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, most notably a revamped parkour system and dual protagonists with distinct playstyles.

A Refined Parkour Experience:

Gone are the days of free-climbing any surface. Shadows introduces "parkour highways"—specifically designed climbing routes—to guide players' vertical traversal. While this might initially seem restrictive, Ubisoft assures players that most climbable surfaces remain accessible, albeit requiring a more strategic approach. The addition of seamless ledge dismounts, allowing for stylish flips and dives, enhances fluidity and adds a layer of visual flair to the parkour experience. A new prone position further expands movement options, enabling sprinting dives and slides. The design philosophy, as explained by Associate Game Director Simon Lemay-Comtois, prioritizes creating engaging parkour pathways, particularly considering the differing abilities of the two protagonists.

Dual Protagonists, Divergent Playstyles:

Shadows features Naoe, a stealthy shinobi adept at scaling walls and navigating shadows, and Yasuke, a powerful samurai excelling in open combat but lacking climbing abilities. This dual-protagonist approach caters to both classic stealth fans and those who prefer the RPG-style combat introduced in titles like Odyssey and Valhalla. The parkour highway system cleverly integrates these contrasting playstyles, ensuring a balanced and engaging experience for all players.

Release and Competition:

Launching on Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 5, and PC, Assassin's Creed Shadows faces stiff competition from other high-profile releases in February, including Monster Hunter Wilds, Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii, and Avowed. Whether it will achieve dominance remains to be seen, but Ubisoft's commitment to innovation, particularly with its revised parkour system and dual protagonists, positions Shadows for a strong showing.