Assassins creed shadows is 7/10(Good), it does a lot of things right and fumble on some aspects. Story: The story is pretty great for the most part. I think Naoe and Yasuke are interesting characters to follow the story in most cases, however I would definitely say naoe is canonically the main character as I find her more fitted in terms of how the story unfolds. Yasuke isnt that bad, I think he fits well in about 2-3 main areas of the game depending on the task like Omi for example. The end of the main game was bad in my opinion and a bit anti-climatic because of how the main bad guy gets defeated, I was hoping for more. The DLC definitely completes the overall plot and is handle better. This assassins creed feels more grounded compare to all the others because spoiler alert no ancient artifact or people are involved. The assassins arent really present either, although I get why people may dislike that the story does explain this and technically they are present in the dlc kind of. Gameplay: Its just any assassins creed game to me in my opinion of course inspiration from old and newer titles. I think the combat could be refined more, sometimes i would attack accidentally instead of assassinating an enemy or attack an enemy I'm not even targeting. When the combat works it feels ok, one thing I love is the nuance of how you can trigger certain feats you unlock in mastery. The parkour is pretty cool I think better than the recent titles not much i really have to say there. The hid in the shadows mechanic is usable for both characters, but obviously naoe makes better use of it. The side quest and missions were hit or miss, I dont like the kill specific enemy type personally. World/Atmosphere: This game really bring japan to life the culture, people, and events makes me feel like I'm experiencing the past first hand of course with the fictional exaggeration of being a ninja and what assassins creed is about. As beautiful as Japan is no landmarks or cities, really pop out partially because I'm not familiar with the history, however the landscapes were amazing and the dynamic weather and seasons. The Awaiji area is my favorite in terms of how the story affects the environment and I wish the main area did more of that. Characters: I already typed a bit about Naoe and Yasuke if I'm to be honest they arent my favorite characters in the series. There backstories are interesting, but I dont feel attached to them, eh I may lean towards naoe more. To address a controversy of the game it does feel like Yasuke is a side character, I think it would help if Ubisoft structure some missions better. For example during most quests and missions you get the option to play yasuke or naoe, I think this plays against them because it feels like the character you are not playing as is just there to be there or out of no where. These characters should be portrayed as working as a team as you move from region to region. I think they should follow the structure of assassins creed syndicate quests and missions. The people you recruit play a small role to the main story except maybe one which is fine. I wish there couldve been something special involving them helping you in the end of the main story. The kid jinjiro is meh, but hes more involved than the people you recruit thats diabolical.  Conclusion: I think this game is alright despite my criticisms. I would consider this more of an assasins creed game than valhalla. Shadows does the culture/atmosphere well, a few hiccups in the story department but ended pretty strong(including the DLC), and combat could be refined. Its a game I think people should try despite what the internet and certain groups who disapproves of it may say.