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Prices checked 15 Oct 2026

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Our take
For $59.99, Assassin's Creed Shadows feels overpriced given its lackluster narrative delivery and technical hiccups. While the setting is rich and the characters are intriguing, they don’t quite translate into gameplay that justifies the full price. Better to wait for updates or a sale before committing.
The late Sengoku period provides a visually stunning canvas for Assassin's Creed Shadows, but the execution leaves much to be desired. The performance on Switch 2 fluctuates, especially during intense combat, with frame rates dipping at key moments. The dual protagonist mechanic is interesting but feels underutilized, as both characters lack depth. While the stealth mechanics are solid and remind one of older Assassin's Creed titles, the repetitive quest design saps excitement. It’s frustrating to see such potential wasted on lackluster character arcs and uninspired storytelling. The graphics do shine in handheld mode, but it’s hard to shake the feeling that this game could have been more ambitious.
Pros
- Rich historical context set in the late Sengoku period
- Dual protagonists provide varied gameplay styles
- Stealth mechanics allow for creative approaches to missions
Cons
- Performance issues with frame drops during heavy action
- Weak character development makes it hard to care about the storyline
- Quest design can feel repetitive and uninspired
Players alternate between Naoe the shinobi and Yasuke the samurai, each with unique skills. Stealth and combat mechanics are central, with an emphasis on parkour-style movement across beautifully rendered environments. The game features open-world exploration alongside structured missions reminiscent of past titles in the series.
On Switch 2
On Switch 2, visuals are crisp in both handheld and docked modes, but be prepared for some stuttering during frenetic action sequences. The controls are responsive, making it easy to navigate the parkour mechanics, though the occasional frame drop can disrupt the flow.
Who it's for
This is for fans of the Assassin's Creed series looking for new settings and mechanics, but those expecting a tight narrative or polished gameplay should probably skip it for now. If you're a completist or curious about the thematic elements, wait for patches and price drops.
About
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Details
- Release date
- Dec 2, 2025
- Genres
- ActionAdventure
- Developer
- Ubisoft
- Publisher
- Ubisoft Entertainment
- ESRB rating
- Rating Pending



