Assassin's Creed Shadows: Revamped Parkour and Dual Protagonists

Assassin's Creed Shadows, Ubisoft's highly anticipated feudal Japan adventure, launches February 14th. This latest installment introduces significant changes, most notably a revamped parkour system and dual protagonists with distinct gameplay styles.

The game's parkour mechanics have undergone a major overhaul. Instead of free-climbing any surface, players will navigate specifically designed "parkour highways." While this might initially seem restrictive, Ubisoft assures players that most climbable areas remain accessible, albeit requiring a more strategic approach. This focused design allows for more controlled level design and enhances the overall flow of movement.

A key improvement is the seamless ledge dismount system. Players can now gracefully dismount from ledges with stylish flips, eliminating the need for precise ledge grabs. This, coupled with a new sprinting dive and slide maneuver, promises a smoother and more fluid parkour experience. The game's Associate Game Director, Simon Lemay-Comtois, explains that this change allowed for more deliberate parkour route creation, influencing character movement.

The game introduces Naoe, a stealthy shinobi adept at wall-scaling and shadow-based maneuvers, and Yasuke, a powerful samurai excelling in open combat but lacking climbing abilities. This dual protagonist system aims to satisfy both classic stealth fans and those who prefer the RPG-style combat found in titles like Odyssey and Valhalla.

Assassin's Creed Shadows will be available on Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 5, and PC on February 14th. Its release coincides with other highly anticipated titles, setting the stage for a competitive February gaming landscape.