Assassin's Creed: Shadows brutality features are thankfully optional
If you don't like violence in video games, it's easy to say don't play them. Thankfully, Assassin's Creed: Shadows has an option to make the combat less brutal.
Assassin’s Creed: Shadows quickly made waves when the first gameplay trailer showcased the brutal takedowns executed by the game’s samurai character, Yasuke. Some players celebrated the brutality, looking forward to playing as the powerful character and taking out groups of enemies with style. But not everyone feels the same way. Back in January, PCGamer reported that AC: Shadows will be censored in Japan to remove some of the brutality, while other regions will be able to turn it on and off. Now that we have the game, we know more about how this works.
AC: Shadows will allow players to turn off some of the more brutal takedowns elements
There are two primary elements of finishers that are optional in Assassin’s Creed: Shadows. Through the game settings go to the Gameplay tab and scroll all the way to the bottom. There you will find the Sensitive Content filter. The “Dismemberment” option will turn off the effect of severed limbs and heads, while the “Blood FX” option will turn off most of the blood effects that can happen during combat. The good news is that unlike some other settings, these can be changed at any point in the game. You can try it out, and if it’s not for you, turn it off. Or if you enjoy these effects at first, it might get tired after the hundredth time. No matter the reason, the option is available at all times. They are also both adjustable independently, meaning they don’t have to both be on or off.
Sensitive Content Filter in SettingsAssassin's Creed: Shadows, Developer: Ubisoft Quebec
Assassin’s Creed is inherently a violent game. It’s in the name. But it is nice to have the option to change some of the unnecessary elements. AC: Shadows’ story isn’t going to drastically change if the blood effects are minimized. These accessibility options give players who might have been too squeamish otherwise the ability to play as well. Overall, this is a huge win. Players that want to keep the effects on can do so, while others have their options too.
Ubisoft has been in a tough position lately and is perhaps pinning a lot on the success of AC: Shadows. Giving more players access will help give this game a chance to succeed. Outside of the business itself, Ubisoft has also been under fire for more than just the brutality of the game’s finishers. Some fans, especially those in Japan, have called the game’s historical accuracy into question. Perhaps the most damning evidence being the upside-down Oda family crest in one of the early trailers. At least in some ways, Ubisoft is being more careful and considerate to varying audiences.
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