Summary
Ubisoft’s highly anticipated JapaneseAssassin’s Creedtitle,Assassin’s Creed Shadowshas officially been revealed via a cinematic premiere trailer that showcases many of the game’s most notable features. Among those features are its two protagonists — an agile, stealthy shinobi named Naoe and a powerful, armor-clad samurai named Yasuke. It has been confirmed that both ofAssassin’s Creed Shadows' protagonistswill be filling separate roles in the game, with Naoe’s being more akin to classicAssassin’s Creedand Yasuke’s more like the franchise’s modern RPG era. Furthermore, players will be able to switch between the two characters at any time, except for a handful of missions that will require the use of only one or the other.
Ubisoft claims Yasuke’s combat system will be more robust than those the series has seen as of late, with an even greater emphasis on role-playing elements. Naoe, on the other hand, is the personification ofAssassin’s Creed’s stealth-based origins, so veteran fans still wishing the series would go back to its roots will likely find what they’re looking for in her. However,Assassin’s Creed Shadowshas upped the ante with an evolved stealth system that makes the most of the game’s name.
Assassin’s Creed Shadows' Stealth System Explained
Assassin’s Creed Shadows' Stealth Relies on a Global Illumination System
In the past,Assassin’s Creed’s stealthhas largely revolved around players hiding in objects that would either camouflage them or otherwise conceal them, like tall grass, haystacks, carts, dense crowds, benches, rooftop gardens, wells, and more. However,Assassin’s Creed Shadowsis introducing a new global illumination system that uses light and darkness to either reveal or hide the player from their enemies' vision.
In other words, rather than hiding in objects inAssassin’s Creed Shadows, players will hide in the darkness, just as the game’s name implies.
To give players the upper hand with the new global illumination system, a light meter will be added toAssassin’s Creed Shadows' user interface that informs players of whether they are in the light or the shadows. It seems it will function similarly toAssassin’s Creed’s traditional detection system, though the light meter will likely also work in tandem with the detection system. To ensure each area stays dark enough to remain hidden, players will be able to eliminate torchbearers or destroy the lanterns carried by Servants. Servants can’t fight, but if they happen to detect the player, they will raise the alarm and call in reinforcements.
Assassin’s Creed Shadowsalso makes it possible for players to do more of apacifist run playthroughif they so desire, by allowing them to perform non-lethal takedowns on their enemies. Finally, not only will players be encouraged to remain in the shadows to stay hidden when playing as Naoe, but they will also be able to get into a prone position and crawl rather than walk, as well as squeeze through any small openings they may come across.
Assassin’s Creed Shadows' Stealth Still Utilizes a Classic Assassin’s Creed Feature
Despite all thenew features coming inAssassin’s Creed Shadows' dynamic lighting stealth system, players will still be able to take advantage of one of the series' classic stealth features. The iconic Eagle Vision ability is returning inAssassin’s Creed Shadows, so players will be able to spot enemies and Servants through walls.
Normal enemies will be highlighted in red, while Servants will be highlighted in orange. Unfortunately, the bird that players have been able to use as a scout inAssassin’s Creed Origins,Assassin’s Creed Odyssey, andAssassin’s Creed Valhallawill not be available inShadows, so players will be required to do their own scouting.
Assassin’s Creed Shadows
WHERE TO PLAY
Experience an epic historical action-adventure story set in feudal Japan! Become a lethal shinobi Assassin and a powerful legendary samurai as you explore a beautiful open world in a time of chaos. Switch seamlessly between two unlikely allies as you discover their common destiny. Master complementary playstyles, create your shinobi league, customize your hideout, and usher in a new era for Japan.
