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Assassin's Creed Shadows: The review embargo for Assassin’s Creed Shadows has lifted, and critics are showering it with praise. Ubisoft’s latest open-world RPG, set in feudal Japan, is drawing strong early reactions, with Metacritic scores landing at 82/100 on PlayStation 5, 86/100 on Xbox Series X|S, and 79/100 on PC. The question remains: is Shadows truly a standout entry, or are we seeing another case of pre-launch media hype that might not hold up once players weigh in?

Assassin’s Creed Shadows Outperforms Recent Franchise Entries on Metacritic

While Shadows doesn’t claim the title of Ubisoft’s highest-rated Assassin’s Creed game, it does manage to outscore several of its recent predecessors:

Assassin’s Creed II (90/100) – Still the gold standard of the franchise.
Assassin’s Creed Brotherhood (89/100) – Nearly as iconic as AC II.
Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag (88/100) – The last universally loved AC entry.
Assassin’s Creed Odyssey (83/100) – Shadows is close to this fan-favorite.
Assassin’s Creed Origins (81/100) – A slight edge for Shadows.
Assassin’s Creed Valhalla (80/100) – Again, Shadows pulls ahead.
Assassin’s Creed Mirage (76/100) – Let’s just move on from that one.

The feudal Japan setting and dual-protagonist system clearly worked in Shadows’ favor—at least for critics. However, being marginally better than recent titles doesn’t necessarily make it an instant classic.

Critics Love the Gameplay and Setting, But the Story Falls Flat

-The early consensus is clear—Shadows is fun to play. Reviewers are praising several aspects:
-Combat Variety – Yasuke’s brutal strength contrasts well with Naoe’s stealth, making for a dynamic experience. Immersive World – Feudal Japan is beautifully crafted, drawing players into its historical setting. New Gameplay Mechanics – A dynamic weather system and time-of-day mechanics add more depth to stealth and exploration.

 

However, there are some notable downsides:

-Slow Opening Hours – The game takes time to pick up momentum. Repetitive Mission Design – The classic Ubisoft formula remains intact, for better or worse. Lackluster Storytelling – Strong protagonists, but a forgettable plot.

For those who prioritize gameplay, visuals, and exploration, Shadows is shaping up to be a solid experience. But if you’re looking for a deeply engaging narrative, you might be disappointed.

Are Critics Being Too Generous? The PR Machine is in Full Swing

There’s a reason to be skeptical. When multiple reviews use the exact phrase—“a return to form”—it raises some eyebrows. This kind of uniformity in critical reception often suggests one of two things:

 

Strict Review Guidelines – Publishers sometimes impose limitations on what critics can discuss.
Fear of Backlash – Some reviewers may hold back criticism to maintain good relations with major publishers.

This isn’t the first time a game has received glowing reviews pre-launch, only to face backlash once players get their hands on it. Just look at Dragon Age: The Veilguard—praised by critics, but met with skepticism by the gaming community. If history repeats itself, we may see a similar critic-player divide with Shadows.

The Real Test: Will Assassin’s Creed Shadows Sell?

Ubisoft is banking heavily on this release. The company’s stock value has dropped 77% since Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, making Shadows a crucial title for its financial recovery.
Assassin’s Creed Valhalla (80/100) – Best-selling game in franchise history.
Assassin’s Creed Odyssey (83/100) – Critically loved, but not a massive commercial hit.
Assassin’s Creed Origins (81/100) – Helped revive the series, but didn’t break sales records.

Despite high scores, strong sales aren’t guaranteed. Shadows will only be considered a success if players embrace it. If early adopters enjoy it, Ubisoft could have a hit on its hands. If not, it could spell trouble.

Final Thoughts: A Strong Entry, But Not a Masterpiece

Assassin’s Creed Shadows has solid critical reception, engaging gameplay, and an impressive setting, but a weak story and repetitive mission design hold it back. The pre-release hype feels carefully orchestrated, and the real verdict will come once players spend time with it.
If you enjoy Ubisoft’s open-world formula, stealth action, and historical settings, Shadows is likely worth your time. Just temper your expectations—it’s not the best Assassin’s Creed game ever made, and it probably won’t be.

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