Baldur Gate 3 vs Assassin Creed Shadows

• Perspective: Third-Person (Isometric-style camera, with cinematic dialogue camera)
• Multiplayer: Online Cooperative (Up to 4 players), Local Split-Screen Co-op (PS5/XSX - 2 players)
• Setting: Forgotten Realms (Faerûn - Sword Coast, Underdark, Baldur's Gate, Avernus briefly)
• Platforms: PC (Windows, macOS), PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S
• Unique Feature: Faithful D&D 5e Adaptation, Deep Player Choice & Consequence, Playable Origin Characters & Custom Character, Extensive Companion System with Relationships/Romance, Turn-Based Tactical Combat.

• Perspective: Third-Person
• Multiplayer: Single-player Only
• Setting: Feudal Japan (Azuchi-Momoyama period, late 16th century)
• Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, Windows PC (Ubisoft Store, Steam, Epic Games Store), Amazon Luna, Macs (Apple silicon)
• Unique Feature: Dual protagonists (Naoe - Shinobi, Yasuke - Samurai) with distinct playstyles, Feudal Japan setting, dynamic weather & seasons impacting gameplay, spy network, customizable hideout.

• Astarion: Rogue class. Excels at stealth, lockpicking, disarming traps, and dealing high single-target damage with sneak attacks. Can bite humanoids to gain a temporary buff. His story involves confronting his vampire master.
  High Elf (Vampire Spawn)
• Gale: Wizard class. A powerful arcane spellcaster with access to a wide variety of damaging, utility, and control spells. Must periodically consume magical items to stabilize a Netherese Orb in his chest.
  Human
• Lae'zel: Fighter class. A skilled martial combatant, proficient with various weapons and armor. Githyanki psionics grant her abilities like Mage Hand and Jump. Her story revolves around her loyalty to Vlaakith and finding a Githyanki crèche.
  Githyanki
• Shadowheart: Cleric class (Trickery Domain initially, can change). A versatile support character with healing spells, buffs, debuffs, and offensive divine magic. Carries a mysterious artifact. Her story involves her devotion to Shar and uncovering lost memories.
  Half-Elf
• Wyll: Warlock class (Pact of the Fiend). A folk hero known as 'The Blade of Frontiers.' Uses Eldritch Blast and other warlock spells, and is proficient with rapiers. His pact with the cambion Mizora is a central part of his story.
  Human
• Karlach: Barbarian class. A fierce melee combatant who rages for increased damage and resistance. Her infernal engine heart deals fire damage and is tied to her personal quest. Escaped from Avernus.
  Tiefling (Zariel Tiefling)
• Halsin (Recruitable after Act 1): Druid class (Circle of the Moon). Archdruid of the Emerald Grove. Can Wild Shape into various powerful animal forms (bear, wolf, owlbear, etc.) for combat and utility, and casts nature-based spells.
  Wood Elf
• Minthara (Recruitable, conditional on evil playthrough in Act 1): Paladin class. A ruthless Drow commander and follower of The Absolute. If recruited, she is a powerful martial combatant with divine spells and abilities.
  Drow (Lolth-Sworn)
• Jaheira (Recruitable in Act 2): Druid/Fighter multiclass potential (from previous games). A veteran Harper leader. Uses druidic spells, Wild Shape, and martial prowess. Provides wisdom and experience.
  Half-Elf
• Minsc & Boo (Recruitable in Act 3): Ranger class. The iconic hero of Baldur's Gate, known for his strength, simple wisdom, and devotion to his hamster, Boo (who he believes is a miniature giant space hamster and offers guidance). A strong melee fighter.
  Human & Miniature Giant Space Hamster
• Hirelings (Withers' Service): Generic, non-story party members that can be hired from Withers at camp if the player needs to fill out their party or wants specific class compositions. They have no personal quests or unique dialogue.
  Various Races & Classes
• Summoned Creatures/Familiars/Elementals/Undead (Player & NPC Abilities): Many classes can summon temporary allies like familiars (Find Familiar spell), elementals (Conjure Elemental), undead minions (Animate Dead), spiritual weapons, or other magical creatures to aid in combat.
  Various Magical Constructs & Beings

• Spy Network Recruits: Players can build a network of spies who act as eyes and ears across locations, unveiling new areas and helping to hunt down targets. Recruitable allies with specialized skills can assist in missions, though likely not as direct controllable companions in the style of some RPGs.
  Human (Spies, Allies)
• Hideout Crew Members: As players develop their customizable hideout for the shinobi league, they will likely recruit various individuals who offer services like gear crafting, training, information, or unique missions.
  Human (Artisans, Trainers, Informants)

• Magical Items (Weapons, Armor, Amulets, Rings, Cloaks, Boots, Gloves, Helmets): Found in chests, dropped by powerful enemies, sold by merchants, or received as quest rewards throughout Faerûn. Categorized by rarity (Common, Uncommon, Rare, Very Rare, Legendary). Provide stat bonuses, unique abilities, and are crucial for character power and build customization.
• Illithid Tadpole Specimens: Additional Mind Flayer tadpoles found on specific infected individuals or in certain locations. The player character (and companions) can choose to consume these to unlock powerful psionic Illithid Powers via a unique skill tree, but this may have narrative and character consequences.
• Books, Scrolls, Letters, Notes, Journals (Lore & Quest Items): Extensively scattered throughout the world in libraries, ruins, on corpses, in containers, etc. Provide rich lore about the Forgotten Realms, character backstories, hints for quests, solutions to puzzles, or contain spell scrolls that can be learned by wizards or cast once by any character.
• Gold, Gems, Valuables: Currency (Gold Pieces) and valuable items (gems, jewelry, artwork) found in containers, on enemies, or as quest rewards. Used for purchasing items, services (like respecs from Withers), or bribing NPCs.
• Crafting Materials (Herbs, Ores, Monster Parts, Essences - for Alchemy & Smithing): Gathered from the environment, looted from enemies, or purchased. Used for crafting potions, elixirs, oils, coatings, grenades, and potentially for upgrading some gear (though direct weapon/armor upgrades use Smithing Stones in Elden Ring, BG3 uses a different system for magical item acquisition/enhancement, alchemy is primary crafting).
• Supply Packs & Camp Supplies: Found in containers or purchased. Used to initiate a Long Rest at camp, which fully heals the party, restores spell slots and abilities, and often triggers important companion conversations and story developments.
• Soul Coins: Mysterious coins found in various locations, often tied to devils or Avernus. Can be used by Karlach to fuel her infernal engine or have other, less obvious uses.
• Infernal Iron: Rare metal found in specific locations, often guarded or in dangerous areas. Used by Dammon the Tiefling blacksmith for Karlach's personal quest to repair her infernal engine and for crafting specific infernal gear.
• Story-Specific Key Items (e.g., Moonlantern, Githyanki Discs, Quest Artifacts): Unique items required to progress specific main story quests or major side quests. Often involve solving puzzles or defeating bosses to obtain.

