Assassin's Creed Revamps Parkour System

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, bringing significant changes to the franchise's iconic parkour system and introducing a unique dual protagonist structure. The game, initially slated for November 2024, has undergone a delay, but promises a compelling experience for both stealth and RPG combat enthusiasts.

The core gameplay revolves around two distinct characters: Naoe, a stealthy shinobi adept at scaling walls and navigating shadows; and Yasuke, a powerful samurai excelling in open combat but with limited climbing abilities. This dual approach aims to satisfy fans of both classic Assassin's Creed stealth and the more recent RPG-focused combat of titles like Odyssey and Valhalla.

Ubisoft has detailed a significant overhaul of the parkour mechanics. Unlike previous installments, freeform climbing on any surface is no longer possible. Instead, the game features designated "parkour highways," carefully designed routes that players must utilize to navigate vertical spaces. While this might initially seem restrictive, Ubisoft assures players that the majority of climbable surfaces remain accessible, albeit requiring a more strategic approach. The addition of a grappling hook further enhances traversal options.

Enhanced Parkour Movement

Beyond the "parkour highways," Shadows introduces seamless ledge dismounts. Players can now smoothly transition from higher ledges with stylish flips and maneuvers, eliminating the need for traditional ledge grabbing. A new prone position allows for diving while sprinting, alongside sliding, adding further dynamism to movement.

As Associate Game Director Simon Lemay-Comtois explained, the shift to "parkour highways" allows for more controlled level design, dictating where Naoe's climbing skills are utilized and where Yasuke's limitations come into play.

Shadows will launch on Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 5, and PC on February 14th. The game faces stiff competition from other high-profile releases that month, including Monster Hunter Wilds, Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii, and Avowed. Whether it can carve its own space in the crowded February release schedule remains to be seen.