Singapore’s Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) has rated the latest Assassin’s Creed installment, Assassin’s Creed Shadows, M18 due to intense violence and suggestive sexual content. Set in Japan’s Sengoku period, players control two protagonists: the skilled ninja Naoe and the legendary African samurai Yasuke.
The game boasts a vast open world brimming with political intrigue, warfare, and espionage. Combat is brutally realistic, featuring vivid blood effects as players wield katanas, kanabō, spears, and other traditional Japanese weapons. Yasuke’s fighting style, in particular, emphasizes decapitations and dismemberments, contributing to the game’s gritty atmosphere.
Cinematic sequences enhance the somber tone, depicting graphic violence including severed heads and blood-soaked corpses—one scene notably features a rolling head after an execution. These elements contribute to the game's dark aesthetic and narrative depth.
Beyond the violence, Assassin’s Creed Shadows explores romantic relationships. Dialogue choices foster emotional connections, leading to intimate moments like kisses and caresses. While these scenes avoid explicit nudity, they transition to a black screen before depicting anything overtly adult.
Assassin’s Creed Shadows launches March 20, 2025, on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. Fans can expect a mature and engaging experience capturing the chaos of feudal Japan, pushing the boundaries of the series’ storytelling. Its blend of historical authenticity, dynamic gameplay, and thought-provoking narratives promises a memorable adventure befitting its M18 rating.
