The development of Assassin's Creed Shadows, set in the rich tapestry of feudal Japan, faced delays from Ubisoft as they awaited the necessary technological advancements to bring their vision to life. The concept of immersing the iconic series in Japan has been a long-held ambition, but Ubisoft held back until both the technical prowess and narrative depth met their rigorous quality standards.
In a recent interview, creative director Jonathan Dumont emphasized that Ubisoft chose not to rush the project, focusing instead on achieving the perfect synergy between cutting-edge technology and compelling storytelling to create an experience that lives up to the franchise's esteemed reputation.
This meticulous approach highlights the critical importance of Shadows to Ubisoft, particularly in the wake of challenges with other titles like Star Wars: Outlaws and Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora. With these hurdles in mind, Ubisoft is determined to avoid another stumble, resulting in multiple delays for Shadows. These delays were partly dedicated to perfecting the parkour mechanics and ensuring the game achieves the high level of polish fans expect.
Despite the long-awaited dream of an Assassin's Creed game set in Japan, the reception to Shadows has been mixed. Some fans fear it may echo too closely the gameplay of previous entries like Odyssey or Valhalla. Furthermore, the introduction of dual protagonists, Naoe and Yasuke, has raised questions about the impact of player choices on the narrative.
Ubisoft has reassured players that they can fully experience the game with either character, achieving 100% completion as both Naoe and Yasuke. Yet, uncertainties linger about the depth and divergence of their individual story arcs. As the release date nears, Ubisoft faces the task of alleviating fan concerns while delivering a fresh and captivating addition to the cherished franchise.
For Ubisoft, Assassin's Creed Shadows stands as a crucial project, one that seeks to reaffirm trust in the series and showcase the studio's dedication to innovation and excellence.
