Assassin's Creed Shadows Updates Parkour Mechanics

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

Assassin's Creed Shadows, the highly anticipated installment in Ubisoft's historical action-adventure franchise, is set to launch on February 14th. This new entry introduces significant changes, particularly to its parkour mechanics and character design.

The game features a revamped parkour system, shifting away from the free-climbing of previous titles. Instead, players will navigate designated "parkour highways," specifically designed climbing routes. While this might seem restrictive, Ubisoft assures players that most climbable surfaces remain accessible, albeit requiring a more strategic approach. This change, according to Associate Game Director Simon Lemay-Comtois, allows for more controlled level design and enhances the distinction between the two protagonists' abilities.

Speaking of protagonists, Shadows introduces a dual-protagonist system: Naoe, a stealthy shinobi adept at wall-scaling and shadow maneuvering; and Yasuke, a powerful samurai excelling in open combat but lacking climbing capabilities. This design caters to both fans of classic stealth gameplay and those who prefer the RPG-style combat seen in titles like Odyssey and Valhalla.

Further enhancing the parkour experience are seamless ledge dismounts, allowing for stylish flips and dodges during descents. A new prone position also enables sprinting dives and slides, adding fluidity to movement. The addition of a grappling hook further expands traversal options.

Ubisoft's blog post emphasizes that while the climbing system is more structured, the majority of the game world remains explorable. Players will simply need to identify the appropriate entry points for climbing.

With its unique setting in feudal Japan and its innovative approach to gameplay, Assassin's Creed Shadows is poised to make a significant impact. However, it faces stiff competition from other high-profile releases scheduled for February, 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.