Assassin's Creed Shadows: Parkour Evolution Unveiled

Assassin's Creed Shadows: Revamped Parkour and Dual Protagonists

Assassin's Creed Shadows, Ubisoft's highly anticipated feudal Japan adventure, launches February 14th. This latest installment introduces significant changes, most notably a revamped parkour system and dual protagonists with distinct playstyles.

The game features Naoe, a stealthy shinobi adept at scaling walls and shadow maneuvering, and Yasuke, a powerful samurai excelling in open combat but lacking climbing abilities. This dual-protagonist approach aims to satisfy both stealth purists and fans of the series' more recent RPG-focused combat.

Ubisoft has detailed substantial parkour system overhauls. Gone is the freeform climbing of previous titles; players now navigate designated "parkour highways." While this may seem restrictive, Ubisoft assures players that most surfaces remain climbable, requiring strategic approaches. Seamless ledge dismounts, allowing for stylish flips and dodges, enhance the fluidity of movement. A new prone position adds sprinting dives and slides to the repertoire.

Associate Game Director Simon Lemay-Comtois explains, "...we had to be more thoughtful about creating interesting parkour highways, controlling Naoe's movement and Yasuke's limitations...Most areas remain climbable, especially with the grappling hook, but players will need to identify valid starting points."

Launching on Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 5, and PC, Assassin's Creed Shadows faces stiff competition from titles like Monster Hunter Wilds, Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii, and Avowed, all vying for attention in February. Ubisoft is expected to unveil further details in the lead-up to the release.