Summary
- Despite initial criticism, Assassin’s Creed Shadows offers an original story and gameplay mechanics.
- The upcoming Claws of Awaji DLC expansion introduces a historical and mythological setting.
- Awaji Island’s strategic location and history in the 16th century will enrich the game’s narrative in the DLC.
Assassin’s Creed Shadows has been off to a great start despite facing plenty of criticism leading up to its release, proving its rendition of feudal Japan to be a worthwhile adventure alongside its original story, innovative gameplay mechanics, and two brand-new protagonists. While the main narrative of Assassin’s Creed Shadows is a memorable experience, it will be adding an expansion to that narrative later on in the year that will take players to Awaji Island in a DLC addition called “Claws of Awaji.”
The upcoming Claws of Awaji expansion for Assassin’s Creed Shadows introduces protagonists Naoe and Yasuke to Awaji Island, a location that has both historical and mythological significance and is therefore expected to enrich the game’s narrative. While the story for Assassin’s Creed Shadows‘ Claws of Awaji DLC sees Naoe and Yasuke embarking on a mission to reclaim a lost treasure while being relentlessly pursued by the Sanzoku Ippa, a new faction, Awaji Island’s history will likely play a major role in the DLC’s broader narrative, as it was one of the most strategic locations in 16th-century Japan.
Related
Assassin’s Creed Shadows’ Dual Protagonists Atone for Syndicate’s Sins
Assassin’s Creed Shadows’ Naoe and Yasuke effectively make up for one major shortcoming of Assassin’s Creed Syndicate’s dual protagonists.
The History of Awaji Island in Relation to Assassin’s Creed Shadows
Awaji Island’s Strategic Location Made Controlling It Paramount
Awaji Island was one of the most important locales in feudal Japan, due to the time period’s constant military conflict and shifting alliances between feudal lords and what the island had to offer in the midst of that strife. Located in the Seto Inland Sea between Honshu and Shikoku, Awaji Island was geographically critical to those who were looking to gain the upper hand in the conflict. It sat along the Inland Sea trade routes, controlling access between the Kansai region (Kyoto/Osaka) and Shikoku. Ultimately, this made it valuable to any warlord hoping to control sea traffic or launch coastal campaigns.
Early in Assassin’s Creed Shadows‘ Sengoku period, Awaji Island was warred over by several local clans. It eventually fell under the influence of the Miyoshi clan, which was based in the Kinai region and rose to power in the mid-1500s. The Miyoshi then used their power over Awaji Island to reinforce their control of maritime routes. On Shikoku Island nearby, the Chosokabe clan, led by Chosokabe Motochika, became the dominant force in the latter half of the Sengoku period. While their focus was more directly on Shikoku itself, Awaji Island’s proximity made it a considerable benefit to their naval and political maneuvers.
Awaji Island was one of the most important locales in 16th-century Japan, due to the time period’s constant military conflict and shifting alliances between feudal lords and what the island had to offer in the midst of that strife.
As Oda Nobunaga and later Toyotomi Hideyoshi unified central Japan, they pushed into the Inland Sea to gain control of the area. After Nobunaga’s death in 1582, Hideyoshi continued that pursuit until he had taken control of Awaji Island, along with other key coastal and island regions. Awaji was also near the territory of various kaizoku (pirate) clans, with the most famous of those being the Murakami. Although they didn’t directly rule Awaji, these pirate lords still heavily influenced the area through trade, raiding, and alliances. Hideyoshi eventually eliminated many of them during his campaigns.
Awaji Island’s Role in Assassin’s Creed Shadows’ Claws of Awaji DLC
With its strategic importance and rich history, Awaji Island will likely be more than just a change of scenery in Assassin’s Creed Shadows‘ Claws of Awaji DLC. As Naoe and Yasuke continue their journey through the political discourse of Japan’s Sengoku period and face the new threat of the Sanzoku Ippa, players can expect a DLC that not only expands the base game’s world but also enhances its connection to real-world history. While very little is known about the DLC’s story at this point, players can expect more from Toyotomi Hideyoshi, considering his involvement in Assassin’s Creed Shadows‘ story, as well as with Awaji Island.
- Released
-
March 20, 2025
- ESRB
-
Mature 17+ // Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Language
Source link