I kinda felt like a lot of this game was just decent at best so long as you're playing exactly as intended; may god help you if you spurn the beaten path. This is the first game I've ever player where I had to fight the atrocious topology, exploring is such a pain because so much of the open world is dense foliage and steep hills, I really feel like you're just supposed to let your horse auto-navigate everywhere and at that point why bother having an open world? I kinda like that your primary abilities are divided between two separate characters with opposite play-styles, even if switching between them is a pain. The skill trees felt motivating enough but I don't think that anything could convince me that AC needed a level system, and I've hated it since Syndicate. I don't think any of the characters really appealed to me in any particular way and the English voice acting was really spotty on several supporting characters, which is something I don't usually notice but it stuck out this time. I generally hate rolled loot and this game was no exception, I'm not even sure as to why it is in the game in the first place since legendary gear is so abundant but I did enjoy the modular weapon cosmetics customization. I only played the base-game and I found it to be surprisingly barren of cool supernatural stuff aside from a single ghost in one quest-line and an underwhelming DBD crossover. Why pick old japan if you're afraid to even touch yõkai? Like at least give me a woman in the mountains with several suspicious statues or a beaked turtle with a receding hairline. This game suffers from stability issues and at times makes performing simple actions difficult or impossible, for instance I couldn't sprint for the first 20 hours of my playthrough because I rebound the controls but still had ability 2 on r1+r2 and I guess the game didn't like there being too many buttons bound to r1. I fixed the issue by binding ability 2 to X+r2, which it should have been by default IMO, 4/10 just play AC Valhalla, it goes on sale for way cheaper
                                                                
                                                            
                                                            
                                                                
                                                                    
                                                                        
                                                                        
                                                                    
                                                                
                                                                
                                                                    
                                                                        
                                                                            
                                                                                Assassin's Creed Shadows is a masterclass in game design, weaving together stunning visuals, addictive combat, and an immersive open world that will keep you hooked from start to finish. The game's narrative is expertly crafted, with complex characters and a gripping storyline that explores the Assassin Brotherhood's struggles in feudal Japan. The combat system is incredibly responsive, allowing for a wide range of creative and deadly takedowns. The addition of new mechanics, such as the ability to climb and traverse through buildings, adds a fresh layer of depth to the gameplay. The open world is breathtakingly beautiful, with meticulously designed environments that transport you to ancient Japan. From the bustling streets of Kyoto to the serene landscapes of the countryside, every location is rich in detail and atmosphere. The game's attention to historical detail is also noteworthy, with a clear commitment to authenticity and accuracy. Whether you're exploring the castles of samurai lords or infiltrating enemy camps, the game's world feels lived-in and authentic. - Immersive Open World: Explore ancient Japan in stunning detail, from the bustling streets of Kyoto to the serene landscapes of the countryside. - Addictive Combat: Take down enemies with creative and deadly takedowns, using a wide range of stealth and combat abilities. - Gripping Narrative: Uncover the secrets of the Assassin Brotherhood in feudal Japan, with a complex and engaging storyline. - Stunning Visuals: Breathtakingly beautiful environments and characters bring the game to life in stunning detail. Overall, Assassin's Creed Shadows is a must-play for fans of the series and newcomers alike. Its engaging gameplay, immersive world, and gripping narrative make it an unforgettable experience. Don't miss out on this masterpiece of game design!"