The burning question on every gamer's mind: Is Assassin's Creed Shadows going to embrace full-blown RPG mechanics? With the franchise's evolution over the past decade, particularly with entries like Origins, Odyssey, and Valhalla, the lines between action-adventure and RPG have blurred significantly. Let's dive deep into what we know so far about Assassin's Creed Shadows and dissect whether it's poised to be a true RPG experience.

The RPG Evolution of Assassin's Creed

To understand where Assassin's Creed Shadows might be heading, it's crucial to look back at the series' trajectory. The early Assassin's Creed games were primarily stealth-action titles with a strong emphasis on narrative and historical settings. However, with Assassin's Creed Origins, Ubisoft began to introduce RPG elements, such as character progression, skill trees, and loot systems. This transformation became even more pronounced with Odyssey and Valhalla, which doubled down on RPG mechanics, offering vast open worlds, branching storylines, and extensive character customization.

Origins marked a pivotal shift, introducing a more structured leveling system and gear progression. Players could now equip different weapons and armor, each with its own stats and effects. Skill trees allowed for specialization in combat, stealth, or exploration. Odyssey took this further by adding dialogue choices that impacted the story, multiple endings, and a greater emphasis on player agency. Valhalla continued this trend, featuring settlement building, raiding, and a sprawling narrative shaped by player decisions.

These changes weren't universally praised. Some longtime fans felt that the series was losing its identity, moving away from its stealth-focused roots in favor of a more generic open-world RPG formula. Others welcomed the evolution, arguing that it brought fresh gameplay experiences and extended the lifespan of each title. Regardless of opinion, it's undeniable that Assassin's Creed has undergone a significant RPG-ification over the years, making the question of whether Shadows will continue or revert this trend all the more intriguing.

What We Know About Assassin's Creed Shadows

So, is Assassin's Creed Shadows going to be a full-fledged RPG? Based on the information available, it appears that Shadows will likely continue to incorporate RPG elements, but perhaps with a more refined and balanced approach. Here's what we've gathered so far:

• Dual Protagonists: Shadows features two playable characters – Yasuke, a historical African samurai, and Naoe, a skilled shinobi. Each character is expected to offer unique gameplay styles. Yasuke may focus on direct combat, while Naoe emphasizes stealth and agility. This dual protagonist system could allow for diverse character progression paths, akin to choosing a class in a traditional RPG.
• Historical Setting: Set in feudal Japan, Shadows promises an immersive historical experience. The game will likely feature a detailed open world with a variety of environments, from bustling cities to serene countryside. The setting lends itself well to RPG-style exploration and side quests, as players uncover hidden secrets and interact with historical figures.
• Gameplay Mechanics: While specific gameplay details are still under wraps, it's reasonable to expect the return of RPG mechanics such as character leveling, skill trees, and gear progression. The extent to which these systems are implemented remains to be seen. Will Shadows offer deep customization options, or will it streamline these elements for a more focused experience?
• Narrative and Choices: The narrative structure of Shadows is another key factor. Will the game feature branching storylines and meaningful choices that impact the world and the ending? If so, this would further solidify its RPG credentials. The dynamic between Yasuke and Naoe could also introduce interesting narrative possibilities, with player choices influencing their relationship and the overall story.

Analyzing the Potential RPG Elements

Let's break down the RPG elements we might see in Assassin's Creed Shadows:

• Character Progression: This is a staple of RPGs, and it's highly likely that Shadows will feature a leveling system. As players gain experience, they can improve their characters' stats, unlock new abilities, and enhance their combat prowess. The dual protagonist system could lead to distinct progression paths, with Yasuke focusing on strength and defense, while Naoe emphasizes agility and stealth.
• Skill Trees: Skill trees allow players to customize their characters' abilities and playstyles. In Shadows, we might see separate skill trees for Yasuke and Naoe, reflecting their unique fighting styles and skill sets. These trees could offer a mix of active abilities (such as special attacks) and passive buffs (such as increased health or damage).
• Loot and Gear: RPGs are known for their extensive loot systems, and Assassin's Creed has embraced this trend in recent years. Shadows will likely feature a variety of weapons, armor, and accessories that players can find, craft, or purchase. Each item could have its own stats and effects, allowing for deep customization of character builds. Imagine kitting out Yasuke with legendary samurai armor or equipping Naoe with specialized shinobi gear.
• Quests and Side Activities: Open-world RPGs thrive on their quests and side activities. Shadows will likely feature a main storyline, as well as numerous optional quests that players can undertake. These quests could involve anything from assassinating targets to exploring hidden locations to helping villagers in need. Side activities could include mini-games, challenges, and collectibles.
• Dialogue and Choices: The extent to which Shadows incorporates dialogue choices remains to be seen. If the game allows players to make meaningful decisions that impact the story and relationships, it would further solidify its RPG credentials. The dynamic between Yasuke and Naoe could create opportunities for interesting dialogue options and branching storylines.

Balancing RPG Elements with Assassin's Creed Core

The key challenge for Ubisoft is to balance the RPG elements with the core tenets of the Assassin's Creed franchise. Many fans appreciate the series' stealth-action gameplay, historical settings, and compelling narratives. Overloading the game with RPG mechanics could alienate these players, while stripping them away entirely could disappoint those who enjoy the recent RPG-focused entries.

Here are some ways Ubisoft could strike a balance:

• Streamlined Progression: Instead of overwhelming players with a dizzying array of stats and abilities, Shadows could offer a more streamlined progression system. This would make it easier for players to understand and manage their characters' development without getting bogged down in complexity.
• Meaningful Choices: If the game includes dialogue choices, they should have a tangible impact on the story and the world. Avoid choices that feel arbitrary or inconsequential. Focus on decisions that reflect the player's values and shape the narrative in meaningful ways.
• Emphasis on Stealth: Stealth has always been a core element of Assassin's Creed, and it should remain a viable option in Shadows. Players who prefer a stealthy approach should be able to complete missions without resorting to direct combat. Naoe's gameplay should heavily emphasize stealth, offering a variety of tools and abilities for infiltration and assassination.
• Compelling Narrative: At its heart, Assassin's Creed is a story-driven franchise. Shadows should feature a compelling narrative with memorable characters and intriguing plot twists. The historical setting of feudal Japan offers a rich backdrop for a captivating story.

Final Verdict: RPG or Not?

So, is Assassin's Creed Shadows going to be a true RPG? Based on the available information and the series' recent trajectory, it's likely that Shadows will continue to incorporate RPG elements, but perhaps with a more refined and balanced approach. It may not be a full-blown RPG in the vein of The Witcher 3 or Skyrim, but it will likely offer a deeper and more customizable experience than the early Assassin's Creed games.

The dual protagonist system, historical setting, and potential for meaningful choices all point towards a game with significant RPG elements. However, Ubisoft will need to strike a balance between these elements and the core tenets of the Assassin's Creed franchise. If they succeed, Shadows could be a compelling and immersive experience that appeals to both longtime fans and RPG enthusiasts. Only time will tell if Assassin's Creed Shadows fully embraces the RPG genre, but one thing is certain: the game is poised to be an exciting and ambitious addition to the series.

Ultimately, whether you consider it an RPG or not, Assassin's Creed Shadows is shaping up to be a must-play title for fans of the franchise and anyone interested in exploring feudal Japan through the lens of a stealth-action adventure. Keep an eye out for more updates and gameplay reveals as we get closer to the game's release!