The Gaming Event of 2025

In the gaming realm, few titles are as hotly debated as Assassin's Creed Shadows, the standout game of 2025. With its recent release, discussions have been buzzing, even finding a dedicated thread on the Polygon Slack channel for fans to dissect every detail. But amidst my progress updates, I underestimated how my peculiar gaming habits would stir the pot.

Unlocking Yasuke: A Journey in Patience

After 26 hours of gameplay, I triumphantly announced that I had unlocked Yasuke, one of the game’s protagonists. The moment my colleagues saw my update, a flood of responses followed. "How could it take you that long?" was the burning question. While some players reach this milestone in as little as 10 to 20 hours, I took a scenic detour through feudal Japan.

The Distracted Gamer

My gameplay style? Let’s just say it's not conventional. Easily distracted by the plethora of side quests and houses to infiltrate, I found myself losing track of time. With complex stealth mechanics alluringly designed to cater to my perfectionist streak, I often succumbed to the urge to save and reload my progress repeatedly, a habit that severely extended my playtime.

Feudal Japan Awaits

Set in 1579 during the Sengoku period, Assassin's Creed Shadows offers a rich playground filled with castles and hidden treasures. Rather than sticking to the main missions, I immersed myself in exploring this fascinating realm. Each castle I infiltrated presented a blend of intense stealth and exploration, demanding a strategic approach to overcome its guards.

A Unique Infiltration Process

Let me break down my castle infiltration strategy for you: 1. Find a way across the initial moat. 2. Silently eliminate guards, transitioning locations to gather loot. 3. Encounter unexpected challenges, like being spotted, and adapt. 4. Get sidetracked by loot chests – who can resist a shiny reward? 5. Finally, locate and eliminate the last samurai, ensuring I’m rewarded for my efforts.

The Save Game Conundrum

My compulsive saving habits meant dedicating a minute to saving my game after nearly every engagement. In the absence of a quicksave feature, this multistep process made completing a single castle a one-hour endeavor, leaving some to wonder: is this madness or brilliance?

Finding Hope with Yasuke

After countless castles, I realized the repetitive gameplay was starting to wear thin, despite the thrill of stealth. Now, with Yasuke unlocked, I’m hopeful that playing a different character will shift my focus away from the familiar patterns I’ve developed. Yet, when it comes to the overarching story, my colleagues warn that it doesn’t promise much more excitement.

Taking It Slow: The Beauty of Virtual Sightseeing

Why rush through the story, anyway? Maybe it’s time for a change of pace—who says I can’t spend my time taking virtual snapshots? With stunning locations like Himeji Castle at my fingertips, there's a lot to explore. So, here's to more leisurely adventures in both gameplay and scenery!