New Assassin's Creed Shadows gameplay shows how the RPG's protagonists differ when it comes to assassinations, and I can't wait to slay as stealth queen Naoe

Assassin's Creed Shadows screenshot showing female protagonist Naoe
(Image credit: Ubisoft)

The final day of this year's Summer Game Fest came to a close with the Ubisoft Forward showcase, in which we got an in-depth look at Assassin's Creed Shadows' stellar two protagonists - Naoe and Yasuke.

Ubisoft's brand-new Assassin's Creed Shadows gameplay reveal shows off some of the stylistic differences between the action-RPG's main characters. On one hand, we have Yasuke, a legendary real-life African samurai capable of heavier combat with a more tanky feel to it. On the other, we've got Naoe - a Japanese shinobi woman with an unrivaled skill in stealth.

While Yasuke's hard-hitting blows are certainly nothing to scoff at, there's something so reminiscent of a bygone Assassin's Creed era about Naoe and her employment of stealth - I'm instantly transported into Ezio Auditore's boots when I watch her hide behind corners and traverse rainy rooftops. Her quick, silent assassinations look exhilarating to experience firsthand as the player.

Assassin's Creed Shadows: Extended Gameplay Walkthrough | Ubisoft Forward - YouTube Assassin's Creed Shadows: Extended Gameplay Walkthrough | Ubisoft Forward - YouTube
Watch On

Yasuke is far more forward with his attacks - where Naoe excels at giving Assassin's Creed's beloved action-adventure vibes, the male Samurai truly delivers the newer RPG elements into the gameplay. He boasts heavy armor and wields even heavier weapons, making for a louder, more direct sort of combat - an exciting one that's constant rather than the product of a build-up.

Together, the two offer a diverse range of abilities and cover opposing play styles. Personally, I'm thrilled to go back in time to the iconic series' roots with stealthy gameplay like Naoe's, but I'm also looking forward to experiencing Shadows as the franchise's first historical figure to date.

For more on the gameplay, head on over to our Assassin's Creed Shadows preview

Anna Koselke
Staff Writer

After spending years with her head in various fantastical realms' clouds, Anna studied English Literature and then Medieval History at the University of Edinburgh, going on to specialize in narrative design and video game journalism as a writer. She has written for various publications since her postgraduate studies, including Dexerto, Fanbyte, GameSpot, IGN, PCGamesN, and more. When she's not frantically trying to form words into coherent sentences, she's probably daydreaming about becoming a fairy druid and befriending every animal or she's spending a thousand (more) hours traversing the Underdark in Baldur's Gate 3. If you spot her away from her PC, you'll always find Anna with a fantasy book, a handheld video game console of some sort, and a Tamagotchi or two on hand.

Read more
Assassin's Creed Shadows cinematic screenshot
Assassin's Creed Shadows reverses roles to show off Naoe's combat and Yasuke's stealth, and I'm suddenly sold on playing Yasuke like a clumsy Snake in Metal Gear Solid 3
Yasuke is clad in samurai armor and on horseback beside Oda Nobunaga, as they invade Iga province in Assassin's Creed Shadows
Yasuke not being an assassin in Assassin's Creed Shadows is nothing new, it's just the first time Ubisoft isn't in denial
Assassin's Creed Shadows cinematic screenshot
Assassin's Creed Shadows had to have 2 different characters because players want both stealth and combat, and you couldn't have both with just one
Assassin's Creed Shadows cinematic screenshot
In Assassin's Creed Shadows, "Naoe and Yasuke share their progression" and you'll have to complete special quests to get the best abilities
Assassin's Creed Shadows screenshot showing Yasuke kneeling and praying while wearing a traditional purple robe
Assassin's Creed Shadows director on splitting time between the two heroes: "The core of the game can be pick your character and the game adapts"
Assassin's Creed Shadows screenshot showing Yasuke kneeling and praying while wearing a traditional purple robe
Assassin's Creed Shadows devs want you to know that Yasuke isn't an assassin, and that means he's not getting any of those classic assassin abilities
Latest in Assassin's Creed
Assassin's Creed Shadows
As Assassin's Creed Shadows overtakes Valhalla and Odyssey, Ubisoft promises "this is just the beginning" in heartfelt thanks to players
Yasuke looking over the water to a shrine during sunset in Assassin's Creed Shadows
Assassin's Creed Shadows has an entire island stuffed with adorable kittens you need to check out, and it's based on an actual Japanese cat paradise
Assassin's Creed Shadows review gameplay showing Yasuke overlooking the sea and lush green scenery
Assassin's Creed Shadows has already "surpassed the launches of AC Origins and Odyssey" with 2 million players and counting
Assassin's Creed Shadows Naoe "justice must be served" or "killing them isn't justice" Yaya and Mistumune choice
Should you side with Mitsumune or Yaya in Assassin's Creed Shadows?
Assassin's Creed Shadows money naoe and merchant
How to get money in Assassin’s Creed Shadows
Assassin's Creed Shadows Naoe in outfit
Best Assassin’s Creed Shadows armor for Naoe and Yasuke
Latest in News
Peacemaker
Peacemaker season 2 star says the show feels like the DCU's "cool kid" as it's one of James Gunn's "first babies": "I'm excited to see how that expands and grows"
John Boyega in Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker
John Boyega was tired of "doing a lot of falling" in the Star Wars sequels, so asked director J.J. Abrams for a "level of growth" between The Last Jedi and The Rise of Skywalker
Silent Hill f screenshot showing the protagonist
Silent Hill f hasn't actually been banned in Australia, but it's not out of the woods yet
Charlie Cox in Daredevil
Daredevil star Charlie Cox says keeping his Spider-Man: No Way Home cameo a secret for two years was a "nightmare"
Disney Twisted-Wonderland the Animation
After four years, Disney's anime show based on hugely popular gacha game gets a proper trailer
Assassin's Creed Shadows
As Assassin's Creed Shadows overtakes Valhalla and Odyssey, Ubisoft promises "this is just the beginning" in heartfelt thanks to players