GamesActionAssassin’s CreedAssassin’s Creed ShadowsAssassin’s Creed Shadows will let you play most of the RPG as one protagonist, as Ubisoft says “we’re not really strong-arming anyone to switch back"When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
GamesActionAssassin’s CreedAssassin’s Creed ShadowsAssassin’s Creed Shadows will let you play most of the RPG as one protagonist, as Ubisoft says “we’re not really strong-arming anyone to switch back"When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
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(Image credit: Ubisoft)

Assassin’s Creed Shadowswon’t “strong-arm” you into switching back and forth between protagonists Naoe and Yasuke - you can play most of the RPG as whoever you want.
As part of our bigAssassin’s Creed Shadows previewatSummer Game Fest2024, GamesRadar+ has spoken to associate director Simon Lemay-Comtois about the new RPG. The director stressed that it’s really up to the player to choose who they want to play as and when - be it the stronger Yasuke or the stealthier Naoe.
“If you want to be only one character, you can for most of the game,” Lemay-Comtois tells GamesRadar+. “So we’re not really strong-arming anyone to switch back and forth. There are setups that are definitely better with Naoe, such as, if there’s a bunch of bandits in a cavern that is very, very dark.
“Sure you can go with Yasuke, but if you go with Naoe, it’ll be quicker because it’s in the dark,” the director continued. “So there are some hints like this, but other than story missions that are particularly tailored made for one or the other, we don’t specify who needs to be played at this moment, it’s up to the players.”
The comment from Lemay-Comtois comes right off the back of anextensive gameplay showing for Assassin’s Creed Shadowsat yesterday’sUbisoft Forward. The gameplay demo showed the player needing to infiltrate a fort and assassinate a target, but they were free to choose which protagonist attempted the mission.
The demo showed Naoe’s sneakier approach, using a grappling hook to swing over walls and assassinate enemies from above, as well as putting out lights to quietly fell soldiers in the dark. It’s easy to imagine Yasuke having a more confrontational approach - earlier in the demo saw the Samurai take out close to a dozen soldiers in brutal armed combat.
Assassin’s Creed Shadows launches on November 15 this year on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S platforms.
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Take a look at our deeperAssassin’s Creed Shadows interviewfor a break down of how the RPG’s weather system effects the gameplay.
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GAME REVIEWSMOVIE REVIEWSTV REVIEWS
1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension”
1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension”
1
Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension”
2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package”
2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package”
2
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3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure”
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4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years”
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2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie”
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3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action”
3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action”
3
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4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien”
4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien”
4
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5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite”
5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite”
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2Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat”
2Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat”
2
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3Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses”
3Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses”
3
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4Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist”
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4
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5Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands”
5Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands”
5
Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands”