Parkour Revolutionizes in 'Assassin's Creed Shadows'

Assassin's Creed Shadows: A Revamped Parkour System 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 its dual protagonists.

A Refined Approach to Parkour:

The game significantly alters the traditional Assassin's Creed parkour experience. Instead of free-climbing almost any surface, Shadows introduces designated "parkour highways," carefully designed climbing routes. While this might initially seem restrictive, Ubisoft assures players that most climbable areas remain accessible, albeit requiring a more strategic approach. This focused design allows for more controlled level design and enhances the distinct gameplay differences between the two protagonists.

Seamless ledge dismounts are another key improvement. Players can now smoothly transition off ledges with stylish flips, eliminating the need for precise ledge grabs. The addition of a prone position allows for sprinting dives and slides, further enhancing the fluidity of movement. As Associate Game Director Simon Lemay-Comtois explains, this change allows for more interesting parkour routes while maintaining accessibility, particularly with the aid of a grappling hook.

Dual Protagonists, Dual Playstyles:

Shadows features two playable characters: Naoe, a stealthy shinobi adept at climbing and shadow maneuvering; and Yasuke, a powerful samurai excelling in open combat but lacking climbing abilities. This dual-protagonist structure caters to both classic stealth fans and those who prefer the RPG-style combat introduced in titles like Odyssey and Valhalla.

Release and Competition:

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 zeitgeist remains to be seen, but Ubisoft's detailed focus on refining core gameplay mechanics suggests a strong contender.