Assassin's Creed Valhalla's extensive gameplay drew criticism, prompting Ubisoft to refine the experience for its upcoming installment, Assassin's Creed: Shadows. Feedback regarding the lengthy main plot and overwhelming number of optional tasks has been addressed.
Game director Charles Benoit stated that completing the main storyline in Shadows will take approximately 50 hours, with full completion (including all regions and side quests) estimated at 100 hours. This contrasts with Valhalla's minimum 60-hour main story and potential 150-hour full completion.
Ubisoft's focus is on streamlining optional content to prevent player overwhelm, aiming for a more balanced ratio between narrative progression and side activities. The goal is to reduce tedium without sacrificing world richness or narrative depth. The developers intend to cater to both players who enjoy extensive gameplay and those prioritizing the main story, offering a more manageable experience for all.
Game director Jonathan Dumont highlighted the team's research trip to Japan, significantly shaping Shadows' development. The scale and detail of Japanese castles, mountainous landscapes, and dense forests exceeded expectations, leading to a commitment to enhanced realism and detail.
A key change involves world geography. Travel times between points of interest will be longer, reflecting the vastness of the open world. However, each location will be significantly more detailed and nuanced. This contrasts with Odyssey's denser point-of-interest distribution. Shadows prioritizes a more natural, open world with longer travel times, offset by richer, more immersive locations. Dumont emphasized the significantly higher level of detail, promising a truly authentic Japanese atmosphere.
