Assassin’s Creed Shadows Price: Assassin’s Creed Shadows is the latest installment in Ubisoft’s renowned Assassin’s Creed series, set to release on November 15, 2024. This game promises to deliver an immersive experience set in feudal Japan, featuring a rich storyline, innovative gameplay mechanics, and a variety of editions to cater to different types of players. In this article, we will explore every aspect of Assassin’s Creed Shadows, from its setting and storyline to gameplay features and pricing.
Setting and Storyline
Historical Context
Assassin’s Creed Shadows is set during the Azuchi-Momoyama period in Japan, specifically beginning in 1579. This era marks the final stage of the Sengoku period, characterized by intense civil wars and significant political upheaval. The game features historical figures such as Oda Nobunaga, a powerful daimyō known for his military strategies and use of arquebus firearms.
Protagonists
The game introduces two main characters: Yasuke and Naoe. Yasuke is a historical figure, an African samurai who arrived in Japan in 1579 and became a retainer of Oda Nobunaga. His storyline is intertwined with Naoe, a fictional shinobi assassin from the Iga province, known for her stealth and agility. The dual protagonists offer players different gameplay experiences, with Yasuke focusing on combat and Naoe emphasizing stealth.
Gameplay Features
Open World and Environment
Assassin’s Creed Shadows offers an expansive open world, comparable in size to Assassin’s Creed Origins. The game world progresses through different seasons, each affecting gameplay elements like frozen water in winter and blooming plants in spring. Players can explore regions such as Kyoto, Kobe, Osaka, and the Iga province, with historically accurate landmarks and castles.
Innovative Mechanics
The game introduces several new gameplay mechanics, including the ability to manipulate shadows, use a grappling hook for parkour, and crawl in a prone position to access small openings. Players can also engage in shallow water tactics using a bamboo stick to breathe. The game emphasizes non-linear missions, encouraging players to track and eliminate targets freely.
Combat and Stealth
Yasuke’s combat style includes destructible environments and realistic weapon impacts, providing a cinematic fighting experience. He can also use arquebuses for long-range attacks. Naoe, on the other hand, uses stealth tactics with weapons like the kusarigama and the iconic hidden blade. The game allows players to switch between characters, offering diverse combat and stealth experiences.
Editions and Pricing
Assassin’s Creed Shadows is available in several editions, each offering unique content and bonuses:
- Standard Edition: Priced at $69.99, this edition includes the base game.
- Gold Edition: Priced at $109.99, it includes three days of early access, a Season Pass with a day-one bonus quest, and two post-launch expansions.
- Ultimate Edition: Priced at $129.99, this edition offers everything in the Gold Edition plus the Ultimate Pack, which includes additional in-game content.
- Collector’s Edition: A GameStop-exclusive edition priced at $279.99, available for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S. It includes physical collectibles and exclusive in-game content.
Assassin’s Creed Shadows Price
Assassin’s Creed Shadows offers a range of editions, each providing different content and bonuses tailored to various player preferences and budgets. Here’s a detailed look at the pricing and differences between each edition:
Standard Edition
- Price: $69.99 USD
- Contents:
- Base game
- Pre-order bonus quest, “Thrown to the Dogs” (while available)
The Standard Edition is the most basic version, providing the core game experience without additional content or early access. It’s ideal for players who want to enjoy the game without extra features or costs.
Gold Edition
- Price: $109.99 USD
- Contents:
- Base game
- Pre-order bonus quest
- Season Pass, which includes two upcoming story DLCs
- Three days of early access before the official release
The Gold Edition offers a bit more for players interested in extended gameplay through the Season Pass, which provides access to future expansions. The early access allows players to start their adventure three days ahead of the general release.
Ultimate Edition
- Price: $129.99 USD
- Contents:
- Everything in the Gold Edition
- Sekiryu Character Pack, including gear and weapon sets for both protagonists, Naoe and Yasuke
- Sekiryu Hideout Pack, featuring unique ornaments for customizing the hideout
- Five additional skill points
- Red Dragon Photo Mode Filter
The Ultimate Edition is designed for players who want a more enriched experience with additional customization options and gameplay enhancements. The inclusion of skill points and cosmetic packs allows for early character development and personalization.
Collector’s Edition
- Price: $279.99 USD
- Contents:
- All digital content from the Ultimate Edition
- Physical collectibles, including:
- Diorama figurine of dual protagonists
- Unique Steelbook® case
- Collector’s art book (84 pages)
- Life-sized Naoe’s katana tsuba
- World map
- Creed wall scroll
- Set of 3 sumi-e lithographs
The Collector’s Edition is exclusive to GameStop and is aimed at hardcore fans who appreciate physical memorabilia alongside the digital content. This edition provides a tangible connection to the game’s world and characters.
Platforms and Release
Assassin’s Creed Shadows will be available on multiple platforms, including PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and Amazon Luna. The game is set to release on November 15, 2024, with pre-orders already available.
Addressing Past Criticisms
Ubisoft has taken steps to address criticisms from previous Assassin’s Creed titles. Shadows aims to improve animation quality and stealth mechanics, which were points of contention in games like Assassin’s Creed Valhalla. The game offers a balance between traditional RPG elements and classic Assassin’s Creed stealth gameplay, catering to long-time fans of the series.
Conclusion
Assassin’s Creed Shadows is poised to be a significant addition to the franchise, offering a rich narrative set in a historically vibrant period. With its dual protagonists, innovative gameplay mechanics, and diverse editions, the game promises to deliver an engaging experience for both new players and series veterans. As the release date approaches, anticipation continues to build for what could be one of the most exciting games of 2024.