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Nintendo Direct: ‘Metroid Prime 4: Beyond,’ ‘Shadow Labyrinth,’ ‘Marvel Cosmic Crisis,’ & Other Announcements

March 28, 2025

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Source: Nintendo / Nintendo Direct/ Metroid Prime 4: Beyond / Shadow Labyrinth / Marvel Cosmic Invasion
With the Nintendo Switch 2 on the horizon, the company Mario built is letting us know that there are still many games to enjoy on the current Switch model.

On Thursday, March 27, Nintendo held a Nintendo Direct ahead of its big Nintendo Switch 2 presentation next week, April 2. During the nearly 40-minute presentation, Nintendo showed us some highly anticipated titles and surprises we didn’t know were in the pipeline.
Let’s jump into the biggest announcements made during yesterday’s Nintendo Direct.
Metroid Prime 4: Beyond
Source: Nintendo / Metroid Prime 4: Beyond

Metroid Prime 4: Beyond has been in video game limbo for years, but now we know it’s an actual thing. We also know what to expect from the latest game in the franchise, which puts players behind the helmet of Samus’ power suit.
In Beyond, Samsus finds herself on a mysterious planet that is teaming with alien life, friendly and dangerous as you search for answers and wield new psychic abilities on top of the arsenal granted to you by your Power Suit.
Official synopsis from Nintendo:
Samus Aran has been unexpectedly transported to the planet Viewros. As she explores the planet for answers, Samus is granted Psychic Abilities – mysterious and ancient powers that allow her to control the trajectory of her beams, operate mechanisms and open doors. Why were these powers bestowed upon Samus and what will her fate be? The threads intertwining beyond space and time will weave a new tale when Metroid Prime 4: Beyond launches on Nintendo Switch this year.

Marvel Cosmic Invasion
Source: DOTEMU / Tribute Games / Marvel Cosmic Invasion

Okay, here is a game we didn’t know we needed, but we are happy it exists. Tribute Games, the same studio that gave us other beat ’em up bangers like TMNT: Shredder’s Revenge, is dipping into the Marvel bag with Cosmic Invasion.
Published by DOTEMU, Marvel Cosmic Invasion is a love letter to the 90s beat ’em up arcade games featuring our favorite Marvel Superheroes that we willingly used our allowance money to play.
The game features a stacked roster of heroes to play with and take on the cosmic threat Annihulus. You can either suit up as Wolverine, Spider-Man, Nova, Captain America, Storm, Venom, and more to help save the world.
Official Synopsis from Nintendo:
Join MARVEL’s greatest Super Heroes, including Wolverine, Spider-Man, Nova, Captain America and more, in a star-spanning battle against Super Villain Annihilus. In this action-packed, 2D arcade-style beat ’em up, the timeless fun of brawlers has been modernized with dynamic tag-team fighting and a pixel art style that embodies classic MARVEL character designs. Plus, up to four players can assemble for local** or online*** co-op play. From New York City to the depths of the Negative Zone, the future of the MARVEL universe will be fought across the stars in MARVEL Cosmic Invasion, launching on Nintendo Switch this winter.
This one is high on our list, for sure.

Shadow Labyrinth
Source: Bandai Namco / Shadow Labyrinth
Amazon Prime’s video game anthology series, Secret Level, gave us a very dark and twisted version of the friendly power pellet /ghost-consuming character Pac-Man.
It turns out that the short was also based on an actual game, Shadow Labyrinth, that takes the same premise from the Secret Level episode. Pac-Man is taken from his familiar settings and thrown into a mysterious planet as Swordsman No. 8’s mysterious guide, PUCK.

Official Synopsis from Nintendo:
Consume darkness in this 2D action platformer and genre-twisting alternate take on the iconic PAC-MAN series. On a mysterious planet littered with relics from past wars, Swordsman No. 8 is awoken by a floating yellow orb known as PUCK. As you navigate this alien maze you will shift between three different forms – jumping and slashing as the agile Swordsman No. 8, exploring in classic PAC-MAN style as Mini PUCK and unleashing devastating power as the mecha construct GAIA. Use these different playstyles to turn the tables on your enemies and grow from prey to apex predator. Work to uncover PUCK’s true goal when Shadow Labyrinth launches for Nintendo Switch July 18. A Digital Deluxe edition of the game will also be available, featuring a digital artbook and soundtrack.

