’s layout, decorations, and accessories.
