Summary
Ubisoft has gone in depth about several key changes that have been implemented inAssassin’s Creed Shadows’parkour system.Assassin’s Creed Shadowsis the next big RPG-like entry in Ubisoft’s beloved historical action-adventure franchise. After a disappointing delay out of November 2024,Assassin’s Creed Shadowsis now due out in February.
Taking the franchise to feudal Japan for the first time ever,Assassin’s Creed Shadowsfeatures dual protagonistsNaoe and Yasuke. The former, Naoe, is a shinobi capable of scaling walls and sneaking around in the shadows, while Yasuke is a samurai of large stature who excels in open combat, but isn’t able to climb. With two wildly different playstyles on the table,Assassin’s Creed Shadowsis looking to cater to both fans of the classicAssassin’s Creedstealth experience and to fans of the more recent open-combat RPG entries likeOdysseyandValhalla.
In anew blog post by Ubisoft,Assassin’s Creed Shadows' Associate Game Director Simon Lemay-Comtois laid out all the changes players can come to expect from the game’s revamped parkour system. Perhaps the biggestchange toAssassin’s Creed’s parkour systemcoming inShadowsis that players will no longer be able to climb nearly any wall in the game, as was possible in previous entries. Rather, Ubisoft has designed specific “parkour highways” players need to find in order to climb.
Players Won’t Be Able To Climb Everything In Assassin’s Creed Shadows
Such a change to parkour may feel limiting, but it seems that Ubisoft is more carefully designing these pathways that players can find, possibly optimizing the layouts of these paths to make them flow well. Lemay-Comtois assures players that the majority of surfaces will remain climbable, but will just need the right approach. Ubisoft’s post also went on to highlight some interesting changes to the way players will be able to dismount higher ledges inAssassin’s Creed Shadows. Instead of needing to grab a ledge to climb down, players will be able to seamlessly dodge off ledges to perform a range of stylish flips as they move down toward the ground, which will surely make for a smoother parkour experience. Furthermore,Assassin’s Creed Shadows' new prone positionmeans that players will be able to dive while sprinting in addition to sliding.
…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 Shadowsis coming to Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 5, and PC on February 14. With just over a month left until launch, Ubisoft will surely have more to share about the much-anticipated title as its release date approaches. It’ll be interesting to seewhetherAssassin’s Creed Shadowswill be able to dominate the zeitgeistin a month that’s also set to see the releases of games likeMonster Hunter Wilds,Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii, Avowed, and more.
Assassin’s Creed Shadows
WHERE TO PLAY
Experience an epic historical action-adventure story set in feudal Japan! Become a lethal shinobi Assassin and a powerful legendary samurai as you explore a beautiful open world in a time of chaos. Switch seamlessly between two unlikely allies as you discover their common destiny. Master complementary playstyles, create your shinobi league, customize your hideout, and usher in a new era for Japan.• Explore the captivating open world of feudal Japan, from spectacular castle towns and bustling ports to peaceful shrines and war-ravaged landscapes. Adventure through unpredictable weather, changing seasons, and reactive environments.• Become Naoe, a shinobi Assassin, and Yasuke, a legendary samurai, as you experience their riveting stories and master their complementary playstyles. As Naoe, use stealth to avoid detection and agility to confound your enemies. As Yasuke, strike your foes with lethal precision and power. Unlock new skills, gear, and progression independently for each character.• Make information your weapon as you explore the world, and build your own network of spies to be your eyes and ears across locations to hunt down your next target. Along the way, recruit new allies with unique abilities to help accomplish your missions.• Create a fully customizable hideout for your growing shinobi league as you train your crew, craft new gear, interact with key characters, and choose your base’s layout, decorations, and accessories.
