*Assassin’s Creed Shadows* introduces a groundbreaking dual protagonist system with Yasuke the Samurai and Naoe the Shinobi, each offering unique gameplay experiences. Here’s a detailed look at both characters to help you decide which one to play as during your journey through feudal Japan.
Yasuke the Samurai Pros and Cons
Yasuke, a formidable Samurai, stands out as one of the most intriguing protagonists in the *Assassin’s Creed* series due to his unique gameplay mechanics. With his robust stature and Samurai skills, Yasuke is a powerhouse on the battlefield. His melee combat, inspired by From Software's style, feels like commanding a boss in *Dark Souls*. Yasuke's background and physical prowess distinguish him from other warriors in *Shadows*’ feudal Japan, enabling him to excel in crowd control and deliver devastating melee attacks. As you progress and level him up, Yasuke can swiftly dispatch even higher-tier enemies like the Daimyo who guard castles. Additionally, his ability to use a bow and arrow makes him versatile at both close and long range.
However, Yasuke's strengths in open combat come with trade-offs. He struggles with traditional Assassin tasks; his assassinations are slower and leave him vulnerable to detection. His parkour abilities are also limited compared to previous protagonists, making climbing and shimmying slower. This can be particularly frustrating when attempting to reach synchronization points, many of which are either inaccessible or extremely challenging for Yasuke, affecting exploration in new provinces.
Naoe the Shinobi Pros and Cons
Naoe the Iga Shinobi embodies the classic *Assassin’s Creed* experience with her focus on stealth and parkour. Her agility and nimbleness allow her to navigate the world with ease, making her a master of stealth when players invest in her Mastery points. Naoe's ninja-like skills and Assassin weapons make her perfect for executing hidden blade takedowns, aerial assassinations, and seamless parkour, reminiscent of the series' iconic moments.
Despite her stealth prowess, Naoe faces challenges when detected. Her lower health and weaker melee abilities make it difficult to handle multiple enemies at once. Skilled players might manage to evade and counter, but often, the best strategy is to retreat and re-enter stealth mode. This approach allows Naoe to return and execute her stealth kills effectively.
When Should You Play as Each Protagonist in Assassin’s Creed Shadows?
Choosing between Yasuke and Naoe often depends on personal preference and the specific demands of the game's missions. In canon mode, the story may dictate which character you play, but when given the choice, each protagonist excels in different scenarios.
For exploration, Naoe is the better choice. Her superior mobility and speed make her ideal for clearing the fog of war, synchronizing, and uncovering the secrets of feudal Japan. When it comes to assassination contracts and quests, Naoe shines once you've reached Knowledge Level 2 and invested in Assassin and Shinobi skills.
Once you've mapped out a region and identified its most formidable enemies, Yasuke becomes the go-to character for combat. He is particularly effective in storming castles and taking down powerful Daimyo Samurai lords, either through brutal assassinations or direct sword fights. If a mission involves extensive open combat, Yasuke is your best bet. Conversely, for missions requiring traversal, exploration, and stealth, Naoe is unmatched.
Ultimately, your choice between Yasuke and Naoe may hinge on which character's personality and playstyle you resonate with more, as well as your preference for traditional *Assassin’s Creed* stealth or the newer RPG elements.
*Assassin’s Creed Shadows* is set to launch on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S on March 20th, promising an immersive experience with its dual protagonist system.
