TheAssassin’s Creedfranchise is known for including history and myth in its games, and its latest installment,Assassin’s Creed Shadows,pushes that tradition even further with its connection toNaruto.Set in Sengoku-era Japan, the game introduces two protagonists, Yasuke, inspired by the historical African samurai, and Naoe, a shinobi assassin hailing from Iga province. While Yasuke is similar to the action-heavy combat style characters of recent entries in theAssassin’s Creedfranchise, Naoe brings back the stealth gameplay reminiscent of the series' roots.
Ina recent interview with Entertainment Weekly, the creative director ofAssassin’s Creed Shadowshas revealed that Naoe’s gameplay includes a running animation that subtly mirrors the iconic “Naruto run.” For fans of both anime and gaming, this crossover is the perfect treat, blending the stealth and precision of theAssassin’s Creedfranchise with one of anime’s most beloved series of all time.
The “Naruto Run” and Stealth Synergy
Naoe’s Sprinting Style is a Ninja’s Nod to Naruto
Naoe’s ability to perform a “Naruto run” is more than a fun Easter egg, it makes her role as the series' fastest assassin even better. By leaning forward with her arms extended behind her, Naoe channels the iconic anime sprint style, making rooftop chases and stealth missions more fun and speedy. Dumont described this feature as a “wink-wink” to anime fans, acknowledging howNarutoinfluenced her design.
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This nod is especially fitting given Naoe’s background as a shinobi. InNaruto,Naruto and his friends frequently use this running style during missions, showing off their agility and determination.Naoe’s stealthy gameplay inAssassin’s Creed Shadow’scaptures that same sense of spirit, allowing players to feel like a stealthy ninja while honoring the anime’s cultural impact. It is a very clever way to bridge the gap between historical fiction and pop culture.
Hidden Blades and Shinobi Secrets
Naruto’s Legacy Lives On in Naoe’s Stealthy Skillset
Beyond her running style, Naoe’s gear and story are also similar toNaruto.Her Hidden Blade, gifted by her father, carries a deeper mystery tied to her lineage, much like the wayNaruto’s journey is focused on uncovering his family’s legacy. This layered storytelling lines up with Naruto’s themes of perseverance, self-discovery, and embracing one’s role in the world.
For fans of bothAssassin’s CreedandNaruto, Naoe represents the perfect blend of the two worlds. Her connection to the beloved anime adds a layer of excitement toAssassin’s Creed Shadows, making sure the game resonates with a wide audience. Whether sprinting across rooftops or unlocking the mysteries of her past, Naoe’s journey is a thrilling tribute tothe art of the ninja and toNaruto’senduring legacy.
Source:Entertainment Weekly
Naruto
Naruto is a franchise spawned from the manga series penned by Masashi Kishimoto that began in 1999. Generating several tv series, games, movies, and more, Naruto follows the exploits of a young outcast ninja harboring the spirit of a demon fox who seeks to become the Hokage, the leader of his ninja village, to break the stigma against him. Upon the conclusion of the initial series, Naruto expanded into Boruto, following many series protagonists' children and returning faces.
