Ubisoft’s latest title, Assassin’s Creed Shadows, launched with a bang, securing a “very positive” rating on Steam. Within four hours of its release, 751 users reviewed the game, with 80% leaving positive feedback. This debut marks a crucial moment for the French gaming giant, which has struggled with declining revenues and takeover rumors.
A Blockbuster Comeback or Another Gamble? Ubisoft Bets Big on Feudal Japan Setting
After multiple delays, Assassin’s Creed Shadows finally arrived, transporting players to feudal Japan. The game’s release stands as Ubisoft’s biggest launch since Star Wars Outlaws, which received a lukewarm response last August. Investors reacted positively, as Ubisoft’s stock jumped 3.4% early Thursday morning.
Record-Breaking Launch and Player Reception
On Steam’s global top-sellers list, Assassin’s Creed Shadows claimed the number one spot. In its initial hours, concurrent player numbers peaked at 25,863. Over on Sony’s PlayStation Store, users rated the game an impressive 4.79 out of 5 stars, based on 1,834 ratings.
The game’s PC version scored 78 on Metacritic, while the PlayStation 5 version landed at 81 and the Xbox Series X version achieved 85. These numbers signal a strong critical reception, despite some lingering concerns from players.
The highly anticipated Steam Spring Sale has officially started. Among the games on offer are huge productions.
Player Reactions and the ‘Ghost of Tsushima’ Challenge
Early reviews of Assassin’s Creed Shadows on Steam highlight the game’s stunning visuals, detailed environments, and immersive gameplay. Some players noted that the title exceeded expectations, while others praised its engaging story. However, not everyone is convinced. Several users reported technical issues, including crashes and glitches. Others criticized the storyline, saying it lacks a strong foundation.
Another major challenge looms on the horizon: the unavoidable comparison to Ghost of Tsushima. Sucker Punch Productions’ 2020 open-world samurai epic remains a fan favorite, holding a Metacritic critic score of 83 and an impressive 9.2 user rating. Some gamers believe Ubisoft’s latest entry struggles to escape its shadow.
The competition will only heat up later this year. Sucker Punch is preparing to release Ghost of Yotei, a follow-up to Ghost of Tsushima. With two major feudal Japan-based titles in play, Assassin’s Creed Shadows must prove it can stand on its own. Ubisoft’s future may hinge on the success of this ambitious installment.
