Assassin’s Creed Shadows is taking the franchise to Japan on March 20, shaking up the usual series formula with a dual protagonist approach. Naoe and Yasuke lead Assassin’s Creed Shadows, with the former serving as a stealth character and the latter as a more tank-like counterpart. It’s a compelling change for the series, and it’s one that has left a lot of fans eager to find out just how this balance works.
Thankfully, that wait is almost over, as the launch is merely days away now. After a series of delays, Assassin’s Creed Shadows has raised plenty of questions, and those answers are finally around the corner. However, Assassin’s Creed Shadows isn’t the only game to make March 20 its date of debut. Over the years, this date has proven to be an important stage for many high-profile releases.
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Assassin’s Creed Shadows Continues an Industry Tradition of March 20 Releases
Doom Eternal
As Assassin’s Creed Shadows makes its way to players, Doom Eternal will be celebrating its fifth anniversary. Launching at the beginning of the 2020 lockdown, Doom Eternal hit the scene at a strange time. Despite its over-the-top and unapologetic violence, Doom Eternal served as a comfort for many who suddenly found themselves stuck indoors. Now that a new Doom game is on the horizon, the legacy of Doom Eternal is marked by a bizarre time in history, but also a fun-filled, action-packed story of demon slaying.
The next game in the franchise, Doom: The Dark Ages, takes the series back to medieval times, introducing a saw-blade shield, dragons, and giant mechs.
Animal Crossing: New Horizons
Alongside Doom Eternal was Animal Crossing: New Horizons. This hilariously mismatched duo provided the internet with some great memes commemorating the dual-launch. These two franchises couldn’t be more different, as the Animal Crossing series has become known for its cozy atmosphere and low-impact gameplay. For five years, New Horizons has continued to bring both life sim and Nintendo fans a charming way to pass the time.
The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion
It’s hard to believe that Oblivion will be two decades old by this time next year. Bethesda’s fantasy RPG series continues to be a beloved franchise, and Oblivion is a favorite among many fans. The entire Elder Scrolls franchise as a whole is over 30-years-old at this point, proving just how much of a pull these fantasy adventures have on gamers. With the mystery of The Elder Scrolls 6 and its status being such a hot topic, returning to the fourth mainline game may be a good way to hold over until Bethesda finally brings forth an update.
The first and only trailer for The Elder Scrolls 6 was revealed back in 2018 at E3. Since then, E3 has been shut down and Bethesda has released its sci-fi RPG, Starfield.
S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Shadow of Chernobyl
S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Shadow of Chernobyl marks the beginning of a beloved first-person survival horror series. This alternate twist on history takes place in a world where a second nuclear disaster happens within the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone. Last year saw the long-awaited arrival of S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl, bringing players another sweat-inducing story centered around nuclear aftermath and horrors waiting behind every corner.
March 20 may seem like a random date, but it’s clear that Assassin’s Creed Shadow is in good company when it comes to games launched on the same day. Assassin’s Creed Shadows could be a major milestone for the series. Only time will tell, but it will be exciting to see how the action adventure title holds up against such a strong roster of fellow March 20 releases.
- Released
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March 20, 2025
- ESRB
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Mature 17+ // Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Language
