Netflix Anime Gets You Ready For Assassin’s Creed Shadows
Ubisoft has finally, finally brought the Assassin’s Creed franchise to Japan with the upcoming Assassin’s Creed Shadows. Not only that, but one of the two protagonists will be a real-life historical figure – Japan’s first Black samurai, Yasuke.
Reading about his life is interesting in its own right, but if you want a more fantastical take, Netflix has the perfect anime series for you to check out before stepping into Yasuke’s samurai armor in Assassin’s Creed Shadows. Titled Yasuke, the anime will get you in the mood for the latest entry in the long-running franchise.
Yasuke Is Based On The Historical Figure
Yasuke is loosely based on the titular historical figure of the same name, an African samurai who served under the daimyo Oda Nobunaga during the Sengoku period of Japan. The series was created by LeSean Thomas and is animated by MAPPA, the studio best known for anime series like Jujutsu Kaisen and Chainsaw Man. As you might expect, the animation is a highlight of the series.
Starring LaKeith Stanfield
LaKeith Stanfield stars as Yasuke in an alternate-reality version of feudal Japan that features cutting-edge technology and magic. After the forces of his Lord Oda Nobunaga fall at the hands of the demonic warlord Yami no Daimyo, Yasuke retires to a remote village and becomes a reclusive boatman for 20 years.
But, when he agrees to help a woman and her sick daughter find a doctor who can heal her, he finds himself crossing paths with Yami no Daimyo and other dangers once again.
Amazing Soundtrack To Go With The Animation
As with many stylish anime, Yasuke also features a fantastic soundtrack to go with the top-notch animation.
The eclectic producer Flying Lotus was brought on board as both an executive producer and the soundtrack composer for the series. His soundtrack was also made chronologically, which is atypical for animated projects, but his status as an executive producer allowed him to get very involved in the process and make the music the way he felt was best for the show.
A Hit With Critics And Fans
Yasuke ended up getting overall positive reviews upon its release, with many praising the animation, soundtrack, and Stanfield’s performance as the titular samurai. Of course, those hoping for a highly accurate historical biopic that actually gives you some in-depth information about Yasuke’s life may want to look elsewhere.
But if you want an epic and entertaining series that pays homage to the legendary historical figure, then this anime might be just what you’re looking for.
Streaming Now On Netflix
Those who decided to pick up Assassin’s Creed Shadows later this year will probably get a much more grounded take on Yasuke’s history. That series also plays pretty fast and loose with historical events in order to make it appear that the Order of Assassins and the Templars had their hands in major times in history. So, there are sure to be some fantastical elements to his story in that game, too.
In any case, those who are interested in the story of Yasuke have plenty of content to check out. You can stream all six episodes of the Yasuke anime on Netflix now if you can’t wait to play Assassin’s Creed Shadows. Otherwise, you can pick up the game when it drops on November 15 this year.
