The Assassin’s Creed franchise has come a long way since its inception, with each installment offering a unique blend of historical storytelling, open-world exploration, and immersive gameplay. From the original game set in the Holy Land during the Third Crusade to the latest entries, the series has seen its fair share of highs and lows. But one question that often arises among fans is: Which Assassin’s Creed game is the best? While opinions vary, the latest entry, Assassin’s Creed Shadows, has sparked a new debate: Should you play it in Japanese or English? This article delves into the game’s language options, voice acting, and the immersive experience it offers.
The Immersive Mode: A Unique Blend of Languages
One of the standout features of Assassin’s Creed Shadows is its aptly named Immersive Mode. This mode sets the voiceover language to Japanese while blending it with Portuguese dialog, aiming to create a more authentic and immersive experience. The idea is to transport players into the game’s world, making them feel as though they are truly part of the historical setting. However, the mode has raised some eyebrows due to its in-game description, which uses the word "locks." This has left some players apprehensive about enabling the option, fearing it might restrict their ability to switch languages later. Fortunately, this is not the case.
Japanese vs. English: Which Voice Acting is Better?
The voice acting in Assassin’s Creed Shadows is a topic of much discussion, particularly when it comes to the choice between Japanese and English. Both options have their merits, but the decision ultimately depends on the player’s preferences and tolerance for subtitles.
Japanese Voice Acting: A Standout Performance
The Japanese voice acting in Assassin’s Creed Shadows is nothing short of exceptional. The performances for the two main protagonists, Naoe and Yasuke, are particularly noteworthy. Naoe, a skilled shinobi, is voiced by Miyuri Shimabukuro, who brings a perfect balance of intensity and vulnerability to the character. Yasuke, the African samurai, is voiced by Yuichi Jose, whose deep, commanding voice adds gravitas to the role.
The supporting cast and NPCs are equally well-voiced, with each character feeling distinct and authentic. For players who understand Japanese or don’t mind reading subtitles, playing the game in its original language is highly recommended. The Japanese voice acting not only enhances the cultural authenticity but also adds an extra layer of immersion to the experience.
English Voice Acting: Solid but Occasionally Uneven
The English dub, while generally good, doesn’t quite reach the same level of consistency as the Japanese version. Tongayi Chirisa, the Zimbabwean actor who voices Yasuke, delivers a strong performance, capturing the character’s strength and complexity. Similarly, Masumi Tsunoda, who voices Naoe in English, does a commendable job.
However, the English dub occasionally falters with some NPCs, whose attempts at a Japanese accent can feel forced or unnatural. This can momentarily break the immersion, especially for players who are sensitive to voice acting quality. That said, the English dub is still a viable option for those who prefer to play without subtitles or are less familiar with Japanese.
Flexibility in Language Options
One of the most player-friendly features of Assassin’s Creed Shadows is the ability to change the voiceover language at any point during the game. Despite the wording in the options menu suggesting otherwise, players are not locked into their initial choice. This flexibility allows players to experiment with both language options and switch between them as they see fit. Additionally, the Immersive Mode can be enabled or disabled at any time, giving players full control over their experience.
Meet the Cast: Bringing Characters to Life
The voice acting in Assassin’s Creed Shadows is brought to life by a talented cast of actors, both in English and Japanese. Here’s a closer look at the main cast:
Character | English Voice Actor | Japanese Voice Actor |
---|
Naoe | Masumi Tsunoda | Miyuri Shimabukuro |
Yasuke | Tongayi Chirisa | Yuichi Jose |
- Tongayi Chirisa (Yasuke - English): Known for his role as Man Friday in NBC’s Crusoe series, Chirisa brings a commanding presence to Yasuke, perfectly embodying the character’s strength and resilience.
- Masumi Tsunoda (Naoe - English): Tsunoda’s portrayal of Naoe captures the character’sagility and emotional depth, making her a compelling protagonist.
- Miyuri Shimabukuro (Naoe - Japanese): Shimabukuro’s performance is a masterclass in voiceacting, blending Naoe’s fierce determination with moments ofvulnerability.
- Yuichi Jose (Yasuke -Japanese): Jose’s deep, resonant voice adds a layer of authenticity toYasuke, making him a memorable and impactful character.
Which Language Should You Choose?
The choice between Japanese and English ultimately comes down to personal preference. Here are some factors to consider:
Cultural Authenticity: If you’re looking for a more authentic experience, the Japanese voiceacting is the way to go. It enhances the game’s historical and culturalsetting, making the world feel more alive.Subtitles: If you don’t mind reading subtitles, the Japanese version offers a richer and more immersive experience.Convenience: For players who prefer to focus on gameplay without the distraction ofsubtitles, the English dub is a solid choice, despite its occasionalinconsistencies.Flexibility: Remember,you’re not locked into your initial choice. Feel free to switch betweenlanguages and experiment with Immersive Mode to find the setup thatworks best for you.Conclusion: A Game That Respects Player Choice
Assassin’s Creed Shadows continues the franchise’s tradition of delivering rich, immersiveexperiences while giving players the freedom to tailor their gameplay.Whether you choose to play in Japanese or English, the game’s stellarvoice acting and flexible language options ensure that every player canfind their ideal way to experience the story of Naoe and Yasuke. So,dive into the world of Assassin’s Creed Shadows, and let the voices of its characters guide you through a journey filled with intrigue, action, and historical wonder.
Platform(s): PlayStation 5 PS5, Xbox Series X|S, Microsoft Windows, Mac OS
Genre(s): Action role-playing
Developer(s): Ubisoft, Ubisoft Montreal, Ubisoft Quebec ·
Release date: March 20, 2025
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