Assassin\'s Creed Shadows Details Parkour Changes

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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 core gameplay mechanics have been re-imagined. Instead of free-climbing any surface, players will navigate pre-designed "parkour highways." While this might initially seem restrictive, Ubisoft assures players that most climbable areas remain accessible, though requiring a more strategic approach. This focused design allows for more controlled level design and enhances the overall flow of movement.

Seamless ledge dismounts are another key improvement. Players can now smoothly transition from high ledges with stylish acrobatic maneuvers, replacing the previous, more cumbersome ledge-grabbing mechanics. The addition of a prone position further enhances mobility, allowing for sprinting dives and slides.

Assassin's Creed Shadows introduces Naoe, a stealthy shinobi adept at scaling walls and navigating shadows, and Yasuke, a powerful samurai excelling in open combat but unable to climb. This dual protagonist system caters to both classic stealth fans and those who prefer the RPG-style combat seen in titles like Odyssey and Valhalla. Associate Game Director Simon Lemay-Comtois emphasizes the careful design of parkour routes, ensuring Naoe's agility contrasts with Yasuke's limitations. The grappling hook also plays a significant role in accessing otherwise unreachable areas.

Launching on Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 5, and PC, Assassin's Creed Shadows faces stiff competition from other big releases in February, including Monster Hunter Wilds, Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii, and Avowed. Ubisoft will undoubtedly share more details as the release date nears.