These were not the only announcements from yesterday’s Nintendo Direct presentation.
Hit the gallery below to see the other announcements.

1. DRAGON QUEST I & II HD-2D Remake

These modern versions of two legendary JRPGs continue the Erdrick Trilogy narrative of the iconic Dragon Quest series. DRAGON QUEST I & II HD-2D Remake launches for Nintendo Switch this year.

2. No Sleep For Kaname Date – From AI: THE SOMNIUM FILES

As Kaname Date – a special agent with an AI partner embedded in his left eye – your mission is to track down Iris, an internet Idol who has been trapped in a mysterious escape game. Conduct interviews to investigate her whereabouts, dive into a subject’s dreams to reveal clues hidden in their psyche and solve mind-bending puzzles to learn the truth. No Sleep For Kaname Date – From AI: THE SOMNIUM FILES launches exclusively on Nintendo Switch July 25.

3. RAIDOU Remastered: The Mystery of the Soulless Army

Unleash the supernatural and undertake the case of the century in this action RPG from ATLUS. This remaster of the classic game from the Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Summoner series features several enhancements over the original, including revamped visuals, voice acting, battle system and more. Become Devil Summoner Raidou Kuzunoha and work alongside over 120 demonic allies to unravel the mysteries that block your path. RAIDOU Remastered: The Mystery of the Soulless Army launches on Nintendo Switch June 19. A Digital Deluxe edition of the game will also be available. Pre-orders are live.

4. PATAPON 1+2 REPLAY

Remasters of the classic rhythm action games Patapon and Patapon 2 are coming to Nintendo Switch! The mysterious yet endearing creatures known as Patapon are guided on their adventures by the rhythm of four drums. Play these drums to the beat to give different commands to your Patapon army. There are multiple different classes of Patapon, including the shield-wielding Tatepon and the horse-riding Kibapon, allowing for different tactical approaches as you battle a variety of fierce foes. PATAPON 1+2 REPLAY marches onto Nintendo Switch July 11.

5. STORY OF SEASONS: Grand Bazaar

Welcome to Zephyr Town – its bazaar was once a famous destination, but it has fallen into disrepair. Originally released on Nintendo DS, this cozy farm life experience builds up and improves on the original with updated visuals, new characters, an expanded story, and voiced event scenes. Step into the shoes of a new resident with the power to breathe fresh life into the town and restore the market’s fortunes. Rebuild your farm and spend each day planting, watering, and harvesting crops while tending to the animals. Learn to harness Zephyr Town’s unique winds to make farm life and travel a breeze. Then, gather your farm’s bounty to sell at your customizable stall in the weekly bazaar. Along the way, you’ll forge friendships with a cast of charming townsfolk. And who knows, if you find that special someone, romance might blossom. STORY OF SEASONS: Grand Bazaar launches for Nintendo Switch Aug. 27.

6. Disney Villains Cursed Café

The dreams of Disney Villains are in your hands as a potionista newly in charge of a mysterious potion café in this visual novel game, illustrated in a 2D style with hand-drawn elements. Reimagined with a modern twist, players can converse with Cruella de Vil, The Evil Queen, Gaston, Captain Hook, Jafar, Maleficent, Ursula and more as you navigate the branching narrative storylines. Use ingredients provided by Yzma to brew a variety of potions for each villain to help steer them towards their desires while working to uncover the mystery of this peculiar café. Disney Villains Cursed Café launches for Nintendo Switch later today.

7. Witchbrook

Discover the magic around you in this spellbinding adventure. Start your residency as the newest witch in the bustling seaside city of Mossport. Learn spells at Witchbrook College, craft goods to grow your witch business and customize your cottage and garden to suit your style. Make friends, find love, and discover a world filled with wonder and charm on the road to graduation and beyond! Plus, up to four players can make magic together in online co-op***. Enrollment begins when Witchbrook flies onto Nintendo Switch this holiday.

