IGN UK Podcast 792: A Big Assassin's Creed Shadows Review Chat
Mar 21, 2025
auto_awesome
Dive into the intriguing world of Assassin’s Creed Shadows as the hosts explore its rich narrative and gameplay enhancements set in 16th century Japan. They compare it to other titles, revealing its unique character dynamics and the appeal of pop culture crossovers. The discussion then shifts to the emotional impact of lighter TV content like Netflix’s Adolescence. Amid playful banter, they also share funny fast food experiences, gaming backlogs, and even invite tales from the grave digging community, keeping the conversation lively and engaging!
01:05:09
AI Summary
AI Chapters
Episode notes
auto_awesome
Podcast summary created with Snipd AI
Quick takeaways
Assassin's Creed Shadows returns to the series' roots with a focus on immersive RPG gameplay and dynamic world exploration.
The game features dual protagonists with distinct combat styles, creating varied gameplay experiences that lead to amusing adaptations by players.
Netflix's Adolescents captivates with its one-shot presentation that explores complex father-son dynamics and the struggles of modern youth.
Deep dives
Assassin's Creed Shadows Overview
The latest installment of Assassin's Creed, Shadows, is set in 16th century Japan and has received a largely positive reception from players. The game marks a return to the series' roots with a focus on structural coherence and a more engaging RPG experience, likened to previous titles like Odyssey and Origins. Players appreciate the game’s approach to world exploration, where unexpected encounters with targets create thrilling gameplay moments that make the experience feel dynamic and rewarding. The depth of interactions within this vast, open-world setting encourages players to embrace their roles as assassins while navigating a richly layered environment.
Narrative and Gameplay Mechanics
Shadows presents a gripping narrative interspersed with engaging gameplay, though some players feel the story lacks depth compared to its predecessors. The use of an evidence board that expands as players discover new targets enhances the thrill of exploration and assassination. While players have critiqued the pacing, especially in the early hours, many agree that the mechanics gradually build to create a satisfying gameplay loop. New stealth features, including an improved detection system and more involved mission structures, contribute to a blend of traditional assassination gameplay and modern thematic elements.
Character Dynamics and Combat Styles
The dual protagonists system in Shadows introduces distinct combat styles and exploration methods, with each character excelling in different facets of gameplay. Naoe embodies classic stealth gameplay, while Yasuke offers a more aggressive combat approach, emphasizing brute strength and strategic brawling. However, players have expressed mixed feelings about the integration of these two distinct styles within the same world, often wishing for a more cohesive gameplay experience. This contrast leads to amusing moments when players attempt to adapt their play styles based on the character they are controlling, showcasing the game's design variability.
Visual Aesthetics and Environmental Interactivity
Visually, Shadows is praised for its stunning rendering of Japan’s landscapes and atmospheric effects, which significantly enhance player immersion. Seasonal changes within the game not only enrich the visual experience but also introduce subtle gameplay alterations, particularly in winter, where frozen lakes and altered environments become tactical advantages. The dynamic weather systems foster a sense of realism that encourages players to interact with their surroundings in meaningful ways. As players navigate the expansive world, the attention to detail in both graphics and environmental design enhances the overall gaming experience.
Adolescents: A New Netflix Drama
The Netflix drama Adolescents, starring Stephen Graham, offers a deep dive into the challenges faced by today's youth amid societal pressures and influences. Presented in four continuous one-shot episodes, the series effectively highlights the emotional turmoil of its characters, fostering a more intimate viewing experience. The narrative primarily explores a father-son relationship and the unsettling consequences that arise from a tragic event, serving as both a cautionary tale and a reflection of modern parenting challenges. This unique storytelling style and strong performances make Adolescents a must-watch for those interested in contemporary familial dynamics.
Cardy, Dale, and Matt have all been playing Assassin’s Creed Shadows so delve deep into Ubisoft’s latest stealth-action open world adventure to discuss all things samurai and shinobi. Following that, there’s briefly time to tell everyone why they should be watching Netflix’s Adolescence, one of the year’s standout pieces of TV.
Remember to send us your thoughts about all the new games, TV shows, and films you're enjoying or looking forward to: ign_ukfeedback@ign.com.
IGN UK Podcast is a part of the Geek Media Podcast Network, an IGN Entertainment Brand. Visit Geek.com for more information.
