Assassin’s Creed Shadows, the highly anticipated next entry in Ubisoft’s iconic franchise, is receiving unwarranted criticism from PlayStation 5 fans who unfairly compare it to 2020’s Ghost of Tsushima. It appears that Microsoft’s backing for the title, along with the fact that the world-first gameplay was revealed during yesterday’s Xbox Games Showcase of all events, has ruffled some feathers—especially after Sony’s lackluster State of Play last month.
But negative criticism and unjust comparisons aside, Assassin’s Creed Shadows is already shaping up to be a Ubisoft game that long-time fans of the series can finally get excited about after years of stagnation. On that note, here are seven features that set this game apart from its recent predecessors and prove why it’s set to be the best Assassin’s Creed title since the critically acclaimed AC: Origins!
1. A New Engine, A New Era
Assassin’s Creed Shadows marks the first game in the series since 2017’s Origins to run on a new engine, Ubisoft has confirmed in an interview with IGN. This upgrade on the technological side promises to deliver stunning visuals, enhanced performance, and a host of new gameplay mechanics.
The upgraded Anvil engine allows for better lighting through global illumination, breakable props, more detailed asset meshes, and less pop-in.
2. Revamped Parkour (Grappling Hook!)
The parkour system, a hallmark of the Assassin’s Creed series, has also undergone a significant overhaul in Shadows. Thanks to the major upgrade of the game’s engine, fans can now look forward to smoother, more fluid movement across the stunning landscapes of feudal Japan.
This revamp also comes in the form of new animations that make our new shinobi assassin feel even more agile and nimble. As seen in the gameplay trailer, players can seamlessly traverse rooftops, scale castle walls, and navigate through dense forests with unparalleled agility.
The addition of new parkour mechanics, including Naoe’s grappling hook, further enhances the sense of freedom and exploration.
3. Dynamic Seasons
One of the standout features of Shadows is the introduction of changing seasons. As players explore the vast open world and progress through their quests, they will witness the world transform—from the vibrant cherry blossoms of spring to the snow-covered landscapes of winter.
While this system could be comparable to what we saw in Hogwarts Legacy, these seasonal changes have been confirmed to be more than just a visual spectacle; they directly impact gameplay with each changing weather. This dynamic weather system adds an extra layer of immersion and challenges players to rethink their strategies and adapt to the ever-changing environment.
4. Stealth Redefined with Naoe
Stealth has always been a core element of the Assassin’s Creed series, and Shadows takes it to new heights with its innovative illumination system. Players must now navigate a world where light and shadow play a crucial role in remaining undetected.
The ability to manipulate light sources, such as extinguishing torches or creating distractions, adds a new layer of depth to the stealth experience. This increased emphasis on stealth, combined with Naoe’s agile abilities, will make for an immersive and thrilling gameplay experience.
5. Dual Protagonists: A Tale of Two Warriors
Assassin’s Creed Shadows introduces two distinct protagonists: Naoe, a skilled shinobi trained in the arts of stealth, and Yasuke, the legendary African samurai. This dual protagonist approach allows players to experience the game from two unique POVs, each with their own playstyles and abilities.
Naoe’s agile and lethal stealth tactics complement Yasuke’s powerful combat prowess, offering players even more flexibility to approach missions in their own way.
6. Realistic and Engaging Combat
The developers have also stated that combat in Assassin’s Creed Shadows has been refined to provide a more realistic and immersive experience. Yasuke’s samurai-style allows players to unleash devastating attacks, shattering enemy defenses with brutal efficiency.
The game’s improved AI ensures that enemies are more challenging and reactive, forcing players to adapt their strategies and utilize the full range of their abilities. The destructible environments and realistic weapon impacts will add a cinematic flair to the intense battles.
7. A Visual Feast
From the seemingly-perfect facial capture technology to the meticulously crafted cutscenes showcased in the trailers, Assassin’s Creed Shadows is set to be a visual marvel. The upgraded game engine looks to have brought the world of feudal Japan to life in ways never before seen in the series.
While Assassin’s Creed Shadows has been met with overwhelming excitement from fans across the gaming community, some PlayStation 5 fanatics have taken to social media to criticize the game and downplay its innovations:
However, their attempts to kill the hype surrounding the upcoming title are ultimately futile. The game’s impressive features, breathtaking visuals, and innovative gameplay mechanics speak for themselves, and unless Ubisoft manages to screw this one up from here—Shadows is poised to set a new standard for the franchise and the open-world action-adventure genre as a whole.
Assassin’s Creed: Shadows is set to release on November 15, 2024, for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.
