Summary
Ubisoft has recently released an extended gameplay walkthrough of the highly anticipatedAssassin’s Creed Shadows,showcasing its gameplay features, new characters, and the vibrant environments ofSengoku period Japan. Fans also got a closer look at some of the Samurai and Ninja weapons that Yasuke and Naoe will be using on their journey.
With the vastly different gameplay styles of thedual protagonists, there is a wide variety of tools and weapons for players to use. Some are unique to theAssassin’s Creedfranchise, while others are direct interpretations of traditional Japanese weapons used in warfare, infiltrations, and assassinations. These weapons are all specialized for use in different combat situations.
1Katana
Iconic Japanese Sword
No game set in feudal Japan would be complete without the Katana. This iconic sword is designed to unsheath quickly, dealing deadly slashing damage to quickly end duels. Yasuke and Naoe are both seen wielding Katanas to defeat foes, whether head-on or stealthily.
This weapon appears to be the standard for many characters in the game world, being useful for mid-range combat against other Katana-using Samurai. It is a fast blade. Dueling requires expert timing to block, parry, and dodge, and a keen eye for finding openings to strike.
2Hidden Blade
Symbolic Tool Of The Assassins
What is an Assassin without theiconic hidden blade? As the stealth character of the two, Naoe will wield the hidden blade, but with a twist. This iteration features a pivot that allows it to be held like a dagger. This provides advantages in different situations and gives Naoe’s assassination animations more variety.
This won’t be the first time players have seen this take on the iconic weapon, as Connor fromAssassin’s Creed 3had a similar hidden blade. So far, the standard straight blade appears to be used for stealth assassination, while the alternate angled option will be used in open combat.
3Wakizashi Or Tantō
Useful Secondary Blade
Alongside Katanas, many Samurai, including Yasuke, are seen carrying a secondary blade known as a Wakizashi. So far, gameplay trailers have not shown this blade in use, but it’s probably not just there for decoration. These blades are very similar to Katanas, only shorter and lighter.
The lighter weight of this would likely make it useful for stealth and assassinations, whichthe Shinobi Naoespecializes in. Ubisoft has confirmed that a Tanto, a more dagger-like blade with the same shape, can be dual-wielded alongside the hidden blade.
4Kanabō
The Heavy Club
Wielded by Yasuke alongside other larger-built Samurai is the Kanabō, a heavy, studded club that delivers bone-crushing damage. This blunt weapon is heavy and slow, but successful blows are seen easily breaking the opponent’s stance and shattering their armor.
It is constructed with dense wood and sharp metal studs along its length.Japanese folkloretells of Oni, enraged vengeful spirits, swinging these deadly weapons with superhuman strength. Yasuke is seen taking on multiple enemies with similar aggression and skill.
5Kusarigama
Keep The Distance
Naoe is seen skillfully spinning a Kusarisaga (or “Chain-Sickle”) against multiple foes. This weapon has a small scythe and a metal weight on either end of a long chain and is used in open combat and assassination at long distances. Naoe can control the space between herself and her rivals with deadly precision.
The long chain allows her to strike without being in harm’s way herself, which is especially important since she relies less on heavy armor, and more on quick movement and positioning. Distant assassination targets don’t stand a chance either, as Naoe will throw the sharp end from the shadows faster than any foe can react.
6Grappling Hook
For Climbing & Silent Takedowns
The grappling hook is used to scale the walls of castles and give Naoe access to hard-to-reach places. She uses it to swing into the air and strike from above with hidden blades and throwable weapons. It is also useful for subduing foes, giving the Shinobi a non-lethal way of taking enemies out quietly.
This additional functionality makes the grappling hook one of Naoe’s most useful tools, likely staying with her for the entire journey. It’s historically accurate too, as Shinobi of feudal Japan would use these tools to break into heavily guarded structures.
7Gun
So Uncivilized
Yasuke and other Samurai are briefly seen using rifles.Assassin’s Creed Shadowsis set in thelate Sengoku period, when European firearms from Portugal created a demand for guns, sparking a local manufacturing industry. Firearms changed warfare wherever they were introduced, and Japan was no different.
It’s still unclear how gunplay will function in the game, but if they are accurate to the time, players can expect them to be slow to reload and fire. This could place them at a disadvantage in open combat, allowing players to close the distance between less accurate rivals and their blades (or vice versa).
8Naginata
Long Slashing Spears
Yasuke can wield a Naginata, a long curved blade at the end of a sturdy wooden pole. This weapon can deal deadly slashing damage from further distances than Katanas will allow. This extra length gives players the edge against foes, maintaining a safe distance while dealing damage.
They swing slower too, so effective use requires skill and timing. Other than Yasuke, many samurai are seen using similar weapons, though these appear to be Yari, a comparable pole blade with a straight blade instead of a curved one. Some are seen with a crossguard for extra defense.
9Shuriken
Ninja Stars
Though not yet seen in gameplay, three Shuriken have appeared in the cinematic trailer, being thrown from an airborne Naoe toward an unsuspecting target. This moment hints at the ability to throw multiple Shuriken at once. It is worth noting that the target was not killed by this attack, but instead injured.
This historic shinobi tool, popularly known as ninja stars, has captured the imagination of history enthusiasts and fans of pop culture for a long time. It will be interesting to see how they function in the game. Historically, Shuriken were used by both Samurai and Ninja, so maybe Yasuke will be able to wield them too.
10Kunai
Deadly Throwing Knives
The gameplay demo shows Naoe using Kunai to take down enemies from thesafety of the shadows. This large knife was historically used as a dagger but was often thrown too, which Naoe does skillfully and silently. Due to the large size of the blade, it only takes one blow to kill a target.
The Kunai is one of many Shinobi weapons adapted from a farmer’s or artisan’s tool. In this instance, it was a masonry blade for shaping stone. The loop at the end of the hilt allows the user to carry numerous blades easily. Players will be able to take out multiple distant enemies in quick succession.