• Historical Codex Entries / Data Fragments: Found by exploring, interacting with landmarks, or completing objectives. Provide lore about Feudal Japan, historical figures, locations, and the Assassin-Templar conflict.
• Viewpoints (Synchronization Points): High vantage points that, when synchronized, reveal parts of the map, points of interest, and unlock fast travel locations.
• Gear Schematics & Crafting Materials: Discovered in chests, looted from enemies, or earned as quest rewards. Used to craft and upgrade weapons, armor, and tools for both Naoe and Yasuke.
• Shinobi Texts / Samurai Scrolls (Skill Unlocks): Collectibles that might unlock new skills, abilities, or combat techniques for Naoe and Yasuke respectively.
• Treasures & Valuables: Hidden chests and stashes containing currency, rare materials, or unique items scattered throughout the open world.
• Kamon Crests / Origami Butterflies / Tea Bowls (Example Collectibles from IGN): Specific types of themed collectibles scattered across Japan, potentially tied to side quests, achievements, or unlocking cosmetic items.

• Mind Control & Parasitism
• Choice & Consequence
• Good vs. Evil (and shades of grey)
• Found Family & Companionship
• D&D Adventure
• Ancient Evil
• Political Intrigue
• Moral Dilemmas
• The Nature of Power
• Freedom vs. Domination
• Faerûnian Lore

• Feudal Japan
• Shinobi (Ninja)
• Samurai
• Vengeance
• Honor
• Duty
• Cultural Clash
• Political Intrigue
• Assassin vs. Templar
• Unification of Japan
• Espionage
• Dual Perspectives

• Melee Weapons (Swords, Axes, Maces, Spears, Daggers, Halberds, Glaives, Warhammers, Clubs, Quarterstaffs, etc.): Various (Simple & Martial, One-Handed & Two-Handed, Finesse, Versatile)
  A vast array of melee weapons based on D&D 5e. Each weapon type has different damage dice (e.g., 1d6, 1d8, 1d10, 1d12, 2d6), properties (Light, Heavy, Finesse, Reach, Two-Handed, Versatile), and damage types (Slashing, Piercing, Bludgeoning). Many magical versions exist with enchantments and special abilities.
• Ranged Weapons (Bows - Shortbow/Longbow, Crossbows - Light/Hand/Heavy, Slings, Javelins, Darts, Throwing Axes/Hammers): Various (Simple & Martial, Ammunition-based)
  Projectile weapons for ranged combat. Require ammunition (arrows, bolts, sling bullets). Bows often scale with Dexterity. Crossbows are generally easier to use but may have slower reload. Many magical versions exist.
• Spellcasting Foci (Staves, Wands, Holy Symbols, Druidic Foci, Musical Instruments - for Bards): Magic Catalyst
  Items required by certain spellcasting classes to cast their spells. Staves and wands are common for Wizards/Sorcerers. Holy Symbols for Clerics/Paladins. Druidic Foci for Druids. Musical Instruments for Bards. Some foci are magical and provide bonuses to spell attack rolls or save DCs.
• Shields: Defensive Gear
  Provide a bonus to Armor Class (AC), making the wielder harder to hit. Can be used in conjunction with one-handed weapons. Magical shields may offer additional resistances or abilities.
• Unarmed Strikes / Natural Weapons (Monk abilities, Druid Wild Shape): Melee (Body as Weapon)
  Attacks made with fists, kicks, or natural weaponry (claws, bites) if the character has such features (e.g., Monks, Druids in Wild Shape, certain races).
• Magical Spells & Cantrips (Vast Array): Arcane & Divine Magic
  Hundreds of spells available to spellcasting classes, categorized by level (Cantrips to Level 6 spells in base game). Spells have diverse effects: direct damage (Fireball, Magic Missile), healing (Cure Wounds, Healing Word), crowd control (Hold Person, Web), buffs (Haste, Bless), debuffs (Bane, Slow), utility (Detect Thoughts, Knock, Fly), and summons (Conjure Elemental, Animate Dead).
• Potions, Oils, Coatings, Elixirs, Grenades/Bombs (Alchemical & Magical): Consumable / Throwable
  Craftable or found consumable items. Potions for healing or temporary buffs (Potion of Speed, Elixir of Giant Strength). Oils/Coatings to apply elemental damage or effects to weapons. Grenades/Bombs for area-of-effect damage or utility (e.g., Alchemist's Fire, Smokepowder Bomb).
• Scrolls (Spell Scrolls): Consumable (Single-Use Spell)
  Allow any character to cast the spell contained within the scroll once, regardless of their class, provided they can read it (usually not an issue). Useful for accessing spells outside a character's known list.

