The Assassin’s Creed series is known for its meticulous historical detail and immersive storytelling, coupled with engaging combat that always leaves players wanting more. However, with the announcement of its latest installment, Assassin’s Creed Shadows, the company is facing numerous controversies, especially about one of its main protagonists, Yasuke.
It seems like Ubisoft’s commitment to historical authenticity can sometimes falter, particularly when it comes to complex characters. The main backlash stems from the decision to label Yasuke as a Japanese samurai, sparking significant controversy among fans and historians alike. Many believe that instead of giving him the title of samurai, the game could have taken a similar route to the one it took with Ezio Auditore.
The Missed Opportunity by Assassin’s Creed Shadows
The Assassin’s Creed franchise has a long and rich history of exploring diverse cultures full of complex characters and narratives. In its previous and arguably the best game, Assassin’s Creed II, players encountered the complex character of Ezio Auditore as he navigated through the backdrops of Renaissance Italy.
He was an assassin who engaged in covert operations and learned from various cultures without becoming confined to a singular identity. Similarly, instead of relegating Yasuke, an African man who served under the powerful warlord Oda Nobunaga in 16th-century Japan, to the title of Samurai.
Ubisoft should have made him an assassin or a civilian who was working for the Japanese feudal lord. By portraying him as a civilian who navigated through the dangerous waters of samurai politics, the game’s narrative could have delved deeper into his history of finding his identity and understanding the fluidity of social roles in that era.
This approach would have not only allowed players to engage with Yasuke’s story, similar to how Ezio infiltrated different regions and learned from their cultures but also would have shaped our understanding of his role and identity in Japanese society, negating all the controversies and drama.
Fans’ Discontent with Historical Inaccuracy
Since the information about Yasuke was released, fans have been vocal about how the game is misrepresenting historical details regarding social hierarchies in feudal Japan. This controversy has divided the community, with some arguing it’s just a fiction story in a game while others express frustration with incorrect representation in video games.
Reddit User, yamalins, also criticized the representation of the character and to support their point of view, explained that the prominent samurai of the time, such as Nobunaga and all his loyal retainers, had surnames but Yasuke didn’t so he fell under the the category of a civilian. This distinction is very crucial, as it shapes our understanding of his role and identity in Japanese society.
As an Asian, my feelings about Assassin’s Creed Shadows.
byu/yamalins inAssassinsCreedShadows
Had the developers chosen to portray Yasuke as a civilian navigating samurai society, they could have provided a richer narrative that not only honored the history of Japan but also deepened the character’s journey. This also would allow players to appreciate his character not dishonor his legacy like it is happening right now.
If portrayed correctly, Assassin’s Creed Shadows could have been a powerful story about identity, race, and the intersection of cultures. Instead, the game is now facing controversies by making him a samurai, raising critical questions about historical accuracy.
In the end, as fans of the franchise continue to engage and discuss every detail of the game, developers need to be careful when balancing artistic interpretation with historical accuracy.
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