Latest news with #Yasuke
Engadget
08-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Engadget
The best Prime Day gaming deals from laptops and peripherals to the latest video games
Summer is a great time to play games because no matter how hot it is outside, you can chill inside with your favorite titles and explore all sorts of virtual worlds. But even when you have a big backlog of titles to chew through, if your gaming machine and accessories aren't on point, it might feel like you aren't really maximizing your entertainment time. So in order to help you upgrade your gaming setup during Amazon Prime Day, we've combed through hundreds of products ranging from controllers to battery packs, headphones, monitors and more to figure out the best deals around. DRAGON QUEST III HD-2D Remake (PS5/Nintendo Switch) for $35 ($25 off) The Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake is a fantastic update to a truly wonderful JRPG classic. It features an updated HD-2D art style along with some nice quality-of-life changes and UI improvements. But at its core, it has the same great story and turn-based combat that set the world on fire back in 1988. And because the Switch 2 is backwards compatible, this could be a great title to play on Nintendo's latest handheld, though you can always opt for the PS5 version instead. $35 at Amazon Star Wars Outlaws - Limited Edition (Amazon Exclusive), PlayStation 5 for $29 ($30 off) At full price, this game was easy to skip. But now that it's available for just $29 (half off its normal retail price), Star Wars Outlaws suddenly becomes a lot more interesting for fans of the franchise. You get to live out your dreams of being an intergalactic scoundrel while taking down bounties or battling secret crime syndicates. And because this is the limited edition, the game includes some pre-order rewards like the Kessel Run bonus pack and the Rogue Infiltrator bundle. Assassin's Creed Shadows - Limited Edition for PS5/XBOX for $48 ($20 off) If you missed the latest entry in Ubisoft's most well-known franchise, this might be the time to jump in because for Prime Day, Assassin's Creed Shadows is available for $48, more than $20 off its regular retail price. This installment has you explore feudal Japan as either the shinobi Naoe or the legendary samurai Yasuke while encountering some notable figures from the time period. If all you want is a wonderful world to sneak around in, it's hard to go wrong with Assassin's Creed on a discount. ASUS ROG Strix G16 Gaming Laptop with RTX 4060 for $1360 ($340 off) While an RTX 4060 isn't the most powerful GPU on the market, getting a whole new laptop with solid specs for just $1,350 isn't something you can just ignore, especially if you're on a budget. This ROG Strix G16 comes with 16GB of RAM and 1TB of storage. And while its Intel Core i9-14900HX CPU is one generation old, it's still plenty fast enough for gaming, video editing or pretty much anything else you need to do. I also appreciate small features like a MUX switch that lets the laptop connect directly to the GPU for increased performance, though if you want, you can also enable automatic switching for better battery life. And with a 16-inch 240Hz QHD display with 100% DCI-P3 coverage, everything on screen is sure to look great. Corsair Vengeance RGB DDR5 RAM 32GB (2x16GB) RAM for $95 ($25 off) Adding some extra memory to your desktop can help unlock its full potential. So for Prime Day, Corsair is offering two 16GB sticks of its Vengeance DDR5 RAM for just $95. Not only do you get built-in RGB lighting, Corsair's onboard voltage regulation makes it simpler to overclock your system. And for those who don't want to mess around in BIOS settings, you can control almost everything from the easy-to-use free iCue app. Thermaltake GF1 (2024) Fully Modular ATX 850W Power Supply for $80 ($30 off, lowest ever price) Even though power supplies aren't the most exciting component you can put in your desktop, the importance of a good one can't be understated. For just $80, which is the lowest price we've seen to date for this product, the Thermaltake GF1 is fully modular (which means you can add or remove power cables as you need them) and has an ample max power of 850 watts along with an 80 Plus Gold rating for efficiency. And thanks to its 140mm fan, it should be pretty quiet so it won't cause a ruckus if you decide to play some games at night. Samsung 990 EVO Plus 2TB PCIe M.2 SSD for $120 ($57 off) If you're like me and are constantly running out of storage, this deal for one of Samsung's 990 