AC Shadows Unveils Enhanced Parkour Mechanics

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, notably a refined parkour system and a dual protagonist structure.

The game features Naoe, a stealthy shinobi adept at shadow maneuvering and wall scaling, and Yasuke, a powerful samurai excelling in open combat but with limited climbing abilities. This design caters to both classic stealth and RPG combat enthusiasts.

A Refined Parkour Experience:

Ubisoft has significantly overhauled the parkour mechanics. Gone is the unrestricted climbing of previous titles; Shadows introduces designated "parkour highways." While this might initially seem restrictive, Ubisoft assures players that most climbable surfaces remain accessible, requiring a more strategic approach. The introduction of seamless ledge dismounts, allowing for stylish flips and dodges, enhances the fluidity of movement. A new prone position also allows for sprinting dives and slides, adding another layer of maneuverability.

Associate Game Director Simon Lemay-Comtois explains: "...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."

Launch and Competition:

Launching on Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 5, and PC on February 14th, Assassin's Creed Shadows faces stiff competition from titles like Monster Hunter Wilds, Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii, and Avowed. The coming weeks will undoubtedly reveal more details about this highly anticipated title.