(Image credit: Ubisoft)
I want to share an incredible secret: there’s a hidden cat island in Assassin’s Creed Shadows that you simply can’t miss.
In Japan, cat islands are quite a charming phenomenon. Places like Aoshima and Tashirojima boast feline populations that sometimes outnumber their human counterparts. Ubisoft, in its quest to capture the captivating essence of Feudal Japan, has replicated a beloved spot.
Okishima Island in Japan, affectionately known as the Town of Cats, is brought to life in Assassin’s Creed Shadows. Journey to the Omi region and swim to the island located northwest of Azuchi, where the delightful symphony of purrs and meows awaits you. Fascinatingly, this digital island is nestled in Lake Biwa, mirroring its real-world inspiration.
For the ultimate experience, explore the island as Naoe and Yasuke, as both characters offer unique pet animations. Whether you decide to shake a paw or simply relish the serenity of watching them nap by the lakeside, you can recruit the cats to form your very own feline hideout, effectively crafting a new cat paradise. This feature alone positions the game as a strong contender for GOTY.
It’s not surprising that Assassin’s Creed Shadows outshone some of its RPG predecessors, boasting two million players within two days. According to Ubisoft, the game enjoyed a more successful launch than Assassin’s Creed Origins and Assassin’s Creed Odyssey, the latter being set on Mediterranean islands with a similar fondness for cats. It seems evident: more cats, more success!
As one developer insightfully noted, “it’s not a documentary,” adding that Ubisoft aims not to depict Japan from a strictly clinical or stereotypical perspective. Instead, they offer a delightful blend of weekly stories, community adventures, and those charming feline tales we all adore.