Assassin’s Creed Shadows’ Dual-Protagonist Setup Makes No Sense

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As Ubisoft continues to discuss the dual protagonists of ‘Assassin’s Creed Shadows’, their explanation seems increasingly confusing.

In the game ‘Assassin’s Creed Shadows’, as explained by Game Director Jonathan Dumont, there’s no need to worry about switching characters. Even though the option to play with two different Assassin styles is available, having these styles represented by separate characters seems redundant to me.

It may seem more straightforward to focus on a sole protagonist instead of introducing both Naoe and Yasuke, as they do not appear to have distinct narrative perspectives. However, the creators might have chosen these two characters because their unique backgrounds offer a richer, more varied storytelling experience. For instance, Yasuke, being a foreign-turned-samurai, can explore themes of identity and cultural integration, while Naoe, native to Japan, could delve into the complexities of tradition and change within Japanese society. Thus, having both characters allows for a more nuanced and comprehensive narrative that reflects their individual journeys and intertwined experiences.

It appears that Ubisoft may not have taken into account the lessons from “Assassin’s Creed: Syndicate,” which introduced two playable characters, Evie and Jacob Frye. Unlike Yasuke and Naoe in this new game, Evie and Jacob had similar combat styles, but they still functioned effectively as a unified team within the overall storyline. I found it interesting how “Syndicate” compelled players to switch between characters at crucial points, such as when Evie managed the Pieces of Eden while Jacob focused on the city’s gang conflicts.

The exciting news is that the upcoming game, “Assassin’s Creed Shadows,” appears to have distinct storylines for each of its two main characters, much like “Syndicate.” However, since the game hasn’t been released yet, it remains unclear whether their fighting styles will greatly influence their individual questlines.

If Yasuke and Naoe differ more in their fighting styles compared to their individual character traits influencing the narrative, then what’s the significance or contrast?

As a dedicated fan, I can’t help but feel that Ubisoft is missing an opportunity when they allow us to choose between these captivating characters without any significant narrative consequences. Each choice should matter and carry weight, shaping the story in ways that truly reflect our decisions as players.

In Grand Theft Auto V, the game skillfully managed multiple protagonists by assigning unique missions crucial to the plot for each character and writing that effectively captured their individual personalities. For instance, in the story of Shadows, it appeared as if both characters could accomplish the same tasks without any repercussions.

RELATED: Ubisoft Hinges Future With Assassin’s Creed: Shadows’ Success

Let me clarify, I’m a big fan of the Assassin’s Creed series. However, I was hoping Ubisoft would enhance the dual-character setup, not render it insignificant. If picking one character over another doesn’t affect the main storyline at all, then why include it?

As a dedicated fan, I found it intriguing to delve deep into one character’s story throughout “Shadows“. However, Ubisoft’s assertion that the chosen character doesn’t significantly impact the game’s narrative leaves an unpleasant aftertaste. It seems as though they undervalue the concept of dual protagonists, making me question their commitment to it.

I’m eagerly anticipating the release of Shadows, as I have a particular interest in Japan’s Azuchi-Momoyama period. Although these expectations may seem small, I truly hope Ubisoft creates something unique for Naoe and Yasuke, ensuring they are portrayed as distinct characters rather than mere props in the story.

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2025-02-17 18:12