"Assassin's Creed Shadows: Enhanced Parkour Revealed"

Summary

• The parkour system in Assassin's Creed Shadows has been revamped, introducing "parkour highways" and seamless ledge dismounts, while limiting climbing to specific paths.
• Assassin's Creed Shadows features dual protagonists: Naoe, a stealthy shinobi, and Yasuke, a powerful samurai, catering to different playstyles.
• Ubisoft aims to appeal to both stealth and RPG combat fans with Assassin's Creed Shadows, set for release on February 14.

Ubisoft has provided detailed insights into the significant changes implemented in the parkour system of Assassin's Creed Shadows, the next major RPG-like entry in the beloved historical action-adventure franchise. Originally delayed from November 2024, Assassin's Creed Shadows is now scheduled to launch on February 14.

Set in feudal Japan for the first time, Assassin's Creed Shadows introduces dual protagonists: Naoe, a nimble shinobi adept at scaling walls and blending into the shadows, and Yasuke, a formidable samurai who thrives in direct combat but cannot climb. By offering these contrasting playstyles, the game aims to satisfy both fans of the classic Assassin's Creed stealth mechanics and those who enjoy the more recent RPG combat-focused titles like Odyssey and Valhalla.

In a recent blog post, Ubisoft's Associate Game Director Simon Lemay-Comtois elaborated on the parkour system's overhaul. One of the most notable changes is the shift from unrestricted climbing to navigating designated "parkour highways." This means players must locate these specific paths to ascend, which Ubisoft has meticulously designed to enhance flow and engagement. While most surfaces remain climbable, finding the correct approach is key.

Players Won't Be Able To Climb Everything In Assassin's Creed Shadows

This new approach to parkour might initially seem restrictive, but Ubisoft's careful design of these pathways aims to create a more fluid and enjoyable experience. Lemay-Comtois emphasized that while the majority of surfaces are still climbable, especially with the aid of a grappling hook, players will need to identify valid entry points.

Additionally, the way players dismount from higher ledges has been updated. Instead of needing to grab ledges to descend, players can now seamlessly leap off with stylish flips, enhancing the parkour experience's smoothness. The introduction of a new prone position also allows for diving and sliding while sprinting, adding to the game's dynamic movement options.

...we had to be more thoughtful about creating interesting parkour highways and afforded us more control about where Naoe can go, and where Yasuke can't...Rest assured that most of what you'll see in Assassin's Creed Shadows is still very much climbable - especially with the grappling hook - but players will have to look for valid entry points from time to time.

Assassin's Creed Shadows will be available on Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 5, and PC on February 14. With the release date fast approaching, Ubisoft is expected to reveal more about this eagerly awaited title. It remains to be seen whether Assassin's Creed Shadows can capture the gaming community's attention in a month that also features major releases like Monster Hunter Wilds, Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii, Avowed, and more.