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-set installment, is set to launch February 14th, bringing significant changes to the franchise's iconic parkour mechanics and introducing a unique dual-protagonist system.

A Refined Approach to Parkour:

Ubisoft has significantly overhauled the parkour system. Gone are the days of climbing virtually any surface. Instead, Shadows features designated "parkour highways," carefully designed climbing routes that players must strategically navigate. While this might initially seem restrictive, Ubisoft assures players that most climbable surfaces remain accessible, requiring a more considered approach. This change, according to Associate Game Director Simon Lemay-Comtois, allows for more controlled level design and enhances the distinction between the two playable characters.

The new system also introduces seamless ledge dismounts, replacing the previous ledge-grabbing mechanic with stylish, fluid transitions. Additionally, a new prone position allows for diving during sprints, adding another layer of agility.

Dual Protagonists, Divergent Playstyles:

Shadows introduces Naoe, a stealthy shinobi adept at traversing walls and navigating shadows, and Yasuke, a powerful samurai excelling in open combat but lacking climbing abilities. This dual-protagonist design caters to both fans of classic Assassin's Creed stealth gameplay and those who prefer the more action-oriented RPG combat of titles like Odyssey and Valhalla. The parkour highway system further accentuates this difference, strategically limiting Yasuke's movement while providing Naoe with ample climbing opportunities.

February Launch and Competitive Landscape:

Launching on Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 5, and PC, Assassin's Creed Shadows faces a crowded February release window, competing with titles like 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 explanation of the parkour revamp and the intriguing dual-protagonist concept certainly generate considerable anticipation.