Assassin's Creed: A Journey Through Time and Shadows

A Brief History of the Assassin's Creed Franchise

The journey began with the original Assassin's Creed, which introduced players to the medieval Middle East during the Third Crusade. Over the years, the series has transported players to various eras, including the Italian Renaissance (Assassin's Creed II), the American Revolution (Assassin's Creed III), and Ancient Egypt (Assassin's Creed Origins). Each installment offers a meticulously crafted open world, allowing players to explore and engage with historical settings.

The franchise has evolved by incorporating a variety of gameplay mechanics and narratives. Notably, Assassin's Creed Odyssey explored role-playing elements, providing branching storylines and character customization. This evolution has maintained the series’ freshness and appeal to long-time fans and newcomers.

Below is a chronological timeline of the main titles in the franchise, along with their release dates:​

1. Assassin's Creed
   Release Date: November 13, 2007

2. Assassin's Creed II
   Release Date: November 17, 2009

3. Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood
   Release Date: November 16, 2010

4. Assassin's Creed: Revelations
   Release Date: November 15, 2011

5. Assassin's Creed III
   Release Date: October 30, 2012

6. Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag
   Release Date: October 29, 2013

7. Assassin's Creed Rogue
   Release Date: November 11, 2014

8. Assassin's Creed Unity
   Release Date: November 11, 2014

9. Assassin's Creed Syndicate
   Release Date: October 23, 2015

10. Assassin's Creed Origins
    Release Date: October 27, 2017

11. Assassin's Creed Odyssey
    Release Date: October 5, 2018

12. Assassin's Creed Valhalla
    Release Date: November 10, 2020

13. Assassin's Creed Mirage
    Release Date: October 5, 2023

14. Assassin's Creed Shadows
    Scheduled Release Date: March 20, 2025

Assassin's Creed Shadows: A Upcoming Journey into Feudal Japan

The latest installment, Assassin's Creed Shadows, is set to be released on March 20, 2025. This eagerly anticipated game transports players to 16th-century Japan during the tumultuous Sengoku period. Ubisoft Quebec, renowned for their work on Assassin's Creed Odyssey, is leading the development, promising a rich and immersive experience.

Players will navigate this historical landscape through the perspectives of two protagonists: Yasuke, an African samurai inspired by the historical figure of the same name, and Naoe, a skilled shinobi assassin. This dual-character approach offers varied gameplay styles, combining traditional combat with stealth mechanics. The game's setting includes iconic locations like Kyoto, Kobe, Osaka, and the Iga province, featuring historically accurate castles such as Takeda Castle.

The development of Assassin's Creed Shadows has encountered challenges, including multiple delays. Initially scheduled for a November 2024 release, the game was pushed back to February 2025, and then to its current date in March 2025. Ubisoft cited the need for extra time to integrate player feedback and improve the overall quality of the game.

Despite these delays, excitement remains high. Early previews suggest a return to the franchise's stealth roots, a feature that long-time fans have eagerly awaited. The Sun highlights, "Assassin's Creed Shadows brings back true stealth, a dream come true for long-time fans."

In a unique promotional collaboration, Ubisoft partnered with Spain's National Heritage to recreate a kabuto, a traditional Japanese helmet, using 3D printing technology. This artifact, damaged in a fire in 1884, symbolizes the game's deep connection to Japanese culture and history. The recreated kabuto is on display at the Royal Collections Gallery in Madrid until April 6, after which it will join the permanent collection of the Royal Armory.

Conclusion

Assassin's Creed Shadows marks a significant milestone in the franchise's evolution, offering players the chance to immerse themselves in the rich tapestry of feudal Japan. With its dual-protagonist narrative, focus on stealth gameplay and meticulous attention to historical detail; the game is set to honor the series' legacy while exploring new territories. As the March 2025 release date approaches, fans eagerly anticipate the opportunity to embark on this new adventure.

You can find Assassin's Creed Shadows on Amazon or other retailers where video games are sold.

References

Ubisoft delays Assassin's Creed Shadows again. (2025, January 9). The Verge. Retrieved from https://www.theverge.com/2025/1/9/24339958/ubisoft-delays-assassins-creed-shadows-release-date-sale

Assassin's Creed Shadows brings back true stealth in a dream come true for long-time fans. (2025, February 15). The Sun. Retrieved from https://www.thesun.ie/tech/14586838/assassins-creed-shadows-preview/

Ubisoft y Patrimonio Nacional colaboran en la recreación de una reliquia del Japón Feudal con motivo del lanzamiento de Assassin's Creed Shadows. (2025, March 10). MeriStation. Retrieved from https://as.com/meristation/noticias/ubisoft-y-patrimonio-nacional-colaboran-en-la-recreacion-de-una-reliquia-del-japon-feudal-con-motivo-del-lanzamiento-de-assassins-creed-shadows-n/

Assassin's Creed Shadows. (2025, March 10). Wikipedia. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assassin%27s_Creed_Shadows

Assassin's Creed. (2025, March 10). Wikipedia. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assassin%27s_Creed