Assassin\'s Creed Shadows Details Parkour Changes

Summary

• The parkour system in Assassin's Creed Shadows has been revamped, limiting climbing to specific "parkour highways" and introducing seamless ledge dismounts.
• Assassin's Creed Shadows introduces dual protagonists with distinct playstyles: Naoe as a stealthy shinobi, and Yasuke as a powerful samurai.
• Ubisoft aims to cater to both classic stealth gameplay and RPG combat fans with Assassin's Creed Shadows, set to release on February 14.

Ubisoft has provided an in-depth look at the significant changes implemented in the parkour system of Assassin's Creed Shadows, the next big RPG-like entry in their beloved historical action-adventure franchise. After a disappointing delay out of November 2024, Assassin's Creed Shadows is now slated for release on February 14.

Set against the backdrop of feudal Japan for the first time, Assassin's Creed Shadows introduces dual protagonists, Naoe and Yasuke. Naoe, a shinobi, is adept at scaling walls and sneaking in shadows, while Yasuke, a samurai of imposing stature, excels in direct combat but is unable to climb. This dual-protagonist approach aims to cater to fans of the classic Assassin's Creed stealth experience as well as those who enjoy the more recent RPG combat-focused entries like Odyssey and Valhalla.

In a detailed blog post, Ubisoft's Associate Game Director Simon Lemay-Comtois outlined the changes players can expect from the revamped parkour system. One of the most notable changes is the limitation on climbing; unlike previous games where players could climb almost any surface, Assassin's Creed Shadows requires players to find specific "parkour highways" to ascend.

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

While this may seem restrictive, Ubisoft has carefully designed these pathways to ensure they are optimized for fluid movement. Lemay-Comtois reassures players that most surfaces will still be climbable, but finding the right approach is key. Ubisoft's post also highlighted new dismount mechanics, allowing players to seamlessly perform stylish flips off higher ledges, enhancing the smoothness of the parkour experience. Additionally, the introduction of a new prone position enables players to dive while sprinting or slide, adding more 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 is set to launch on Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 5, and PC on February 14. With just over a month until its release, Ubisoft is expected to share more about this highly anticipated title. It remains to be seen whether Assassin's Creed Shadows will capture the gaming community's attention in a month filled with other major releases such as Monster Hunter Wilds, Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii, Avowed, and more.