Assassin’s Creed Shadows Release: What Critics Are Saying

Assassin’s Creed Shadows launches on March 20, and early reviews are already pouring in.

Leading up to the release of Assassin’s Creed Shadows, there was considerable speculation regarding Ubisoft’s portrayal of Japanese culture in the game’s trailers. However, this controversy had minimal impact on the game’s sales and appears to have had little effect on critical responses as well.

Critics with early access to the game have been primarily focused on the evolution of gameplay mechanics and how the captivating story, whether fictional or based in reality, integrates into the overarching game world. Let’s delve into the reviews and the predictions made by the fanbase.

The Average Score for Assassin’s Creed Shadows: An 8 out of 10

As of March 18, Assassin’s Creed Shadows boasts review scores in the low 80s on Metacritic. Notably, the PC version holds a score of 79, while the Xbox version ranks higher at 86. A similar trend appears on OpenCritic, where the game enjoys an average rating of 81 along with an 84% critic recommendation.

Most reviews emphasize several recurring themes. Critics commend Assassin’s Creed Shadows for its enhancements in gameplay, particularly the stealth mechanics, compared to earlier titles. However, the story itself receives critique, with many describing the narrative as weak and uninspired.

While an average score hovering around 80 signifies that the game is solid, it does not elevate it to the status of a masterpiece or a top-tier title within the series. As per Metacritic, Assassin’s Creed 2 remains the highest-rated game in the franchise at an impressive score of 90.

Fan Expectations: Anticipating the Review Scores

Interestingly, prior to the official reviews being published, dedicated fans had already begun speculating about the game’s scores.

In Reddit threads leading up to the launch, players predicted that the game would likely fall in the 7/10 to 8/10 range, with some media outlets potentially awarding a 9/10. Many fans hit the nail on the head, estimating the score would fall between 80 and 85, which closely matches the actual ratings.

What do yall think the reviews are going to be? by u/CalligrapherKey8418 in AssassinsCreedShadows

In summary, Assassin’s Creed Shadows is indeed a solid entry in the Assassin’s Creed franchise—neither extraordinary nor groundbreaking. It delivers precisely what fans have come to expect from an Assassin’s Creed installment, without significantly advancing the series.

Stay tuned for Moyens I/O’s detailed review of Assassin’s Creed Shadows, which will be available in the coming days.

FAQs About Assassin’s Creed Shadows

What is the release date for Assassin’s Creed Shadows?

Assassin’s Creed Shadows is set to be released on March 20, 2023.

How are the scores for Assassin’s Creed Shadows looking on Metacritic?

The game currently has an average score in the low 80s, with the PC version at 79 and the Xbox version at 86.

What are the main criticisms of Assassin’s Creed Shadows?

Critics have noted that while gameplay improvements, particularly in stealth mechanics, are commendable, the story and narrative choices have been labeled as weak and uninteresting.

How does Assassin’s Creed Shadows compare to previous entries in the series?

While it’s received a good rating, Assassin’s Creed Shadows is not deemed a masterpiece. Assassin’s Creed 2 still holds the highest score at 90 on Metacritic.