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 latest installment introduces significant changes, particularly to its parkour mechanics and character design.

Key features include:

• Redesigned Parkour: The game limits free climbing, instead focusing on designated "parkour highways." While this might seem restrictive, Ubisoft assures players that most climbable surfaces remain accessible, requiring a more strategic approach. Seamless ledge dismounts and stylish flips add fluidity to traversal. A new prone position allows for diving while sprinting, enhancing movement options.

• Dual Protagonists: Players control two distinct characters: Naoe, a stealthy shinobi adept at climbing and shadow maneuvers; and Yasuke, a powerful samurai excelling in open combat but unable to climb. This dual-protagonist design caters to both stealth and action-oriented gameplay preferences.

• Gameplay Blend: Ubisoft aims to bridge the gap between classic stealth gameplay and the RPG combat style seen in titles like Odyssey and Valhalla. The parkour highway system, according to Associate Game Director Simon Lemay-Comtois, allows for more controlled level design, shaping Naoe's movement while restricting Yasuke's.

The shift to structured parkour pathways, while initially appearing limiting, allows for more carefully crafted level designs, optimizing movement flow. The addition of a grappling hook further expands traversal options.

Assassin's Creed Shadows will be available on Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 5, and PC. The game faces stiff competition in February, launching alongside titles such as Monster Hunter Wilds, Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii, and Avowed. Ubisoft is expected to unveil further details as the release date approaches.