**Assassin’s Creed Shadows: An Audacious New Chapter Featuring the Swiftest Assassin Thus Far**

The Assassin’s Creed series has consistently stood as a pillar of the gaming landscape, merging historical fascination with stealth-action gameplay. With the impending release of *Assassin’s Creed Shadows*, Ubisoft is set to unveil one of its most ambitious titles to date. Central to this fresh narrative is Naoe, a shinobi who has already garnered praise from both fans and critics. Creative director Jonathan Dumont recently disclosed that Naoe is the “swiftest Assassin we have ever created,” establishing an exciting gameplay experience that is unlike any seen in the series before.

### Naoe: The Swiftest Assassin in the Creed

In an exclusive chat with *Entertainment Weekly*, Dumont explored the distinctive traits of Naoe, emphasizing her unmatched speed and agility. “She runs incredibly fast, and she has various gadgets that enhance her stealth, minimizing the need for combat,” Dumont articulated. This design choice resonates with the long-held wish from fans for a ninja-themed Assassin’s Creed adventure, and Naoe exemplifies the quintessential stealthy shinobi figure.

Gamers will also have the chance to execute a “Naruto run” as Naoe, a fun homage to the widely popular anime series. This delightful detail highlights Ubisoft’s dedication to merging cultural allusions with inventive gameplay mechanics. Naoe’s speed and stealth-centric arsenal promise to transform how players tackle missions, presenting a novel interpretation of the core gameplay mechanics of the series.

### A Tale of Two Protagonists: Naoe and Yasuke

As Naoe’s swiftness and stealth characterize one aspect of *Assassin’s Creed Shadows*, the introduction of a dual-protagonist format presents a striking contrast with Yasuke, the other playable character. Yasuke, who draws inspiration from the historical African samurai in service to Oda Nobunaga, brings a vastly different style of gameplay. Depicted as a “massive, unstoppable tank,” Yasuke stands in stark opposition to Naoe’s graceful agility.

Dumont shared a humorous story about Yasuke’s unique take on the classic Leap of Faith. “He doesn’t perform the Leap of Faith. He just plummets into the haystack, and he feels it in his backside, too. So, it’s quite amusing,” Dumont remarked. This playful element adds personality to Yasuke, while his raw power and straightforward combat style appeal to players who enjoy a more action-packed experience.

The dual-protagonist framework not only provides varied gameplay styles but also enriches the storyline. Naoe and Yasuke symbolize two contrasting views on the game’s core themes of conflict, honor, and community. Their differing approaches to the Assassin’s Creed philosophy—stealth versus brawn—generate a dynamic narrative experience that is sure to keep players engrossed.

### Naoe’s Journey: A Shinobi’s Quest for Redemption

Beyond her gameplay dynamics, Naoe’s narrative is intricately woven with themes of revenge, family ties, and community. Dumont indicated that Naoe’s journey starts with a personal quest to uphold a promise made to her family. However, as she traverses a war-ravaged landscape, she begins to adopt the values her father instilled in her, ultimately aligning with the tenets of the Assassin Brotherhood.

“She will embark on a quest for vengeance or to fulfill a promise to her family,” Dumont shared. “As she navigates a world in turmoil, she starts to genuinely embrace the communal values her father taught her. Can she pave the way for a better world? [She realizes] there are those who cannot defend themselves, which closely aligns with the principles of the [Assassin] Brotherhood.”

This character-driven narrative brings emotional resonance to Naoe’s journey, rendering her more than just a proficient assassin. Her internal conflicts and development reflect the broader themes of the game, crafting a captivating arc that players can engage with deeply.

### A Fusion of Old and New

*Assassin’s Creed Shadows* strives to achieve a harmonious blend of the franchise’s traditional roots and its recent advancements. Dumont acknowledged the difficulty in satisfying a diverse fanbase that spans over 15 years. “Many players appreciate the early *Assassin’s* games for their stealth approach: concealing themselves in shadows and crowds. We also have a segment that prefers the more action-oriented experiences from *Odyssey*, *Origins*, and *Valhalla*,” he stated. “We aim to cater to both types of players while attempting not to overly dilute the elements they cherish.”

This balancing act is apparent in the game’s design. Naoe’s stealth-oriented gameplay harkens back to the series’ foundational days, whereas Yasuke’s action-driven style reflects the more modern RPG-inspired entries. By accommodating both gameplay styles, *Assassin’s Creed Shadows* aspires to capture the interest of both dedicated fans and newcomers.