Ubisoft breaks down the fundamentals of parkour for Assassin’s Creed Shadows

Ubisoft recently published a blog post revealing updates on the parkour system for Assassin’s Creed Shadows, set to launch on February 14th. This upcoming game boasts two main characters: Naoe, the agile Shinobi, and Yasuke, the Samurai. Given that Naoe is more nimble, it seems that the improvements to the acclaimed parkour mechanics will primarily focus on the Shinobi’s abilities.

In various locales such as Italy’s cathedrals and Egypt’s pyramids, Assassin’s Creed offers a vast playground for gamers to explore historical areas using unique methods. Parkour plays a crucial role in the Assassin’s Creed franchise, and it is no wonder that it is also essential to gameplay in Shadows.

In their latest blog post on Ubisoft, the developers of Assassin’s Creed Shadows give us a sneak peek into the parkour-focused gameplay we can look forward to when the game releases next month. Set in the bustling streets and treacherous castles of Feudal Japan, players will experience the lightning speed and impressive agility of Naoe as she leaps across rooftops and climbs towers for a bird’s-eye view of the surroundings. However, there are multiple paths available for players, and Yasuke will showcase his own unique set of abilities to navigate Japan, although these techniques might be more about raw power than refined ninja artistry.

In the upcoming game, Assassin’s Creed Shadows, players can expect innovative movement options such as a realistic grappling hook system and the ability to move while prone, which will enable them to navigate the towering castles of Feudal Japan more easily. These new features may also uncover previously hidden pathways that offer unique parkour challenges. As mentioned by Simon Lemay-Comtois, the Associate Game Director, players should pay close attention to their movement strategies in this game due to these changes.

According to Lemay-Comtois, in our game, you shouldn’t press the parkour up button continuously, like stepping on a gas pedal. Instead, understanding which button performs which action is crucial for achieving smooth parkour moves and maintaining your speed.

In the article, Lemay-Comtois clarified that the dodge and parkour down mechanics have been combined in an updated control system. This adjustment separates the character’s stance from parkour actions to prevent accidental use of parkour down. Meanwhile, familiar “parkour up” elements like wall-running and gap-jumping across rooftops remain a popular gameplay feature.

As a tech-savvy gamer, I’m thrilled about the latest updates! Now, instead of taking a hard fall from one rooftop to another and losing some health, we can introduce a new roll mechanic to cushion our landing (and keep the ruckus down). Plus, the improved dodge features allow for sleeker descents when navigating through levels. For Naoe, it’s all about graceful acrobatics, while Yasuke will find his movements a bit more weighty during those drops.

In the process of fine-tuning Shadow’s dual characters, Naoe is being equipped with a dash-dodge mechanism that initiates a roll, enabling her to clear agricultural fences, wooden crates, guardrails, and similar structures without taking damage. This new feature can be set to auto-activate, allowing players to glide over minor objects without extra inputs, although it doesn’t offer any protection from damage. Meanwhile, Shinobis aren’t the only ones who can sprint. Yasuke too has this ability and can ram through obstacles using a shoulder bash. Automatic pass-overs are implemented for low, non-destructible items to make navigation smoother.

Characters can adjust their positions even while running. If you press to crouch, they’ll slide and eventually end up in a crouched position. On the other hand, switching to prone will cause them to dive. If they’re running while crouching or prone, they’ll automatically return to an upright stance.

As a fervent fan, I wholeheartedly agree with Lemay-Comtois – any authentic Ninja game should include a grappling hook! The one in Naoe’s arsenal promises to revolutionize movement in Assassin’s Creed, allowing players to climb, descend, and swiftly pivot or swing through the breathtaking landscapes of Japan. With numerous grapple points scattered throughout the world, Naoe can navigate even the most treacherous terrain, sometimes needing to swing between multiple points to cross areas that would otherwise be inaccessible.

Players have the opportunity to learn additional advanced movement techniques in Shadows, such as wall runs, ejects, backward dodges, and multiple stance dodges. These techniques can be combined for impressive maneuvers, like a backwards roll followed by an assassination. Mastering these movement mechanics is crucial in Feudal Japan, enabling access to areas exclusive to certain characters. According to Lemay-Comtois, this allows us to create more intriguing parkour routes and control where each character can travel, enhancing the distinct play styles of Naoe and Yasuke.

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2025-01-08 13:09