Ubisoft has unveiled new gameplay footage from Assassin’s Creed Shadows, highlighting the game’s revamped parkour system. Set to release on February 14 for PS5, Xbox Series, and PC, this installment brings the franchise to feudal Japan, a long-awaited setting for fans. With the promotional campaign gaining momentum, today’s reveal focuses on the fluid and intricate movement mechanics that will define the game, especially for Naoe, one of the two playable characters.

Dynamic Parkour Tailored to Feudal Japan

In a detailed article on the game’s official website, Ubisoft shared insights into how the parkour system has been enhanced to suit the new environments, including the bustling cities of Kyoto and imposing castles like Osaka. The development team has overhauled animations and added new mechanics to complement the verticality and complexity of feudal Japanese architecture.

Key features of the updated parkour system include:

• Physics-Based Grappling Hook:
  Players can use the grappling hook to climb vertically, swing across gaps, or perform advanced maneuvers like wall-running and mid-air grapples, adding a layer of versatility to movement.
• Integrated Downward Parkour:
  Downward movements, such as descending from rooftops, now seamlessly combine with dodge mechanics for silent, acrobatic escapes.
• Recovery Roll:
  A new feature allows players to cushion falls from great heights, ensuring fluidity and realism in traversal.
• Environmental Integration:
  The game’s environments—ranging from the dense urban streets of Kyoto to natural landscapes filled with trees and cliffs—pose unique challenges. Players will need to navigate complex routes within castles or use creative climbing paths in the wilderness.

Distinct Styles for Two Playable Characters

The parkour system is tailored to emphasize the contrasting skills of the game’s two protagonists:

• Naoe: A stealth-focused shinobi, Naoe excels in agility and precision. Her abilities include sprint dodges to evade projectiles, stance dodges for rolling into cover, and wall run ejects, which allow her to propel herself off surfaces.
• Yasuke: As a samurai, Yasuke is less reliant on agility, focusing more on combat. His traversal abilities are more grounded, reflecting his expertise in direct confrontations.

Realistic Climbing and Entry Points

While the grappling hook opens up numerous possibilities, climbing still requires finding physical handholds. Although much of the game world is climbable, players will need to strategize and locate valid entry points to progress through the intricate stages.

A Ninja-Inspired Experience

Ubisoft has released a series of gameplay videos demonstrating the eye-catching parkour moves that players can execute. These clips showcase the thrill of scaling towering castles, running along walls, and leaping gracefully between rooftops, evoking the feeling of being a true ninja.

Release Details

With Assassin’s Creed Shadows just over a month away, Ubisoft’s latest showcase adds to the excitement for what promises to be one of the most dynamic entries in the franchise. The new parkour system not only modernizes traversal but also immerses players in the rich, vertical world of feudal Japan.

Assassin’s Creed Shadows launches on February 14 for PS5, Xbox Series, and PC. Prepare to scale castles, dodge projectiles, and master the art of stealth in Ubisoft’s latest open-world adventure.