Assassin's Creed Shadows: Revamped Parkour and Dual Protagonists
Assassin's Creed Shadows, Ubisoft's highly anticipated feudal Japan adventure, is set to launch February 14th. This latest installment introduces significant changes, particularly to the parkour system and its dual protagonists, Naoe and Yasuke.
A Refined Parkour Experience:
Ubisoft has significantly overhauled the parkour mechanics. Gone is the freeform climbing of previous titles; Shadows introduces designated "parkour highways," carefully designed climbing routes. While this might seem restrictive, Ubisoft assures players that most surfaces remain climbable, requiring a more strategic approach. The addition of seamless ledge dismounts, allowing for stylish flips and dives, enhances the fluidity of movement. A new prone position also enables sprinting dives and slides, adding further dynamic options. The changes, according to Associate Game Director Simon Lemay-Comtois, allow for more controlled level design, differentiating Naoe's agile shinobi movements from Yasuke's ground-based combat style.
Dual Protagonists, Diverse Gameplay:
Shadows features two playable characters: the stealthy shinobi Naoe, adept at scaling walls and navigating shadows, and the powerful samurai Yasuke, excelling in open combat but limited in climbing ability. This dual protagonist system aims to appeal to both veteran stealth fans and those who prefer the RPG-style combat of recent entries like Odyssey and Valhalla.
February Launch and Competition:
Launching on February 14th for Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 5, and PC, 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. Ubisoft is expected to unveil further details in the lead-up to the launch.
Key features:
- Revamped parkour system with "parkour highways."
- Seamless ledge dismounts and a new prone position for enhanced movement.
- Dual protagonists: stealth-focused Naoe and combat-focused Yasuke.
- Release date: February 14th on Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 5, and PC.