EVO Plus 2TB M.2 SSDs is a fantastic way to add extra room on the cheap. With a 35% discount for Prime Day down to $120, this is the lowest price we've ever seen. And it's not like you're cutting corners on speed either, as the SSD supports both PCIe 4.0 x4 and PCIe 5.0 x2 and read/write rates of up to 7,250/6,300MB/s. AMD Ryzen 5 9600X 6-Core, 12-Thread Unlocked Processor for $165 ($110 off) The Ryzen 5 9600X isn't super flashy, but it's a really solid budget CPU. And now, it's even more affordable during Prime Day where it's going for just $165, which is $110 off its normal retail price. It features six cores and 12 total threads with a max boost speed of 5.4GHz and support for DDR5 RAM and PCIe Gen 5. It's also unlocked, so you have the freedom to overlock if you want. That said, you will need to buy a CPU cooler separately, as one doesn't come in the box. AMD Ryzen 9 9950X 16-Core, 32-Thread Unlocked Desktop Processor for $434 ($215 off) The biggest issue with the Ryzen 9 9950X CPU was that at launch, it was a bit overpriced. But during Prime Day, that problem is being addressed thanks to a $215 discount that brings its cost down to under $500. The CPU features 16 cores and 32 threads along with 80MB of cache and support for DDR5 RAM and PCIe Gen 5. However, like some of AMD's other processors on sale this week, you will need to get a CPU cooler separately. Razer Enki Gaming Chair for $450 ($50 off) If you're going to be spending all day in front of a screen gaming, you better make sure whatever you're sitting on is super comfy. And as I've been using the Razer Enki every day for the last four years, I can attest that this chair is worth the money. It has a ton of adjustability for things like the arm rests, seat height and more. For more flexible folks, it was even designed so people can sit cross-legged. I also appreciate that in homes where neon green might not fit your vibe, there's an all-black model (plus a pink one too, though that one is currently sold out). Elgato Stream Deck MK.2 for $120 ($30 off, lowest ever) If you've ever dreamed about becoming a gaming streamer or simply want some extra customizable controls for your PC, Elgato's Stream Deck MK.2 could make a great addition to your setup. It has 15 programmable macro keys with built-in LCD displays so you can make custom buttons for switching scenes, turning on lights and so much more. Elgato also has plugins for services like YouTube, Twitch, Discord, so it'll play nicely with all the major streaming platforms. In short, it's like a command center for all your content creation and livestreaming needs. Logitech G305 LIGHTSPEED Wireless Gaming Mouse for $30 ($20 off) The Logitech G305 Lightspeed gaming mouse is just a simple PC peripheral done well. And at just $30, it's super affordable during Prime Day too. It features six programmable buttons, compatibility with both PCs and Macs and a sensor with sensitivity of up to 12,000 DPI. Meanwhile, thanks to a battery that lasts up to 250 hours between charges, you can go weeks between needing to plug it in. And because it's wireless, there won't be any cords or cables to get in your way. 8BitDo Ultimate 2C Wireless Controller for Windows PC and Android for $21 ($9 off) If you just need an all-around solid gamepad for Windows or Android, it's hard to do better than 8BitDo's Ultimate 2C Wireless Controller — especially now that it's available for as little as $21 (depending on color) during Prime Day. Not only does it have precise Hall Effect joysticks, you also get a strong 2.4GHz wireless connection and BT support for added flexibility. The extra buttons for L4 and R4 are fully remappable and you can configure them without the need for additional software, which is a nice touch. 8BitDo Retro Mechanical Keyboard for $80 ($20 off) With its Retro Mechanical Keyboard, 8BitDo strikes a great balance between a nostalgic design and support for more modern features like wireless connectivity (both BT and 2.4GHz). There are several different versions to choose from, though the one inspired by the classic NES is the model I'd choose. The keyboard features an 87-key layout with PBT keycaps and Kailh Box switches, though because the PCB is hot swappable, you can always change them out for something else. Sony INZONE H9 Wireless Gaming Headset for $198 ($100 off) For anyone looking for a new pair of over-the-ear wireless gaming headphones to pair with a PS5, it's hard to do better than Sony's INZONE H9 headset. Not only does it have a similar design to the console, they are the only other headphones