Ubisoft's Assassin's Creed Shadows, set in feudal Japan, faced significant delays before reaching development. The ambition of bringing the franchise to Japan required substantial technological advancements to meet Ubisoft's high standards for both gameplay and narrative. Creative director Jonathan Dumont explained that the project's launch was deliberately postponed until the technology and story were perfectly aligned, ensuring a quality experience befitting the Assassin's Creed legacy.
This cautious approach reflects the importance of Shadows following challenges with titles like Star Wars: Outlaws and Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora. Ubisoft couldn't risk another misstep, resulting in multiple delays focused on refining parkour mechanics and overall polish.
Despite years of fan anticipation for a Japan-set Assassin's Creed, Shadows' reception has been mixed. Concerns exist about its similarity to previous installments like Odyssey and Valhalla, and the dual protagonists, Naoe and Yasuke, have raised questions about narrative impact and player choice.
Ubisoft assures players that both Naoe and Yasuke's storylines can be fully experienced, achieving 100% completion with each character. However, the depth and divergence of their individual arcs remain to be seen. As the release date nears, Ubisoft must address fan concerns while delivering a captivating and innovative addition to the franchise.
Assassin's Creed Shadows is a crucial project for Ubisoft, aiming to revitalize the series and reaffirm the studio's dedication to quality and innovation.