“Assassin’s Creed Shadows” incorporates several prominent historical figures who significantly influence the game’s narrative:

1. Oda Nobunaga: Known as the “great unifier” of Japan, Nobunaga plays a central role in the game’s storyline 1 . As a powerful daimyo leading the Oda clan, his invasion of Iga creates the primary conflict that drives the narrative 2.
2. Fujibayashi Nagato: A master ninja of the Iga clan, Nagato is featured as the father of Naoe, one of the game’s protagonists 1. His role as a leader in the Igan resistance against Nobunaga’s invasion shapes Naoe’s backstory and motivations 2.
3. Yasuke: One of the game’s dual protagonists, Yasuke is based on the real historical figure known as the “African Samurai” 1. Originally from Africa, Yasuke arrived in Japan with Portuguese traders in 1579 and became a samurai serving under Oda Nobunaga2. His unique perspective as a foreigner-turned-samurai offers players a distinct viewpoint on the era’s events.

These historical figures influence the narrative in several ways:

1. They provide historical authenticity, grounding the game’s fictional elements in real events and personalities of the Azuchi-Momoyama period 3.
2. The conflict between Nobunaga’s forces and the Iga clan creates the central tension of the story, with Yasuke and Naoe finding themselves on opposite sides 2.
3. Yasuke’s real-life story as an African who became a samurai in feudal Japan adds a unique cultural dimension to the narrative, exploring themes of identity and belonging 4.
4. Fujibayashi Nagato’s role as Naoe’s father connects the fictional protagonist to the historical ninja traditions, providing depth to her character and skills 1.
5. The inclusion of these figures allows the game to explore the complex political and social dynamics of the era, including the interactions between samurai, shinobi, Portuguese merchants, and Jesuit missionaries2.

By interweaving these historical personalities with the fictional elements of the Assassin’s Creed universe, “Assassin’s Creed Shadows” creates a rich narrative tapestry that aims to immerse players in the tumultuous world of 16th-century Japan 34.

Citations:

1. https://www.ign.com/articles/assassins-creed-shadows-50-details-you-need-to-know
2. https://www.ign.com/articles/assassins-creed-shadows-release-date-story-gameplay-trailer-news
3. https://gamerant.com/assassins-creed-shadows-history-emotion-interview/
4. https://screenrant.com/assassins-creed-shadows-narrative-brooke-davies-interview/
5. https://screenrant.com/assassins-creed-shadows-world-protagonists-jonathan-dumont-interview/
6. https://www.reddit.com/r/ubisoft/comments/1fqjl48/a_japanese_gamers_perspective_on_assassins_creed/
7. https://news.ubisoft.com/en-us/article/2LH4Ael4X1TlNJY3B3aYg5/assassins-creed-shadows-launches-november-15-features-dual-protagonists-in-feudal-japan
8. https://www.cbr.com/assassins-creed-shadows-everything-to-know/