I kind of messed up, guys. In assuming that Assassin's Creed Shadows would be like the series' past RPG entries – think the largely inconsequential player decisions in Valhalla and Odyssey, for example – I discovered that it's possible to be such a stubborn, vengeful asshole that recruitable allies refuse to join your cause.

With the best armor in Assassin’s Creed Shadows, Yasuke and Naoe become nearly invincible. As you explore feudal Japan, you’ll find many fabulous body armors, helmets, robes, and headbands, but some are worth wearing more than others — and we’re not just talking about looks.

After years of trending toward bombastic action, Shadows points toward a future where Assassin’s Creed continues to live up to its name — and hopefully creates scenarios to make players feel like the titular leads, rather than god-like warriors.