Summary
The recently revealed gameplay forAssassin’s Creed Shadowsshowcased several new mechanics, giving players an idea of what they can expect from the latest installment in the series. Since the game is set in the final years of theSengoku period in Japan, obvious details like environmental design, weapon selection, and armor detail are expected.
From the gameplay point of view, many exciting mechanics seem to pull together the overallAssassin’s Creedexperience. Below are some new mechanics showcased in the gameplay reveal forAssassin’s Creed Shadows.
1Breakable Enemy Armor
Strategically Break Away Enemy Armor To Expose Their Weakness
InAssassin’s Creed Shadows, fighting enemies is more strategic than ever seen before in the franchise. When engaging enemies, players will aim to break down their armor to render them vulnerable to a fatal blow.
The ability to dismantle enemy armor should adda strategic depth not seen in previous installments of the series. Players can expect slower, but refined combat inShadows. This strategic approach to combat should discourage players from spamming attack buttons and encourage a slower, deliberate, and tactical approach to fighting.
2Weapon Impact Dynamics
Objects React Differently To Various Weapon Types
Unlike previousAssassin’s Creedgames, an effort has been made to ensure environmental objects react appropriately when coming into contact with different weapon types inShadows. For example, when Yasuke swings his mace and hits a fruit basket, the weapon shatters the basket, scattering the fruits around.
Similarly, using a Katana or Kusarigama can slice through objects. This effect was demonstrated in the gameplay trailer when Naoe swung her Katana to attack an enemy, cutting through bamboo shoots, adding to the immersion.
3Strategic Parry System
Successful Parries Break Enemy Posture
While parrying has returned inAssassin’s Creed Shadows, it differs significantly from what players have seen in previous games. Players must now parry successive attacks to break enemy posture and deliver a fatal blow.
This tactical approach to parrying encourages players to balance defense and offense. When facing bosses or mini-bosses, players can benefit from a defensive strategy, creating openings by successfully parrying incoming attack chains. Parries are indicated by a small, blue glow that appears right before the attack lands on the player. Attacks carrying a red glowcannot be parried and must be dodged.
4Light & Shadow Stealth System
Innovative Stealth Mechanic That Makes Stealth Tactical
Players familiar withTom Clancy’s Splinter Cellgames will notice similarities inAssassin’s Creed Shadows' new stealth system. In the gameplay reveal, Naoe was depicted sticking to shadows as she infiltrated a castle before assassinating a general.
The game features a visibility indicator that informs players of their stealth status. Remaining in the shadows keeps players concealed, allowing them to move stealthily. Players can also use shurikens to disable hanging lights, dynamically create shadow zones, and gain a stealth advantage.
5Traditional Eagle Vision
No Eagle Buddies To Scout Areas
WithAssassin’s Creed Shadows, Ubisoft has bid farewell to the buddy bird that replaced the traditional eagle vision in previous games. InShadows, players can once again utilize the older, yet familiar eagle vision to scout an area before infiltrating it.
Eagle vision enables players to detect enemies through walls. Scanned enemies are highlighted in red throughout the duration of the vision, empowering strategizing and attack planning. Unlike in previousAssassin’s Creedgames, inShadows, the eagle vision range has been reduced when scanning enemies through walls.
6Ability To Go Prone & Crawl
Enjoy The New Prone Mechanic To Get Past Enemy Sightlines
Players can now use a new prone mechanic to crawl through short grass and maneuver past enemies. Crawling allows Naoe to navigate tighter spaces while staying concealed. This environmental interaction enhances the game’s interactivity and immersion.
Assassin’s Creed Shadowsalso features a dynamic weather system, where snow can blanket the ground, posing challenges to Naoe’s use of short grass for concealment. The combination of the new light and shadow stealth system with the prone and crawl mechanic promises to offer a fresh stealth experience for fans.
7Physics-Based Grappling Hook
Realistic Grappling Hook Grounds The Navigation
Naoe’s navigational abilities are enhanced by her signature weapon, the kusarigama, which also functions as a grappling hook. Unlike the grappling hook inAssassin’s Creed Syndicate,Shadowsfeatures an era-appropriate grappling hook that follows the laws of physics.
Players will enjoy using the grappling hook to scale pagodas while parkouring their way to various destinations. Beyond navigation, the kusarigama serves as a spinning weapon capable of dealing with multiple enemies, making it effective for crowd control when Naoe is surrounded.
8Underwater Air Refilling With Bamboo Pipes
Expands Stealth By Allowing Naoe To Refill Her Breath Underwater
InAssassin’s Creed Shadows, Naoe can also swim through small ponds toremain in stealth. Instead of surfacing to refill her lungs, she uses a unique bamboo pipe to breathe while remaining undetected.
It seems that Ubisoft has placed greater emphasis on Naoe’s stealth elements inShadows. The ability to breathe underwater gives players greater agency over how they choose to approach a specific stealth scenario. This degree of freedom can allow players to focus only on the main target and leave the area undetected.
9Stylized Assassination Animations
Special Art Style To Important Assassinations
Assassin’s Creed Shadowsincorporates a stylized art style to highlight important assassination sequences. Inspired by the Japanese Sumi-e tradition, known for its black ink painting, this effect applies a painting-like filter to assassination animations.
The stylized effect also enhances moments when Yasuke uses his powerful abilities to one-shot enemies. The game slows down when these animations play, delivering a striking and cinematic impact. These animations can significantly enhance player engagement when killing a challenging boss or when assassinating a powerful general.
10Dynamic Seasons
Changing Seasons Affect Gameplay Opportunities
For the first time in the franchise,Assassin’s Creedintroduces adynamic season systemthat impacts player strategy. While some may argue thatAssassin’s Creed 3had a seasonal change system tied to specific memories,Assassin’s Creed Shadowsfeatures all four seasons that change independently of the story.
During summer and spring, players can take advantage of dense foliage to sneak past enemies. In the rain, they can mask their sounds to effectively infiltrate enemy camps and castles. In winter, players must adapt to the challenges posed by snow-covered fields and overhead platforms.
