After 14 games and nearly two decades of captivating storytelling, Ubisoft’s Assassin’s Creed Shadows finally immerses players in the vibrant world of feudal Japan. This entry not only expands the franchise into action-RPG territory but also introduces two engaging protagonists: Fujibiyashi Naoe, a determined young shinobi, and Yasuke, an African samurai who served the legendary Oda Nobunaga. Their intertwined journeys promise to be as compelling as the landscapes they traverse.
When it comes to the success of an Assassin’s Creed game, much hinges on its lead characters. Masumi Tsunoda and Tongayi Chirisa, the actors behind Naoe and Yasuke, had their auditions shrouded in mystery, unaware they were vying for roles in such a prestigious series. Both were new to the franchise, having not collaborated before or even met until their first table read, an intriguing parallel to their characters’ initially strained relationship.
At the close of the first act, Naoe and Yasuke join forces as she seeks revenge for her devastated village. Their evolving bond—from reluctant allies to steadfast friends—has been praised in reviews, showcasing the depth of character development. Tsunoda shared how she immediately felt a connection with Chirisa, describing him as a warm-hearted person whose presence made the acting experience even richer.
“Instant chemistry and comfort level are rare,” Tsunoda explained. “Working with another actor who connects with you on a personal level transforms the experience from just another job into something meaningful.”
Tsunoda was particularly excited about portraying a Japanese character, a rare opportunity in her career. She sought guidance from experienced performers, drawing from her role in the 2021 Netflix film Yakuza Princess, where she played Akemi, a character on a similar journey of empowerment. This prior experience significantly influenced her performance in Shadows.
“In Yakuza Princess, I overcame my fear of sharp objects,” she revealed. “Learning sword fighting was essential for me to embody Naoe’s spirit fully.”
Chirisa, who is also recognized for his role in AMC’s Mayfair Witches, approached Shadows with enthusiasm. Although he had only a brief experience in gaming, he was drawn to the art of motion capture. He likened the process to theater, where imagination is key, emphasizing the creative freedom it offers compared to traditional film.
Yasuke, influenced by a real historical figure, provides Chirisa a rich narrative to explore. He researched thoroughly, digging into Yasuke’s past during the Sengoku period, to present a nuanced interpretation of the character’s journey from enslavement to becoming Nobunaga’s samurai. Chirisa’s upbringing in Zimbabwe, near regions believed to be Yasuke’s origins, also informed his portrayal.
The game explores Yasuke’s history through playable flashbacks, detailing his complex relationship with Nobunaga and his earlier life under the Templars. Naoe’s transformation into an assassin unfolds in tandem, with their separate stories woven into a cohesive narrative. The production included extensive motion capture sessions, conducted weekly, both actors collaborated closely with a dedicated creative team to align their performances with the game’s vision.
How is motion capture different from traditional acting? Motion capture enables actors to bring characters to life in a way that’s more tied to their physicality and emotions, requiring them to fully embody their roles rather than rely solely on dialogue. This technique enhances the immersive storytelling experience in video games.
What was the biggest challenge for Tsunoda and Chirisa during production? Both faced the challenge of capturing the emotional depth required for their characters while navigating the unique demands of motion capture acting, including intense physical performances and coordinating their movements with the animation team’s vision.
How did Assassin’s Creed Shadows perform after its release? The game quickly gained immense popularity, surpassing three million players within just a week. It was also recognized as the best-selling game in the U.S. for March, demonstrating its strong appeal in the gaming community.
The creative director, Jonathan Dumont, compared the game development process to a marathon, highlighting that the journey to create Shadows stretched beyond initial expectations due to game delays yet resulted in a highly polished final product. Players can currently look forward to the upcoming Claws of Awaji expansion, continuing the saga of Naoe and Yasuke.
In conclusion, Assassin’s Creed Shadows is more than just a game; it is an epic journey filled with rich narratives and relatable characters. Keep exploring the world of gaming with us at Moyens I/O for more insights and updates.