Assassin's Creed Shadows Kyoto Revealed: Is the City Built for Parkour?

A new gameplay video from Assassin's Creed Shadows offers a stunning first look at Kyoto, seen through the eyes of the protagonist, Naoe, as he synchronizes from a rooftop vantage point. Shared by Japanese media outlet Impress Watch, the footage showcases a breathtaking panorama, but the city's apparent size has sparked debate among fans.

While the visuals are universally praised on Reddit, concerns have arisen regarding core Assassin's Creed mechanics: climbing and parkour. The video suggests Kyoto might offer less extensive free-running opportunities than previous installments, prompting mixed reactions. Comments express disappointment at the potential for limited parkour, contrasting the beautiful setting with concerns about gameplay. Several users note a perceived lack of structures conducive to fluid movement, questioning whether the city feels sufficiently large or designed for the series' signature traversal. One user commented, "Isn't Kyoto supposed to be about half the size of Paris from Unity? Don't get me wrong, it looks beautiful, and exploring it will definitely be enjoyable, but I was hoping for at least one densely populated city designed for parkour." Others echo similar sentiments, hoping the grappling hook will compensate for any limitations.

Assassin's Creed Shadows is slated for release on March 20, 2025, for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. As the release date approaches, players await further information on how the game will integrate the series' iconic parkour into this historically rich setting. The balance between historical accuracy and dynamic gameplay remains to be seen.