besides the official Pulse cans that support on-screen status notifications for volume, mic mute, game/chat balance and more. They also share a lot of the underlying tech used in Sony's iconic WH-1000XM line, so you'll get fantastic audio quality and active noise cancellation. But the best part is that at $198, you're looking at a serious discount of 34%, which is more than $100 off its regular retail price. Seagate Storage Expansion Card 2TB Solid State Drive for $210 ($20 off) Games are getting bigger every day, so if you need some extra storage for your Xbox Series S or X, you'd be silly not to pick up one of Seagate's 2TB Expansion Cards for just $210. That's enough room for a dozen or more digital titles (or like three versions of Call of Duty) and it's the biggest SSD storage module that slots into the back of the console without the need for a separate box. Razer Enki Gaming Chair for $450 ($50 off) If you're going to be spending all day in front of a screen gaming, you better make sure whatever you're sitting on is super comfy. And as I've been using the Razer Enki every day for the last four years, I can attest that this chair is worth the money. It has a ton of adjustability for things like the arm rests, seat height and more. For more flexible folks, it was even designed so people can sit cross-legged. I also appreciate that in homes where neon green might not fit your vibe, there's an all-black model (plus a pink one too, though that one is currently sold out). Amazon Basics UPS Battery Backup & Surge Protector 800VA/450W for $65 ($10 off) I'm not here to nag, but if you have a desktop PC, you really ought to consider adding a UPS (uninterruptible power supply) to your setup as they prevent power surges or momentary outages from knocking your system offline. Plus, this one has a beefy 450-watt battery backup and 12 outlets so you can connect all of your other PC gadgets to it. So if you're going to do the smart thing by adding some extra electrical protection to your home during Prime Day, you might as well save some money in the process. Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra (512GB) for 1,070 ($350 off) With Samsung's next Unpacked event expected to show off new foldables, it looks like some of the existing models are getting some serious discounts for Prime Day including the Galaxy S25 Ultra. And at $1,070, this is the lowest price we've seen for Samsung's current flagship phone yet. For gamers, thanks to its Snapdragon 8 Elite chip, the S25 Ultra offers some of the best performance you can get in a phone right now, while its built-in vapor chamber should help prevent throttling. Its 6.9-inch AMOLED display is also one of the best mobile screens on the market today. Google Pixel Tablet for $249 ($150 off, lowest price ever) The Pixel Tablet isn't meant to be a dedicated gaming device, but as something that can play casual titles (my current favorite is Sword of Convallaria ) while also offering some nifty smart home features, this is a great shared device that can live on your coffee table. Plus, at just $249, this is the lowest price we've seen for the Pixel Tablet yet. And if you go for Google's optional speaker dock, you get a well-rounded device for playing music, browsing the web or watching shows that you can easily carry from room to room. Razer Kishi Ultra for $100 ($50 off) Razer doesn't normally run a ton of deals for Prime Day, but it seems this year the company is making an exception as there are discounts on everything from gamepads to headsets and more. That said, one of the standout deals is for the Kishi Ultra gaming controller. On top of just being a well-built gamepad add-on for phones and tablets, its larger dimension and USB-C port means it works with a huge range of devices — both Android and iOS. This even includes more niche devices like foldables like the Galaxy Z Fold series, which often don't fit inside other mobile gamepads due to their unique design. Sony 85-Inch Class 4K Ultra HD BRAVIA 3 LED TV for $1,098 ($500 off) There's no better way to upgrade your living room gaming setup than with a brand new big ass TV. Granted, the Bravia 3 is one of Sony's entry-level models (fancier sets get higher numbers), but with a discounted price of $1,098 for a massive 85-inch panel, this deal represents one of the biggest screens you can get for the money. It also has Google TV built in, so you'll get a very simple and straightforward way to stream your favorite shows and movies from services like Netflix, HBO and more. But perhaps most importantly is that for