Assassin\'s Creed Shadows Details Parkour Changes

Assassin's Creed Shadows: A Revamped Parkour System and Dual Protagonists

Assassin's Creed Shadows, Ubisoft's highly anticipated feudal Japan adventure, is set to launch on February 14th. This latest installment introduces significant changes, particularly to the parkour system and its dual protagonists.

Key features include:

• Redesigned Parkour: The game shifts from the free-climbing style of previous entries to a system of designated "parkour highways." While this might seem restrictive, Ubisoft assures players that most climbable surfaces remain accessible, albeit requiring strategic approaches. Seamless ledge dismounts and stylish flips enhance the fluidity of movement. A new prone position allows for sprinting dives and slides.

• Dual Protagonists: Players control both Naoe, a stealthy shinobi adept at climbing and shadow maneuvering, and Yasuke, a powerful samurai specializing in open combat but with limited climbing abilities. This design caters to both stealth aficionados and fans of the more RPG-focused combat of titles like Odyssey and Valhalla.

Ubisoft's Associate Game Director, Simon Lemay-Comtois, detailed these parkour changes in a recent blog post. The decision to implement "parkour highways" allowed for more controlled level design, particularly in differentiating Naoe and Yasuke's movement capabilities. The grappling hook will remain a valuable tool for navigating the environment.

The game will be available on Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 5, and PC. With its unique setting and gameplay mechanics, Assassin's Creed Shadows is poised to make a significant impact, though it faces stiff competition from other high-profile releases in February.