*Assassin’s Creed Shadows* introduces a groundbreaking shift in the franchise with its dual protagonists, Yasuke the Samurai and Naoe the Shinobi. Each character brings unique strengths and weaknesses to the table, catering to different play styles and mission types. Let's delve into which protagonist you should choose for various in-game scenarios.
Yasuke the Samurai: Pros and Cons
Yasuke stands out as one of the most compelling protagonists in *Assassin’s Creed* history, particularly from a gameplay standpoint. As a Samurai, his formidable size and strength make him a powerhouse on the battlefield. Drawing inspiration from From Software’s melee combat mechanics, playing as Yasuke feels akin to controlling a *Dark Souls* boss.
Yasuke's unique background and physical prowess distinguish him from other warriors in the feudal Japan setting of *Assassin’s Creed Shadows*. He excels in crowd control and boasts powerful melee attacks, capable of handling both base and high-tier enemies like patrolling Daimyo with ease. Additionally, his proficiency with a Bow and Arrow allows him to be effective at range.
However, Yasuke's strengths in open combat are offset by his limitations in traditional Assassin roles. His assassinations are slower and more conspicuous than Naoe’s, increasing the risk of detection. His parkour abilities are also limited; climbing and shimmying are slower compared to previous protagonists. While he can reach synchronization points to reveal the map, many of these locations are difficult or impossible for him to access, which can hinder exploration.
Naoe the Shinobi: Pros and Cons
Naoe, the Iga Shinobi, embodies the classic *Assassin’s Creed* experience with her focus on stealth and parkour. Her nimbleness allows her to navigate the game world with ease, making her an ideal choice for players who enjoy a more traditional Assassin gameplay style. By investing Mastery points in Ninja and Assassin skills, Naoe can master the art of stealth.
While Naoe excels at staying hidden, her effectiveness drops significantly when detected. With lower health and less powerful melee abilities than Yasuke, she struggles in direct combat, especially against multiple enemies. Her best strategy when discovered is often to retreat and re-enter stealth mode, setting up for hidden blade takedowns and aerial assassinations.
When Should You Play as Each Protagonist in Assassin’s Creed Shadows?
The choice of protagonist in *Assassin’s Creed Shadows* often hinges on personal preference, though some missions may dictate which character you play as, particularly in canon mode. However, when given the freedom to switch between Yasuke and Naoe, certain scenarios call for each character's unique skills.
For exploration, Naoe is the better choice. Her superior mobility and speed make her ideal for uncovering new areas, synchronizing, and discovering the intricacies of feudal Japan. She is also highly effective for assassination-focused quests, especially once you've reached knowledge Level 2 and invested in Assassin and Shinobi skills.
Once you've familiarized yourself with a region and identified its key targets, Yasuke becomes the go-to for combat. He excels at storming castles and defeating high-value targets like Daimyo Samurai lords, whether through brutal assassinations or direct sword fights.
In scenarios requiring extensive open combat, Yasuke is your best bet. Conversely, Naoe is unmatched in traversal, exploration, and stealth-based missions. Beyond these specific situations, both characters are capable, and your choice may ultimately depend on which personality resonates with you more and whether you prefer the classic *Assassin’s Creed* experience or the newer RPG elements.
*Assassin’s Creed Shadows* will be available on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S starting March 20th.
