Assassin\'s Creed Shadows Details Parkour Changes

Assassin's Creed Shadows: Revamped Parkour and Dual Protagonists

Assassin's Creed Shadows, Ubisoft's highly anticipated feudal Japan adventure, launches February 14th, bringing significant changes to the franchise's iconic parkour and introducing a unique dual-protagonist system. Following a delay from its original November 2024 release, the game promises a blend of classic stealth and RPG combat.

The game's core innovation lies in its two playable characters: Naoe, a stealthy shinobi adept at scaling walls and shadow maneuvers; and Yasuke, a powerful samurai excelling in open combat but limited in climbing abilities. This design caters to both stealth purists and fans of the more action-oriented RPG entries like Odyssey and Valhalla.

Ubisoft has significantly overhauled the parkour system. Gone is the free-form climbing of previous titles; instead, players navigate specifically designed "parkour highways." While this may initially seem restrictive, Ubisoft assures players that most surfaces remain climbable, requiring strategic approaches and utilizing tools like the grappling hook. The design allows for more curated parkour experiences, optimizing pathways for a smoother flow.

Enhanced Parkour Mechanics:

The revamped system also introduces seamless ledge dismounts, replacing the previous grab-and-climb mechanic with stylish flips and dodges. A new prone position adds diving capabilities during sprints, complementing the existing sliding mechanic. As Associate Game Director Simon Lemay-Comtois explains, this focused approach to parkour design allows for better control over character movement, differentiating Naoe's agility from Yasuke's limitations.

"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."

Launching on Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 5, and PC, Assassin's Creed Shadows faces stiff competition in a busy February release window, including Monster Hunter Wilds, Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii, and Avowed. The coming weeks will undoubtedly bring further details on this highly anticipated title.