PS5 owners, the Bravia 3 supports exclusive features when connected to a PS5 such as Auto HDR Tone Mapping and Auto Genre Picture mode. Alienware AW2725DF 26.7-inch OLED gaming monitor for $600 ($300 off) For anyone who has been waiting for prices of OLED gaming monitors to drop, this may be your chance to pounce on a great deal. That's because at $600, Alienware's 26.7-inch OLED display strikes a good balance between price and performance with a 360Hz refresh rate, 2560 x 1440 resolution and support for AMD FreeSync Premium Pro. And of course, you get those lovely pure blacks and vivid colors that OLED panels have become known for. Samsung Odyssey Neo G9 Series 57-inch 4K 240Hz 4K gaming for $1,600 ($700 off) This 57-inch monitor isn't for people with limited space. But if you've got the room, at $1,600, this is the lowest we've ever seen the Neo G9 as this deal represents a whopping $700 savings compared to its regular list price. This thing features a solid 240Hz refresh rate along with support for AMD FreeSync Premium Pro, a 1000R curve and Quantum mini LED tech with 2,392 local dimming zones. For people who love ultra-wide displays, this should be at the top of your upgrade list during Amazon Prime Day. UGREEN Magnetic Power Bank 10,000mAh fast charging battery pack for $20 ($15 off) The Switch 2 is a fantastic handheld, but its longevity could be better. So if you're planning to take it on a long trip, pick up UGREEN's 10,000mAH fast charging battery pack to help keep running when you're away from a plug. This power pack almost has enough juice to fully refill a Switch 2 twice, which can add between 5 and 12 hours of additional game time (depending on the title). It also has an output of 20 watts, which is as much as the Switch 2 can suck down at once, but it's still super pocketable measuring just four inches long and 0.7 inches thick. And if you need a convenient way to recharge your phone, the battery pack also comes with Qi wireless Qi support.
Time of India
27-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
How to complete A Critical Encounter quest in Assassin's Creed Shadows?
(Image via Ubisoft) The latest story update of Assassin's Creed Shadows introduces a charismatic ally, Rufino, through A Critical Encounter quest. The multi-stage mission expands the League's fight against Templars. To unlock the ally, the players must navigate sabotage, infiltration, and decisive eliminations. With success comes more powerful game rewards and some valuable new companions. Here is the complete breakdown of how to tackle the quest in an effective way. Find Rufino and initiate the mission Completing Way of the Blacksmith's main quest and having access to Yasuke, head right to the hideout. Near the southeast entrance, look carefully. Ruffino is not immediately obvious. He remains concealed in the nearby foliage. His position can be revealed by the objective marker hovering above bushes. To interact with him will begin A Critical Encounter quest. Assassin's Creed Shadows - New Story Update: A Critical Encounter (PS5 Pro | 4K 60FPS) Rufino explains the connection he has with Tomiko, his ally and immediate threat—sensitive Templar research or the Templar-linked group that operates near Osaka. He then tasks Yasuke and Naoe with the destruction. The initial phase sets a complete stage for a larger confrontation. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Free P2,000 GCash eGift UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo While the quest is playable with either of the protagonists, Naoe's stealth skills remain advantageous. Note: The choice of your dialogue options will not impact the story. Ensure to pick the responses freely. As the cutscene would end, the objective would shift to sabotaging enemy research on the ship. Sabotage Templar ship and the research Rufino will direct you to the large vessel that's anchored west of Izumi Settsu region's Sakai town. Travel east to Osaka synchronization point for better proximity. Secure the small boat that's nearby to sail out to the target ship. There, approach the stern for best climbing access to the deck. Use Eagle Vision immediately as you board to identify objectives and guard. There, you will see three distinct research crates that remain marked clearly and need to be destroyed. The first is on deck, the second is inside the cabin, and the third lies upstairs, near a hidden chest that contains Floral Kusarigama of Tangling. Employ shuriken, kunai, or melee attacks to shatter them. Once you eliminate the third crate, proceed urgently to the