Imagine for a moment that Assassin’s Creed Shadows has already hit the shelves, and we’re deep into its world, experiencing the thrill of its revamped stealth gameplay rather than just speculating about it. This alternate reality would have gamers immersed in its innovative mechanics by now.
But here, in our current timeline, Shadows is set to launch in February, and we find ourselves eagerly devouring the latest tidbits about how it promises to shake up the franchise’s approach to stealth.
Just this past Thursday, Ubisoft unveiled a detailed blog post, heralding it as the first in a series of insights that will be shared over the coming weeks. These posts aim to peel back the layers on different aspects of Shadows, giving fans a closer look at what’s in store.
The opening installment of this blog series takes a deep dive into the game’s reimagined stealth mechanics, centering particularly on the character Naoe. As one of the main protagonists, Naoe epitomizes stealth and cunning.
Simon Lemay-Comtois, the associate game director for Shadows, notes that the stealth elements have undergone a significant overhaul. He describes this shift as embracing “a new stealth philosophy,” hinting at a more nuanced approach than what we’ve seen in past installments.
Key changes include a renewed emphasis on utilizing shadowy environments. Gone is the trusty eagle companion, which used to give players a bird’s-eye scouting advantage. Instead, Naoe taps into the classic Eagle Vision, a see-through-walls ability exclusive to her character.
Both lead characters, Yasuke and Naoe, share a new feature called the “Observe mechanic.” This allows them to pinpoint enemies within their sight lines, adding a strategic layer to their stealth operations.
A groundbreaking addition to the gameplay is how total darkness can now be used as a cloak. In Shadows, sticking to the literal shadows—rather than simply hiding in tall grass—renders players nearly invisible to enemies.
Speaking of foliage, players can now go prone, a feature noticeably absent in previous games. This new ability allows characters to truly melt into the scenery, taking their evasive maneuvers to a new level.
While Shadows introduces several pioneering features to the series, it also revives some fan-favorite elements. Double Assassinations make a return; however, they’ve evolved since the days of Assassin’s Creed 2. The game’s RPG elements mean you’ll need to upgrade these skills to efficiently handle more formidable foes. Otherwise, your stealth attempts might end with a chaotic showdown if you’re unprepared.
Lastly, while Naoe mostly handles stealth duties, Yasuke isn’t left out in the cold. His proficiency with a bow and arrow allows for stealthy takedowns from a distance. He can then stride confidently through doors after the guards have met their silent end.
This glimpse into Shadows promises an exciting future for Assassin’s Creed veterans and new players alike. With Naoe’s shadowy tactics and Yasuke’s sharpshooting finesse, February can’t come soon enough.
Source: Ubisoft
