The highly anticipated Assassin’s Creed Shadows, developed by Ubisoft Quebec, launched on March 20, 2025, with all the pomp and circumstance fans have come to expect from the storied franchise. Set in feudal Japan, the game promised a breathtaking open-world experience featuring dual protagonists—Naoe, a stealthy shinobi, and Yasuke, a historical Black samurai—along with a refined combat system and deeper narrative choices. However, just hours after its release, the game has found itself at the center of a social media storm, not for its ambitious scope or stunning visuals, but for a barrage of bugs and what many are calling “cringe-inducing” romance scenes. Clips of these moments have gone viral, sparking mockery, memes, and heated debates across platforms like X and YouTube. What went wrong with Ubisoft’s latest stab at the Assassin’s Creed legacy? Let’s dive into the chaos.

A Rocky Launch: Bugs Take Center Stage

From the moment players stepped into the beautifully crafted landscapes of 16th-century Japan, it became clear that Assassin’s Creed Shadows was not without its flaws. Early adopters reported a litany of technical hiccups, ranging from minor graphical glitches to outright game-breaking bugs. NPCs have been spotted floating mid-air, clipping through walls, or engaging in bizarre animations—like a samurai perpetually swinging his katana at nothing. One particularly viral clip shows Yasuke attempting a stealth takedown, only for the enemy to teleport five feet away, leaving the samurai awkwardly stabbing the air. The caption on X? “Assassin’s Creed: Shadows or Assassin’s Creed: Glitches? 😂”

These issues aren’t entirely new for Ubisoft. Previous titles like Assassin’s Creed Unity famously launched with a host of bugs, including the infamous “faceless Arno” glitch. Fans had hoped the studio would learn from past mistakes, especially given the three-year development cycle for Shadows. Yet, as clips of horses galloping upside-down or Naoe getting stuck in a tree trunk spread like wildfire, it’s evident that polish was not the priority. Some players argue it’s par for the course with open-world games of this scale, pointing to titles like Cyberpunk 2077, which eventually recovered from a disastrous launch. Others, however, see it as a sign of Ubisoft rushing to meet deadlines, especially amid the company’s recent financial struggles.

The bugs aren’t just funny—they’re disruptive. One player recounted a mission where an NPC ally refused to move, forcing a restart after 20 minutes of progress. Another clip shows a cutscene interrupted by Yasuke’s cape inexplicably catching fire, turning a dramatic moment into unintentional comedy. Posts on X reflect a mix of amusement and frustration: “Ubisoft said ‘stealth is improved,’ but my shinobi just fell through the map. 10/10 immersion,” one user quipped. As of March 20, 2025, Ubisoft has yet to release an official statement addressing these issues, though a day-one patch is rumored to be in the works.

The Romance Debacle: Cringe or Creative Misstep?

While the bugs have provided plenty of laughs, it’s the game’s romance system that’s drawing the most ire—and cringe—from players. Assassin’s Creed Shadows promised “more developed relationships” compared to the fleeting flings of Odyssey and Valhalla. Players can choose romantic partners for both Naoe and Yasuke, ranging from brief sparks to long-term bonds, with options for heterosexual and same-sex relationships. On paper, it’s a bold step forward for a franchise that’s historically treated romance as a side dish. In execution, however, it’s become a lightning rod for criticism.

The dialogue is the primary culprit. Clips circulating online showcase lines that feel ripped from a low-budget soap opera. In one scene, Yasuke flirts with Ibuki, a non-binary character, saying, “Your sword shines brighter than the moon—much like your spirit.” The delivery is stilted, the voice acting flat, and the camera lingers awkwardly as Ibuki responds, “And your strength warms me like the sun.” X users wasted no time: “Did Ubisoft hire a Wattpad writer for this? I’m crying 😂💀.” Another viral moment features Naoe and a character named Gennojo at Lover’s Lake, where she says, “Your heart beats like the drums of war,” prompting a collective groan from viewers. “This is why I stick to assassinations,” one commenter lamented.

