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 adventure, is set to launch February 14th. This new entry features significant changes, particularly to its parkour mechanics and a unique dual-protagonist system.

A Refined Parkour Experience:

The game's parkour system has undergone a major overhaul. Gone are the days of free-climbing any surface. Instead, players will navigate designated "parkour highways," strategically designed climbing routes. While this might seem restrictive, Ubisoft assures players that most climbable surfaces remain accessible, requiring a more thoughtful approach. The addition of seamless ledge dismounts, allowing for stylish flips and dives, promises a smoother and more fluid parkour experience. A new prone position further enhances movement options, enabling diving while sprinting, in addition to sliding. The Associate Game Director, Simon Lemay-Comtois, explains that this change allows for more controlled level design, dictating where the agile shinobi Naoe can climb, in contrast to the less mobile samurai Yasuke.

Dual Protagonists, Dual Playstyles:

Shadows introduces two playable characters: Naoe, a stealthy shinobi adept at climbing and shadow tactics; and Yasuke, a powerful samurai specializing in open combat. This dual-protagonist 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.

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.