Strike as One: Edu Falaschi’s Epic Anthem for Assassin’s Creed Shadows

Kicking Off with a Bang

Whoa, hold the phone, y’all! Ubisoft Brazil just dropped a bombshell that’s got the gaming world buzzing like a beehive on a sugar rush. Back on March 17, 2025, they unleashed a promo video for Assassin’s Creed Shadows that’s less a trailer and more a wild, colorful carnival ride straight outta those old-school Japanese superhero shows. And the cherry on top? A song called “Strike as One,” cooked up by none other than Edu Falaschi, the guy who used to belt out tunes for Brazil’s heavy metal kings, Angra. This ain’t just music—it’s a roaring beast of a track, slicing through the air like a samurai’s blade, ready to carve its name into gaming history.

Edu Falaschi: The Metal Maestro’s Journey

From Rockin’ Kid to Angra’s Star

Man, Edu Falaschi’s life’s like a jukebox cranking out hit after hit. Born in São Paulo on May 18, 1972, this dude’s got a voice that could shake mountains awake. Way back when he was just a scrappy 14-year-old, he was already jamming with a band called Mitrium, scribbling songs and landing a record deal. They dropped a split-LP, Eyes of Time, with four tracks he penned himself—talk about starting with a bang! By 1994, he was gutsy enough to audition for Iron Maiden’s vocal spot, rubbing elbows with the big leagues alongside his pal Andre Matos. He didn’t snag it, but that fire in his belly never dimmed.

Fast forward to 2000, and Edu’s stepping into Angra’s spotlight, taking the mic from Matos like a knight claiming a throne. Angra, Brazil’s power metal pride, was already a big deal, and Edu kept the flame burning bright. He sang on four studio albums—Rebirth (2001), Temple of Shadows (2004), Aurora Consurgens (2006), and Aqua (2010)—plus a killer EP, Hunters and Prey (2002).

Songs like “Nova Era” and “Spread Your Fire” hit like lightning bolts, making fans in Japan go wild, with Burrn Magazine calling him a rock god. But life threw a curveball in 2012 when acid reflux messed with his voice, forcing him to step back from Angra. Did he quit? Heck no! He poured his heart into his solo band, Almah, dropping five albums like Fragile Equality (2008) and E.V.O (2017), proving he’s tougher than a two-dollar steak.

Oh, and get this: Edu’s a hero to anime nerds too. His Brazilian take on Saint Seiya’s “Pegasus Fantasy” is like a time machine to the ‘90s, blasting kids back to Saturday morning cartoons. That’s the kinda magic he brings, and it’s why Ubisoft Brazil tapped him for something special.

Why Edu for Assassin’s Creed Shadows?

Ubisoft didn’t just pick Edu ‘cause he’s got a cool name. Assassin’s Creed Shadows, hitting shelves on March 20, 2025, for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series, and PC, is a deep dive into feudal Japan, where shinobi Naoe and samurai Yasuke team up to take down bad guys in a world of sneaky moves and epic fights. It’s a game that’s all heart, honor, and high stakes, and Ubisoft wanted a song to match—like a battle cry that’d rally a whole army. Edu’s resume? It’s like a treasure map: heavy metal anthems that shake the earth, anime tunes that spark nostalgia, and a love for Japan that runs deeper than a river. He was born for this gig.

Edu himself was pumped as all get-out. “It’s a huge honor to make music for a game as awesome as Assassin’s Creed Shadows, especially mixin’ metal and Tokusatsu, the stuff I live for,” he said. “I wanted to capture the samurai spirit and the game’s big emotions in every note.” His passion’s like a wildfire, and it’s no wonder he poured his soul into this project.

Making “Strike as One”: A Song That Roars

The Tune’s Got Guts

“Strike as One” is a beast of a song, like a dragon breathing fire and steel. Dropped by Ubisoft Brazil on March 17, 2025, it’s a mashup of heavy metal’s raw power and the in-your-face drama of Tokusatsu—those Japanese superhero shows like Jaspion and Kamen Rider that ruled Brazilian TVs back in the day. Edu, with his brother Tito working the soundboard like a wizard, crafted a track that’s got riffs that rumble like thunder and vocals that soar like an eagle. It’s the kinda song that makes you wanna grab a sword and charge into battle.

The Portuguese version, with Edu’s voice leading the charge, hits you right in the chest, like a drumbeat calling warriors to arms. Then there’s a Japanese version, sung by Taro Kobayashi, a Tokusatsu pro from Kamen Rider Amazons, released on March 19, 2025. It’s got that authentic Japanese vibe, like a cherry blossom in full bloom. Both tracks landed on Spotify and other platforms on April 9, 2025, so fans could keep the fire burning long after the game’s launch. Edu’s lyrics? They’re all about standing together, fighting as one, just like Naoe and Yasuke in the game—a perfect fit, like a key in a lock.

Tokusatsu: The Superhero Spark

Tokusatsu’s like the secret sauce in Brazil’s pop culture stew. Back in the ‘80s and ‘90s, kids were glued to shows like Changeman and Black Kamen Rider, cheering for heroes who punched bad guys with a pow and a bam. Those openings, with their big choruses and heroic poses, were pure magic.