The romance options themselves are optional, a fact Ubisoft has emphasized in response to past feedback about forced narratives. In canon mode—a new feature that strips away player choice for a linear story—no romances occur at all. Yet, for those who opt in, the execution feels half-baked. Unlike Mass Effect or Baldur’s Gate 3, where relationships evolve organically through meaningful interactions, Shadows relies on a handful of “flirt” prompts (marked with a heart icon) that lead to abrupt “intimate moments.” One clip shows Yasuke choosing “Meeting you was my reward” after a side quest, only for the scene to fade to black with no follow-up. “Where’s the buildup? Where’s the chemistry?” a YouTuber asked, echoing a common sentiment.

The inclusion of same-sex romance has also reignited culture war debates, though much of the mockery transcends ideology. Some clips exaggerate the awkwardness for outrage clicks, with titles like “Assassin’s Creed Shadows CRINGE Goes Viral!” racking up views. Others defend the intent, noting that the historical Yasuke’s sexuality is unknown, leaving room for creative license. “It’s a game, not a history textbook,” one X user argued. Still, the consensus is that the problem isn’t the diversity—it’s the writing. Even fans excited for representation admit the scenes feel forced, with one calling it “a noble idea drowned in cringe.”

Viral Fallout: Memes and Mockery

The combination of bugs and romance blunders has turned Assassin’s Creed Shadows into an internet punching bag. YouTube channels like Vara Dark and Endymion have capitalized on the chaos, posting videos with titles like “Assassin’s Creed Shadows RUTHLESSLY Mocked” and “Clips Go Viral—And They’re Embarrassing!” These breakdowns dissect every glitch and awkward line, often with exaggerated thumbnails of Yasuke facepalming or Naoe stuck in a wall. On X, hashtags like #ACShadowsCringe and #UbisoftBugs are trending, with users sharing their own clips alongside captions like “Stealth: 100. Romance: 0.”

The mockery isn’t limited to players. Streamer FightinCowboy went viral with a rant slamming the outrage culture surrounding the game, saying, “The quality of my morning shit had a bigger impact on my day than you being upset about this.” His frustration resonates with those tired of every release becoming a battleground, yet it hasn’t stopped the meme machine. One popular edit pairs the Yasuke-Ibuki romance scene with Curb Your Enthusiasm music, while another shows Naoe’s bugged stealth fail synced to a laugh track.

Silver Linings Amid the Storm

Despite the roasting, Assassin’s Creed Shadows isn’t without its defenders. Many praise the game’s visuals—lush cherry blossoms, misty mountains, and dynamic seasons that shift the world’s look and feel. Combat is another highlight, blending the fluidity of Odyssey with brutal finishers that make every strike satisfying. Stealth, too, has been lauded for its depth, with Naoe’s gadgets and Yasuke’s brute-force approach offering varied playstyles. “Bugs aside, this is the Japan I’ve dreamed of exploring,” one player posted on X, reflecting a sentiment that the core experience still shines through the cracks.

The soundtrack, composed by a team including Japanese artists, has also earned acclaim for its atmospheric blend of traditional instruments and modern flair. Posts like “Say what you want about the romances, but this OST is 🔥” suggest that not every aspect of Shadows is a punchline. Even some romance defenders argue it’s a step forward, if imperfect. “It’s optional, it’s there for flavor—why the meltdown?” a commenter asked, pointing to the series’ history of lighthearted flings.

Ubisoft’s Next Move

As of today, March 20, 2025, Assassin’s Creed Shadows is a paradox: a technical marvel marred by missteps, a bold narrative experiment undercut by execution. Ubisoft faces a pivotal moment. A swift patch could address the bugs, restoring faith in the game’s potential. The romance system, however, may be harder to fix—its issues are rooted in design and writing, not just code. For now, the viral clips keep coming, and the internet’s roasting shows no signs of slowing down.

Will Shadows recover like No Man’s Sky or fade into infamy like Anthem? Only time—and Ubisoft’s response—will tell. For now, players are left with a game that’s equal parts breathtaking and baffling, a samurai epic where the biggest enemy might just be a glitchy NPC or a poorly timed pickup line. As one X user put it: “Assassin’s Creed Shadows: Come for the stealth, stay for the unintentional comedy. 🎭”