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. This latest installment introduces significant changes, particularly to the parkour system and a unique dual-protagonist approach.
The game features Naoe, a stealthy shinobi adept at scaling walls and shadow maneuvers, and Yasuke, a powerful samurai excelling in open combat but limited in climbing abilities. This design caters to both classic stealth fans and those who prefer the RPG-style combat of titles like Odyssey and Valhalla.
Ubisoft has detailed substantial parkour system overhauls. Gone is the freeform climbing of previous games; instead, players navigate designated "parkour highways." While this might initially seem restrictive, Ubisoft assures that most surfaces remain climbable, requiring players to identify appropriate entry points. These pathways are meticulously designed for optimal flow.
Enhanced ledge dismounts provide seamless transitions, replacing the need to manually grab ledges. Players can now stylishly flip off ledges, adding fluidity to parkour sequences. A new prone position allows for sprinting dives and slides, further enhancing movement options. As Associate Game Director Simon Lemay-Comtois explains, "...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 will launch on Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 5, and PC on February 14th. Its release coincides with other high-profile titles, making its success a compelling question. Ubisoft's upcoming reveals will undoubtedly shape expectations leading up to launch.
