Last month, Ubisoft launched Assassin’s Creed: Shadows for PC and current-gen consoles. Following Mirage, which had a well-crafted storyline, I was expecting a similar experience from this title. Unfortunately, after investing 60 hours into the game and finishing it, I can confidently say that its conclusion is one of the most disappointing I’ve encountered in the world of gaming.
In AC: Shadows, you play as two characters: Naoe and Yasuke. They work together, and while the main storyline is playable with both, each has their own unique side missions and endings.
Let’s start with Yasuke. In my opinion, Ubisoft did a great job with him. His final mission reveals key events from his past, and we get a satisfying conclusion to his character arc. Though there are hints at something more (I can’t spoil it), the ending felt fulfilling and offered closure to his journey.
Now, let’s talk about Naoe’s ending. Unfortunately, this doesn’t feel like an ending at all. Instead, it seems like a teaser for the game’s upcoming DLC.
After investing over 50 hours into the game, you’re given a brief 10-minute exposition cutscene with an optional boss fight. The choice you make in this fight doesn’t really matter; the outcome is the same whether you choose to fight or spare the enemy Naoe faces.
And things don’t improve from there. Without giving away too many details, here’s what happens: Naoe defeats the main antagonists, retrieves an important item, discovers that someone close to her is alive, and embarks on a mission to find them. And then the game just ends. There’s no resolution to her arc. No closure. All we’re left with is a setup for future DLC, which will likely continue Naoe’s story.
So, why bother completing AC: Shadows if it doesn’t offer a true ending? Simply put, there’s no point. And that’s where the game really falters.
Games like Ghost of Tsushima and Rise of the Ronin told compelling stories with solid, satisfying conclusions. They didn’t lock their endings behind DLC. They respected their players. But with Ubisoft, it’s a different story. Instead of offering fans a proper conclusion, they essentially ask you to pay more to see what happens next. Thanks, Ubisoft.
