Ways Assassin’s Creed: Shadows is Better Than Ghost of Tsushima
For years, Assassin’s Creed fans have been clamoring for a game set in Feudal Japan. Now, 18 years after the franchise’s debut, Ubisoft has finally delivered with Assassin’s Creed Shadows. Arriving a little late to the party, with Ghost of Tsushima already having explored the iconic setting, here are five ways it manages to outshine Sony’s classic.
1. Deeper Stealth Mechanics
Although it has taken a back seat in the last few entries in the franchise, stealth is back in Shadows and this is one of the key elements that truly shine in the game. Taking inspiration from Splinter Cell’s Visibility Meter, you can distinguish lights to help you sneak around areas and silently eliminate guards. Although Ghost of Tsushima has the edge with swordplay, Shadows delivers a more intricate stealth experience, rewarding patience and precision as you manipulate darkness to your advantage to feel like a true shinobi.
2. A More Interactive Open World
The world of Shadows feels alive. NPCs wander around, getting into predicaments that you’ll encounter as you explore. This leads to deeper interactions that build a stronger understanding of the impact that the situation has had on others. In addition to this, the dynamic weather also alters the environment. This means that you’ll have to adapt your approach to missions due to the weather, adding further believability. While Ghost is stunning and includes stronger art direction, Assassin’s Creed’s destructible environment and weather system helps to make the world feel more dynamic.
3. Assassin’s Creed’s Signature Parkour System
The past few entries watered down the renowned parkour system, but Shadows continues the throwback ethos of Mirage to deliver a deep traversal system that captures the notion of being a shinobi. With Naoe, you can easily scale buildings and use your grapple hook to swing across the area. If you enjoy the fluid parkour of the series, then Naoe is definitely a better option than Yasuke. The Samurai struggles to climb buildings and is a lot less nimble than his counterpart. Whereas Jin was able to climb in Ghost, it is a lot more restricted compared to Ubisoft’s flagship title.
4. More Diverse Combat & Weapon Customization
The swordplay in Ghost of Tsushima is incredible and outshines most action-adventure games. While this is still the case, Shadows does take the edge when it comes to diversity and customization. Each of the protagonists has their own skill trees that allow you to alter the character’s skills. In addition to this, the game also has an expanded arsenal, consisting of kunai, smoke bombs and much more, giving you much more freedom on the battlefield. Whether you prefer hidden blades, bows, and even guns, the game gives you the tools you need to get the job done.
5. Historical Accuracy & Lore
The Assassin’s Creed series has long incorporated real-life historical figures to enhance its sense of realism. Previous entries allowed players to interact with icons like Leonardo da Vinci, but Shadows marks a franchise first by letting you step into the shoes of a key historical figure. Yasuke, known as the first and only Black samurai, holds a unique place in Japanese history, and while Shadows takes creative liberties by integrating him into the Assassin-Templar conflict, it still draws inspiration from real events. In contrast, Ghost takes even greater creative liberties with its historical setting. While its narrative may be stronger, it leans more into myth and fiction than historical accuracy.
Both games offer incredible experiences set in Feudal Japan. While Ghost of Tsushima impresses with its refined combat mechanics and breathtaking world design, Shadows excels in stealth and parkour, staying true to Assassin’s Creed’s signature gameplay. Comparisons are inevitable, but these two titles ultimately provide distinct yet complementary experiences. Rather than competing, they present unique visions of Feudal Japan, one honoring the mythos of the samurai, the other exploring the hidden world of assassins. Regardless of which you prefer, both deliver immersive and unforgettable journeys through one of history’s most captivating eras.
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