Assassin’s Creed’s Black Samurai; A Tale of History or Modern Sensibilities?

What lies beneath the surface of the newest Assassin’s Creed game? Is it a celebration of diversity and inclusivity or a shining example of compelling storytelling and historical authenticity?

The Latest Adventure in Assassin’s Creed; Delving into Feudal Japan
Scheduled for release in November 2024 by Ubisoft Quebec, the upcoming chapter in the renowned Assassin’s Creed franchise, titled “Assassin’s Creed Shadows,” will transport players to Feudal Japan. The game introduces two main characters; Naoe, a skilled Japanese female ninja and Yasuke, an African samurai. This captivating setting filled with ninjas, samurais and the rich tapestry of Japanese culture has generated excitement among fans ever since early leaks surfaced in 2021, following the success of “Ghost of Tsushima.”

A Duo as Leads; A Refreshing Approach
Having two main characters is not a new concept for the Assassin’s Creed series. In “Syndicate,” set in Victorian London, players experienced gameplay through siblings Jacob and Evie Frye, each showcasing distinct combat techniques. Similarly, “Origins,” which delved into the origins of the Assassin Brotherhood in Ancient Egypt, allowed players to take on missions controlling Aya alongside Bayek.

What sets apart the reception to “Shadows” this time around?The Yasuke Debate; A Historical Figure or a Symbol of Progress?
The emergence of Yasuke, an African man residing in Japan during the rule of Oda Nobunaga in the 16th century, has stirred up discussions. There is uncertainty surrounding Yasuke’s true role; historians are divided on whether he was a samurai or simply a servant. His portrayal in the game has sparked differing viewpoints.

Some contend that while Yasuke’s tale is intriguing, it may not carry significant historical significance in Japan. Critics suggest that his presence could be more about meeting diversity quotas rather than enhancing the storyline.

Assassin’s Creed and its Portrayal of Historical Figures
The series has a longstanding tradition of featuring notable historical figures like Leonardo Da Vinci, Napoleon, Cleopatra, Socrates and Benjamin Franklin. These characters help players immerse themselves in different eras, allowing them to feel connected to history. The decision to spotlight Yasuke instead of more prominent Japanese historical figures has left many fans puzzled.

Diversity versus Narrative; The Gamer Community’s Divide
The choice to showcase a non Japanese lead character has caused rifts within the gaming community. Some gamers express frustration over what they perceive as forced diversity. They argue that introducing a character solely for the sake of inclusivity could water down the game’s authenticity.
On the flip side, some people embrace the new storytelling angle and value the attempt to shed light on lesser known historical figures.

Despite the mixed responses, “Shadows” has already attracted considerable attention. It currently holds the top spot in sales on Amazon Japan, indicating a strong interest in the game regardless of the controversies surrounding it.

Challenging Stereotypes or Reinforcing Them?
There is an ongoing discussion about how stereotypes are portrayed in narratives. While stories featuring common themes like cowboys, samurai or WWII soldiers may initially attract attention, their success ultimately depends on the richness of the storytelling and character development.

“Red Dead Redemption 2” is often praised for its ability to transcend its cowboy genre through captivating storytelling. Will “Assassin’s Creed Shadows” achieve similar acclaim or will it be overshadowed by its character choices?

Drawing Parallels with Ghost of Tsushima
Released in 2020, “Ghost of Tsushima,” a game centered around Japan’s first Mongol invasion, set a high standard for games set in Japan. Many view “Shadows” as Ubisoft’s response to this success. However, there are concerns that Ubisoft might repeat past design errors and deliver another typical open world experience that fails to capture Japanese culture as effectively as “Ghost of Tsushima.”As the launch date nears, the gaming community is abuzz with excitement and curiosity. Fans are eager but cautious, considering Ubisoft’s history of releasing games with bugs that are later fixed through updates. The game’s success will likely be measured by Ubisoft’s financial performance for the year.

In the realm of storytelling and inclusivity, “Assassin’s Creed Shadows” finds itself at a pivotal point. Its legacy could either be celebrated as a historical achievement or criticized as an attempt at being overly progressive. One thing is certain – it has sparked a lively conversation about how gaming balances authenticity and diversity, a discussion that will likely persist long after the game’s debut.

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