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 February 14th. This latest installment introduces significant changes, particularly to its parkour system and character design.
Key features include:
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Redesigned Parkour: The game features a revamped parkour system, shifting from free-climbing to designated "parkour highways." While this might initially seem restrictive, Ubisoft assures players that most climbable surfaces remain accessible, requiring a more strategic approach. Seamless ledge dismounts, allowing for stylish flips and dives, enhance the fluidity of movement. A new prone position adds a sprint-dive option alongside sliding.
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Dual Protagonists: Players will control two distinct characters: Naoe, a stealthy shinobi adept at climbing and shadow maneuvering; and Yasuke, a powerful samurai excelling in open combat but unable to scale walls. This dual protagonist system aims to appeal to both stealth and RPG combat enthusiasts. The design of parkour highways, according to Associate Game Director Simon Lemay-Comtois, allows for greater control over character movement, defining areas accessible to Naoe but not Yasuke.
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A Balancing Act: Ubisoft aims to strike a balance between classic Assassin's Creed stealth gameplay and the more action-oriented RPG combat seen in titles like Odyssey and Valhalla. The redesigned parkour system, while focusing on specific pathways, is intended to maintain a significant degree of climbable terrain, particularly with the assistance of the grappling hook.
With a month until launch, anticipation is high. However, Assassin's Creed Shadows faces stiff competition from other February releases, including Monster Hunter Wilds, Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii, and Avowed. Only time will tell if it can capture the gaming spotlight.
