Assassin's Creed Valhalla's extensive storyline and numerous optional tasks drew criticism from fans, a point Ubisoft has addressed in the upcoming Assassin's Creed: Shadows. The game aims for a more streamlined experience, with improved visibility and a more compact design.
Game director Charles Benoit stated that completing the main Shadows campaign will take approximately 50 hours, while full completion, including exploration and side quests, is estimated at 100 hours. This contrasts with Valhalla's 60+ hour main campaign and potential 150+ hours for full completion. Ubisoft has reportedly reduced optional content to avoid overwhelming players, aiming for a better balance between narrative and optional activities. The goal is to maintain the richness of the world and story depth while making the gameplay less tedious.
The developers intend to cater to both types of players: those who enjoy extensive gameplay won't sacrifice quality for a shorter experience, and those focused on the story can complete the game without an immense time commitment.
Game director Jonathan Dumont highlighted the team's research trip to Japan as a significant influence on Shadows' development. The scale and realism of Japanese castles, mountains, and forests surprised the team, leading to a focus on increased realism and detail.
One major change is a more realistic world geography. Travel times between points of interest will be longer, reflecting the vastness of the landscapes. However, each location will be more detailed and nuanced. Unlike Assassin's Creed Odyssey's densely packed points of interest, Shadows features a more open and natural world, with longer travel times contributing to a richer, more immersive experience. Dumont emphasizes Shadows' significantly higher level of detail, promising a truly authentic Japanese atmosphere.
