author: Joachim Bednarz
AC Shadows Doesn't Fake Yasuke's Origin. Players Liked Details Indicating His Foreignness in Japan
In Assasin's Creed Shadows, Yasuke fits in among the Japanese like a sore thumb, and after a recent presentation, many players are loving it.
Yesterday's gameplay showcase of the latest AC: Shadows revealed many interesting details that we will encounter in the game. We saw the gameplay of both protagonists Naoe and Yasuke, as well as how NPCs react to them in the open world.
Assassins throughout the series, by design, stick to the shadows and try to hide from unwanted gaze. Of course, there were also contrasting scenarios, like in AC3, where Connor, heavily armed, wandered the streets of New York, or Eivor in Valhalla, parading in full armor through the homes of England; both drawing a lot of attention to themselves.
Ubisoft makes no secret that Yasuke will be the least stealthy of the series' main characters. The samurai in gilded armor stands tall, focusing mainly on close combat and wielding a large mace.
In a foreign country
The main detail that players love is the villager's reactions to Yasuke. As the only samurai of African origin in the midst of feudal Japan, he attracts a lot of attention. The residents quickly recognize that Yasuke is an extraordinary person, causing everyone to stop and stare at him, while children point at him.
If the protagonist approaches certain NPCs, they will instinctively bow. Some players liked it, but others pointed out a certain inconsistency in it. Many people note that given the xenophobia in Japan at that time, nobody would have treated Yasuke with such respect.
I can imagine that the Japanese back then were way less accepting than they are now. And seeing a kid who was barely phased to see Yasuke, who is so clearly not Japanese, doesn't feel that all realistic. I feel there should be some people who walk away from you when you get to them up close.
-- whamorami
The commentators attempt to rectify that he is in the service of Oda Nobunaga, a mighty daimyo, which was accompanied by both renown and fear. They also add that according to historical records, most treated Yasuke with respect and admiration.
You have to remember that his Lord is Oda Nobunaga. A wrong word and your head rolls.
-- Unbr3akableSwrd
Role in the game
Many players point out that AC is a stealth game and they don't intend to focus on open combat, so they will choose Naoe over Yasuke. Some people also claim that the samurai battle is tailored for them, as they enjoy challenging themselves in combat from the very start of the series.
Yasuke was made for the people who see the "Escape the Castello, flee from the guards" objective in Assassin's Creed Brotherhood, and say "Nah, I'd win," as they force Ezio to slaughter Rome's entire legion of guards on the St. Angelo Bridge.
-- lordolxinator
Who are you more excited to play as: the brave Yasuke or the stealthy Naoe?