• Naoe's Arsenal (Shinobi): Stealth, Agile Combat
  Includes the iconic Hidden Blade for assassinations, a Kusarigama (chain-sickle) for versatile melee and ranged attacks, Tanto, Shuriken, Kunai, Smoke Bombs, and a grappling hook for enhanced mobility and infiltration.
• Yasuke's Arsenal (Samurai): Direct, Powerful Combat
  Wields a variety of traditional samurai weapons including Katana, the heavy Kanabō (club), Odachi (greatsword), Yari (spear), Naginata (polearm), Bows (Yumi), and potentially early firearms (Teppo). His combat style is focused on parries, powerful strikes, and battlefield control.
• Environmental Weapons / Tools: Situational
  Players can likely utilize elements of the environment for combat or distraction, such as explosive barrels, cutting down bamboo, or using natural cover provided by the dynamic weather and lighting.

• Clothing (No Armor Proficiency Required): Basic attire like robes, shirts, trousers. Provides no or minimal Armor Class (AC). Worn by spellcasters like Wizards and Sorcerers who typically rely on spells like Mage Armor or defensive abilities.
• Light Armor (Padded, Leather, Studded Leather): Offers a base AC plus the wearer's Dexterity modifier. Does not impose disadvantage on Stealth checks. Suitable for classes like Rogues, Rangers, Bards, and some spellcasters with proficiency.
• Medium Armor (Hide, Chain Shirt, Scale Mail, Breastplate, Half Plate): Offers a higher base AC than light armor. Dexterity modifier added to AC is often capped (usually at +2). May impose disadvantage on Stealth checks for heavier types (Scale Mail, Half Plate). Used by classes like Clerics, Druids, Rangers, Fighters, Paladins.
• Heavy Armor (Ring Mail, Chain Mail, Splint, Plate): Provides the highest base AC but does not allow adding Dexterity modifier to AC (unless a specific Feat is taken). Imposes disadvantage on Stealth checks and may have a Strength requirement to wear without movement penalty. Primarily for Fighters and Paladins.
• Shields: Equipped in one hand, provides a +2 bonus to Armor Class (AC). Can be used with one-handed weapons. Magical shields can offer additional properties or resistances.
• Magical Armor & Clothing: Numerous magical variants of all armor and clothing types exist. These can provide bonuses to AC, saving throws, ability scores, resistances to damage types (fire, cold, etc.), grant spell-like abilities, or other unique passive effects. Color-coded by rarity (Uncommon - Green, Rare - Blue, Very Rare - Purple, Legendary - Orange).
• Helmets, Gauntlets, Boots (Often part of a set or individual magical items): While D&D 5e simplifies armor to a single AC value from the main body piece (+ shield), Baldur's Gate 3 includes distinct slots for Head, Hands, and Feet. These slots are primarily for magical items that provide various perks, stat boosts, or special abilities, rather than directly contributing separate AC values like in some other RPGs (though some might grant +1 AC or similar as a magical property).

• Naoe's Shinobi Attire: Lightweight, flexible armor and clothing designed for stealth, agility, and silent movement. Offers customization options and likely provides bonuses to stealth-related abilities. Can be upgraded.
• Yasuke's Samurai Armor: Heavier, more protective samurai armor (yoroi) providing significant defense for direct combat engagements. Offers customization options and likely provides bonuses to combat prowess and resilience. Can be upgraded.
• Cosmetic Outfits & Gear Sets: Various outfits and gear pieces will be available for both Naoe and Yasuke through progression, exploration, or as part of special editions (e.g., Sekiryu Character Pack from Deluxe Edition). These can alter appearance and provide different stat bonuses or perks.

• Robes & Simple Clothing: Various types of robes (wizard, sorcerer, monk), commoner's clothes, traveler's outfits, shirts, trousers, and dresses. These are typically worn by spellcasters or characters without armor proficiency and provide little to no Armor Class (AC) on their own, relying on spells like Mage Armor or Dexterity. Many magical variants exist with special properties.
• Light Armor Sets (Padded, Leather, Studded Leather): Armor sets consisting of Helms, Body Armor, Gloves, and Boots made from lighter materials. Provide a base AC plus the wearer's full Dexterity modifier (if proficient). Ideal for stealthy or agile characters like Rogues, Rangers, Bards. Many unique and magical versions are available.
• Medium Armor Sets (Hide, Chain Shirt, Scale Mail, Breastplate, Half Plate): Armor sets offering better protection than light armor. The Dexterity modifier added to AC is usually capped at +2 (or +3 with a feat). Heavier types (Scale Mail, Half Plate) may impose disadvantage on Stealth checks. Worn by Clerics, Druids, Fighters, Paladins, Rangers. Many magical variants exist.
• Heavy Armor Sets (Ring Mail, Chain Mail, Splint, Plate): The most protective armor, providing high base AC. Does not allow adding Dexterity modifier to AC (unless a specific feat is taken). Imposes disadvantage on Stealth checks and often has a Strength requirement to wear without movement penalty. Primarily for Fighters and Paladins. Many powerful magical versions are found.
• Helmets, Gauntlets, Boots (Individual Magical Items): Beyond being part of sets, many unique magical helmets, gauntlets, and boots exist as standalone items. These provide specific perks, stat boosts, resistances, or grant special abilities/spells, rather than directly contributing separate AC values like in some RPGs (their AC contribution is part of the 'Body Armor' slot in D&D 5e, but BG3 uses them for magical effects).
• Cloaks & Capes: Cosmetic and magical back slot items. Provide various appearances and often significant magical properties, such as increased saving throws, resistances, or unique activated abilities.
• Amulets & Rings: Magical jewelry equipped in dedicated slots. Provide a wide array of passive bonuses, stat increases, resistances, or grant access to new spells or abilities. Essential for character builds.
• Camp Clothing: A separate outfit slot for what characters wear while at the party's camp. This allows players to have their characters in more casual or thematic attire during rest periods, without affecting their combat stats. Numerous camp clothing sets can be found or purchased.
• Dyes: Players can find or purchase various dyes to change the color schemes of most armor pieces and clothing, allowing for extensive visual personalization.

