*Assassin's Creed Shadows* introduces a groundbreaking dual protagonist system with Yasuke the Samurai and Naoe the Shinobi, each bringing unique strengths and weaknesses to the gameplay experience. Let's dive into their pros and cons to help you decide when to play as each.
Yasuke the Samurai Pros and Cons
Yasuke, depicted overlooking a coastal vista in *Assassin’s Creed Shadows*, Image via Ubisoft. Yasuke stands out as one of the most intriguing protagonists in *Assassin’s Creed* history, particularly from a gameplay standpoint. As a Samurai, his formidable stature and skills make him a powerhouse on the battlefield. The melee combat in *Assassin’s Creed Shadows* draws inspiration from From Software's style, making Yasuke feel like you're controlling a boss from *Dark Souls*.
Yasuke's unique background and physical prowess distinguish him from other warriors in the game's Feudal Japan setting. He excels in crowd control and delivers devastating melee attacks, easily dispatching both base and higher-tier enemies like the Daimyo in castles. Additionally, his proficiency with a bow and arrow extends his effectiveness to ranged combat.
However, Yasuke's strengths in open combat are counterbalanced by his limitations in traditional *Assassin's Creed* activities. His assassinations are slower and more exposed, making stealth challenging. While he possesses some parkour abilities, they are considerably less agile than those of past protagonists. Synchronization points, crucial for map exploration, can be difficult or even impossible for Yasuke to reach, which may frustrate players exploring new provinces.
Naoe the Shinobi Pros and Cons
Naoe, teaming up with Yaya in *Assassin’s Creed Shadows*, Image via Ubisoft. As an Iga Shinobi, Naoe embodies the classic *Assassin's Creed* assassin with her focus on stealth and parkour. Her agility and nimbleness allow her to navigate the game world with ease. With the right investment in Mastery points, Naoe can master stealth, using a combination of ninja skills and assassin weapons to execute her missions flawlessly.
Despite her prowess in stealth, Naoe struggles in direct combat situations. With lower health and weaker melee capabilities, she can be quickly overwhelmed by even a few enemies. When detected, the best strategy often involves retreating to regain anonymity before returning to perform stealth takedowns, aerial assassinations, and the parkour maneuvers fans love from the series.
When Should You Play as Each Protagonist in Assassin’s Creed Shadows?
Naoe and Yasuke teaming up in *Assassin’s Creed Shadows*, Image via Ubisoft. The choice of protagonist in *Assassin’s Creed Shadows* often hinges on personal preference and the demands of the story, particularly in canon mode. However, there are specific scenarios where each character shines.
For exploration, Naoe is your go-to character. Her superior mobility and speed make her ideal for clearing the fog of war, synchronizing, and uncovering the secrets of Feudal Japan. She's also highly effective in assassination-focused quests, especially once you've reached Knowledge Level 2 and invested in Assassin and Shinobi skills.
When it comes to combat, particularly against tough enemies like the Daimyo in castles, Yasuke is the better choice. His ability to handle brutal assassinations and engage in open sword fights makes him invaluable for securing high-value loot from these strongholds.
If you're facing a mission requiring extensive open combat, Yasuke is the optimal choice. Conversely, Naoe is your best bet for traversal, exploration, and stealth missions. Beyond these specific scenarios, both characters are capable, and your choice may ultimately depend on which personality you connect with and whether you prefer the classic *Assassin's Creed* gameplay 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, offering players a rich and varied experience with its dual protagonists.
