The development of Assassin’s Creed Shadows has been anything but smooth, and we’re saying that in the nicest way possible so that it doesn’t sound like we’re needlessly bashing Ubisoft. Then again, if you look at the company’s choices in recent times, such “bashing” would be deserved in the right context. Regardless, the next entry in its assassination franchise was set to be out by now. In fact, it was supposed to arrive almost two months ago. Instead, it’s now heading toward a release next month and Ubisoft wants fans to know just how much is changing within the game via certain key improvements. One of those improvements being the parkour elements.
In a blog post on its website, Ubisoft broken down many of the ways that parkour could be used, dropping multiple videos featuring co-protagonist Naoe as she goes and does her ninja thing with parkour-style.
“In Assassin’s Creed Shadows, players can expect to reconnect with the staple experience of being an Assassin, leaping effortlessly across rooftops, surfing the high ground of the crowded streets of Kyoto, and scaling the towering Tenshu of Osaka Castle… In short, Naoe is a true parkour master, possessing unmatched speed and agility that adapts to the various landscapes of Feudal Japan.
Beyond city exploration, players can also infiltrate Japanese castles – incredibly dangerous fortresses filled with challenges and opportunities for parkour. Dominating with their towering Tenshu and protected by a network of intimidating concentric stone walls, castle grounds host many climbable and well-guarded buildings such as warehouses, barracks, and watchtowers.
In contrast, the game also features hidden parkour paths in nature that offer a different kind of experience. These narrow paths in beautiful landscapes will include tree and rock climbing and, of course, extra grappling hook swinging.”
Here are some of the videos showcasing the moves.
As you can see, there are many ways to use Naoe and her abilities, which will make controlling her in the overworld and using her in combat incredibly distinctive compared to her fellow protagonist, Yasuke, who is a more “landlocked” character due to him being a Samurai wearing heavy armor. That contrast in playstyles will help make the game stand out from others in the series, which could help the title be a true hit if everything plays out.
Naturally, fans are concerned about the game’s quality, as that “lack of quality” was part of the reason behind the delay in the first place. We’ll see next month if that delay panned out.