8. The Eternal Life of Goldman

Step into the unexpected in this hand-drawn, story-driven 2D platforming adventure. You’ll take on the role of unlikely hero Goldman, navigating a mysterious Archipelago where twisted fairy tales and corrupted folklore come to life. Your mission is to track down the fabled Deity, a legendary figure no one has seen – yet. Blending challenging platforming gameplay with rich exploration, the game lets you upgrade your trusty cane to unlock powerful abilities. Can you uncover the secrets of this world, where myths, legends and fairy tales collide? The Eternal Life of Goldman launches for Nintendo Switch this holiday.

9. Gradius ORIGINS

It’s time to venture into deep space and face off against relentless alien forces in the GRADIUS ORIGINS collection, bringing together 17 versions of six arcade classics: GRADIUS, SALAMANDER, LIFE FORCE, GRADIUS II, GRADIUS III and SALAMANDER 2. This collection also includes the long-awaited GRADIUS III AM Show version, and a brand new entry: SALAMANDER III. Pilot your ship through dangerous enemy lines, upgrade your weapons and master the intense, fast-paced gameplay that is the hallmark of the GRADIUS series. New gameplay features include rewind, save anywhere, reduced hit detection, invincible mode and more. GRADIUS ORIGINS launches on Nintendo Switch Aug. 7. Pre-orders begin later today on Nintendo eShop.

10. Rift of the NecroDancer

Cadence and friends are back in an all new rhythm game where each note is a monster to dispatch. Dragged into a strange new world, you’ll face pulse-pounding Rhythm Rifts where every beat is a battle, all set to an original electric soundtrack by Danny Baranowsky and friends. Plus, more musical mayhem awaits in the Celeste Music Pack paid DLC****, with even more content arriving in the future. Keep the cadence going with epic boss battles, quirky minigames, remixed stages and online*** global leaderboards when Rift of the NecroDancer launches on Nintendo eShop later today!

11. Tamagotchi Plaza

Tamagotchi Plaza is the latest entry in the Tamagotchi Connection: Corner Shop series of shop simulator games. Set in the charming Tamahiko Town, players will manage a dozen different shops and engage with over 100 Tamagotchi as you take orders and help with lost items and enhance each shop’s reputation. Create the perfect glasses for your patrons in the Eyewear Shop, set tables to match your style at the Tea Shop, visit the Dentist where cavities are treated and many more. Plus, play with friends in two shops with local two-player co-op and versus modes. Celebrate the world of Tamagotchi when Tamagotchi Plaza launches on Nintendo Switch June 27.

12. Pokémon Legends: Z-A

Choose either Chikorita, Tepig or Totodile to be your first partner Pokémon and begin a new adventure in Lumiose City – a setting that was introduced in the Pokémon X and Pokémon Y games on the Nintendo 3DS family of systems. Here, Quasartico Inc. is carrying out an urban redevelopment plan with the goal of making it easier for people and Pokémon to coexist. But when the sun goes down, the battles heat up. At night highly skilled Trainers are invited to participate in the Z-A Royale tournament: Just enter a battle zone to begin your climb from Rank Z all the way up to Rank A – Trainers who reach the top are even said to have a wish granted. Day and night reveal two sides to Lumiose City … so what will you find on your adventure? Pokémon Legends: Z-A launches on Nintendo Switch late 2025.

13. Rhythm Heaven Groove

The Rhythm Heaven series returns with a brand new entry: Rhythm Heaven Groove! Play a wealth of eclectic rhythm games along with music produced by the renowned Japanese musician Tsunku♂. Don’t miss a beat when Rhythm Heaven Groove launches on Nintendo Switch in 2026.

14. High On Life

Experience the hit action-adventure comedy title on Nintendo Switch. Rescue and team up with charismatic talking guns and become the deadliest intergalactic bounty hunter the cosmos has ever seen. High On Life launches on Nintendo Switch May 6.

15. Star Overdrive – Speed into the Unknown Trailer

Explore a massive world on your Hoverboard and use your powers to overcome challenges, face multitudes of enemies, solve puzzles and shape your destiny! Star Overdrive launches as a timed system exclusive on Nintendo Switch April 10.

