Summary
- Ubisoft censors Assassin's Creed Shadows in Japan to comply with CERO, removing graphic content and dismemberment.
- AC: Shadows earned a CERO Z rating, meaning 18+ only, though Ubisoft was required to change more to fit that rating.
- Violence and dismemberment concerns by CERO set off a controversy with EA in 2024 over Dead Space not being rated.
Ubisoft announced that Assassin's Creed Shadows is being censored in Japan to comply with the local ratings board CERO and their concerns over gore. It's been a longer road than many likely anticipated for Assassin's Creed Shadows following multiple delays, though with its March launch date finally approaching, fans have finally started to see more positive news.
Recently, Ubisoft has started to share more details about the upcoming game, including that Assassin's Creed Shadows will be getting free DLC for those who decide to preorder any version of the title. Claws of Awaji is set to add around 10 hours of additional content, including a new region to explore and a unique storyline with an enemy faction known as the Sanzoku Ippa. Even with momentum starting to build again for Assassin's Creed Shadows, Ubisoft has once again run into trouble with the Japanese version of the game.
Assassin's Creed Shadows Details Accessibility Features
Ubisoft shares the complete list of Assassin's Creed Shadows accessibility features, which includes dozens of useful options.
In a new statement on Twitter, Ubisoft revealed that it is making changes and censoring certain parts of Assassin's Creed Shadows to comply with CERO, Japan's local game rating organization. Currently, Assassin's Creed Shadows is rated CERO Z, which essentially prevents anyone under the age of 18 from purchasing the title. However, even with such a rating, the organization still felt as though the violence was too much for a CERO Z rating and has asked that Ubisoft continue to make adjustments, similar to what Capcom had to change for Resident Evil Village.
Assassin's Creed Shadows Censors Violence and Dismemberment in Japan
In order to comply with CERO's guidelines, Ubisoft has announced that some of its graphic content and gore present within Assassin's Creed Shadows combat will be removed entirely. While players have a toggle for dismemberment in the game's options, the Japanese version will have this option removed entirely and dismemberment will be disabled entirely. In addition, Ubisoft is also changing the way severed limbs and body parts are depicted, as well as outright changing some of the Japanese language dialogue, but didn't dive into specifics.
Interestingly enough, this isn't the first bit of controversy CERO has faced over dismemberment in games. In fact, in 2024, EA Japan General Manager Shaun Noguchi took issue with CERO's rating for Stellar Blade, which received a rating of 17 and up. Noguchi's issue was that CERO refused to rate the Dead Space remake due to its inclusion of severed body parts and internal organs, while Stellar Blade included similar violent elements and was able to earn a CERO D rating.
Assassin's Creed Shadows
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OpenCritic Reviews
- Top Critic Avg: 81 /100 Critics Rec: 82%
- Released
- March 20, 2025
- ESRB
- Mature 17+ // Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Language
- Developer(s)
- Ubisoft Quebec
- Publisher(s)
- Ubisoft
WHERE TO PLAY
Experience an epic historical action-adventure story set in feudal Japan! Become a lethal shinobi Assassin and a powerful legendary samurai as you explore a beautiful open world in a time of chaos. Switch seamlessly between two unlikely allies as you discover their common destiny. Master complementary playstyles, create your shinobi league, customize your hideout, and usher in a new era for Japan.
• Explore the captivating open world of feudal Japan, from spectacular castle towns and bustling ports to peaceful shrines and war-ravaged landscapes. Adventure through unpredictable weather, changing seasons, and reactive environments.
• Become Naoe, a shinobi Assassin, and Yasuke, a legendary samurai, as you experience their riveting stories and master their complementary playstyles. As Naoe, use stealth to avoid detection and agility to confound your enemies. As Yasuke, strike your foes with lethal precision and power. Unlock new skills, gear, and progression independently for each character.
• Make information your weapon as you explore the world, and build your own network of spies to be your eyes and ears across locations to hunt down your next target. Along the way, recruit new allies with unique abilities to help accomplish your missions.
• Create a fully customizable hideout for your growing shinobi league as you train your crew, craft new gear, interact with key characters, and choose your base’s layout, decorations, and accessories.
- Engine
- AnvilNext
- Franchise
- Assassin's Creed
- Number of Players
- 1
- Steam Deck Compatibility
- Unknown
- PC Release Date
- March 20, 2025
- Xbox Series X|S Release Date
- March 20, 2025
- PS5 Release Date
- March 20, 2025
- Platform(s)
- PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, PC
- X|S Optimized
- Yes
