The Assassin’s Creed Shadows review embargo lifted this morning, and the verdict is in. Ubisoft’s return to feudal Japan is receiving strong reviews across the board, with critics praising the dual-protagonist system, the refined combat, and the most detailed open world the series has delivered in years.
The game currently sits at an 82 Metascore on PlayStation 5 and 84 on PC, with Xbox Series X reviews coming in slightly lower due to some minor performance discrepancies. Here is what critics are saying.
Critical Consensus
Reviewers across major outlets have praised the game’s ambitious structure, though opinions vary on whether the dual-protagonist approach fully delivers. IGN called it “the most ambitious Assassin’s Creed since Origins,” awarding an 8/10 and noting that “when Shadows works, it’s the best the series has been in a decade”.
GameSpot gave the game a 9/10, praising the “excellent stealth mechanics and a story that balances personal drama with historical weight.” They highlighted Naoe’s sections as particular standouts, calling her “the best stealth protagonist the series has ever had”.
Eurogamer was more measured with a 7/10, noting that while “the world is breathtaking and the combat is genuinely improved, the pacing in the middle third drags considerably” . The review praised the day one patch’s combat fixes but noted that some technical issues persisted.
Here is the breakdown of early review scores:
| Publication | Score | Platform | Key Quote |
|---|---|---|---|
| IGN | 8/10 | PS5 | “The most ambitious Assassin’s Creed since Origins” |
| GameSpot | 9/10 | PC | “Excellent stealth mechanics and a story with weight” |
| Eurogamer | 7/10 | PS5 | “Breathtaking world, pacing issues in the middle third” |
| PC Gamer | 85/100 | PC | “The best-looking Assassin’s Creed ever made” |
| VG247 | 4/5 | XSX | “Naoe is a revelation, Yasuke brings the power fantasy” |
| Push Square | 8/10 | PS5 | “DualSense features are game-changing” |
What Critics Are Praising
The dual-protagonist system is the most discussed feature. Critics agree that Naoe’s stealth-focused gameplay is where Shadows truly shines, with her grappling hook, smoke bombs, and silent assassinations creating the most engaging stealth loop since the Ezio era . Yasuke’s combat-heavy approach provides a satisfying contrast, though some critics note his sections feel less developed.
The world design has received near-universal praise. Feudal Japan is rendered in stunning detail, with dynamic seasons affecting both traversal and stealth options. Winter ice opens new pathways, while summer foliage provides natural cover.
The day one patch’s combat adjustments have been noted positively. Reviewers who played pre-patch builds acknowledge that the final version feels significantly more responsive, particularly in the parry timing and dodge mechanics.
Criticisms and Concerns
The game’s pacing is the most common criticism. Several reviewers note that the middle third of the game drags, with repetitive side objectives that feel disconnected from the main narrative.
Technical issues, while improved by the day one patch, still persist in some areas. Minor texture pop-in, occasional audio desync in cutscenes, and frame rate dips in the most densely populated areas are mentioned across multiple reviews.
The RPG mechanics also receive mixed feedback. The skill trees are deep, but some reviewers feel that progression is too slow for Naoe’s stealth abilities, forcing players to invest in combat skills they don’t want to use.
Commercial Expectations
Industry analysts project first-week sales of 4-5 million units, with lifetime sales potentially reaching 15 million if post-launch support meets expectations. Pre-order numbers are reportedly strong, particularly in Japan, where the setting has generated significant local interest.
Ubisoft has already announced post-launch content plans, including two major expansions and seasonal events focused on the changing seasons mechanic.