Assassin's Creed Shadows: A Revamped Parkour System and Dual Protagonists
Assassin's Creed Shadows, Ubisoft's highly anticipated feudal Japan-set adventure, is set to launch February 14th. This latest installment introduces significant changes, particularly to its parkour mechanics and a unique dual protagonist system.
A Refined Parkour Experience:
The game's parkour system has undergone a major overhaul. Gone is the free-form climbing of previous titles; instead, players will navigate pre-designed "parkour highways." While this might initially seem restrictive, Ubisoft assures players that most climbable surfaces remain accessible, requiring a more strategic approach. This focused design allows for more controlled level design, particularly considering the differing abilities of the two protagonists. The system also boasts seamless ledge dismounts, enabling stylish and fluid transitions during traversal. New additions include a prone position allowing for diving during sprints, enhancing movement options.
Dual Protagonists, Dual Playstyles:
Shadows introduces Naoe, a stealthy shinobi adept at scaling walls and navigating shadows, and Yasuke, a powerful samurai excelling in open combat but lacking climbing abilities. This design caters to both fans of classic stealth gameplay and those who prefer the more action-oriented RPG combat of recent Assassin's Creed titles like Odyssey and Valhalla. The differing abilities of each character necessitate the redesigned parkour system, ensuring a balanced and engaging experience for both playstyles.
Release and Competition:
Launching on Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 5, and PC on February 14th, Assassin's Creed Shadows faces stiff competition from other high-profile releases that month, including Monster Hunter Wilds, Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii, and Avowed. Whether it can successfully dominate the gaming landscape remains to be seen. Ubisoft is expected to unveil further details as the release date approaches.