bow of the ship. Rufino faces a dangerous Contractor there. Handle confrontation, secure Rufino as an ally, and complete the quest Engage the Contractor who guards Rufino. The mini-boss needs focused combat, exploiting the opening after attacks. Defeating them and the remaining guards will secure Rufino's safety. To speak with him further would conclude a specific sabotage objective, but the mission would broaden significantly. Note: To defeat the contractor will sharpen the combat skills, specifically for the players who favor the brute strength of Yasuke. Rufino will reveal the larger threat—Seta River Killers. There are 8 new Templar targets who will appear on the objective board now. To eliminate them all will become your next task. The hunt forms the questline's continuation core and demands strategic assassinations across the region. Once you eliminate all the eight Seta River Killers, it will complete A Critical Encounter storyline. Rufino will then formally pledge himself to League. He will become a permanent ally who can be summoned during combat encounters. The unique skillset of his includes the use of a pistol and inflicting bleed damage on foes. To complete the quest chain will even give you some tangible rewards. You can expect a distinctive Critical Role banner to adorn Hideout. Yasuke would gain access to a new potent teppo firearm. All these prizes, together with the Rufino combat capability, would complete the encounter in a highly rewarding way. Game On Season 1 continues with Mirabai Chanu's inspiring story. Watch Episode 2 here.
Mint
30-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Mint
Assassin's Creed Shadows review: Vast and beautiful, with a story mode
Among all of the world's most popular games, Ubisoft's Assassin's Creed franchise is one of the most recognizable names globally. By itself, the lore created by this 18-year-old game series has been a landmark experience in gaming—giving players the experience of an open world that can be explored freely, close links to actual historical events in its storyline, and a narration that connects the protagonists of each game with multiple previous ones. Now, Assassin's Creed Shadows takes all of these elements to give fans of its franchise a setting that many forums had demanded for years—medieval Japan. Straight off the bat, Assassin's Creed Shadows does a fantastic job of recreating Japan in the late-1570s. This is not just because of the visuals, which are undoubtedly poignant, realistic and befitting of the game's set-up—the design of the terrain's layout, including the hideouts and the strategically placed side quests alongside the 22 main mission levels, actually makes Assassin's Creed Shadows a title that gamers can continue to explore well beyond finishing the main storyline. For those without prior context: this is the 14th game in the 18-year history of Ubisoft making Assassin's Creed. The plot is simple: players don the shields and armours of a fictional member of the ancient Order of the Assassins—dropped in the game within real historical context and events. The goal is largely to defeat an opposing faction—for the most part, the Knights Templar that sought to establish order in medieval and ancient societies with an iron fist. But through this journey, the game has evolved to offer historical clues for players, including links and tributes to older games within the main game itself. Also read: Inside India's first Lego store in Gurugram Assassin's Creed Shadows, too, has the same spirit. You play either as Yasuke, a former imprisoned slave, or Naoe—the daughter of master assassin Tsuyu and Nagato, a leading member of the resistance faction Iga ikki. Both the characters have their strengths and limitations—Yasuke is a humongous force of nature, capable of breaking down doors with sprints and going on a rampage as enemy numbers escalate. Naoe, meanwhile, is ideal for stealth and swift assassinations—throughout the game, you'd often find Naoe's nimble-footed approach to be ideal. As you set off in the game, you realize that the storylines and character developments have still remained one of Ubisoft's biggest strengths, making Assassin's Creed Shadows stand on the same podium as some of the world's best third-person role-playing narrative-driven games—such as The Witcher, The Last of Us, Uncharted and Control. You get absorbed with Naoe's predicament, and you find Yasuke's journey a fulfilling one as you progress through the game. It's important to note here that as you progress in the game, choosing the normal and