Can ‘Assassin’s Creed: Shadows’ Save Ubisoft? | Button Mash
Mar 25, 2025
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Jessica Clemons, a devoted Assassin's Creed fan, and Arjuna Ramgopal, a senior podcast manager at The Ringer, delve into the latest game, ‘Assassin’s Creed: Shadows.’ They examine its promise to revitalize Ubisoft, discussing new gameplay mechanics and character dynamics. With insights on the iconic stealth elements, they highlight pros and cons, focusing on characters Yasuke and Naoi. The conversation also touches on Ubisoft's uncertain future and the challenges of innovating within this beloved franchise. Fans won't want to miss their engaging takes!
The podcast highlights the innovative gameplay mechanics introduced in Assassin's Creed: Shadows, showcasing a dual character dynamic that enhances player strategy and preference.
The rich open world of the game, set in 16th-century Japan, is praised for its immersive design and encourages players to explore beyond just the main storyline.
Community discussions around diversity and representation in gaming are emphasized, illustrating the importance of thoughtful narratives in modern game design.
Deep dives
WrestleMania Season and Podcast Lineup
The episode highlights the excitement surrounding WrestleMania season, emphasizing the Ringer Wrestling Show's commitment to cover all related content. Listeners are encouraged to engage with multiple shows available throughout the week, including the Masked Man Show and Ringer Wrestling Worldwide. This shows a dynamic range of discussions and analyses, fostering a community for wrestling fans that are eager for updates, interviews, and reactions to recent events. By promoting a variety of episodes, the hosts aim to maximize fan engagement and ensure comprehensive coverage of the wrestling landscape.
Introduction to the Assassin's Creed Series
The conversation introduces the latest entry in the Assassin's Creed series, titled Assassin's Creed Shadows, set in 16th century Japan. The hosts express enthusiasm for the setting and new protagonists, Naue and Yasuke, shedding light on the game's plans to innovate on the franchise's long-standing mechanics. The anticipation builds as they discuss the differences introduced in gameplay and character experiences, marking the potential departure from previous installments. The emphasis is on the excitement surrounding the new environment and the fresh storyline that expands the Assassin's Creed universe.
Character Dynamics and Gameplay Mechanics
The episode dives into the distinctive gameplay styles of the two main characters, Naue and Yasuke. Naue is highlighted as the more stealth-oriented protagonist capable of executing cunning, silent takedowns, while Yasuke provides a brute-force approach with heavy combat capabilities. This duality in character dynamics adds depth to gameplay, allowing players to adopt different strategies based on preference. However, the discussion also reveals a disparity in player preference, with many expressing a preference for Naue's gameplay experience over Yasuke's, leading to discussions of potential missed opportunities in character design.
World Design and Immersion
The hosts commend the open world of Assassin's Creed Shadows, describing it as one of the most immersive and visually stunning experiences in the series. They highlight the game's dynamic day-night cycle and seasonal changes, creating a rich atmospheric backdrop for exploration and battle. The interactions within this detailed setting encourage players to slow down and appreciate the environment, emphasizing a personalized gameplay experience. The beauty of the landscapes, combined with engaging combat mechanics, provides a compelling reason for players to invest their time in exploration rather than just story progression.
Review of Combat Mechanics and Character Upgrade Systems
Combat in Assassin's Creed Shadows is praised for being engaging, with a blend of skillful dodges and tactical maneuvers that create dynamic action sequences. The game offers a satisfying progression system through skill trees, enabling players to unlock new abilities and combat styles for both protagonists. Yet, some concerns arise regarding difficulty spikes in combat, which can catch players off guard, especially when facing stronger enemies unexpectedly. While the combat system is rewarding, the balance of challenge requires players to adapt and strategize to succeed effectively.
Community Reactions and Cultural Sensitivity
The episode touches on the broader community reactions to Assassin's Creed Shadows, including discussions surrounding diversity and representation within gaming. The hosts emphasize the importance of constructive dialogue and critiquing rather than succumbing to knee-jerk reactions or review bombing based on character backgrounds. They acknowledge that while some aspects may seem stereotypical or overemphasized, the intention to present diverse narratives remains crucial in contemporary gaming. Ultimately, the conversation underscores the need for sensitivity and care in storytelling while aiming for authenticity and respect for historical figures.
Ben, Jessica Clemons, and Arjuna Ramgopal get their 16th-century stealth on as they share their spoiler-free impressions of the highly anticipated, high-stakes sequel that brings the ‘Assassin’s Creed’ franchise to feudal Japan. They discuss what’s new, what’s not, what works, and what flops about the long-awaited title, as well as why its success is so vital to the future of beleaguered developer/publisher Ubisoft.