16. The Wandering Village

Experience a city-building strategy game set on the back of a giant, roaming creature. Build a settlement and form a symbiotic relationship with the colossus to survive together in this hostile, yet vibrant post-apocalyptic world. The Wandering Village arrives on Nintendo Switch July 17.

17. FANTASY LIFE i: The Girl Who Steals Time – New Life Guide

Begin a fantastic life on a ruined island and embark on a great adventure into the past! Gather friends, craft and rebuild the island when Fantasy Life i: The Girl Who Steals Time launches on Nintendo Switch May 21.

18. SaGa Frontier 2 Remastered – Launch Trailer

In this HD remaster of the RPG classic, step into the world of Sandail and follow the intertwined fates of Gustave, a royal heir caught in a struggle for power, and Wil, an excavator confronting a hidden world-threatening danger. Their journeys unfold through the innovative History Choice system, where key events can be experienced from multiple perspectives. Featuring deep storytelling and strategic battles, SaGa Frontier 2 Remastered weaves a tale of legacy and destiny unfolding across generations. Featuring fully enhanced HD watercolor visuals, additional in-game events and refined gameplay mechanics, you can uncover history once more when SaGa Frontier 2 Remastered launches on Nintendo Switch later today.

19. Monument Valley

Embark on a series of peaceful journeys across this trilogy of meditative puzzle games. Explore isometric worlds filled with individually crafted puzzles to unravel, stunning landscapes to manipulate, optical illusions to discover and mysterious secrets to uncover. Monument Valley and Monument Valley 2 feature all additional chapters, add-ons and the DLC for the complete experience. Monument Valley 3 is a fresh entry point for newcomers, introducing dynamic sailing mechanics that offer expansive open-ended exploration on tranquil seas. Monument Valley and Monument Valley 2 launch on Nintendo Switch April 15, with pre-orders beginning later today on Nintendo eShop. Monument Valley 3 sets sail on Nintendo Switch this summer.

20. EVERYBODY’S GOLF: HOT SHOTS – Announcement Trailer

The popular golf game series makes its debut on Nintendo Switch with a variety of characters and courses. The three-button shot mechanic makes it so anybody can jump in and begin playing; it’s easy to learn yet challenging to master. Win in-game tournaments in the single player Challenge Mode to unlock characters and courses, or try out the new Wacky Golf mode, where all sorts of shenanigans can help or hinder your chances. Up to four golfers can hit the fairway together locally** or online***. Customize your character, grab your clubs and get ready to par-tee when EVERYBODY’S GOLF: Hot Shots launches on Nintendo Switch this year.

21. Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream

The Tomodachi Life series is back with its first brand new entry in over ten years. Create your own Mii characters based on yourself, friends, family – anyone! – and watch them live their lives on an island out at sea. Get involved with their relationships and experience all the weird and wonderful ways these Mii characters interact. You may even drop in on their dreams! Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream launches on Nintendo Switch in 2026.

22. Nintendo Today!

A brand-new app* that delivers Nintendo content to your smart devices. This smart-device app is like a daily calendar which delivers a variety of content including latest news, videos, and comics of your favorite Nintendo games and characters from select franchises. After the Nintendo Direct presentation about Nintendo Switch 2 on April 2, you’ll also find information about the Nintendo Switch 2 system directly on the app. Anyone with a Nintendo Account and compatible smart device can use the free app. Available to download from the App Store and Google Play starting later today.

23. Virtual Game Card

Introducing the virtual game card – a new feature for easily managing purchased digital games, playing games on two different systems, and even lending or borrowing games. Similar in concept to moving physical game cards between systems, virtual game cards make it possible to “eject” a purchased digital title from one Nintendo Switch system and “load” it onto another – whether it belongs to a member of the same Nintendo Account family group, or a second system tied to your account. This optional feature allows you to view virtual game cards or eject them from your system. The digital game can also be lent to a Nintendo Account family group member’s system via local wireless connection. Games that you lend can then be played on a Nintendo Account family group member’s system for two weeks, after which the game will be automatically returned to you. This feature will be available on Nintendo Switch starting late April via a hardware system update. Additionally, virtual game cards will also work with Nintendo Switch 2 systems at launch.

