Assassin's Creed Shadows, the latest entry in the acclaimed franchise, has received an M18 rating from Singapore's Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) due to its intense violence and suggestive sexual content. Set during Japan's turbulent Sengoku period, players control two protagonists: the skilled ninja master, 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 graphic depictions of blood and gore as players wield traditional Japanese weapons like katanas, kanabō, and spears. Yasuke's fighting style, in particular, emphasizes decapitations and dismemberments, contributing to the game's visceral and gritty atmosphere. Cinematic sequences further enhance this somber tone, showcasing severed heads, blood-soaked corpses, and other graphic imagery, including a striking scene of a head rolling across the ground after an execution.

Beyond the violence, Assassin's Creed Shadows explores romantic relationships. Dialogue choices influence emotional connections, leading to intimate moments such as kisses and caresses. While these scenes avoid explicit nudity, they transition to a black screen before depicting anything beyond the M18 rating.

Launching March 20, 2025, for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC, Assassin's Creed Shadows promises a mature and engaging experience, capturing the chaos and drama of feudal Japan while pushing the boundaries of the series' narrative. Its blend of historical accuracy, dynamic gameplay, and thought-provoking storytelling aims to deliver a memorable adventure befitting its M18 rating.