(Image credit: Ubisoft)
Assassin’s Creed Shadows makes history by finally taking the series to Japan, responding to fans’ demands since its inception in 2007. Much like its counterpart Ghost of Tsushima, the game draws heavily from Japanese media for its aesthetic, notably echoing Akira Kurosawa’s cinematic style. While Ghost of Tsushima features a literal ‘Kurosawa mode’, it turns out that Assassin’s Creed Shadows’ unique flashback sequences owe their creation to the vibrant storytelling techniques prevalent in numerous anime series.
The game immerses players in the pasts of its characters, Naoe and Yasuke, through these flashback scenes. As players follow Naoe, they delve into memories of her homeland, whereas Yasuke’s backstory unravels some of his experiences before his arrival in Japan. During an interview with GamesRadar+, the game’s creative director, Jonathan Dumont, shared insights into the creative process behind these captivating scenes.
Responding to a query about the storytelling choice, Dumont revealed, “I think it comes from watching a lot of anime,” highlighting that anime masters skillfully use flashbacks to fill character narratives with depth and motivation. He elaborated on how this technique aligns with maintaining the game’s pacing: “It also helps to have faster action pacing and then slow down at key moments to learn about characters.” Interestingly, Yasuke wasn’t initially included in the game’s design. The idea to incorporate traditional samurai elements was key, and rather than compromise Naoe’s character with unrealistic abilities, Ubisoft embraced dual protagonists to maintain the fantasy.
Moreover, Dumont mentioned to GamesRadar+ the addition of yellow paint within the game stems from feedback received during playtests, which identified player challenges in navigating the world of Assassin’s Creed Shadows.
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