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Assassin’s Creed Shadows: Claws of Awaji Review – A Dark New DLC Journey in Japan

91 3 minutes read

A new chapter in Japan where everything changes

Assassin’s Creed Shadows: Claws of Awaji takes players deep into the mysterious island of Awaji, where Naoe and Yasuke face dangers that turn hunters into prey. This DLC delivers an intense narrative, fresh gameplay twists, and challenging enemies like the deadly Sanzoku Ippa clan. With traps, ambushes, and the constant threat of pursuit, survival requires wit, stealth, and skill as players search for lost treasures while unlocking powerful new abilities.

The story expands on Naoe’s journey after discovering her mother is still alive on Awaji. What begins as a mission of hope quickly shifts into a tense fight for survival, with the island itself rejecting her presence. The atmosphere is heavier and darker compared to the base game, giving the DLC its own unique identity. Fans of the Assassin Brotherhood versus Templar conflict will also find plenty to enjoy as the narrative builds upon this iconic rivalry without losing its mystery.

One standout element is the cooperation between Naoe and Yasuke, who feel more like true partners on this adventure rather than separate characters. While the DLC is estimated to add around 10 hours of content, completionists could easily spend over 30 hours exploring every side mission, treasure, and hidden detail. This makes the DLC not only engaging but also excellent value for time invested.

Gameplay shifts dramatically, reinforcing the idea that on Awaji you are no longer the predator but the prey. Exploration is far riskier as enemies can strike from any direction. Auto-travel becomes unreliable since ambushes and traps can wipe out the player at any moment, creating constant tension. While casual players may find this challenging, hardcore fans will appreciate the intensity and how it changes the game’s pacing into something fresh and thrilling.

The Sanzoku Ippa clan leaves a lasting impression as villains designed without historical constraints, giving developers creative freedom to make them distinct and memorable. Each boss encounter carries unique gimmicks, from pursuit sequences to investigative challenges, ensuring battles feel different from typical Assassin’s Creed fights. The creativity and personality in enemy design add depth and variety that elevate the overall experience.

Combat gains new flair with the introduction of the Bo Staff, Naoe’s signature weapon. Its long reach, fluid combos, and unique Posture Attack system bring speed and versatility to her playstyle. The Bo Staff also unlocks three new skills and enables Chain Assassination for seamless multi-kills, making her gameplay sharper and more dynamic. Yasuke also receives a new skill for his arsenal, which while modest compared to Naoe’s upgrades, still adds enjoyable variety to his combat approach.

Overall, Assassin’s Creed Shadows: Claws of Awaji succeeds as a worthwhile expansion. Its gripping story, atmospheric tension, and shift in gameplay perspective keep the experience engaging. The creative villain design, new weapon system, and expanded skills ensure combat feels reinvigorated. While not every boss gimmick is groundbreaking, the DLC stands as a solid addition to the series. Based on this playthrough, it deserves a strong 8 out of 10, though individual impressions may vary depending on playstyle and expectations.

Ubisoft has once again shown that Assassin’s Creed can still surprise with bold design choices, and this DLC reminds fans why the franchise continues to thrive. If the series embraces more risks like these in the future, it could reach new heights of creativity and excitement for SEA gamers and beyond.