Assassin's Creed Shadows Kyoto Revealed: Is the City Built for Parkour?

A new gameplay video from Assassin’s Creed Mirage showcasing Kyoto from a synchronization viewpoint has been released by Japanese media outlet Impress Watch. The footage depicts protagonist Naoe scaling a rooftop to reveal a panoramic city view. However, Kyoto’s size has sparked debate amongst fans, appearing smaller than anticipated.

Reddit users lauded the location’s aesthetics but expressed concerns about core Assassin’s Creed mechanics—climbing and parkour. The video suggests limited free-running opportunities, generating mixed reactions. Comments echoed these sentiments:

“Isn't Kyoto supposed to be about half the size of Paris from Unity? Don't get me wrong, it looks beautiful, and exploring it will definitely be enjoyable, but I was hoping for at least one densely populated city designed for parkour.”

“It looks great, but it's disappointing that we might be limited to restricted parkour instead of full-on freerunning. Hopefully, the grappling hook will make up for it.”

“Looks nice, but there aren't enough structures for proper parkour.”

“While it's visually appealing, it doesn't quite feel like a city. I'm sure it's historically accurate, but it seems lacking when it comes to parkour potential.”

Assassin’s Creed Mirage launches March 20, 2025, on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. As the release nears, fans await further details on how signature mechanics will integrate into this historical setting. While Kyoto may prioritize authenticity over extensive traversal, the balance between aesthetics and gameplay remains to be seen.