Summary
In the aftermath of Ubisoft’sAssassin’s Creed Shadowsreveal, disgruntled gamers are flocking to Wikipedia to alter the page of one of the game’s protagonists. The ability to play as the historical black samurai Yasuke offers the potential to explore a unique story inAssassin’s Creed Shadows, yet these actions imply discontent towards Ubisoft’s choice to feature a black protagonist within the game’s Japanese setting.
Ubisoft finally revealed the first trailer forAssassin’s Creed Shadowson May 15, along with tons of new information about the game. Set in Feudal Japan,Assassin’s Creed Shadowswill feature two protagonistswith distinct skill trees and abilities. Female shinobi Naoe is a master of infiltration and promises a stealthier playstyle reminiscent of the franchise’s early entries. Meanwhile, heavily armored samurai Yasuke will utilize lethal force to tackle massed groups of enemies head-on.
While the developers were quick to pacify angry fans over a mistaken suggestion thatAssassin’s Creed Shadowswould require permanent online connectivityto play, other gamers have taken issue with Ubisoft’s choice of protagonists. Twitter user Sallymander40k has pointed out that Yasuke’s Wikipedia page was altered over 50 times on the day of Ubisoft’s reveal. The chief dispute of the “edit war” hinges on the contentious question of whether Yasuke was ever specifically granted samurai status. Some fans believe that Yasuke’s detractors are attempting to undermine the significance of this first playable historical figure in anAssassin’s Creedtitle.
Who Was The Real Yasuke?
The sparse details known about Yasuke’s life prove that he could provide a fascinating story andbalance out Naoe’s stealthy gameplay. Claimed to be the first samurai of foreign descent and African origin, Yasuke was possibly enslaved and trafficked as a child. As a free man, he later accompanied Italian Jesuit missionary Alessandro Valignano to India, potentially as a bodyguard. After arriving in civil war-torn Sengoku Japan in 1579, Yasuke entered the service of lord Oda Nobunaga – the first “Great Unifier” – in 1581, where he was renowned for his height and strength. Yasuke’s service was cut short when Nobunaga was betrayed and forced to commit seppuku during the Honoji Incident of 1582. Yet Yasuke survived the attack and escaped with Nobunaga’s severed head, thereby depriving their enemy of their trophy.
While Yasuke is an unconventional choice for agame set in Feudal Japan, the ability to experience the beauty and brutality of this period from an outsider’s perspective could make for an intriguing story. AsAssassin’s Creed Shadowswill be smaller in scope thanOdysseyorValhalla, the need for strong characters and captivating storylines is all the greater. Additionally, Yasuke was not the only non-Japanese samurai. William Adams, the inspiration for John Blackthorne in James Clavell’sShōgun, was granted the title in 1605. Whether fans approve of Ubisoft’s choice or not, Yasuke’s tale will be revealed whenAssassin’s Creed Shadowsis released on June 09, 2025.
Assassin’s Creed Shadows
WHERE TO PLAY
Experience an epic historical action-adventure story set in feudal Japan! Become a lethal shinobi Assassin and a powerful legendary samurai as you explore a beautiful open world in a time of chaos. Switch seamlessly between two unlikely allies as you discover their common destiny. Master complementary playstyles, create your shinobi league, customize your hideout, and usher in a new era for Japan.
