Assassin\'s Creed Shadows Details Parkour Changes

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, 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 maneuvers, and Yasuke, a powerful samurai excelling in open combat but limited in climbing abilities. This dual protagonist approach aims to satisfy both classic stealth fans and those who prefer the RPG-style combat seen in titles like Odyssey and Valhalla.

Ubisoft has detailed significant parkour system overhauls. Gone is the free-climbing of previous iterations; instead, players will navigate specifically designed "parkour highways." While this might initially seem restrictive, Ubisoft assures players that most surfaces remain climbable, requiring a more strategic approach. These designated climbing routes, according to Associate Game Director Simon Lemay-Comtois, allow for more controlled level design and enhance the gameplay experience.

Enhanced Parkour Mechanics:

The new system introduces seamless ledge dismounts, replacing the previous ledge-grabbing mechanic. Players can now smoothly dismount from heights with stylish flips, creating a more fluid parkour flow. A new prone position also allows for sprinting dives and slides, adding further dynamism to movement. The grappling hook will also play a crucial role in navigating the environment.

Lemay-Comtois emphasizes that, "...we had to be more thoughtful about creating interesting parkour highways and afforded us more control about where Naoe can go, and where Yasuke can't...Rest assured that most of what you'll see in Assassin's Creed Shadows is still very much climbable - especially with the grappling hook - but players will have to look for valid entry points from time to time."

Assassin's Creed Shadows will release on Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 5, and PC on February 14th. Its launch coincides with other highly anticipated titles, making for a competitive February gaming landscape. The coming weeks will undoubtedly reveal more details about this exciting new entry in the Assassin's Creed franchise.