‘Assassin’s Creed Shadows’ Official X Account Fries Elon Musk On His Own Platform, Gamers Join In Clowning The Tesla Chief

djfrosty

March 26, 2025

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Source: Assassin’s Creed Shadows / Getty Images / Elon Musk
Whoever runs the official X account for Ubisoft’s latest video game, Assassin’s Creed Shadows, deserves a very nice raise.
The Assassin’s Creed Shadows X account has 0 f**** to give. The person behind social posts on the account let Elon Musk have it after he began complaining about the game.

Last night, Musk, who should be busy ensuring DOGE is productive—spoiler alert: it’s not—took to his platform to talk about the latest game in the famed Assassin’s Creed franchise. He explicitly mentioned streamer Hasan Piker, who flagged his stream of Shadwos as sponsored content.

Musk, of all the people in the world, called Piker a “fraud” before adding “Sell-out’ would be more accurate. Objectively, he is promoting a terrible game just for the money.”
https://x.com/elonmusk/status/1904594321199988935
Ubisoft would not take Musk’s trash talk sitting down and hit him with the hidden blade in the form of a scathing clapback, “Is that what the guy playing your Path of Exile 2 account told you?”
The X post has amassed over 600K likes and over 60K reposts. Comedian /writer Mike Drucker accurately described the moment: “It turns out the real assassins were the social media managers we met along the way.”
https://x.com/MikeDrucker/status/1904663808921993670
Elon Musk’s History of Cheating
Why is this post so significant? The AC Shadows account alludes to Musk being exposed as a cheater after he claimed to be an expert Path of Exile 2 player after Musk exposed himself during his stream when gamers noticed his lack of skills in the game for having such a high build character.
Gamers immediately accused Musk of “fraudmaxing,” basically paying someone good at the game to play for him. Musk eventually admitted to cheating in the game, and gamers were furious that the game’s developers didn’t take action.

Musk was not the only person who felt the wrath of the Assassin’s Creed Shadows account. Mark Kern, who goes by the handle @Grummz on X and is always bitching and moaning about games being “too woke” and other ridiculous nonsense, got some smoke too.
https://x.com/assassinscreed/status/1904661876681699351
Kern has spent a lot of his time hating on the game, so it should sting to see the game he confidently thought would flop be successful. Ubisoft announced that the game has already hit 2 million players, which could continue to climb as gamers love that the AC ShadowX account has no chill.
One user said on X, “Was gonna wait for a sale but nah y’all have earned this.”
Well, they should enjoy AC Shadows because it is great game, you can peep our review here.
The gallery below also shows more reactions to Elon Musk’s being fried by the Shadows X account.

We Win: Game Informer Is Back, Website & Physical Magazines Will Return

djfrosty

March 25, 2025

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Source: Game Informer / Game Informer
Game Informer has been given a well-deserved extra life.
It’s been nearly half a year since the gaming community sobbed collectively and scowled at GameStop for the sudden shutdown of the beloved Game Informer Magazine. Now the gaming bible is back, and what’s even more dope is that the whole team is coming back.

Game Informer Editor-In-Chief Matt Miller revealed in a “Letter From an Editor ” section that Game Informer’s complete resurrection was made possible after Gunzilla Games secured the rights to Game Informer from GameStop. The plan was to bring back not only the entire editorial team but also “production and beyond.”

Miller also noted that Game Informer’s new owners “insisted on the idea of Game Informer remaining an independent editorial outlet; they felt just as strongly as our team did that the only path forward was with an editorial group that made 100 percent of the decisions around what we cover and how we do so, without any influence from them or anyone else.”

That’s dope.
A Breakdown of Gunzilla Games
As for Gunzilla Games, they developed and published the free-to-play battle royale game Off The Grid, which is now in early access. It’s also the developer behind GunZ, which is described as a “Layer-1 blockchain ecosystem powering community-driven economies in AAA games.”
District 9 and Chappie director Neill Blomkamp is also chief creative officer and co-founder.
GI will operate under a completely new entity called Game Informer Inc., which will also see the return of all 30 years of the website’s history after many thought it could have been lost following the website’s abrupt shutdown.
The GI team is also hitting the ground running. It will publish dozens of game reviews that were left in the chamber during the magazine’s unfortunate hiatus and its Best of 2024 awards.
As mentioned, the print magazine will also make its triumphant return, but GI fans will have to wait until a later date. Miller promises the magazine will be “bigger and better than it was before.”
GI will also be rolling out membership and subscription benefits plus “bigger and better than it was before” while expanding the “range of experts and partnerships we tap to bring you those perspectives.”

