Assassin's Creed Shadows: Revamped Parkour and Dual Protagonists

Assassin's Creed Shadows, launching February 14th, introduces significant changes, particularly to its parkour system and character design. This latest installment takes the franchise to feudal Japan, featuring two playable characters with distinct styles: the stealthy shinobi Naoe and the powerful samurai Yasuke.

A New Approach to Parkour:

Ubisoft has redesigned the parkour system, moving away from the free-climbing of previous titles. Instead, players will navigate designated "parkour highways," carefully crafted climbing routes. While this might initially seem restrictive, Ubisoft assures players that most surfaces remain climbable, requiring strategic approaches. The addition of a grappling hook further enhances traversal options.

Seamless ledge dismounts are another key improvement. Players can now smoothly dismount from ledges with stylish flips, enhancing fluidity. A new prone position allows for diving while sprinting, adding another layer to movement. The design choice behind these changes, according to Associate Game Director Simon Lemay-Comtois, allows for more controlled character movement, particularly differentiating Naoe's climbing abilities from Yasuke's inability to scale walls.

Dual Protagonists, Dual Playstyles:

The dual protagonist system caters to diverse gameplay preferences. Naoe's stealth-focused abilities complement Yasuke's strength in open combat. This approach aims to satisfy both fans of classic Assassin's Creed stealth and those who prefer the RPG-style combat of titles like Odyssey and Valhalla.

February Launch and Competition:

Releasing on Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 5, and PC, Assassin's Creed Shadows faces stiff competition from other high-profile February releases, including Monster Hunter Wilds, Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii, and Avowed. Whether it can capture the gaming spotlight remains to be seen.