Ubisoft’s latest entry in the Assassin’s Creed franchise, Assassin’s Creed Shadows, is proving to be a massive success in Japan, despite initial concerns and controversies.
Positive Reception in Japan
Before its release, Assassin’s Creed Shadows sparked debate over its portrayal of Japanese culture, particularly regarding shrine interactions within the game. Shrine officials voiced concerns over the ability to destroy shrine furniture, prompting Ubisoft to address and patch the issue. Game director Jonathan Dumont reassured fans that the studio would consider constructive criticism from Japanese players, while industry veteran Hideki Kamiya dismissed the outrage, stating that most Japanese gamers supported the title.
Despite early skepticism, Japanese gaming reviewers have praised Assassin’s Creed Shadows for its detailed historical recreation of feudal Japan. Kazuma Hashimoto at Polygon translated Japanese-language reviews, revealing an overwhelmingly positive response from major gaming outlets.
A Visual and Narrative Triumph
The gaming publication Gamer highlighted the game’s immersive environments, stating, “Towns feel full of life, and the mountain scenery is so lush with nature that it truly transports players to Japan during the Warring States period.” Similarly, 4gamer praised the game’s seasonal changes, describing them as “nostalgic and reminiscent of childhood.”
The game’s two protagonists, Naoe and Yasuke, have also been well-received. Game Watch praised Naoe, describing her as “embodying the spirit of an Assassin’s Creed protagonist with a human depth due to her emotional immaturity.” However, Yasuke received mixed reactions, with some reviewers feeling that his depiction as a “perfect samurai” lacked character flaws that could make him more relatable.
Notably, none of the Japanese reviewers criticized Yasuke’s inclusion as a samurai—contrary to the pre-release backlash from a vocal minority. Instead, players have praised the dynamic relationship between Naoe and Yasuke, as well as the historical accuracy in the portrayal of figures like Oda Nobunaga.
Assassin’s Creed Shadows: A Global Success
Ubisoft is celebrating the game’s success, stating that Assassin’s Creed Shadows has set a “new benchmark” for the series. While Assassin’s Creed Valhalla remains the franchise’s top-selling title, Shadows is on track to become the second most successful Assassin’s Creed game in history.
With strong sales, critical acclaim, and positive reception in Japan, Assassin’s Creed Shadows has solidified itself as one of the best entries in the series, proving that Japanese gamers appreciate its authentic recreation of feudal Japan.
