Assassin\'s Creed Shadows Details Parkour Changes

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 on February 14th. This latest installment introduces significant changes, particularly to its parkour mechanics and character design.

A Refined Parkour Experience:

The game's parkour system has undergone a major overhaul. Instead of free-climbing any surface, players will navigate pre-determined "parkour highways." While this might initially seem restrictive, Ubisoft assures players that most climbable areas remain accessible, requiring a more strategic approach. This design choice allows for more controlled level design and enhances the overall flow of movement. The addition of seamless ledge dismounts, allowing for stylish flips and dives, further enhances the fluidity of parkour. A new prone position also enables sprinting dives and slides, adding to the dynamic movement options. As Associate Game Director Simon Lemay-Comtois explains, this focused approach allows for better control over character movement, differentiating Naoe's abilities from Yasuke's.

Dual Protagonists, Divergent Playstyles:

Shadows features two playable characters: Naoe, a nimble shinobi adept at stealth and climbing; and Yasuke, a powerful samurai excelling in open combat but unable to scale walls. This dual protagonist system caters to both fans of classic Assassin's Creed stealth and the more recent RPG-style combat found in titles like Odyssey and Valhalla. The contrasting playstyles offer diverse gameplay experiences within the same game world.

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 insights into its revamped parkour system and dual protagonist structure suggest a unique and potentially compelling experience.