If you’re excited about this news like everyone else, you can create a new account to stay informed about the website’s updates.
Early signup will also get you access to the Game Informer Magazine Archive, an exclusive weekly newsletter, Dark Mode, and Early-Bird Founder Access.
Congrats to the GI team, and welcome back. You were all truly missed.
For reactions to the good news, hit the gallery below.

‘God of War’ Greece Side-Story Reportedly Set To Release This Year

djfrosty

March 25, 2025

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Santa Monica Studio / God of War

We can all use some more God of War in our lives, and according to a very reliable video game insider, we can possibly expect to beat up some Greek deities this year.

A new God of War game, reportedly in the form of a smaller spinoff like Insomniac’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales, will see the franchise return to its Greek roots.

The buzz about the new game comes on the heels of PlayStation celebrating the franchise’s 20th anniversary with a free update for Ragnarök that features some dope cosmetics.

Outside of that, Sony Santa Monica has been very quiet about its plans for the God of War franchise in the future and its next project following the release of the Valhalla DLC for Ragnarök in 2023. Still, there have been rumblings of a remaster of older GoW games.

Giant Bomb’s Jeff Grubb, who is basically the Adrian Wojnarowski, Shams Charania, and Adam Schefter of video names, claims that a God of War “side-story project” will arrive sometime this year.

“OK. Everyone keeps asking about this, so I’ve tried to find out more: There’s still a Greek God of War thing coming out this year, but it’s not a remaster collection. It’s a new side-story project, ” Grubb wrote on Bluesky.

Jeff Grubb Is Not So Sure About The Remaster Collection

He also kind of threw cold water on the remaster talk, writing in another post on Bluesky, “I was never told about a Remaster collection, but I asked a source about the rumors (that I saw were focused on a collection), and they told me that nothing God of War would happen at the State of Play but something could show up at the anniversary.

Consider us excited for whatever Sony Santa Monica has coming.

In Grubb, we trust.

‘Assassin’s Creed Shadows’ Hits 2 Million Players Giving Ubisoft A Much-Needed Win, Gamers Says So Much For “Going Woke, Go Broke”

djfrosty

March 24, 2025

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Source: Ubisoft / Assassin’s Creed Shadows
Assassin’s Creed Shadows is doing numbers, giving Ubisoft a much-needed win.
Take that haters. After plenty of rumbling and hoping Assassin’s Creed Shadows would be a massive flop for Ubisoft, the highly-anticipated next chapter in the Assassin’s Creed franchise is already a hit.

Assassin’s Creed Shadows reached 2 million players three days after its release. According to a post from Ubisoft, “Assassin’s Creed Shadows has now surpassed the launches of AC Origins and Odyssey.”

This milestone follows after Shadows reached 1 million players in the first 24 hours of its release, easily eclipsing AC Valhalla’s record. According to Ubisoft, Valhalla was the biggest launch on PC when it was launched in 2020.
We zap five years later, and Shadows seemingly smashed that record.

What also could have contributed to that record was that Shadows was launched on Steam from day one and immediately verified for Steam Deck use. It took two whole years for Valhalla after its original release to land on Steam.
Currently, Shadows’ all-time peak concurrent numbers on Steam are at 64,825, officially putting it past Odyssey’s 62,069 but easily blowing past Origins (41,551) and Valhalla (15,679).
If Assassin’s Creed Shadows continues at this pace, it could become one of the biggest releases of the year. To put things in perspective, Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2, which was a very well-reviewed title, took two weeks to hit the 2-million player mark; it only took days for Shadows to reach that goal.
Ubisoft Finally Gets A Win With Assassin’s Creed Shadows
Shadows’ performance is a much-needed win for Ubisoft, which has been reeling thanks to commercial flops like Star Wars Outlaws and Skull and Bones. This could be the shot in the arm the video game developer has been looking for.
It also showed that all the social discourse around Shadows, specifically about the game’s dual protagonist, Yasuke, the Black Samurai, and Naoe, the female shinobi assassin, didn’t matter in the end.
Hell, it might have even helped the game sell.
Who knows.
Well, we loved Shadows and wrote in our review of the game that “Assassin’s Creed Shadows is an exceptional entry into the franchise that brilliantly combines all of the good features from the games over the years and stuffed them into a game that doesn’t require you to play 100+ hours to complete. It’s so good that you want to spend as much time in its world as possible to uncover more of the story because it’s absolutely worth it.”

