The story of Assassin's Creed Shadows is revealed, the collector's edition as well
Assassin's Creed Shadows is certainly one of the most anticipated games of the franchise. All the fans are eager to explore feudal Japan alongside the shinobi Naoe and the samurai Yasuke. However, their patience has been severely tested since the game's release, initially scheduled for November 15, 2024, was postponed to February 14, 2025... Before being pushed back to March 20, 2025, on both PC and Mac as well as PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S. Now that this significant detail is set, Ubisoft is keen to resume communication by unveiling a trailer and the editions that will be offered.
Two visions, two blades, one common destiny
If Assassin's Creed games are so appealing to players, it's because they offer fictional adventures intertwined with history, albeit reimagined for the occasion. They invite travel, allowing the discovery of new places, new cultures. They introduce different elements from history, integrating famous characters, to tell their own story. In this regard, Assassin's Creed Shadows will not break the rule. The proof is, it will allow playing with Naoe, the fictional daughter of Fujibayashi Nagato, a legendary shinobi known for being one of the leaders of the Iga clan. As for the second character, Yasuke, according to legend, he arrived in Japan towards the end of the 16th century and served the lord Oda Nobunaga, first as a weapon bearer and then as a samurai.
This is precisely the story that the Story Trailer, which has just been unveiled, seems to show. It also allows learning a little more about Naoe, notably the invasion that affected the peaceful province of Iga from which she originates, and about the reasons that will push these two fighters, who almost seem opposed in everything, to link their destinies. It is within a Japan in turmoil, with the vision of unification at the end of the tunnel, that players will evolve. As the publisher indicates: "a new Creed rises over Japan, while justice is forged in the shadows."
Special editions and bonus content
While some will be content with the Standard edition of the game offered at €79.99 on consoles and €69.99 on PC and Mac, it must be admitted that many fans are likely to be tempted by one of the two special editions planned. The first, priced at €99.99 on consoles and €89.99 on PC and Mac, will be the Deluxe digital edition. As its name suggests, this will be exclusively offered in digital format. At this price, players will find the base game accompanied by two packs. The first, the Sekiryu Double pack, will add equipment and weapons for the two playable characters. The second, the Sekiryu's Lair pack, will offer hidden cosmetic items. To all this, Mastery Points will be added.
As for the third edition, it will target collectors. Simply named Collector's Edition, it will include all the content of the Deluxe digital edition and introduce physical content. Steelbook, World Map, statue of Naoe and Yasuke, life-size katana tsuba of Naoe, wall scroll of the Creed, 76-page collector's artbook, and sumi-e lithographs (two in number) will be included. Of course, to acquire this edition, you will need to spend €239.99 on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S or €229.99 on PC and Mac.
If you pre-order the game, you will be entitled to two bonuses. The first is access to the exclusive bonus quest "Left Behind" which will be available from March 20, the day of the official release. The second is free access to the Awaji Hunt expansion, content planned for this year, without further details. This latter content is significant as it will offer more than 10 additional hours of gameplay, add new skills, new equipment, and new abilities. But that's not all, as it is also through this that Naoe will recover a Bō and it will be possible to explore a whole new region, namely the mysterious island of Awaji. This is an opportunity to face the Sanzoku Ippa, a new enemy faction.
