Dive into the world of Assassin’s Creed Shadows as two professional parkour athletes provide a reality check on the game's parkour mechanics. Discover how Ubisoft has strived to blend realism with the thrill of Feudal Japan in this upcoming title.
Assassin’s Creed Shadows Gearing Up For Its Release
Assassin’s Creed Shadows Does A "Hate Crime Against Parkour"
In a recent PC Gamer Reality Check video released on March 15, Toby Segar and Benj Cave from the renowned UK parkour team STORROR shared their insights on the realism of Assassin’s Creed Shadows' parkour, alongside comparisons with previous entries in the series. Both athletes, who are avid fans of the Assassin’s Creed franchise, are also working on their own parkour-based video game, STORROR Parkour Pro.
During the video, Segar critiqued a scene featuring protagonist Yasuke executing a move that he humorously dubbed a "hate crime against parkour." This move, an "alpine knee," involves using the knee to support the body's weight when climbing, a technique deemed impractical and potentially harmful in real-life parkour.
Cave further highlighted the game's portrayal of parkour, pointing out the unrealistic endurance and immediate commitment to moves without proper assessment, contrasting this with real parkour's emphasis on careful planning and execution. While acknowledging the fictional nature of Assassin’s Creed Shadows, Cave and Segar appreciated Ubisoft's efforts to refine the game's parkour mechanics. This commitment was echoed by AC Shadows Game Director Charles Benoit, who, in a January interview with IGN, explained that the game's release was delayed to perfect these mechanics.
Bringing Players Closer to Feudal Japan
Despite its fictional narrative centered around the eternal conflict between Assassins and Templars, Ubisoft is keen on immersing players in the rich tapestry of Feudal Japan through the "Cultural Discovery" feature. As detailed on Ubisoft's website on March 18 by Editorial Comms Manager Chastity Vicencio, this in-game Codex will provide over 125 entries on the history, art, and culture of the Azuchi-Momoyama period, crafted by historians and illustrated with museum images.
The journey to authentically represent Feudal Japan was not without its challenges, as revealed by the developers in a March 17 interview with The Guardian. Ubisoft Executive Producer Marc-Alexis Coté shared the long-standing desire to set an Assassin’s Creed game in Japan, a dream finally realized with Assassin’s Creed Shadows. The team's dedication was evident as they worked closely with historians and made trips to Kyoto and Osaka to capture the essence of the era.
Creative Director Johnathan Dumont highlighted the complexities of recreating the unique light conditions of Japan's mountains, a task the team tackled with meticulous research and attention to detail. Coté emphasized the high expectations and the challenges faced, stating, "The expectations have been this high throughout. It’s been a challenge."
Assassin’s Creed Shadows is slated for release on March 20, 2025, on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. Stay tuned for more updates and insights into this highly anticipated title.