Congrats to the Ubisoft team for the successful launch. You can see more reactions in the gallery below.

‘Assassin’s Creed Shadows’ Review: Reinventing An Iconic Franchise

djfrosty

March 18, 2025

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Source: Ubisoft / Assassin’s Creed Shadows
Ubisoft hopes to restore the Assassin’s Creed video game franchise to its former glory without disappointing purists who have been on board since day one while pleasing the newbies who picked up the sticks following AC’s pivot into an action-RPG format. With Assassin’s Creed Shadows, did Ubisoft Quebec accomplish its goal? Resoundingly, yes.

Assassin’s Creed is one of those video game franchises that I hold dear to my heart. I remember getting deeply entrenched in the battle between the Order of Assassins and the Templar Order when the first game arrived in 2007, putting us in the shoes of Altaïr.

Altaïr’s story was shortlived, passing the hidden blade to Ezio Auditore da Firenze, who carries the AC torch in what many say is the strongest trilogy in the video game franchise history, Assassin’s Creed II (2009), Assassin’s Creed Brotherhood (2010) and Assassin’s Creed Revelations (2011).
Others would lead the franchise that has seen its games grow into massive undertakings following 2018’s Assassin’s Creed Odyssey, which expanded on the action-RPG element first introduced in 2017’s Assassin’s Creed Origins. It was the first Assassin’s Creed game to allow players to choose between a male or female version of the game’s protagonist.
While fans initially welcomed the change, it quickly became an issue. Many gamers, including myself, felt the games became too bloated and action-oriented, burying what we adored about Assassin’s Creed, such as the stealth play and intense story.
With Shadows, creative director Jonathan Dumont and his team at Ubisoft Quebec aimed to deliver an experience where fans who enjoyed the different variations of AC games can now press start on an experience suited for them without sacrificing what made the franchise great.
A Gripping Narrative Experienced In Multiple Ways
Source: Ubisoft / Assassin’s Creed Shadows
The story in Assasin’s Creed started strong but has since become confusing for most, especially to those whose first AC experience started with Odyssey and on. Shadows took multiple steps, hoping to bring players up to speed with everything that has happened in the franchise inside and outside the Animus.
One step is the new Animus Hub, now a one-stop section for Assassin’s Creed, which will be featured in all games in the future. There, gamers can catch up on the other games via brief rundown, launch other AC games they own, access regularly released missions, exchange keys earned from completing projects, and archive collected data files.

Then there is Shadows story itself, which is told through the eyes of two characters: Naoe, a young shinobi, and Yasuke, a legendary samurai.
Source: Ubisoft / Ubisoft Quebec / Assassin’s Creed Shadows
The game introduces you to Naoe, who quickly learns the way of the shinobi after a series of tragic events push her out into the open world of the late Sengoku period, where she will have to hone her assassin skills to complete her quest for revenge.
Source: Ubisoft / Ubisoft Quebec / Assassin’s Creed Shadows
You will eventually don the armor of Yasuke, the legendary African samurai who gains favor and freedom from his Portuguese slavers thanks to Lord Nobunaga.
Naoe and Yasuke’s stories are uniquely intertwined with Dumont and his team, crafting a narrative that will lead you down a gripping tale as you explore each of the protagonists’ personal mysteries. These mysteries are worth the time and effort to uncover and experience.
Choice is also important, as some decisions will impact particular outcomes. For example, Naoe forgives a target during one mission rather than killing them. Or you can even forge romantic relationships or gain allies with your choices. You can opt for “Canon mode,” which Ubisoft says is the definitive way to experience the game by removing the dialogue options.
No One Way To Play
Source: Ubisoft / Assassin’s Creed Shadows

