*Assassin’s Creed Shadows* is a monumental addition to an expansive franchise renowned for its rich historical settings and intricate narratives. Whether you're diving into *Shadows* as your inaugural journey into the *Assassin’s Creed* series or you're a returning fan, here’s everything you need to understand about this latest installment.
Does Assassin’s Creed Shadows Overlap With Other AC Games? Answered
The *Assassin’s Creed* series has journeyed through various continents and epochs, with each title often serving as a standalone narrative since *Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag*. *Assassin’s Creed Shadows* transports players to 16th-century Japan, a setting far removed from the early 1500s Italy and Constantinople explored in *Brotherhood* and *Revelations*. Given this significant temporal and geographical separation, *Shadows* does not directly connect with any previous entries in the series.
Does Assassin’s Creed Shadows Have a Modern-Day Story? Answered
In its early days on the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360, the *Assassin’s Creed* series featured a compelling modern-day storyline, with characters like Desmond Miles, voiced by Nolan North, serving as a narrative thread across games. Over time, however, the modern-day segments have faced challenges in maintaining their appeal and coherence.
*Assassin’s Creed Shadows* introduces a fresh modern-day narrative, aiming to rekindle fans' interest. This new storyline is distinct from past modern-day arcs, meaning newcomers won’t feel lost. Yet, the modern-day elements in *Shadows* are sparse and shrouded in mystery, adding an intriguing layer to the game's overall experience.
Related: Assassin’s Creed Shadows Trophy List (All 55 Trophies)
Is Assassin’s Creed Shadows Connected to the Series and Does it Matter If You’ve Played It Before?
While *Assassin’s Creed Shadows* isn’t a direct sequel to any specific game in the series, Ubisoft ensures that the game honors its roots. Fans will enjoy various Easter eggs, references, and iconic imagery from the broader franchise, yet these nods are designed not to overwhelm newcomers.
*Shadows* can be thoroughly enjoyed as a standalone adventure, yet it incorporates key elements like the Animus, the Brotherhood, and the Templars. These elements are woven into the narrative gradually, allowing both new players and seasoned veterans ample time to immerse themselves in the world of Feudal Japan without needing prior knowledge of the series.
*Assassin’s Creed Shadows is available now on PC, PlayStation, and Xbox.*
