Unveiled: Why You Should Play Assassin’s Creed Shadows in Canon Mode

by

In “Assassin’s Creed: Shadow’s” Canonical Mode, you experience the game with a narrative that adheres to the intended storyline. This mode restricts some player freedom, but its primary appeal lies in its simplicity.

Essentially, Canon Mode ensures that this installment of the extended Assassin’s Creed series adheres strictly to its main storyline. Consequently, the choices made by characters like Yasuke and Naoe will align with the established sequence of events, rather than diverging from it.

From my perspective, Shadows seems to resonate with games like Mirage and some of the earlier Assassin’s Creed titles, where the narrative is primarily presented to you. If you’re accustomed to games such as Mass Effect, Avowed, or The Witcher, which thrive on player choices shaping the story, you might find this approach a bit unexpected. However, don’t let that discourage you, because it’s undeniably the most engaging way to experience the game, and it’s definitely worth diving into!

The case for Canon

Initially, you might have intended to play Shadows in the standard mode, adjusting the storyline according to your preferred gameplay style, morals, and understanding of the characters’ actions. However, such modifications may lead to outcomes that are not in line with the established narrative, and hence, an alternate ending that doesn’t align with the canonical storyline might result.

As a devotee, surrendering to Canon Mode felt like embracing a live-by-the-sword, die-by-the-sword approach. It stripped me of the burden to always play the hero and make calculated moves, instead, it allowed me to accept each moment as destiny unfolding.

At times, you might find yourself leaning towards one path rather than another, perhaps drawn by the potential benefits, ease, and possibly the allure of being a stealthy ninja (shinobi) instead of a noble samurai. However, this choice may come at a cost, but it’s a price that could be worthwhile. Regardless of your level of fandom for Assassin’s Creed, there’s value in simply relaxing and appreciating the well-told narrative.

Ultimately, this approach enhances the game’s immersive quality and keeps the focus on the intricate narrative, eliminating the need to ponder which tea ceremony pot to select. This simplifies the gaming experience, making it easier to comprehend and enjoy, all while minimizing decisions that could significantly alter the game’s outcome.

Besides this, the intricate and complex storyline of Assassin’s Creed can already be perplexing without adding more choices. Consequently, novice players might find it helpful to follow a clear narrative trajectory, particularly if they’re embarking on the entire series. It’s important to note that the games occasionally intersect, and making a non-canonical choice could result in conflicting timelines.

If you’re deeply invested in the centuries-long conflict between the Templars and Assassins, and are intrigued by the historical events in 16th century Japan, then consider playing Assassin’s Creed Shadows in Canon Mode. This mode allows you to overlook your actions during gameplay as they unfold, enhancing your experience with an added layer of immersion. Keep in mind that in this mode, ‘nothing is true, and everything is permitted’, meaning the choices aren’t yours to make.

Read More

2025-03-20 23:19