What kind of AC player are you? If you enjoy sneaking in the high grass or stalking the shadows and rooftops to take out foes, this game is for you.
Or, do you enjoy just cutting your foes down with wreckless abandon and don’t give a damn about your foes calling in reinforcements because, hey, “they can get this smoke too!” Guess what? This game is also for you.
Assassin’s Creed Shadows blends two distinct playing styles with its two protagonists system.
With Naoe, players get the stealth action they have sorely missed, but with a shinobi twist. Naoe feels different from other assassins in previous titles based on how she moves around the world.
Source: Ubisoft / Ubisoft Quebec / Assassin’s Creed Shadows
Her cool vaults and flips over obstacles, dashing across rooftops, tossing shurikens, use of smoke bombs, and other weapons and tools specific to ninjas give her a feel gamers have wanted for a long time and get thanks to the series finally shifting to Japan.
Yasuke is the exact opposite and is designed to give players that powerful tank that can cut down any foe that stands before them. While he can also use stealth elements, his power pushes you to run through doors literally and confidently take on several foes simultaneously because he is still skillful and, unlike Naoe, can take more damage.
Source: Ubisoft / Assassin’s Creed Shadows
The best part is you are also not locked into one character; you can switch at any time, and the story will remain the same. So you’re not punished for playing favorites in Shadows.

Other Welcomed Features
Source: Ubisoft / Ubisoft Quebec / Assassin’s Creed Shadows
Assassin’s Creed is always best known for the living worlds that players roam in each game. That is taken to another level in Shadows, thanks to the changing seasons.
Japan changes dramatically during the seasons, which is reflected beautifully in Assasin’s Creed Shadows. This feature is not just aesthetically pleasing; it also affects gameplay.
For example, during the winter, bodies of water Naoe and Yasuke could normally swim in completely freeze; grassy areas to hide in are gone, but they return when spring or summer returns.
The changing seasons also affect particular missions, as specific targets will only appear during the summer.
The new objective board is also a welcomed addition to the game, giving players a more efficient way to track quests. As you progress through the game, explore the many different regions, circle zones featuring the faces of the significant characters you meet, and objectives you can complete.
Most of the objectives are optional, and if you opt not to partake in the side quests, which I am happy to say aren’t mindless fetch quests, you can probably complete the game’s main story in 30 hours or less.
Again, play how you want, but it will be hard not to be distracted and wander off the beaten path because, unlike in previous games, this is a living world worth exploring.
Base building is another welcomed addition to the game, allowing players to build a home where their allies and pets can hang out, plus add passive benefits like extra scouts that help you find objectives on the map and pick up resources you tag while out on missions.

Final Verdict
Source: Ubisoft / Assassin’s Creed Shadows
When Dumont first announced that Assassin’s Creed Shadows was being delayed to allow more time in the oven, people thought it would be bad news for the game.
It turns out that it was the best decision. With Shadows, Dumont and his team needed to deliver an Assassin’s Creed that is not just a bloated fetch quest, which is a story that no one will remember or care about by the time the credits roll; they needed to give players a game on par with the original and it’s subsequent sequels.
Assassin’s Creed Shadows is an exceptional entry into the franchise that brilliantly combines all of the good features from the games over the years and stuffed them into a game that doesn’t require you to play 100+ hours to complete. It’s so good that you want to spend as much time in its world as possible to uncover more of the story because it’s absolutely worth it.
Shadows’ story is engaging, and despite some instances of weak voice-over work, the performances are top-notch. The introduction of the two-protagonist system gives players two different ways to enjoy the game while delivering a narrative to give a damn about again.
I’m still embarking on my adventure in Shadows, but I’m 100% invested and can confidently say this is the best game in the Assassin’s Creed franchise since Brotherhood.
With Shadows, Assassin’s Creed is back. We just hope that this momentum continues.

*PS5 Review Key Provided By Ubisoft*

1. Assassin’s Creed Shadows