Assassin’s Creed Shadows: Japan’s Censored Edition of the Time-Bending Adventure

Ubisoft’s upcoming Assassin’s Creed Shadows is set to release in Japan with significant content modifications. The game, which explores feudal Japan, will have graphic elements like blood and gore removed to comply with Japanese rating board CERO’s standards. This censorship includes the removal of an option to toggle amputation on/off and changes in how severed body parts are presented. Despite these changes, the game promises an engaging narrative and immersive gameplay, featuring two playable characters and a unique storyline set in 16th-century Japan.

Introduction

Ubisoft’s “Assassin’s Creed” series is known for its time-bending adventures and rich historical settings. The latest installment, “Assassin’s Creed Shadows,” is set to release in Japan with a twist: it will have some graphic content removed to comply with local regulations.

Censorship in Japan

The Japanese rating board, CERO, has determined that the blood and gore in “Assassin’s Creed Shadows” are too extreme for a Z rating, which is the equivalent of a mature/18+ classification in Japan. As a result, Ubisoft has decided to censor the game by removing the option to toggle amputation on/off and altering how severed body parts are presented in-game2.

Gameplay and Storyline

Despite these changes, “Assassin’s Creed Shadows” promises to deliver an engaging narrative and immersive gameplay. The game is set in feudal Japan and features two playable characters: Yasuke, an African samurai, and Fujibayashi Naoe, a female ninja. The story follows these characters as they navigate the complex world of 16th-century Japan, taking on various warlords and arms dealers5.

Impact on Players

The censorship in the Japanese version of the game may affect players who are accustomed to the full graphic experience. However, the game’s unique storyline and historical setting are expected to captivate players, making it one of the most compelling entries in the Assassin’s Creed series.


  1. What is the setting of Assassin’s Creed Shadows?
    The game is set in feudal Japan, specifically in the 16th century.
  2. Why is the Japanese version of Assassin’s Creed Shadows censored?
    The censorship is due to the Japanese rating board CERO’s determination that the blood and gore in the game are too extreme for a Z rating.
  3. What changes were made to the game’s content?
    The option to toggle amputation on/off has been removed, and how severed body parts are presented in-game has been altered.

  4. Who are the playable characters in Assassin’s Creed Shadows?
    The playable characters are Yasuke, an African samurai, and Fujibayashi Naoe, a female ninja.

  5. How does the storyline differ from previous Assassin’s Creed games?
    The storyline is more grounded in 16th-century Japan, without the split timeline story that interweaves the past and present.

  6. What are the main targets in the game?
    The main targets are various warlords and arms dealers that the player must bring to an end.

  7. Is there a bounty board in the game?
    Yes, the game uses a bounty board with heads to lop off instead of a normal quest log.

  8. Can players choose between different modes?
    Yes, players can choose between “Canon Mode,” which strips the game of interesting dialogue choices, and a Japanese playthrough with Portuguese and Japanese speech.

  9. What is the significance of Yasuke and Naoe in the game?
    Yasuke adds interesting perspectives on Japanese culture, while Naoe is central to the overarching Assassin’s story and has a compelling narrative thread.

  10. When is Assassin’s Creed Shadows set to release in Japan?
    The game is set to release in March 20252.


Assassin’s Creed Shadows promises to deliver an immersive and engaging experience, despite the censorship in its Japanese release. The game’s unique setting and characters, along with its altered content, make it an exciting addition to the Assassin’s Creed series. Players can look forward to exploring feudal Japan through the eyes of Yasuke and Naoe, even if the Japanese version is less graphic than its international counterparts.


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