Summary
- The parkour system in Assassin's Creed Shadows has been revamped, introducing "parkour highways" and seamless ledge dismounts for a more controlled and fluid experience.
- Assassin's Creed Shadows features dual protagonists, Naoe, a stealth-focused shinobi, and Yasuke, a combat-oriented samurai, catering to diverse player preferences.
- Set for release on February 14, Assassin's Creed Shadows aims to blend classic stealth gameplay with RPG combat, appealing to a broad spectrum of fans.
Ubisoft has provided an in-depth look at the significant updates to the parkour system in Assassin's Creed Shadows, the latest installment in the renowned historical action-adventure series. Originally slated for a November 2024 release, the game has been rescheduled to launch on February 14.
Set in the captivating backdrop of feudal Japan, Assassin's Creed Shadows introduces dual protagonists, Naoe and Yasuke. Naoe, a skilled shinobi, embodies the essence of stealth and agility, adept at scaling walls and navigating through shadows. In contrast, Yasuke, a formidable samurai, brings a different dynamic with his prowess in direct combat, though he lacks the ability to climb. This duality aims to satisfy both fans of the traditional stealth-centric gameplay of earlier Assassin's Creed titles and those who enjoy the more action-oriented RPG elements seen in games like Odyssey and Valhalla.
In a recent blog post, Ubisoft's Associate Game Director, Simon Lemay-Comtois, detailed the changes to the parkour mechanics. A notable shift in Assassin's Creed Shadows is the limitation on climbing, where players must utilize designated "parkour highways" to ascend. While this might seem restrictive, Ubisoft assures that these paths are thoughtfully designed to enhance the flow and engagement of the game. Lemay-Comtois emphasized that while most surfaces remain climbable, players will need to identify the appropriate entry points, particularly when using tools like the grappling hook.
Players Won't Be Able To Climb Everything In Assassin's Creed Shadows
This strategic approach to parkour aims to refine the player's experience by creating more meaningful and controlled navigation paths. Additionally, the game introduces new mechanics for dismounting from high ledges, allowing players to perform stylish flips as they descend, enhancing the fluidity of movement. The inclusion of a prone position and the ability to dive while sprinting further enriches the parkour dynamics.
...we had to be more thoughtful about creating interesting parkour highways and afforded us more control about where Naoe can go, and where Yasuke can't...Rest assured that most of what you'll see in Assassin's Creed Shadows is still very much climbable - especially with the grappling hook - but players will have to look for valid entry points from time to time.
Assassin's Creed Shadows is set to launch on Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 5, and PC on February 14. With the release date fast approaching, Ubisoft is expected to unveil more details about this highly anticipated title. It will be intriguing to observe how Assassin's Creed Shadows performs amidst a competitive February lineup that includes titles like Monster Hunter Wilds, Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii, Avowed, and others.