• Shinobi Outfits (Naoe): Naoe will have access to various shinobi shozoku and lighter armor sets designed for stealth and agility. Customizable through dyes, patterns, and individual gear pieces.
• Samurai Armor (Yasuke): Yasuke can equip different sets of samurai armor (yoroi), ranging from lighter to heavier configurations, affecting defense and appearance. Customizable through different armor parts, materials, and insignias.
• Casual / Civilian Attire: Both characters may have options for less conspicuous attire for blending in or for use in the hideout and non-combat scenarios.
• Special Edition Outfits (e.g., Sekiryu Pack): Exclusive cosmetic outfits and weapon skins available through Deluxe, Gold, or Ultimate editions, such as the Sekiryu Character Pack.

The open world of Feudal Japan in Assassin's Creed Shadows is described as comparable in size to that of Assassin's Creed Origins (approximately 80km²). It features diverse regions including spectacular castle towns, bustling ports, peaceful shrines, and pastoral landscapes across central Japan. The world is designed with a more realistic scale for mountains and castles, and features dynamic weather systems and changing seasons that can affect gameplay (e.g., ponds freezing over).

• Traversal on Foot (Walking, Running, Jumping, Climbing, Flying - with spells/items): Player Locomotion
  Primary mode of movement. Characters can walk, run (Dash action for extra movement in combat), jump (distance based on Strength), climb ladders and some surfaces, and swim. Spells like Fly, Misty Step, or items like Potions of Flying grant temporary flight or teleportation capabilities.
• Fast Travel (Waypoint Sigils): Map Traversal Mechanic
  Ancient sigils found throughout the world. Once a Waypoint Sigil is discovered and activated, the party can instantly travel to it from any other activated Waypoint or from the world map, greatly reducing travel time across large distances. Cannot be used in combat or certain restricted areas.
• Boats (Contextual / Scripted): Minor Watercraft
  In certain specific locations (e.g., traveling to Grymforge in the Underdark, crossing some rivers), the party may use a boat or skiff. These are generally part of a scripted travel sequence or a fixed interaction point rather than freely controllable vehicles for open water exploration.
• Nautiloid (Prologue - Mind Flayer Spelljammer): Alien Spacecraft (Scripted Sequence)
  The game begins aboard a Nautiloid, a Mind Flayer ship that travels between planes. Player control is limited to navigating its interior during the prologue sequence as it crashes.
• Animal Forms (Druid Wild Shape - Bear, Wolf, Spider, Owlbear, etc.): Magical Transformation / Alternate Locomotion
  Druids can use their Wild Shape ability to transform into various animals. While primarily for combat, some forms offer unique traversal benefits (e.g., a bird form for limited flight, a spider for climbing specific surfaces, smaller forms for fitting through gaps).

• Horse: Mount / Land Traversal
  Horses will be available for faster travel across the large open world of Feudal Japan, a staple in the Assassin's Creed series.
• Small Boats / Skiffs: Water Traversal
  Given Japan's geography with rivers and coastlines, small boats or skiffs will likely be available for navigating waterways and reaching certain locations.

• Player Character (Customizable 'Tav' or Origin Character): Protagonist / Tadpole Infected
  The main playable character. Can be a fully customized character ('Tav') of various races and classes, or one of six pre-set Origin Characters (Astarion, Gale, Lae'zel, Shadowheart, Wyll, Karlach) each with their own unique backstory, personal quests, and dialogue. An additional seventh Origin, 'The Dark Urge,' offers a customizable character with a sinister, amnesiac past.
• Astarion Ancunín: Companion / Origin Character / High Elf Rogue (Vampire Spawn)
  A charismatic and flamboyant vampire spawn magistrate who was enslaved by a cruel master for centuries. He revels in his newfound freedom but struggles with his vampiric nature and past trauma. Offers high burst damage and utility skills.
• Gale of Waterdeep: Companion / Origin Character / Human Wizard
  A brilliant and ambitious human wizard with a Netherese Destruction Orb in his chest that threatens to detonate. He seeks a way to control or remove it, and has a past relationship with the goddess of magic, Mystra. A powerful arcane spellcaster.
• Lae'zel: Companion / Origin Character / Githyanki Fighter
  A fierce and pragmatic Githyanki warrior, utterly devoted to her people's queen, Vlaakith, and the destruction of Mind Flayers. She is initially hostile and demanding but can develop into a loyal ally. A strong melee combatant.
• Shadowheart (Jenevelle Hallowleaf): Companion / Origin Character / Half-Elf Cleric of Shar
  A devout cleric of Shar, the goddess of darkness and loss, on a secret mission. She suffers from amnesia related to her faith and carries a mysterious Githyanki artifact. Her quest involves uncovering her past and confronting her religious indoctrination. A versatile healer and support spellcaster.
• Wyll Ravengard: Companion / Origin Character / Human Warlock (The Blade of Frontiers)
  A noble hero known as 'The Blade of Frontiers,' who made a pact with a cambion, Mizora, to gain power to protect the innocent. He struggles with the terms of his pact and his desire to do good. A charismatic spellcaster and swordsman.
• Karlach Cliffgate: Companion / Origin Character / Tiefling Barbarian
  A Tiefling barbarian who escaped servitude in Avernus, one of the Nine Hells. She has an infernal engine in her chest that is overheating and will eventually kill her. She is fiercely loyal, boisterous, and seeks to live life to the fullest. A powerful melee damage dealer.
• Halsin: Companion (Recruitable) / Wood Elf Druid (Archdruid)
  The Archdruid of the Emerald Grove, captured by goblins early in the game. Once rescued, he can join the party, offering powerful druidic magic, Wild Shape abilities, and a deep connection to nature.
• Minthara: Companion (Recruitable - conditional) / Drow Paladin (Lolth-Sworn)
  A Drow commander and follower of The Absolute, initially encountered as an antagonist at the Goblin Camp. Through specific (often evil-aligned) player choices, she can be spared and later recruited as a companion. A powerful paladin with a unique perspective.
• Minsc & Boo: Companion (Recruitable - Act 3) / Human Ranger & Miniature Giant Space Hamster
  The iconic, lovable, and somewhat unhinged ranger from previous Baldur's Gate games, along with his miniature giant space hamster companion, Boo. Can be recruited in Act 3. Known for his straightforward approach and devotion to Boo.
• Jaheira: Companion (Recruitable - Act 2) / Half-Elf Druid/Fighter (Harper Leader)
  Another returning character from the original Baldur's Gate games. A veteran Harper leader, wise and experienced, fighting against the forces of the Absolute. Can join the party in Act 2.
• The Dream Visitor / The Emperor: Key NPC / Guardian Figure
  A mysterious figure who appears to the player character in dreams, offering protection from the Illithid tadpole's influence and guidance. Their true identity and motivations are a major plot point.
• Ketheric Thorm, Orin the Red, Lord Enver Gortash (The Chosen of the Absolute): Main Antagonists
  The three primary mortal leaders of the Cult of the Absolute, each chosen by one of the Dead Three gods (Myrkul, Bhaal, Bane respectively). They are powerful and serve as major bosses and adversaries throughout the game.
• Raphael: Key NPC / Antagonist Figure / Cambion Devil
  A charismatic and manipulative cambion (half-devil) from the Nine Hells who frequently appears to offer deals and temptations to the player character, often with dangerous strings attached. Has his own agenda and realm (House of Hope).
• Withers: Key NPC / Undead Enigmatic Figure
  An ancient, skeletal being found in a tomb early in the game. He offers services at the player's camp, including resurrecting fallen companions, allowing players to respec their class, and hiring hirelings (generic party members). His true nature is a mystery.

