The setting of feudal Japan in "Assassin's Creed Shadows" profoundly influences the narrative, creating a rich historical backdrop that shapes the game's story, characters, and themes:

The setting of feudal Japan in “Assassin’s Creed Shadows” profoundly influences the narrative, creating a rich historical backdrop that shapes the game’s story, characters, and themes:

Wren Crowe February 22, 2025 2 min read

Historical Context

“Assassin’s Creed Shadows” is set in the Azuchi-Momoyama period of Japanese history, specifically beginning in 1579 2 6. This era, known as the late Sengoku period, was marked by political instability, widespread unrest, and the beginnings of Japan’s unification 1 2. The game’s narrative is deeply intertwined with this tumultuous time, exploring the conflicts and changes that defined the era.

Key Historical Figures

The game incorporates prominent historical figures into its storyline, adding depth and authenticity to the narrative:

Oda Nobunaga, the “great unifier” of Japan, plays a significant role 4.
Fujibayashi Nagato, a master ninja of the Iga clan, is featured as the father of one of the protagonists4.
Yasuke, the legendary “African Samurai,” serves as one of the playable characters, offering a unique perspective on the era3.

Dual Protagonists

The game features two playable characters, each representing different aspects of feudal Japanese society:

Naoe: A fictional shinobi Assassin, daughter of Fujibayashi Nagato, embodying the stealth and agility associated with ninja traditions 2 4.
Yasuke: Based on the historical African samurai, representing the honor and power of the samurai class3 6.

This dual protagonist approach allows the narrative to explore various facets of feudal Japanese society and the conflicts of the era from different perspectives.

Cultural and Political Dynamics

The setting enables the game to explore complex cultural and political dynamics of the period:

The influence of Portuguese traders and missionaries in Japan, introducing new weapons and cultural clashes 1.
The transition from the war-torn Sengoku era to the more peaceful Edo period3.
The last major battles involving samurai in their traditional military role3.

Environmental Storytelling

The game’s open world is designed to reflect the historical setting, with features that enhance the narrative experience:

Realistic scaling of mountains and castles to create an authentic feel of feudal Japan3.
Seasonal changes and weather systems that affect gameplay and storytelling3.
Historical landmarks, particularly castles, serve as centerpiece dungeons, each offering unique adventures3.

By leveraging the rich historical context of feudal Japan, “Assassin’s Creed Shadows” creates a narrative that is deeply rooted in its setting, allowing players to experience the complexities and conflicts of this pivotal moment in Japanese history through the lens of the Assassin’s Creed universe.