I spent the entire weekend playing Assassin’s Creed Shadows non-stop, and all I can say is that the game’s combat is the best the series has ever seen—and that’s saying a lot.
The two main characters, Yasuke and Naoe, each have distinct skill sets that never overlap, which is clearly by design. If you prefer a stealthier approach with minimal casualties and Desynchronizations, Naoe is the ideal choice. Yasuke, on the other hand, excels in close-quarters combat—perfect if you’re in the mood for some full-on hacking and slashing.
The Parry System Is Better than Ever
Remember in Assassin’s Creed III when the parry system was good but never quite reached its full potential? The animations felt stiff, but at least they clearly indicated when you had successfully blocked an opponent’s attack.
In Shadows, the parry system is vastly improved. It’s smoother, more responsive, and incredibly satisfying, especially with the distinct ‘ding’ of clashing steel. While the game still features the classic Unblockable Attacks and blue light indicators for consecutive parries, they feel more dynamic and refined compared to previous entries.
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+ 3We never really had a truly great parry system in Assassin’s Creed until now. While Mirage attempted to refine it, the game was too short to make full use of Basim’s enhanced combat movements.
Yasuke Is Overpowered—and That’s the Point
Yasuke is an overpowered character, and that’s absolutely intentional. His long katana, along with his arsenal of heavy weapons like the kanabo, allows him to take down ronin and samurai in seconds.
click to enlarge + 3Whenever I find myself storming a castle overrun by bandits or enemy samurai, I always pick Yasuke to clear it as quickly as possible. His ability to charge through gates and smash barriers with his bull rush is incredibly satisfying. Every time I take control of him, I know I’m about to tear through enemies like a force of nature.
It’s clear that Ubisoft put a lot of effort into designing the game’s fluid animations, especially during executions—Yasuke’s beheadings, in particular, are brutally satisfying.
Naoe’s Versatility Is Just as Overpowered
When it comes to stealth, Naoe is the superior choice. Her tools are built for staying hidden, and she’s incredibly lethal with her Hidden Blade—an Assassin’s Creed staple. While Yasuke can annihilate enemies in seconds, Naoe can take out elite opponents with a single press of the R1 (Assassinate) button, but it requires careful patience, otherwise, you’re in for a tough time in close-quarters combat as Naoe is terrible at it.
Stealth hasn’t been a major focus in recent Assassin’s Creed entries, but I’m happy to say that it’s back in full force. Navigating large stealth sections, analyzing enemy patterns, and minimizing kills is more engaging than ever.
While the game doesn’t necessarily reward you for playing stealthily, there’s an undeniable satisfaction in slipping in and out undetected—like a true ninja.
click to enlarge + 3Both characters feel overpowered in their own ways. Personally, I gravitate toward Naoe, as Shadows’ world seems designed around her agility and mobility. However, Yasuke is a wild card, perfect for tackling heavily fortified castles or tanky boss fights that demand raw power.
Assassin’s Creed combat hasn’t been this good in years, and I’m glad Ubisoft took the time to listen to player feedback. The sheer variety of combat options between Yasuke and Naoe allows for diverse playstyles, and the ability to switch between them on the fly (with some exceptions) makes for an incredibly dynamic experience.
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