Yasuke, the first foreign samurai, offers an unusual perspective on feudal Japan. Ubisoft’s choice to include a black protagonist in this setting, which has caused a great deal of controversy.

Ubisoft has officially revealed the latest installment in their series, Assassin’s Creed Shadows. This new game transports players to the brutal and fascinating world of Feudal Japan, set during the Sengoku period. The era, known for its intense civil wars and power struggles, provides a rich backdrop for the game’s narrative.

The trailer for Assassin’s Creed Shadows, released on May 15, introduces us to two compelling protagonists: Naoe and Yasuke. Naoe, a female shinobi, embodies the classic stealth and agility that fans of the series have come to love.

Yasuke, on the other hand, is a historical figure brought to life in this game. Often referred to as “the African samurai,” Yasuke’s journey from being a commoner to a samurai in the service of Oda Nobunaga is nothing short of extraordinary. The game showcases his brutal fighting style, wielding a kanabō war club to crush his enemies, contrasting sharply with Naoe’s stealthy approach. Their paths cross in a pivotal moment where Naoe convinces Yasuke to defy his lord’s orders and forge his own destiny, setting the stage for a united front against the oppressive lords of Japan.

Yasuke’s inclusion as a protagonist has sparked significant discussion and controversy online. Born in Africa, Yasuke was believed to have been trafficked as a child slave. He later gained his freedom and traveled across Asia with the Jesuits, eventually arriving in Japan in 1579. By 1581, he had entered the service of Oda Nobunaga, renowned for his exceptional height and strength. Yasuke’s journey continued even after Nobunaga’s forced seppuku in 1582, where Yasuke survived and escaped the ambush that led to his lord’s death.

Despite Yasuke’s fascinating history, his portrayal in Assassin’s Creed Shadows has led to heated debates among fans, particularly regarding the authenticity of his samurai status. On the day of the game’s reveal, Yasuke’s Wikipedia page saw over 50 edits, reflecting the contentious nature of this topic. Some fans argue that these edits are attempts to undermine the significance of Yasuke as a playable historical figure, while others debate the accuracy of his depiction as a samurai.

People are now throwing around the Yasuke wikipedia page, saying that it states "Despite modern depictions, Yasuke was not considered a full samurai"
Thankfully, we can use Wikipedia's "view history" feature to look at the previous versions of the article. Uh oh! https://t.co/qQFWBmtXTy pic.twitter.com/G4lHQ9XzlX

— Salamander, The Slayer of Somerton (@Sallymander40k) May 16, 2024

The game looks to deliver a captivating experience, blending historical intrigue with the series’ signature gameplay. The contrasting playstyles of Naoe and Yasuke offer players diverse approaches to tackling the game’s challenges, from stealthy infiltration to all-out combat, we’ll find out more when the games comes out on November 15, 2024.