Yasuke in Shadows: A Fresh Take on Assassin's Creed

Thanks to a renewed emphasis on the core principles that defined the series, *Assassin’s Creed Shadows* delivers the most engaging and authentic *Assassin’s Creed* experience in years. The game reintroduces a fluid parkour system reminiscent of *Unity*, allowing seamless traversal from street level to castle rooftops. A grappling hook further enhances mobility, making it easier than ever to reach strategic vantage points. From a high perch atop a narrow beam, you’re just one leap away from executing the perfect silent takedown—assuming you're playing as Naoe.

Switch to Yasuke, however, and the entire gameplay dynamic shifts. Yasuke is slow, unrefined, and lacks basic stealth mechanics like silent kills or agile climbing. He represents a stark contrast to everything an *Assassin’s Creed* protagonist traditionally embodies. At first glance, his design feels like a misstep—a puzzling deviation from the series’ identity. Yet, beneath these limitations lies a compelling and unconventional approach that challenges long-standing conventions within the franchise.

You don’t take control of Yasuke until several hours into the game, after you’ve become accustomed to Naoe’s nimble, stealth-focused gameplay. This makes the shift to Yasuke all the more jarring. His inability to climb efficiently or remain undetected forces a grounded playstyle. Where Naoe can effortlessly scale rooftops and observe enemy patrols from above, Yasuke must navigate environments at ground level. Without access to Eagle Vision or stealth-optimized tools, he relies almost entirely on brute force and direct confrontation.

This reimagined approach transforms how players interact with the world. While Yasuke may not be able to scale structures like traditional protagonists, careful observation reveals alternative routes designed specifically for his limitations. A fallen tree trunk or strategically placed architectural details can lead to otherwise inaccessible areas. These paths are more deliberate and thoughtfully integrated compared to the often effortless vertical freedom found in previous titles.

Yasuke’s gameplay also emphasizes combat in a way *Assassin’s Creed* hasn’t seen in over a decade. His skill tree unlocks powerful techniques, from devastating rush attacks to satisfying counter-moves. Each strike carries weight, and finishing blows feel impactful—offering a visceral thrill absent from recent entries. His presence introduces a fresh dynamic where direct engagement replaces the usual stealth-first mentality, pushing the series toward a more balanced blend of gameplay styles.

While Yasuke's design brings something new to the table, it also highlights the tension between innovation and tradition. *Assassin’s Creed* has always been synonymous with stealth and vertical exploration—two elements that Yasuke actively opposes. Playing as him feels closer to *Ghost of Tsushima* than any *Assassin’s Creed* title before it, offering a unique but potentially alienating experience for longtime fans.

That said, this dual-protagonist structure helps maintain balance. Naoe retains the classic *Assassin’s Creed* formula, excelling in stealth and agility. Her toolkit is finely tuned, complemented by Japan’s vertically rich architecture, which allows for dynamic rooftop traversal and calculated infiltration. When combat does arise, she remains vulnerable, encouraging tactical retreats and resets rather than brute-force engagements.

Ultimately, the contrast between Naoe and Yasuke revitalizes the franchise. While Naoe delivers the refined stealth experience fans crave, Yasuke offers a bold, combat-driven alternative that challenges expectations. Though he may not fit neatly into the traditional mold of an *Assassin’s Creed* protagonist, his presence opens up new possibilities for how the series can evolve moving forward.