Assassin's Creed Shadows: Revamped Parkour and Dual Protagonists
Assassin's Creed Shadows, launching February 14th, introduces significant changes, most notably a revamped parkour system and dual protagonists with contrasting playstyles. Initially slated for November 2024, the game's delay has heightened anticipation.
A New Approach to Parkour:
Ubisoft has redesigned the parkour experience, shifting from free-form climbing to designated "parkour highways." While this may seem restrictive, the developers assure players that most surfaces remain climbable, requiring a more strategic approach. Seamless ledge dismounts, allowing for stylish flips and dives, enhance fluidity. The addition of a prone position allows for sprinting dives and slides, adding further dynamic movement options. The Associate Game Director, Simon Lemay-Comtois, explains that this focused design provides more control over character movement, particularly differentiating Naoe's climbing abilities from Yasuke's limitations.
Dual Protagonists: Stealth and Combat:
Shadows features two playable characters: Naoe, a stealthy shinobi adept at scaling walls and shadow maneuvering; and Yasuke, a powerful samurai excelling in open combat but unable to climb. This dual protagonist system caters to both fans of classic Assassin's Creed stealth and the more recent RPG-style combat found in titles like Odyssey and Valhalla.
Release and Competition:
Assassin's Creed Shadows arrives on Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 5, and PC on February 14th. Its launch coincides with other highly anticipated titles, including Monster Hunter Wilds, Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii, and Avowed, setting the stage for a competitive gaming landscape. Ubisoft's upcoming reveals will be crucial in determining Shadows' success amidst this crowded release window.
