The long-awaited feudal Japan setting for Ubisoft’s Assassin’s Creed series is finally arriving with Assassin’s Creed Shadows. This new installment promises a revamped parkour and movement system, designed to enhance gameplay with two distinct playable characters: Naoe and Yasuke. Ubisoft is focusing on differentiating the two characters’ playstyles while maintaining a balanced and cohesive system.
Naoe parkouring in Assassin's Creed Shadows
According to Simon Lemay-Comtois, Associate Game Director for Shadows, the development team meticulously designed “parkour highways” to emphasize the contrast between Naoe and Yasuke’s abilities. This careful planning allows for more control over character movement, creating unique gameplay experiences for each. One key change is the alteration of crouch and dodge button mappings, enabling seamless transitions into parkour sequences.
Naoe: The Nimble Shinobi
Described as a “true parkour master,” Naoe’s agility is showcased through her fluid movements. She possesses the ability to jump further and higher, effortlessly traversing rooftops, scaling walls, and evading pursuers. Her nimble nature allows her to navigate the environment with grace and precision.
Yasuke: The Powerful Samurai
While Yasuke shares similar parkour abilities with Naoe, his movements are characterized by strength and power rather than agility. He is slower and less elegant, but his heavier build offers unique advantages.
Redefining Movement and Stealth
Assassin’s Creed Shadows introduces new approaches to stealth and parkour. The distinction between dropping and climbing down offers players more tactical options. While the traditional parkour button allows for controlled descent and further climbing, players can also execute acrobatic maneuvers to quickly dodge over and down ledges.
Sprinting mechanics have also been refined. Naoe’s unique sprint dodge allows her to dive and roll over obstacles like fences, crates, and windowsills, effectively evading arrows and increasing the distance from pursuers. Yasuke, on the other hand, utilizes his strength with an automatic shoulder tackle while sprinting, clearing destructible objects and enemies from his path.
Yasuke shouldering through obstacles in Assassin's Creed Shadows
The Grappling Hook: A Shinobi’s Essential Tool
Acknowledging the importance of a grappling hook in a shinobi game, Shadows equips Naoe with this versatile tool. The grappling hook allows her to reach greater heights, swing across grapple points, and combine wall-running with grappling to access otherwise unreachable areas. This addition promises exciting possibilities for creative gameplay.
Balancing Agility and Realism
While emphasizing agility, the developers have also maintained a degree of realism. Both Naoe and Yasuke require physical handholds to climb, preventing them from scaling any surface. This encourages strategic route planning and adds a layer of challenge to the gameplay. However, the team assures players that a significant portion of the in-game environment will be climbable, allowing for immersive exploration and assassinations.
For a deeper dive into the revamped parkour system and other features of Assassin’s Creed Shadows, visit the official Ubisoft blog here. This new installment promises a dynamic and engaging experience within the rich backdrop of feudal Japan.
