*Assassin’s Creed Shadows* introduces a groundbreaking shift with its dual protagonists, Yasuke the Samurai and Naoe the Shinobi, each bringing unique strengths and weaknesses to the game. Here's a detailed look at which character you might want to play as in different scenarios.
Yasuke the Samurai: Pros and Cons
Yasuke stands out as one of the most compelling protagonists in the *Assassin’s Creed* series, offering a unique gameplay experience. As a Samurai, his formidable size and strength make him a powerhouse on the battlefield. Drawing inspiration from From Software's melee combat, playing as Yasuke feels like controlling a *Dark Souls* boss.
Yasuke's unique background and physical prowess set him apart in the world of *Assassin’s Creed Shadows* set in Feudal Japan. He excels at crowd control and boasts powerful melee attacks, capable of handling base enemies and higher-tier foes like patrolling Daimyo with ease as he levels up. Additionally, Yasuke can wield a Bow and Arrow, making him versatile in ranged combat.
However, Yasuke's strengths in open combat come with trade-offs. His assassinations are slower and more risky, leaving him vulnerable to detection. His parkour abilities are limited; climbing and shimmying are slower compared to previous protagonists. Many synchronization points, crucial for map exploration, are either inaccessible or challenging for Yasuke, which can be frustrating when exploring new areas.
Naoe the Shinobi: Pros and Cons
Naoe, the Iga Shinobi, embodies the classic *Assassin’s Creed* stealth and agility. She excels in stealth and parkour, navigating the world with incredible nimbleness. With her ninja skills and Assassin weaponry, Naoe becomes a stealth master when players invest in her Mastery points.
While Naoe thrives in staying undetected, her combat prowess is less formidable. She has lower health and weaker melee abilities compared to Yasuke. Engaging even a small group of enemies can be challenging, and often, the best strategy is to retreat and re-enter stealth mode. From there, Naoe can execute the hidden blade takedowns, aerial assassinations, and parkour maneuvers that fans love from the series.
When to Play as Each Protagonist in Assassin’s Creed Shadows?
Choosing between Yasuke and Naoe in *Assassin’s Creed Shadows* often depends on personal preference and the specific demands of the game's story, especially in canon mode. However, there are clear situations where each character shines.
For exploration and discovery, Naoe is the ideal choice. Her superior mobility and speed make her perfect for clearing the fog of war, synchronizing, and uncovering the secrets of Feudal Japan. She's particularly effective for assassination contracts and quests once you've reached Knowledge Level 2 and invested in Assassin and Shinobi skills.
Once you've explored a region and identified its toughest enemies, Yasuke becomes the go-to character for combat. He excels at storming castles and defeating high-value targets like Daimyo Samurai lords, either through brutal assassinations or open combat, making him the better choice for direct confrontations.
In missions requiring extensive combat, Yasuke is your best bet. Conversely, for tasks focused on traversal, exploration, and stealth, Naoe is unmatched. Outside of these specific scenarios, both characters are capable, and your choice may ultimately depend on which protagonist's personality and playstyle you resonate with more, as well as your preference for classic *Assassin’s Creed* stealth or the newer RPG elements.
*Assassin’s Creed Shadows* is set to launch on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S on March 20th.
