Ubisoft's Assassin's Creed Shadows, set in feudal Japan, faced significant delays before reaching development. The ambition of bringing the franchise to Japan required substantial technological advancements to meet Ubisoft's high standards for both gameplay and narrative. Creative director Jonathan Dumont explained this cautious approach, emphasizing the need for a perfect blend of technology and storytelling to deliver a truly exceptional experience.
This careful strategy reflects the importance of Shadows following challenges with titles like Star Wars: Outlaws and Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora. Ubisoft needed to avoid another setback, resulting in multiple delays for Shadows. These delays focused on refining parkour mechanics and ensuring the game's overall polish.
Despite years of anticipation, Shadows' reception has been mixed. Concerns exist about potential similarities to previous installments like Odyssey and Valhalla. The introduction of dual protagonists, Naoe and Yasuke, has also raised questions about narrative impact and player choice.
Ubisoft assures players that both characters offer a complete 100% experience. However, the extent of divergence and depth in their respective storylines remains unclear. As the release date nears, Ubisoft must address fan concerns and deliver a fresh, engaging addition to the franchise.
Assassin's Creed Shadows is a crucial project for Ubisoft, aiming to reaffirm the series' quality and showcase the studio's commitment to innovation.
