AC Shadows and LaD: Ishin are similar yet very different, so which one comes out on top?

Shadows is full of real historical characters and grounded storytelling.

They both have great things going for them, but lets see how they stack up against each other.

Circle image of Assassin’s Creed Shadows and Like a Dragon: Ishin.

It was built specifically for current-gen consoles with all of the current technological trends, and it really shows.

The lighting is stunning, and the character models look great.

Its even more impressive with its season system that completely changes how areas look and feel.

Split image of The Last Samurai, Marco Polo and Ran.

The art direction is just stunning and holds up extremely well.

The characters are mysterious and very interesting, with great designs, especially for the bosses.

Its not open-world, but thats what actually really helps this game.

Naoe on top of a tree, Naoe performing a double assassination, and a bell, from Assassin’s Creed Shadows.

Youre always moving forward through these dense and carefully crafted places like forests, castles, and mountain paths.

Each area feels mysterious and immersive, especially with the mythical creatures lurking around.

These movies and TV shows have the essence of Japanese storytelling.

Assassin’s Creed Shadows and Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice.

4Game Design

Sekiro has an impressive game design that is far more absorbing.

This makes the game feel tight and polished.

The world is really well-designed too, as levels have lots of verticality, hidden paths, and shortcuts.

The landscape shown when looking at the Viewpoint at the Amagasaki Castle in Assassin’s Creed Shadows.

You feel rewarded for exploring but never overwhelmed.

Assassins Creed Shadows, on the other hand, leans a lot more into the usual Ubisoft formula.

Compared to Sekiros lean and mean design, Shadows feels a bit bloated.

Sekiro- Priest Boss Fight on the Cherry Blossom Bridge.

3Exploration

Assassins Creed Shadows has a huge world that feels worth exploring.

Sekiros world is smaller and more linear, but its also packed with secrets.

FromSoftware hides stuff in every corner, such as worthwhile items and even NPC questlines.

Sekiro screenshot of Wolf overlooking snowy mountains.

2Combat

Sekiros combat is very intense and difficult.

Every fight feels like a duel where timing matters more than anything.

Once you get the hang of it, though, it feels amazingly rewarding and satisfying.

Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice - The Guardian Ape sitting down.

In comparison, Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice is just on another level.

It was one of the absolute best games of 2019 for a reason.

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Waterfalls in the hideout base with a tree leaning over the lake in Assassin’s Creed Shadows.

Sekiro screenshot of Wolf about to stab an enemy on the ground.

Sekiro screenshot of Wolf amidst burning landscape.

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sekiro: shadows die twice