Summary
- Assassin's Creed Shadows revamps its parkour system, focusing on designated "parkour highways" for climbing and introducing seamless ledge dismounts.
- The game features dual protagonists: the stealthy shinobi Naoe and the powerful samurai Yasuke, offering diverse playstyles.
- Launching February 14th, Assassin's Creed Shadows aims to blend classic stealth gameplay with RPG combat elements.
Ubisoft has detailed significant changes to the parkour system in the upcoming Assassin's Creed Shadows, the latest RPG-style installment in their acclaimed historical action-adventure franchise. Delayed from its November 2024 release, the game is now set for a February launch.
Set in feudal Japan, Assassin's Creed Shadows introduces dual protagonists: Naoe, a nimble shinobi adept at stealth and wall-scaling; and Yasuke, a powerful samurai excelling in open combat but unable to climb. This dual-protagonist approach caters to both fans of classic Assassin's Creed stealth and those who prefer the more recent RPG-focused combat of titles like Odyssey and Valhalla.
In a recent Ubisoft blog post, Associate Game Director Simon Lemay-Comtois explained the revamped parkour system. A major change is the restriction of climbing to specific "parkour highways," unlike the free-climbing of previous entries. While this might seem limiting, Lemay-Comtois assures players that most surfaces remain climbable, requiring a strategic approach. The blog also highlighted improved ledge dismounts, allowing for seamless, stylish flips instead of requiring ledge grabs. Additionally, a new prone position enables diving while sprinting, alongside 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."
Players Won't Be Able To Climb Everything In Assassin's Creed Shadows
This shift in parkour design allows for more carefully crafted pathways, potentially optimizing flow and creating a more engaging experience.
Assassin's Creed Shadows releases on February 14th for Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 5, and PC. With launch approaching, further details are expected. The game faces stiff competition that month, with releases including Monster Hunter Wilds, Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii, and Avowed, among others.
