Assassin’s Creed Shadows marks a bold departure for the franchise, taking players into the vibrant and tumultuous world of feudal Japan during the Azuchi-Momoyama period. This new entry introduces two distinct playable characters: Naoe, a stealthy shinobi Assassin, and Yasuke, an African samurai inspired by a fascinating historical figure.
The game quickly became the center of controversy when Twitter owner Elon Musk publicly criticized Assassin’s Creed Shadows as a “terrible game” during an exchange with streamer Hasan Piker. Musk went further, calling Piker a “fraud” and “sell-out” for promoting the game.
Ubisoft’s response became a viral sensation. The official Assassin’s Creed account clapped back with a sharp retort, asking Musk, “Is that what the guy playing your Path of Exile 2 account told you?”—a nod to previous allegations that Musk had used account-boosting services in other games.
The exchange quickly turned into a cultural touchstone, with many internet users siding with Ubisoft. One comedian humorously remarked, “The real assassins were the social media managers we met along the way,” reflecting the public’s enjoyment of the witty social media takedown.
Meanwhile, former UFC middleweight champion Robert Whittaker weighed in with his own unfiltered critique of Assassin’s Creed Shadows, offering a perspective that deviates from typical gaming discourse.
During a recent podcast appearance, Whittaker shared his straightforward views on gaming, mirroring the directness of his fighting style. “I don’t like sneaky boys. I don’t like sneaking through the shadows like a coward. I’m more of a look-you-in-the-eye, kill-you sort of fella,” he said, making it clear that stealth-focused gameplay isn’t his thing.
Whittaker’s critique went beyond personal preference, addressing core aspects of the game’s mechanics. “If it’s the same formula as Valhalla, I didn’t like the combat, I didn’t like a lot of things,” he added, signaling a deeper dissatisfaction with the game’s design.
Despite critiques like Whittaker’s, Assassin’s Creed Shadows has enjoyed remarkable commercial success. Ubisoft reported an impressive two million players within the first 48 hours of release, marking the second-highest day-one sales revenue in the franchise’s history.
However, Whittaker’s gaming tastes aren’t entirely dismissive. He also expressed enthusiasm for a potential remake of Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag. “I am waiting for ‘Black Flag’… I’ll play that first. I like the idea of being a pirate, raiding people,” he said, revealing a clear preference for more direct, confrontational gameplay styles.
This anticipation aligns with industry rumors suggesting that a Black Flag remake could be in development, potentially featuring enhanced ecosystems and updated combat mechanics.
The Assassin’s Creed franchise continues to evolve, proving that its ability to stir discussion is just as robust as its commercial success. Whether players are sneaking through shadows or charging head-on into battle, the gaming world remains a dynamic and multifaceted ecosystem.
As for Whittaker, he’ll likely keep a close eye on future releases, hoping for a game that aligns with his bold, direct approach to both fighting and gaming.
A former capoeira instructor turned biohacking enthusiast, Gio spent his early years bouncing between São Paulo and Miami before settling in Austin. With a master’s in sports physiology and a penchant for experimenting with traditional Brazilian herbs, he’s become Rude Vulture’s go-to expert on movement optimization and plant-based performance enhancement. When not writing about the intersection of martial arts and ancestral living, he runs an underground fight gym where participants are required to follow strict circadian rhythm protocols.