Assassin's Creed Shadows: Revamped Parkour and Dual Protagonists
Assassin's Creed Shadows, Ubisoft's highly anticipated feudal Japan adventure, is set to launch February 14th, bringing significant changes to the franchise's iconic parkour system and introducing a unique dual protagonist structure.
The game's parkour has been redesigned, shifting from the freeform climbing of previous titles to a system of designated "parkour highways." While this might initially seem restrictive, Ubisoft assures players that most climbable surfaces remain accessible, requiring a more strategic approach. This focused design, according to Associate Game Director Simon Lemay-Comtois, allows for more controlled level design, differentiating the movement capabilities of the two protagonists.
Dual Protagonists: Stealth and Power
Shadows features Naoe, a stealthy shinobi adept at scaling walls and navigating shadows, and Yasuke, a powerful samurai excelling in open combat but unable to climb. This dual-protagonist approach aims to satisfy both classic stealth fans and players who prefer the RPG-style combat seen in titles like Odyssey and Valhalla.
Enhanced Parkour Mechanics
Beyond the "parkour highways," Shadows introduces seamless ledge dismounts, allowing for stylish and fluid transitions during descents. A new prone position also enables sprinting dives and slides, adding further dynamism to movement. The addition of a grappling hook further expands traversal options.
A Competitive February Launch
Launching on Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 5, and PC, Assassin's Creed Shadows faces stiff competition from other high-profile releases in February, including Monster Hunter Wilds, Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii, and Avowed. Whether it can capture the gaming spotlight remains to be seen. Ubisoft is expected to reveal more details as the release date approaches.