• Naoe Fujibayashi: Protagonist / Shinobi Assassin
  A kunoichi (female shinobi) from the Iga Province. She is agile, resourceful, and driven by a quest for vengeance after her home is destroyed. Specializes in stealth, parkour, assassination, and using an array of shinobi tools. Daughter of a legendary shinobi master.
• Yasuke: Protagonist / Samurai Warrior
  A powerful samurai of African origin, based on the historical figure who served Oda Nobunaga. He is skilled in direct combat, wielding heavy weaponry with brutal precision. His story explores themes of identity, honor, and his place in a foreign land.
• Oda Nobunaga: Major Historical Figure / Antagonist / Ally (Complex Role)
  The powerful daimyo aiming to unify Japan. He is a central figure in the narrative, influencing both Naoe (as a target of vengeance) and Yasuke (as his lord). Portrayed as a complex character with both ruthless and progressive aspects.
• Fujibayashi Nagato (Implied): Naoe's Father / Legendary Shinobi
  Mentioned as Naoe's father and a legendary shinobi master, his fate likely fuels Naoe's motivations.
• Templar Order Members: Antagonists
  The recurring antagonists of the Assassin's Creed series, operating behind the scenes in Feudal Japan, seeking to impose their vision of order and control, likely influencing various daimyos and factions.
• Assassin Brotherhood Members: Allies / Faction
  Naoe is an Assassin, implying the presence and activities of the Brotherhood in Japan, fighting for freedom against Templar control. Players will likely interact with and build up the local Assassin cell.

• Main Questline (The Illithid Tadpole & The Absolute)
  A sprawling, multi-act campaign following the player character and their companions as they search for a cure for the Mind Flayer tadpoles implanted in their brains, while simultaneously becoming embroiled in a massive conspiracy involving a new deity known as The Absolute, its chosen leaders (Ketheric Thorm, Orin the Red, Lord Enver Gortash), and a plot to dominate Faerûn. The quest involves exploring diverse regions, making critical alliances, and confronting powerful entities.
• Companion Quests (Personal Story Arcs)
  Each of the main Origin companions (Astarion, Gale, Lae'zel, Shadowheart, Wyll, Karlach) and other key recruitable companions (Halsin, Minthara, Jaheira, Minsc) has an extensive personal questline that delves into their backstory, motivations, and personal conflicts. Completing these quests deepens the relationship with the companion, can lead to romance, and often has significant narrative impact and unique rewards.
• Side Quests (Regional Stories & Miscellaneous Tasks)
  A vast number of optional quests found throughout the game's three acts. These range from helping local villagers with minor problems, investigating local mysteries, resolving faction disputes, exploring optional dungeons, to uncovering hidden lore. Rewards vary from gold and experience to unique magical items and new allies.
• Exploring Legacy Dungeons & Major Locations (e.g., Goblin Camp, Grymforge, Moonrise Towers, Gauntlet of Shar, House of Hope, Counting House, Iron Throne)
  Infiltrate and navigate large, complex, multi-layered dungeon environments or significant urban locations. These areas are often tied to main or major side quests and are filled with enemies, traps, puzzles, secrets, valuable loot, and culminate in boss encounters or critical story developments.
• Solving Environmental Puzzles & Overcoming Traps
  Many areas feature intricate environmental puzzles that require observation, using specific spells or abilities (e.g., Mage Hand, Fly, Gaseous Form), interacting with mechanisms, or solving riddles to progress or access hidden areas. Disarming or avoiding traps is also a constant consideration.
• Interacting with Factions (e.g., Druids of the Emerald Grove, Tiefling Refugees, Goblins, Myconids, Duergar, Harpers, Flaming Fist, The Guild, Cult of the Absolute)
  Engage with various groups and factions throughout the world. Player choices can lead to alliances, conflicts, or changes in faction leadership and influence over certain areas. These interactions often involve unique questlines and moral dilemmas.
• Long Rests & Camp Events
  Utilize camp supplies to take Long Rests, which fully restore health, spell slots, and abilities. Long Rests are also crucial for triggering important companion conversations, romance scenes, story developments related to the Illithid tadpole, and visits from key NPCs like Withers or Raphael.

