In Assassin’s Creed Shadows, the franchise’s most iconic feature—synchronization points—will work differently than before. Following a cinematic reveal trailer, Ubisoft shared many details about the latest entry in the long-running series with IGN. The game will put players into the shoes of both a shinobi and a samurai in feudal Japan. While much of Assassin’s Creed Shadows will sound familiar to fans—parkour, a large open world to explore, stealth assassinations, melee combat—there are some notable changes, particularly in filling out the game’s map.
In the past, this has been done via synchronization points. These points are usually atop tall buildings or towers. Traditionally, synchronizing means the camera slowly rotates in a panoramic view of the surrounding area before marking all nearby points of interest on the in-game map. That won’t be the case in Assassin’s Creed Shadows. There will be no spinning panoramic views in the upcoming title when synchronizing, nor will synchronizing automatically reveal nearby points of interest. Instead, players must survey the area and manually highlight areas of potential interest before investigating them further once back on the ground. Synchronization points will, however, still allow players to travel between them quickly.
It’s a small but significant change, as synchronization points, including their stylish, slow camera pan of the surrounding area, have worked the same for much of the franchise’s long history. Other changes in Assassin’s Creed Shadows include the lack of a bird that can be used to mark enemies, though players will still have access to Eagle Vision to track nearby foes. Light sources, shadows, and the weather will also play an important role in gameplay. For the first time in the franchise’s history, Assassin’s Creed Shadows will star an actual historical figure as one of its dual protagonists: the African samurai Yasuke.
Ubisoft has said that Assassin’s Creed Shadows will be similar in size to 2017’s Assassin’s Creed Origins, which means there should be plenty of Japan to explore. According to Ubisoft, the game will feature a non-linear campaign story revolving around tracking down and eliminating specific targets. Players will also build out a spy network to gather intel on targets in a system that sounds similar to one seen in Assassin’s Creed Brotherhood.
Removing the traditional synchronization point mechanic marks a significant shift for the franchise. For years, scaling tall structures to unlock new portions of the map has been a hallmark of the Assassin’s Creed experience. This change suggests a more immersive, explorative approach where players are encouraged to engage more deeply with their surroundings rather than relying on the game to reveal points of interest. This could make the game world feel more organic and lived-in, as players must take note of their environment and create mental maps rather than relying on the in-game map to do all the work.
The decision to forgo the panoramic camera view might be seen as a departure from the franchise’s roots. Still, it could also be an opportunity for players to experience the world of Assassin’s Creed in a new way. This change might appeal to those who enjoy more fabulous discovery and immersion in open-world games. By removing the automatic marking of points of interest, Ubisoft is pushing players to pay closer attention to the details of their surroundings, which could lead to a more rewarding experience as players uncover hidden secrets and areas on their own.
Another significant alteration is the absence of a bird companion to mark enemies. Traditionally, the Assassin’s Creed games have allowed players to use a bird, such as an eagle or a raven, to scout ahead and mark enemy positions. This mechanic has been a staple since Assassin’s Creed Origins. In Shadows, players must rely solely on their character’s Eagle Vision to detect enemies. This change is likely intended to increase the challenge and realism of the game, as players must now be more strategic and cautious in their approach to enemy encounters.
Including light sources, shadows, and weather as essential gameplay elements further emphasizes the game’s focus on realism and immersion. Players must use the environment to their advantage, hiding in shadows to avoid detection and noting weather conditions that could impact their visibility and movements. This adds an extra layer of strategy to the gameplay, as players must constantly be aware of their surroundings and adapt their tactics accordingly.
Assassin’s Creed Shadows will also feature Yasuke, the African samurai, as one of its dual protagonists. This is a significant departure from the series, which traditionally focuses on fictional characters. Yasuke was a historical figure living in Japan during the 16th century. Jesuit missionaries brought him to Japan as a servant, and he eventually became a samurai under the warlord Oda Nobunaga. Including Yasuke as a protagonist not only adds a unique and fascinating historical element to the game but also brings diversity to the series, reflecting a broader range of stories and perspectives.
The game’s setting in feudal Japan is a long-awaited dream for many series fans. Japan’s rich history and culture and the period’s aesthetics provide a perfect backdrop for an Assassin’s Creed game. The developers have created an authentic and immersive world with detailed architecture, vibrant landscapes, and a dynamic day-night cycle. This attention to detail will likely make the game’s world feel alive and engaging, offering players a deep and captivating experience.
Assassin’s Creed Shadows’ non-linear campaign is another aspect that sets it apart from previous entries in the series. Instead of following a strictly linear storyline, players can choose how they approach their objectives and in what order they tackle them. This open-ended structure allows for greater player agency and replayability, as different choices and paths can lead to different outcomes. Building a spy network to gather intel on targets adds another layer of depth to the gameplay, as players must strategically decide which targets to pursue and how to collect the necessary information to eliminate them.
The announcement that Assassin’s Creed Shadows will be similar in size to Assassin’s Creed Origins suggests that players can expect a vast and expansive world to explore. Origins was known for its large and detailed map, which included a variety of environments and historical landmarks. Shadows promises to offer a similarly extensive world, filled with hidden secrets, side quests, and points of interest that will keep players engaged for hours.
Ubisoft’s decision to release Assassin’s Creed Shadows on multiple platforms, including PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, PC, Mac, and Amazon Luna, ensures that a broad audience will have access to the game. The game will also have a collector’s edition exclusive to GameStop, which is available for preorder now. This edition will likely include additional content and collectibles for fans who want to dive even deeper into the world of Assassin’s Creed Shadows.
In conclusion, Assassin’s Creed Shadows is shaping up to be a significant and exciting addition to the long-running franchise. The changes to the synchronization points, the absence of a bird companion, and the focus on realism and immersion through light, shadows, and weather all point towards a fresh and innovative approach to the series. Including Yasuke as a protagonist and the setting in feudal Japan add unique and compelling elements that will captivate both long-time fans and newcomers alike. With its non-linear campaign, vast open world, and strategic gameplay, Assassin’s Creed Shadows promises to offer a rich and engaging experience that will leave a lasting impact on the franchise. As the release date of November 15 approaches, anticipation is building, and it remains to be seen how the gaming community will receive these changes. One thing is sure: Assassin’s Creed Shadows is poised to take the series in bold new directions, challenging players to think and act differently as they navigate the treacherous and beautiful world of feudal Japan.