Ubisoft Brazil, sneaky as a fox, tapped into that nostalgia, turning the Assassin’s Creed Shadows promo into a full-on Tokusatsu tribute. The video stars streamers Ruan Silva (JogaZulu) and Thais Matsufugi (ThaMatsu) as Yasuke and Naoe, rocking bright costumes, striking poses, and fighting with effects that go boom like a firecracker. Produced by Flashbang Co. with Ubisoft’s creative muscle, it’s like a love note to every kid who ever dreamed of being a superhero.

X users lost their minds, with one calling it “a goofy Tokusatsu opening that’s just so darn fun.” Another said it’s “a nod to how huge Tokusatsu was in Brazil,” like Pokémon for the cool uncles out there. With Ubisoft Japan’s blessing, the video nailed the Japanese vibe without stepping on any toes, making it a win-win.

How It Came Together

Whipping up “Strike as One” was like forging a sword—hard work, but oh-so-worth it. Edu wrote the music and lyrics, pouring in his love for metal and Tokusatsu like a chef tossing spices into a stew. His brother Tito, a music whiz, mixed and mastered it, making every note hit like a wham. The video, directed by Luiz Corrêa with a crew that included Bruno Couto on camera and Daniel Fusco on fight moves, was a blast to make. They threw in sparkly effects, killer costumes, and battles that’d make your jaw drop, with JogaZulu and ThaMatsu strutting like they owned the battlefield.

Edu’s anime chops, like his Saint Seiya hit, gave him the edge to make something that feels like a blast from the past but fresh as a daisy. X fans raved, with one saying, “His Pegasus Fantasy was my childhood jam, and now this? He’s killing it!” The Japanese version with Kobayashi was like icing on the cake, tying Brazil and Japan together like old pals.

Why This Song’s a Big Deal

A Marketing Slam Dunk

Ubisoft Brazil hit a home run with this one. Fans were grumbling about the game’s so-so marketing, but this Tokusatsu video, with “Strike as One” as its beating heart, turned the tables faster than a ninja flips. X posts were on fire, with one user shouting, “Ubisoft Brazil just fixed the whole dang marketing mess!” Another said, “They should run the whole company!” It’s like they took a sleepy campaign and zapped it with a lightning bolt. By leaning into Brazil’s love for Japanese heroes, they made Assassin’s Creed Shadows feel like a party everyone’s invited to.

The timing was slick as a whistle. Dropped three days before the game’s March 20, 2025, launch, the video rode a wave of hype, with Ubisoft’s X accounts (@UbisoftBrasil, @assassinscreed) racking up likes like nobody’s business. They called it a tribute to Assassin’s Creed and Tokusatsu fans, and boy, did it deliver. Featuring local stars like JogaZulu, an MMA fighter who streams, and ThaMatsu from Flow Games, it was like handing the mic to the cool kids at school.

Hyping the Game to the Moon

“Strike as One” isn’t just a song—it’s like a battle flag waving for Assassin’s Creed Shadows. The game’s all about Naoe and Yasuke, a shinobi and samurai teaming up in a Japan torn by war and secrets. The song’s lyrics, pulsing with unity and grit, are like a mirror to their story, urging them to fight as one against the odds. The Tokusatsu video paints ‘em as heroes bigger than life, like they’re ready to leap off the screen and into your living room. It’s the kinda hype that makes you wanna grab a controller and dive in.

X fans called it “hilarious in the best way,” with one saying it’s “a perfect nod to old-school Tokusatsu.” The Japanese version, backed by Ubisoft Japan, kept things real, avoiding any cultural fumbles. When the song hit streaming platforms on April 9, 2025, it was like tossing fuel on the fire, keeping fans pumped even after the game dropped.

Edu’s Star Keeps Rising

For Edu, this is like planting a flag on a mountain he’s been climbing forever. He’s already a metal legend with Angra and Almah, but “Strike as One” puts him in the gaming hall of fame. It’s not his first pop culture rodeo—Pegasus Fantasy is practically Brazil’s unofficial anime anthem—but it’s his biggest game gig yet. X users got all misty-eyed, with one saying, “His Saint Seiya track was my childhood, and now he’s slaying it for Assassin’s Creed.” This could be his ticket to more game soundtracks, especially as games get more cinematic, like we’ve yapped about before.

Edu’s comeback story’s inspiring too. After acid reflux knocked him down in 2012, he clawed his way back, singing Angra hits like it’s 2001. His 2017–2018 Rebirth of Shadows Tour with old Angra pals Aquiles Priester and Fabio Laguna packed 60,000 fans into 50 shows, including sold-out nights in Tokyo. “Strike as One” shows he’s still got fire in his belly, ready to rock the world.

Hooking Up with Gaming Vibes

This whole deal’s right in sync with 2025’s gaming groove, like we’ve talked about before. Games are getting wilder, with Unreal Engine 5 making stuff like Hellblade II look so real it’s spooky. Assassin’s Creed Shadows brings that same magic to Japan’s open world, and “Strike as One” cranks up the epicness, like a bard singing tales of samurai glory. It’s the kinda thing that makes you feel like you’re living the game, not just playing it.

