Dive into the world of Assassin’s Creed Shadows, where parkour meets the scrutiny of real-life experts. Two professional parkour athletes have given their take on the game's parkour realism, shedding light on how Ubisoft brings the vibrant setting of Feudal Japan to life.
Assassin’s Creed Shadows Gearing Up For Its Release
Assassin’s Creed Shadows Does A "Hate Crime Against Parkour"
In a compelling reality check video by PC Gamer, released on March 15, Toby Segar and Benj Cave from the UK's renowned STORROR team offered their insights on the parkour realism in Assassin’s Creed Shadows, drawing comparisons with earlier titles in the series. As avid fans and creators of their own parkour-based game, STORROR Parkour Pro, their perspective adds a unique layer of authenticity to the discussion.
During the video, Segar highlighted a scene where the protagonist, Yasuke, performs a move dubbed a "hate crime against parkour." He criticized the use of an "alpine knee" technique, where Yasuke uses his knee as a crutch to ascend from a ledge, a move considered impractical and potentially harmful in the real parkour world due to the strain it puts on the knee.
Cave further critiqued the game's portrayal of endless endurance and the absence of strategic planning in parkour sequences, noting that real-life parkour involves careful assessment and preparation, unlike the continuous, unchecked movements seen in the game. While Assassin’s Creed Shadows is a fictional work, Ubisoft has strived to enhance the realism of its parkour mechanics, as noted by Game Director Charles Benoit in a January interview with IGN, where he discussed the team's efforts to refine these elements before the game's launch.
Bringing Players Closer to Feudal Japan
Beyond the realm of parkour, Assassin’s Creed Shadows is set to immerse players in the historical context of Feudal Japan. Ubisoft’s commitment to blending historical accuracy with gaming is evident in the game's "Cultural Discovery" feature. As outlined by Ubisoft Editorial Comms Manager Chastity Vicencio on March 18, this in-game Codex will provide players with over 125 entries detailing the history, art, and culture of the Azuchi-Momoyama period, crafted with input from historians and enriched with images from museums and institutions.
The journey to authentically represent Feudal Japan has not been without its challenges, as shared by the development team in an interview with The Guardian on March 17. Ubisoft Executive Producer Marc-Alexis Coté reflected on the long-awaited decision to set an Assassin’s Creed game in Japan, emphasizing the high expectations and the team's dedication to meeting them. Creative Director Johnathan Dumont detailed the extensive efforts, including collaborations with historians and visits to Kyoto and Osaka, to capture the essence of Japan's historical period. Despite technical challenges, such as the unique lighting conditions in Japan's mountains, the team's commitment to authenticity shines through.
Assassin’s Creed Shadows is slated for release on March 20, 2025, and will be available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. Keep an eye out for more updates on Assassin’s Creed Shadows to stay informed about this much-anticipated title!