• Dual Protagonist Main Story Quests
  A series of narrative missions following the intertwined stories of Naoe and Yasuke. Players will experience key historical events, pursue personal vendettas (Naoe) and duties (Yasuke), and uncover the Templar conspiracy in Japan. Many quests can be approached with either character, offering different gameplay solutions.
• Assassination Contracts & Infiltration Missions
  Missions focused on Naoe's shinobi skills, requiring stealthy infiltration of enemy strongholds, gathering intelligence, and eliminating key targets using a variety of tools and assassination techniques.
• Samurai Battles & Stronghold Assaults
  Missions emphasizing Yasuke's samurai prowess, involving direct combat against groups of enemies, duels with skilled warriors, and potentially leading small skirmishes or assaulting fortified positions.
• Spy Network Operations
  Developing and utilizing your network of spies to gather information, identify targets, reveal hidden locations, and potentially trigger unique side missions or opportunities.
• Hideout Development & Crew Quests
  Building and upgrading your customizable shinobi league hideout, which may involve recruiting specialized allies and undertaking quests for them to improve the hideout's capabilities and unlock new resources or gear.
• Exploration & World Activities
  Discovering and completing various activities throughout the open world, such as synchronizing viewpoints, finding collectibles, clearing enemy outposts, and engaging with dynamic world events influenced by weather and seasons.

Features online cooperative multiplayer for up to 4 players. Players can join a host's campaign, either creating a new custom character for that game or taking control of one of the host's unassigned origin companions. The entire story campaign can be played cooperatively. Split-screen local co-op is available on consoles (PS5/Xbox Series X|S) for 2 players.

Available in Standard Edition and a Digital Deluxe Edition (included Divinity Bard Song Pack, Paintings from Rivellon, Adventurer's Pouch, Digital Artbook, Digital Character Sheets, Digital Soundtrack). A physical Collector's Edition included a Mind Flayer vs. Drow diorama statue, hardcover artbook, character sheets, cloth map, tadpole keyring, D20 die, Magic: The Gathering booster packs, and all Digital Deluxe content.

Multiple editions are available: Standard Edition ($69.99 USD), Digital Deluxe Edition ($89.99 USD - includes Sekiryu Character Pack for Naoe and Yasuke, Sekiryu Hideout Pack, 5 skill points, and digital artbook/soundtrack filter in Photo Mode), Gold Edition (includes base game and Season Pass with two upcoming expansions), and Ultimate Edition (includes base game, Season Pass, Ultimate Pack with Sekiryu Character/Hideout Packs, and digital artbook/soundtrack filter). A Collector's Edition ($299.99 USD for PS5/Xbox) includes Ultimate Edition content, steelbook, Naoe & Yasuke diorama statue, artbook, Naoe's katana tsuba replica, world map, and creed wall scroll.

Larian Studios has released numerous significant free patches post-launch, adding new content (like an extended epilogue), quality-of-life improvements, bug fixes, and performance enhancements. They have stated that they are not currently planning major paid expansions or DLC for Baldur's Gate 3, focusing instead on patches and potentially new projects.

A Year 1 roadmap has been revealed, featuring free content like new story quests (e.g., 'The Works of Luis Frois'), parkour system enhancements, Photo Mode updates, and New Game+. A major paid expansion titled 'Claws of Awaji' is planned for late 2025, offering over 10 hours of new content on the island of Awaji with new enemies and a Bō staff weapon for Naoe. This expansion is included in the Gold and Ultimate Editions (via Season Pass) or can be purchased separately. Ubisoft is not using a traditional season pass model but focusing on standalone expansions and free updates.

• Q: Is Baldur's Gate 3 a direct sequel to Baldur's Gate 1 & 2?
  A: Yes, Baldur's Gate 3 is set over 120 years after the events of Baldur's Gate II: Shadows of Amn and is considered a direct sequel in the series. It references past events and features some returning characters like Jaheira and Minsc, but tells a new, largely self-contained story.
• Q: Do I need to play the previous Baldur's Gate games to understand Baldur's Gate 3?
  A: No, it is not strictly necessary. Baldur's Gate 3 is designed to be accessible to newcomers to the series and the Dungeons & Dragons setting. However, familiarity with the previous games or Forgotten Realms lore will enhance appreciation of returning characters, references, and world details.
• Q: Is Baldur's Gate 3 based on Dungeons & Dragons rules?
  A: Yes, Baldur's Gate 3 is a faithful adaptation of the Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition (D&D 5e) ruleset. Character creation, classes, spells, combat mechanics (actions, bonus actions, reactions, saving throws, advantage/disadvantage), and skill checks are all based on D&D 5e.
• Q: How does multiplayer co-op work?
  A: Up to four players can play the entire campaign together online. Players can join an existing game or start a new one. Each player can control a custom character or an Origin companion. Decisions can be made collaboratively or individually (often with dice rolls for persuasion within the party). Local split-screen co-op for two players is also available on consoles.
• Q: What are Origin Characters?
  A: Origin Characters are pre-made playable characters with unique backstories, personalities, personal quests, and voice acting. Players can choose to play as one of these (e.g., Astarion, Gale, Lae'zel, Shadowheart, Wyll, Karlach, The Dark Urge) or create a fully custom character. If not chosen as the main character, Origin Characters can be recruited as companions.
• Q: How important are choices in Baldur's Gate 3?
  A: Choices are extremely important and form a core part of the experience. Decisions made in dialogue, quests, and actions have significant and often far-reaching consequences, affecting character relationships (including romances), companion loyalty, quest outcomes, the state of the world, and leading to multiple distinct endings and epilogues.
• Q: Can I respec my character?
  A: Yes, players can change their class, ability scores, and other character choices by speaking to Withers, an enigmatic undead NPC found early in the game who joins the player's camp. This service costs a moderate amount of gold.

