Assassin\'s Creed Shadows Details Parkour Changes

Assassin's Creed Shadows: A Revamped Parkour System and Dual Protagonists

Assassin's Creed Shadows, Ubisoft's upcoming feudal Japan-set adventure, introduces significant changes, particularly to its parkour mechanics and character design. Launching February 14th, the game features dual protagonists offering diverse gameplay experiences.

A Refined Parkour Experience:

Ubisoft has redesigned the parkour system, shifting from free-form climbing to designated "parkour highways." While this might initially seem restrictive, the developer assures players that most climbable surfaces remain accessible, requiring a more strategic approach. This change allows for more controlled level design and enhances the overall flow of movement. Seamless ledge dismounts, enabling stylish flips and dives, further enhance the fluidity of parkour. The addition of a prone position allows for sprinting dives and slides, adding new tactical options. The grappling hook also plays a significant role in navigating the environment.

Associate Game Director Simon Lemay-Comtois explains that this focused approach to parkour design allows for better differentiation between the two protagonists:

"...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..."

Dual Protagonists, Dual Playstyles:

Shadows introduces Naoe, a stealthy shinobi adept at scaling walls and shadow maneuvering, and Yasuke, a powerful samurai excelling in open combat but with limited climbing abilities. This dual-protagonist structure caters to both fans of classic stealth gameplay and the more action-oriented RPG combat introduced in titles like Odyssey and Valhalla.

Release and Competition:

Launching on Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 5, and PC on February 14th, Assassin's Creed Shadows faces stiff competition from other high-profile releases, including Monster Hunter Wilds, Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii, and Avowed. The coming weeks will undoubtedly reveal more details about this highly anticipated title.