Yasuke’s role in Assassin’s Creed Shadows isn’t as out of place as fans think. Discover how non-Assassin protagonists have shaped the franchise.

It’s no secret that Assassin’s Creed Shadows has been surrounded by controversy since its announcement. While some backlashes are warranted and even prompted delays from Ubisoft to make changes, there’s one specific backlash regarding Yasuke that feels like an unnecessary complaint.

Players are complaining about one of the protagonists not being an assassin.| Image Credit: Ubisoft

The backlash in question? Yasuke not being an assassin and, therefore, shouldn’t be the lead character in an AC game. While at first, this reaction seems understandable, it’s actually unfair to single out Yasuke for being one, especially when there is a history of non-Assassin protagonists in the series.

Assassin’s Creed has a long history of outsider heroes

Players forget that AC has a history of outsider protagonists. | Image Credit: Ubisoft

First off, let’s address the elephant in the room: Yasuke not being an Assassin isn’t exactly new territory for Assassin’s Creed fans. This is a franchise that has consistently embraced and placed a variety of outsider protagonists into situations where they don’t necessarily belong. And that’s part of what makes their stories so compelling.

Let’s be clear: Shadows has various issues, but saying Yasuke is not suited just because he is a samurai and not an assassin seems like a bit of a double standard. The series has consistently moved away from the idea that every protagonist must be an assassin or connected to brotherhood from the start.

The prime example is Eivor from Valhalla. She isn’t an Assassin at the start of the game and even refuses the invitation to join the Brotherhood at first. This plot choice wasn’t met with the same level of outcry. Why? Because the journey was about her own growth.

Let’s not forget Edward Kenway from Black Flag. Edward is a pirate with no ties to the Assassins. In fact, he spends almost the entirety of the game helping both the Assassins and the Templars for personal gain. He only comes to embrace the Assassins’ cause much later in the game.

In fact, the most compelling protagonists in the series have often been those who aren’t necessarily Assassins, at least not initially. Players connected to their stories because it was about personal growth, choices, and the pursuit of justice.

Why Yasuke fits into the AC legacy

There is always more to the character than just being an assassin. | Image Credit: Ubisoft

Yasuke’s role as the protagonist in Shadows might initially seem like a departure from the series’ usual formula, but in reality, he fits perfectly within the broader Assassin’s Creed legacy of complex, multi-faceted characters.

While he may not be an Assassin himself, at least not at the start (you never know), there’s another key figure in the game who will be: Naoe. She could be the one who brings the larger and more familiar conflict between Assassins and Templars to the game.

While details about the story are still sparse (and it’s likely Ubisoft is holding back spoilers), it’s not a stretch to assume that Naoe’s actions will help set the stage for a deeper exploration of these age-old factions.

The dynamic between Yasuke and Naoe will likely bring a fresh take on the conflict, showing different approaches to justice and power. Yasuke, as a samurai, might struggle with the idea of joining an established order, while Naoe’s role could provide a clearer representation of the Assassins’ ideals.

In typical AC fashion, these contrasts often lead to intriguing gameplay and story dynamics. So before dismissing the protagonist for not being the assassin, players should take a step back and look at the legacy of the series (not just create backlash for not liking other aspects of the character).

In the end, it’s likely that Shadows will never be controversial-free due to the developer’s certain choices, but players should at least acknowledge Yasuke’s journey as the latest in a long line of complex, outsider heroes.