The highly anticipated soundtrack for Assassin’s Creed Shadows is set to be released on vinyl later this year through Laced Records. This game marks a significant milestone for the franchise as it is the first to be set in Feudal Japan, featuring dual protagonists Naoe and Yasuke. In an effort to capture the era authentically, developers collaborated with historians and relied on the expertise of Ubisoft Japan.
The soundtrack, crafted by the composer duo known as The Flight, emphasizes authenticity by integrating traditional instruments into their epic score. The impending vinyl release will come in a 4LP boxset that includes 44 specially mastered tracks presented on translucent red and black splatter discs. This compilation features selections from The Flight’s beautiful score along with music from two companion albums: ‘Kage No Iro’ by the Japanese-Canadian psych-rock band TEKE::TEKE, and ‘UKOMBOZI’ by the composition team Thunderdrum, featuring rapper Tiggs Da Author.
The 4LP boxset will retail for £77, with shipments scheduled for October. Pre-orders for the individual albums are currently available. The Flight’s contribution will present 29 tracks, TEKE::TEKE’s album will have seven songs, and Thunderdrum’s will comprise eight tracks.
In an interview earlier this year, Joe Henson of The Flight described their approach to scoring Shadows, noting their desire to blend modern elements with traditional Japanese sounds. “Hip-hop has taken a lot of influence from Japanese music,” remarked Alexis Smith, highlighting their inspirations from genres beyond film scoring.
Additionally, this year saw Ubisoft release a lo-fi reimagining of the Assassin’s Creed Shadows soundtrack, expanding the listening experience across different styles.
In related news, acclaimed game designer Hideo Kojima announced that his new project, an “action espionage” game titled Physint, will not be available until at least 2030, indicating a promising future for fans eager for innovative gaming experiences.
This upcoming soundtrack release showcases not only the vibrant history encapsulated in Assassin’s Creed Shadows but also exemplifies the blending of multiple musical influences to create a unique auditory experience.