The campaign’s also riding the community wave we’ve geeked out over. By putting streamers like JogaZulu and ThaMatsu front and center, Ubisoft Brazil’s meeting fans where they hang—X, Twitch, YouTube. It’s like Fortnite throwing a virtual concert, but with a Tokusatsu twist that’s cooler than a polar bear’s toenails. The song’s streaming drop fits the cloud gaming boom too, letting folks blast it on the go, like we’ve said about music in the metaverse.

usic” or “Edu Falaschi Tokusatsu” to build a web that screams “we know our stuff.”

Real-Life Buzz: How Fans Are Feeling It

Brazil’s Tokusatsu Fever

In Brazil, Tokusatsu’s like a warm hug from childhood, and this campaign’s got fans grinning ear to ear. X users like @tintinpapa1 called it “so nostalgic it hurts,” saying it’s “like Pokémon for us old-timers.” Streamers JogaZulu and ThaMatsu brought the hype, with their fans on Twitch and YouTube sharing clips like wildfire. One X post summed it up: “Ubisoft Brazil gets us. This is for every kid who loved Jaspion.” It’s like the whole country’s throwing a Tokusatsu party, and Edu’s the DJ.

Global Love with a Japanese Nod

The Japanese version with Taro Kobayashi was a smart move, like passing the baton in a relay race. X users in Japan gave it thumbs up, with one saying, “It feels like a real Tokusatsu opening, not just a gimmick.” Ubisoft Japan’s support kept things legit, dodging any “cultural appropriation” shade. Fans worldwide, from São Paulo to Tokyo, are streaming “Strike as One,” making it a global jam that’s got more heart than a rom-com.

Edu’s Fanbase Goes Nuts

Edu’s diehards are over the moon, like kids on Christmas morning. X posts from @AngraOfficial fans gushed, “Edu’s voice is still a beast!” and “From Nova Era to Assassin’s Creed—he’s unstoppable.” Some even dug up his Saint Seiya track, saying it’s “the same epic vibe.” This project’s like a spark that’s lit a fire under his fanbase, reminding everyone why he’s a legend.

Challenges: Walking a Tightrope

Nostalgia vs. New Kids

Here’s the rub: “Strike as One” is like a love song for folks who grew up on Changeman, but younger gamers might tilt their heads like confused puppies. X users called it “hilarious” and “so extra,” loving the cheese but wondering if it’s too niche. Ubisoft Brazil played it smart, keeping it a promo piece, not in-game music, so it’s a fun bonus instead of a must-get. Still, it’s like serving spicy food at a potluck—not everyone’s gonna dig it.

Keeping It Real

Setting a game in Japan’s tricky, like walking on eggshells. The Tokusatsu angle’s a Brazilian thing, and some Reddit folks on r/gamesEcultura wondered if it’s “too meme-y” for a global crowd. But Ubisoft Japan’s thumbs-up and Kobayashi’s vocals were like a shield, keeping critics at bay. X fans praised the “authenticity,” saying it’s “a tribute, not a rip-off.” It’s a tightrope, but Ubisoft’s balancing like a pro.

Edu’s Packed Plate

Edu’s busier than a one-armed paperhanger, with solo albums, tours, and anime gigs. Some X users worried he’s “spread too thin,” but his hype for “Strike as One” shows he’s all in. If more game projects come knocking, he’ll need to juggle like a circus star, but for now, he’s riding this wave like a champ.

What’s Next: Edu and Gaming’s Future

“Strike as One” is like a door swinging wide open. Gaming music’s getting bigger, like we’ve talked about with The Last of Us or GTA VI’s rumored beats. Edu’s metal-anime vibe makes him a shoo-in for JRPGs or action games—imagine him rocking a Final Fantasy theme! X fans are begging for more, with one saying, “Edu needs to do every game soundtrack now.” This could be his big break into gaming’s big leagues.

Ubisoft Brazil’s Tokusatsu trick might spark copycats. Picture a Yakuza game with a superhero spin or a Monster Hunter metal anthem—Edu’s shown it’s a winning recipe. As VR games like the Quest 4 stuff we’ve chatted about take off, epic tracks like this could make virtual battles feel like a rock concert. The future’s looking bright, and Edu’s ready to crank it up.

Wrapping It Up

Edu Falaschi’s “Strike as One” is like a comet blazing across the gaming sky, lighting up Assassin’s Creed Shadows with metal thunder and Tokusatsu swagger. From his Angra glory to this Ubisoft Brazil banger, he’s spun a tune that’s got X buzzing and fans headbanging. The song’s mix of heavy riffs and superhero vibes, paired with a video that’s pure nostalgic gold, turned a promo into a party, proving Ubisoft Brazil’s got the magic touch.

Watch the song on UBISOFT Brazil’s YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/89bztUO2JuE?si=yk1D-H2NBtVgqw-M

See another good article in our blog: https://techforgewave.com/is-virtuix-omni-one-the-future/