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, including graphic depictions of severed heads and blood-soaked corpses—one scene notably features a rolling head after an execution. These elements underscore the game's darker aesthetic and narrative depth.

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 of feudal Japan. Its blend of historical authenticity, dynamic gameplay, and thought-provoking narrative aims to deliver a memorable adventure justifying its M18 rating.