Despite a the hate that surrounded Assassin’s Creed Shadows at launch, the game did receive a lot of praise from the player base post launch.
While there wasn’t a lot of excitement for the DLC, it’s still managed to add a fair bit of content, and has expanded on the playstyle that we were familiar with, in the base game.
The DLC adds around 10 hours to the overall gameplay, with a storyline that picks up from where you left off in the main campaign. So, the game ensures that you complete the main storyline before you venture out into the Awaji island.
Claws of Awaji’s Story Wrapped Up Assassin’s Creed Shadows Well
If you’ve already completed the main storyline, then you’ll know that the base game ends with a major plotline being unexplored.
Claws of Awaji rectifies that well by bringing Naoe’s mother into the picture finally. Additionally, she and Yasuke are also on the trail of the final artifact which can ensure peace to Japan.
It’s all well and good, and with this DLC, it feels like the game finally has an ending worth considering, but it still lacks something.
The story still doesn’t feel fleshed out enough, and the developers had a bit more room when it comes to exploring with both Naoe and Yasuke. The way they chose to tell the story is slightly weird, but well, atleast they’ve wrapped up the plot points.
It’s not flashy, and doesn’t have too many twists included either. So, you won’t have any hidden surprises. Overall, Ubisoft could’ve put a bit more effort into the storyline. It’s not exactly dull, but I wouldn’t call it too amazing either.
While the Story Doesn’t Shine Enough, the Combat in Assassin’s Creed Shadows Holds Its Ground
Assassin’s Creed Shadows promised that the combat loop would be fun, and they delivered. They’ve held on to pretty much the same formula with the Claws of Awaji DLC too.
With the new DLC, both Naoe and Yasuke get new skills, but they’re not exactly very spicy. Not just that, you already have the skills you need to take on any and every enemy that you come across on Awaji island.
Naoe also gets her hands on the Bo Staff, a new weapon with which you can beat your enemies to pulp. The combat moves are a bit flashy yes, but it’s not as fun as using a Kusarigama or a Tanto.
Unfortunately, Santa doesn’t come for Yasuke in Claws of Awaji, but it’s not like he needs any more weapons to begin with. When it comes to the main boss fights in the story, Yasuke gets most of the attention.
The Environment Steals the Show in the Claws of Awaji DLC
Although Awaji island isn’t as huge as the mainland in the base game, it’s still equally impressive. The changing weather patterns and the different environment locales are absolutely stunning, no matter when you’re experiencing them.
Additionally, the storyline and the characters seem to be very intricately tied with the environment too. While exploration remains the same, you’ll still have to actively seek out sidequests. This particular feature, in my opinion, makes the gameplay a bit more interesting.
When you get to Awaji Island, you’ll ultimately have to defeat the Templar, but to get to her, you’ll need to defeat three of her lieutenants. All three lieutenants have their unique characteristics, and affect the Awaji island in their unique ways for as long as they’re alive.
Not much has changed in the overall visuals or the audio effects that you experience as you progress through the story.
While certain DLC scores tend to deviate from what you would see in the base game, Assassin’s Creed Shadows: Claws of Awaji retains that identity from the base game.
It is visually appealing and the combat continues to be flashy enough to compliment the overall tone of the game without feeling overdone or repetitive.
In Conclusion
Assassin’s Creed Shadows: Claws of Awaji is a well-made DLC. Although its story is somewhat bland, it still makes up for that with how the characters affect the environment as you progress through the story.
Yes, it’s not as great as the Ezio trilogy, but it’s definitely better than the experience in Mirage. It’s difficult to say if the franchise will return to its glory days anytime soon, but Claws of Awaji is a step in the right direction.
Reviewed on: PC
Code Provided By: Ubisoft
