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 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 visceral and gritty atmosphere. Cinematic sequences further enhance the somber tone, depicting graphic violence including severed heads and blood-soaked corpses—one scene notably features a rolling head 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. It captures the chaos and drama of feudal Japan while pushing the boundaries of the series' storytelling. Blending historical authenticity, dynamic gameplay, and thought-provoking narratives, Assassin's Creed Shadows aims to deliver a memorable adventure that justifies its M18 rating.