expert difficulty settings will need you to invest heavily in upgrading your gear, attire and weaponry. If you're not a hardcore gamer and would rather enjoy the game's story, there is a 'story' mode where the combat is toned down to the bare minimum, with protagonists barely ever taking a hit. What's interesting is that even in the story mode, Ubisoft has ensured that players stay immersed enough in tactical movement and swift combat to get the most of the ideal experience of Assassin's Creed Shadows. But, the presence of such a mode increases the appeal for such a game with those who do not want to go into extreme levels of combat. Back to the story, though, and about halfway through the game, you realize just how massive the world of Shadows really is. For the average casual gamer playing about two hours a day, it took almost a full month to finish the main story levels of Assassin's Creed Shadows. With side quests and additionally discoverable regions to explore, it can easily take up to three months to really straddle the full expanse of the game. As you go through the game, you can't help but feel that the exchange of dialogues and the narrative stretches on for a bit too long. While most combats are nearly ideal, some design elements interfere with the smoothness of the gameplay—in certain battles for instance, Yasuke's weight and armour levels just do not come through. Such glitches can become increasingly frustrating, especially since after a point, you tend to feel that even the story is rather loose, and should have been much crisper to let the game's open world shine through more. The present-day binding narrative, which plays right at the onset to set you up for the game, also feels rather forced—surely, there could've been a better way to establish context and history to the assassin's journey. That said, Assassin's Creed Shadows put forth a glorious insight into just how fun this game series always was, and in many ways, continues to be. It may come across as tedious, and those who are not good at combat-and-stealth gameplay may even struggle to finish it or continue beyond a point. But, perseverance lets you discover various parts of medieval Japan where the sights are gorgeous, and getting to the top of the pole still gives you the 'master of the world' appeal that has remained intact since the very first of this series. Is it worth playing, then? Definitely. Assassin's Creed Shadows' biggest 'fault' per se is in just how big the game is—and that's not necessarily bad for those at whom the game is aimed at. Is it the best that the series has offered to date? Based on pure visuals, some would certainly say so. Played on: Xbox Series S; Price: ₹4999 onward; Developer and publisher: Ubisoft. Also read: Computex 2025: All things AI to come from the annual computer show
Metro
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Metro
Assassin's Creed Shadows co-op mode coming in 2026 after DLC claims report
A new leak has shed light on the release date for Assassin's Creed Shadows first DLC, along with a rumoured co-op mode. Assassin's Creed Shadows may have fallen short of sales for Assassin's Creed Valhalla, but it's still been a major hit for Ubisoft. Set in feudal Japan, the new instalment scored the second highest day one sales in the franchise's history. In the US, meanwhile, Assassin's Creed Shadows is the second best-selling game of the year so far, behind Monster Hunter Wilds. Ubisoft has already announced the game's first DLC, Claws Of Awaji, will release later this year, but a new report has narrowed down the release date. According to Insider Gaming, Ubisoft is 'targeting September 2025' for the Claws Of Awaji DLC, citing sources familiar with the game's development. However, it's claimed the DLC could be pushed back to October this year, depending on Ubisoft's release strategy for other titles. Elsewhere in the report, the previously rumoured co-op mode for Assassin's Creed Shadows, codenamed League, is said to still be in development and will launch 'sometime next year'. While this co-op mode was originally assumed to revolve around the game's two protagonists, Naoe and Yasuke, a source suggests it might include other characters too. 