• Q: When will Assassin's Creed Shadows be released?
  A: Assassin's Creed Shadows was released on March 20, 2025.
• Q: What is the setting of Assassin's Creed Shadows?
  A: The game is set in Feudal Japan during the late 16th century, specifically the Azuchi-Momoyama period.
• Q: Who are the main playable characters in Assassin's Creed Shadows?
  A: There are two protagonists: Naoe, a female shinobi from Iga, and Yasuke, an African samurai based on a historical figure. Players can switch between them.
• Q: How do Naoe and Yasuke play differently?
  A: Naoe focuses on stealth, agility, parkour, and assassination using tools like the hidden blade, kusarigama, and shinobi gadgets. Yasuke excels in direct, powerful samurai combat with weapons like katanas, kanabo, and naginatas.
• Q: Is Assassin's Creed Shadows an open-world game?
  A: Yes, it features a large open world of Feudal Japan, comparable in size to Assassin's Creed Origins, with dynamic weather and changing seasons.
• Q: Does Assassin's Creed Shadows have multiplayer?
  A: No, Assassin's Creed Shadows is a single-player experience. Ubisoft is developing a separate standalone multiplayer Assassin's Creed title.
• Q: What historical figures appear in the game?
  A: Oda Nobunaga is a central historical figure. Others from the period are likely to appear, influencing the story and the protagonists.
• Q: Will there be DLC or post-launch content?
  A: Yes, Ubisoft has announced a Year 1 roadmap including free story updates, gameplay enhancements, and a major paid expansion titled 'Claws of Awaji' set for late 2025.

Powered by Larian's Divinity 4.0 Engine, Baldur's Gate 3 showcases highly detailed environments, expressive character models with realistic animations (especially facial animations during dialogue), and spectacular spell effects. Features advanced lighting, detailed textures, and diverse biomes from lush forests and underground caverns to bustling cityscapes. The game is renowned for its cinematic presentation and visual fidelity in the CRPG genre.

Powered by an updated version of the Anvil engine, Assassin's Creed Shadows aims for a visually stunning depiction of Feudal Japan. Features include detailed environments, realistic character models, dynamic weather systems, changing seasons impacting the world, and advanced lighting. Supports Ray Traced Global Illumination and Reflections, ultra-wide resolutions, uncapped framerate, and various upscalers (DLSS 3.7, FSR 3.1, XeSS 2).

Original score composed by Borislav Slavov, featuring sweeping orchestral themes, atmospheric ambient tracks, character motifs, and memorable songs (like 'Raphael's Final Act'). The music dynamically adapts to gameplay situations (exploration, combat, dialogue). Sound design is rich, with distinct spell effects, creature vocalizations, environmental sounds, and extensive, high-quality voice acting for all characters and narration.

Features an original score that blends traditional Japanese instrumentation with orchestral arrangements to evoke the atmosphere of Feudal Japan. Sound design emphasizes environmental realism, weather effects, and distinct combat sounds for each weapon and character.

Features a detailed UI typical of CRPGs. Includes character sheets, inventory management (grid-based, with weight considerations), spellbooks, quest logs, a world map with waypoints and journal entries, and a turn-based combat interface with a hotbar for actions, bonus actions, spells, and items. Dialogue choices are presented clearly. Extensive tooltips provide D&D rule explanations.

The UI is an evolution of modern Assassin's Creed games, providing clear information on quests, character status, abilities, and world interactions. Features an 'Immersive Mode' for reduced UI. Supports multilingual voice acting and subtitles. Includes a Photo Mode with various filters and customization options.

Offers a good range of accessibility options, including extensive subtitle and dialogue text customization (size, background, speaker color), options for colorblind modes, UI scaling, options to adjust camera shake and motion blur, customizable difficulty (Story, Explorer, Balanced, Tactician, Custom), and options for turn-based mode outside of combat for easier exploration for some.

Ubisoft typically includes a range of accessibility options in their titles, such as customizable controls, subtitle and caption adjustments, audio cues, gameplay assists (e.g., aim assist, navigation aids), and visual filters. Specific details for Shadows include extensive customization options in the settings menu.

• OFFICIAL AND EXTRAPOLATED SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS for Baldur's Gate 3. This information is based on official Minimum/Recommended PC specifications from Larian Studios and includes extrapolated tiers for higher performance targets, adapted to the requested JSON structure. Laptop GPU mentions for RTX 50 series are speculative as of May 2025. An SSD is mandatory for all tiers.
• Laptop Performance Note: Laptop models of listed desktop GPUs require comparable performance, heavily dependent on TGP (Total Graphics Power), VRAM, and effective cooling. Baldur's Gate 3 can be demanding, especially in CPU-heavy areas and at higher settings.
• Laptop Consideration: G P U T G P: Maximum TGP for the laptop GPU is crucial for achieving target framerates, especially at higher resolutions.
• Laptop Consideration: Cooling Thermals: Robust cooling is essential for sustained performance, as both CPU and GPU can be heavily utilized.
• Laptop Consideration: C P U Power Limits: High sustained CPU power limits are beneficial, particularly for maintaining smooth gameplay in CPU-intensive areas like Act 3.
• Laptop Consideration: M U X Switch Optimus: A MUX switch or NVIDIA Advanced Optimus is recommended for optimal performance by reducing latency.
• Optimization Detail: Upscaling Tech: Supports NVIDIA DLSS and AMD FidelityFX Super Resolution (FSR). These are highly recommended for higher resolutions to maintain smooth framerates.
• Optimization Detail: Key Settings Impact: Texture Quality, Model Detail, Shadow Quality, Cloud Quality, Fog Quality, Instance Distance (NPC/object density), Anti-Aliasing, and Ambient Occlusion significantly impact performance. CPU performance is critical in dense areas, especially in Act 3. Using DLSS or FSR is advisable for 1440p and 4K.
• Game Name: Baldur Gate 3

