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, is set to launch February 14th. This latest installment introduces significant changes, most notably a revamped parkour system and dual protagonists with distinct playstyles.

The game's parkour system has undergone a major overhaul. Instead of free-climbing any surface, players will navigate designated "parkour highways." While this might initially seem restrictive, Ubisoft assures players that most climbable areas remain accessible, requiring a more strategic approach. This design choice allows for more controlled level design and enhances the overall flow of movement. Seamless ledge dismounts, replacing the traditional ledge-grabbing mechanic, add a fluid and stylish element to traversal. A new prone position also allows for sprinting dives and slides, further enhancing movement options.

Shadows introduces Naoe, a stealthy shinobi adept at wall-scaling and shadow maneuvering, and Yasuke, a powerful samurai specializing in open combat but unable to climb. This dual protagonist setup caters to both stealth-focused and RPG combat-oriented players, blending classic Assassin's Creed gameplay with the action-RPG elements seen in Odyssey and Valhalla.

Ubisoft's Associate Game Director, Simon Lemay-Comtois, detailed these changes in a recent blog post, emphasizing the intentional design of the parkour highways to ensure a satisfying and engaging experience. The grappling hook will also play a crucial role in accessing certain areas.

Assassin's Creed Shadows will be available on Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 5, and PC. With its unique setting, redesigned parkour, and dual protagonists, it aims to make a significant impact in a competitive February release window alongside titles such as Monster Hunter Wilds, Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii, and Avowed.