'While they're obviously central characters, there's a deeper narrative tied into the co-op that will expand the experience beyond just the two of them,' a source states. Assassin's Creed has some history with multiplayer, with the Paris-based Assassin's Creed Unity featuring dedicated co-op missions. Other games in the series have had multiplayer modes as well, like Assassin's Creed 3's wolfpack mode, but this was only really a minor distraction. More Trending As for Assassin's Creed Shadows first DLC, Claws Of Awaji takes place on the island of Awaji, where you will 'reclaim a lost treasure while avoiding the traps and ambushes of deadly new foes', according to a synopsis. It will feature a new bō weapon type for Naoe, along with new skills, gear, and abilities over the course of 10 hours. Beyond Assassin's Creed Shadows, Ubisoft is reportedly developing a multiplayer spin-off codenamed Invictus and a remake of Assassin's Creed Black Flag. Ports of both Assassin's Creed Mirage and Shadows are also apparently on the way for the Switch 2. Email gamecentral@ leave a comment below, follow us on Twitter, and sign-up to our newsletter. To submit Inbox letters and Reader's Features more easily, without the need to send an email, just use our Submit Stuff page here. For more stories like this, check our Gaming page. MORE: Former Bungie developers blame corporate 'greed' as cancelled subscription plans revealed MORE: No PlayStation showcase this summer suggest insiders as Sony waits till autumn MORE: PlayStation Stars loyalty programme is closing but Sony promises replacement
Euronews
07-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Euronews
How a historian turned Assassin's Creed Black samurai outrage into meaningful conversation
ADVERTISEMENT When Assassin's Creed Shadows was released earlier this year, it marked a bold new chapter for the long-running video game franchise: a visually stunning exploration into 16th-century Japan, with two playable protagonists - Naoe, a fictional Japanese female assassin, and Yasuke, a real-life Black samurai of African origin. But while the game has received praise for its gameplay and setting, it has also ignited a lot of heated online discussion - specifically around Yasuke, the first foreign-born warrior believed to have been granted samurai status in Japan. The backlash was instant following the game's reveal in a trailer last year, with many fans claiming that Ubisoft, the game's developer, had prioritised 'wokeness' over authenticity. While much of the criticism was misinformed, it quickly snowballed into something uglier. And one person found herself at the centre of it: Dr. Sachi Schmidt-Hori, an associate professor of Japanese literature and culture at Dartmouth College, who had worked as a narrative consultant on the game. Related Gardening, Gangsters and Ghosts: The most anticipated video games of 2025 The Witcher and survival simulation: How Polish gaming companies achieved international success Sachi Schmidt-Hori working in her office in the Dartmouth College campus. Credit: AP Photo Yasuke, the black samurai, as depicted in Assassin's Creed Shadows. Credit: Ubisoft She didn't design the characters or the storyline. Her role was to ensure historical customs, settings, and language were depicted with care. But that didn't stop internet users from targeting her. Online forums and Reddit threads began attacking her research, appearance, and even her husband. 'Imagine that! Professional #WOKE SJW confirms fake history for Ubisoft,' one Reddit user said, using an acronym for 'social justice warrior.' Another user called her a 'sexual degenerate who hate humanity because no man want her.' Learning that Yasuke was based on a real person who served Oda Nobunaga between 1581 and 1582 did little to ease critics. Asian men in particular argued that Schmidt-Hori was trying to erase them, even though her role involved researching historical customs and reviewing scripts, not creating characters. 'I became the face of this backlash,' she said. 'People wanted to look for who to yell at, and I was kind of there.' Rather than retreating, Schmidt-Hori took an unexpected approach: she responded with empathy. Drawing inspiration from the late civil rights leader John Lewis, she chose to cause what he famously called 'good trouble.' She began replying to some of the angry emails, asking the senders why they were mad at her and inviting them to speak face-to-face via Zoom. Many who left hateful comments have since apologised. Anik Talukder, a 28-year-old south Asian man living in the United Kingdom, said he "learned a massive lesson" and apologised at least 10 times to Schmidt-Hori after accepting her Zoom invitation to discuss his Reddit post about her. 'Nobody is unaffected by this very polarising culture,' says Schmidt-Hori. 'I just hope people will try to treat each other as fellow humans. And it will work - I promise.'