• Official PC system requirements for 'Assassin's Creed Shadows'. An SSD is mandatory for all configurations. Performance will vary based on specific hardware, drivers, and in-game settings. Upscaling technologies (DLSS, FSR, XeSS) are supported and recommended.
• Laptop Performance Note: Assassin's Creed Shadows is a demanding open-world title. For a good laptop experience, a modern gaming laptop with powerful components, high TGP for the GPU, and excellent cooling is essential. Laptop GPUs often perform differently than desktop counterparts with the same name. **Always check specific laptop model reviews for thermal performance and sustained gaming benchmarks.**
• Laptop Consideration: G P U T G P Impact: Total Graphics Power (TGP) is a critical factor for laptop GPU performance. Higher TGP variants will deliver significantly better results. Verify TGP when choosing a laptop.
• Laptop Consideration: Advanced Cooling Thermals: Effective cooling (vapor chambers, multiple fans/heatpipes, good airflow design) is vital to prevent thermal throttling, which can drastically reduce performance during extended gameplay.
• Laptop Consideration: C P U Performance Sustain: A modern, powerful mobile CPU (Intel Core H/HX, AMD Ryzen HS/HX series) that can maintain high clock speeds under load is necessary to avoid bottlenecking high-end GPUs and ensure smooth gameplay in this detailed open world.
• Laptop Consideration: R A M Configuration Speed: 16GB dual-channel RAM is the minimum. For higher settings and resolutions, 32GB is recommended. RAM speed (DDR4 vs DDR5 and specific MHz) also influences performance.
• Laptop Consideration: Display Panel G P U Pairing: Match the GPU's capability to the laptop's display resolution (1080p, 1440p, 4K) and refresh rate (120Hz+). A high-refresh display requires a powerful GPU to be fully utilized.
• Laptop Consideration: M U X Switch N V I D I A Advanced Optimus: Laptops with a MUX switch or NVIDIA Advanced Optimus can provide a noticeable performance boost by allowing the dedicated GPU to directly drive the display.
• Laptop Consideration: Driver Updates O S Optimization: Keep GPU drivers (NVIDIA, AMD, Intel) and Windows updated. Utilize game-specific driver profiles and OS settings like Game Mode for optimal performance.
• Optimization Detail: Upscaling Tech: Supports NVIDIA DLSS 3.7, AMD FSR 3.1, Intel XeSS 2. Frame Generation technologies are also supported. Essential for achieving target framerates at higher resolutions and settings, especially with Ray Tracing.
• Optimization Detail: Key Settings Impact: Resolution, Texture Quality, Shadow Quality, Clutter Density, Volumetric Clouds, Water Quality, World Detail, and Ray Tracing options (Global Illumination, Reflections) have a significant impact on performance.
• Game Name: Assassin Creed Shadows

• Upscaling Tech: Supports NVIDIA DLSS and AMD FidelityFX Super Resolution (FSR). These are highly recommended for higher resolutions to maintain smooth framerates.
• Key Settings Impact: Texture Quality, Model Detail, Shadow Quality, Cloud Quality, Fog Quality, Instance Distance (NPC/object density), Anti-Aliasing, and Ambient Occlusion significantly impact performance. CPU performance is critical in dense areas, especially in Act 3. Using DLSS or FSR is advisable for 1440p and 4K.

• Upscaling Tech: Supports NVIDIA DLSS 3.7, AMD FSR 3.1, Intel XeSS 2. Frame Generation technologies are also supported. Essential for achieving target framerates at higher resolutions and settings, especially with Ray Tracing.
• Key Settings Impact: Resolution, Texture Quality, Shadow Quality, Clutter Density, Volumetric Clouds, Water Quality, World Detail, and Ray Tracing options (Global Illumination, Reflections) have a significant impact on performance.

• G P U T G P: Maximum TGP for the laptop GPU is crucial for achieving target framerates, especially at higher resolutions.
• Cooling Thermals: Robust cooling is essential for sustained performance, as both CPU and GPU can be heavily utilized.
• C P U Power Limits: High sustained CPU power limits are beneficial, particularly for maintaining smooth gameplay in CPU-intensive areas like Act 3.
• M U X Switch Optimus: A MUX switch or NVIDIA Advanced Optimus is recommended for optimal performance by reducing latency.

• G P U T G P Impact: Total Graphics Power (TGP) is a critical factor for laptop GPU performance. Higher TGP variants will deliver significantly better results. Verify TGP when choosing a laptop.
• Advanced Cooling Thermals: Effective cooling (vapor chambers, multiple fans/heatpipes, good airflow design) is vital to prevent thermal throttling, which can drastically reduce performance during extended gameplay.
• C P U Performance Sustain: A modern, powerful mobile CPU (Intel Core H/HX, AMD Ryzen HS/HX series) that can maintain high clock speeds under load is necessary to avoid bottlenecking high-end GPUs and ensure smooth gameplay in this detailed open world.
• R A M Configuration Speed: 16GB dual-channel RAM is the minimum. For higher settings and resolutions, 32GB is recommended. RAM speed (DDR4 vs DDR5 and specific MHz) also influences performance.
• Display Panel G P U Pairing: Match the GPU's capability to the laptop's display resolution (1080p, 1440p, 4K) and refresh rate (120Hz+). A high-refresh display requires a powerful GPU to be fully utilized.
• M U X Switch N V I D I A Advanced Optimus: Laptops with a MUX switch or NVIDIA Advanced Optimus can provide a noticeable performance boost by allowing the dedicated GPU to directly drive the display.
• Driver Updates O S Optimization: Keep GPU drivers (NVIDIA, AMD, Intel) and Windows updated. Utilize game-specific driver profiles and OS settings like Game Mode for optimal performance.