For years, fans of the Assassin’s Creed franchise have been eagerly awaiting a game set in Feudal Japan. Now, after nearly two decades, Ubisoft has finally answered the call with Assassin’s Creed Shadows. However, it enters the scene following the massive success of Ghost of Tsushima, which set the bar high for samurai-era open-world adventures. Despite this, Shadows brings several unique elements that make it stand out. Here are five key ways it surpasses Ghost of Tsushima.
1. More Advanced Stealth Mechanics
Stealth has always been a cornerstone of the Assassin’s Creed series, and Shadows brings it back in full force. Drawing inspiration from Splinter Cell’s Visibility Meter, players can manipulate light and shadow to remain undetected, extinguishing lanterns and sneaking through the darkness. While Ghost of Tsushima offers solid swordplay, Shadows elevates the stealth experience, making players feel like a true shinobi.
2. A More Dynamic Open World
Ubisoft is known for crafting highly interactive open worlds, and Shadows takes this to the next level. NPCs react to events in real-time, creating emergent gameplay moments. Additionally, a dynamic weather system affects the environment and mission strategies, forcing players to adapt their approach based on changing conditions. While Ghost of Tsushima is visually stunning with its artistic direction, Shadows’ destructible environments and evolving world make it feel more alive.
3. Assassin’s Creed’s Signature Parkour System
Parkour has been a defining feature of the Assassin’s Creed franchise, and Shadows revives the deep traversal mechanics that made earlier entries so engaging. Players controlling Naoe can swiftly scale buildings, leap between rooftops, and use a grapple hook to traverse terrain fluidly. In contrast, Ghost of Tsushima’s traversal is more grounded and restricted, making Shadows the superior option for those who love vertical exploration.
4. Expanded Combat and Weapon Customization
Ghost of Tsushima excels in pure sword combat, but Shadows ups the ante in diversity and customization. The game features two protagonists with unique skill trees, allowing players to tailor their playstyles. Shadows also introduces a wider arsenal, including kunai, smoke bombs, and even early firearms, offering multiple combat strategies. Whether you prefer silent assassinations or direct confrontations, Shadows provides more flexibility in gameplay.
5. A Stronger Connection to Historical Events
Assassin’s Creed has always been deeply rooted in historical accuracy, and Shadows continues this tradition by incorporating real-life figures like Yasuke, the legendary Black samurai. While the game takes creative liberties, it remains grounded in historical context, making it feel more authentic. In contrast, Ghost of Tsushima leans heavily into myth and fiction, crafting an engaging but less historically accurate narrative.
Two Distinct Visions of Feudal Japan
Both Assassin’s Creed Shadows and Ghost of Tsushima offer compelling experiences set in Feudal Japan, but they excel in different ways. Ghost of Tsushima shines with its stunning world design and fluid combat, while Shadows delivers superior stealth, parkour, and historical depth. Rather than competing, these two games offer unique and complementary takes on this fascinating period—one celebrating the legend of the samurai, the other exploring the hidden world of assassins. No matter which you prefer, both provide unforgettable journeys through one of history’s most captivating eras.
