Assassin's Creed Shadows: A Revamped Parkour System and Dual Protagonists
Assassin's Creed Shadows, Ubisoft's highly anticipated foray into feudal Japan, is set to launch February 14th, 2025. This new installment introduces significant changes, particularly to its parkour mechanics and features dual protagonists with distinct playstyles.
A Refined Parkour Experience:
The game's parkour system has undergone a major overhaul. Instead of free-climbing any surface, players will navigate pre-designed "parkour highways." While this might initially seem restrictive, Ubisoft assures players that most climbable areas remain accessible, requiring strategic approaches. This change allows for more controlled level design and enhances the overall flow of movement.
Seamless ledge dismounts are another key addition. Players can now smoothly disengage from ledges, executing stylish acrobatic maneuvers instead of the traditional ledge-grabbing descent. A new prone position also allows for sprinting dives and slides, adding further dynamism to traversal. As Associate Game Director Simon Lemay-Comtois explains, this focused approach to parkour allows for better differentiation between the two protagonists.
Dual Protagonists, Diverse Gameplay:
Shadows introduces Naoe, a stealthy shinobi adept at scaling walls and shadow maneuvering, and Yasuke, a powerful samurai excelling in open combat but lacking climbing abilities. This dual protagonist system aims to cater to both fans of classic Assassin's Creed stealth and those who prefer the more action-oriented RPG combat of titles like Odyssey and Valhalla.
Release and Competition:
Launching on Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 5, and PC on February 14th, Assassin's Creed Shadows faces stiff competition from other high-profile releases that month, including Monster Hunter Wilds, Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii, and Avowed. Whether it can capture the gaming zeitgeist remains to be seen. Ubisoft is expected to reveal more details in the lead-up to the launch.
