Dive into the world of Assassin’s Creed Shadows, where the art of parkour is scrutinized by real-life experts. Two parkour athletes from the renowned team STORROR in the UK, Toby Segar and Benj Cave, recently shared their insights on the realism of the game's parkour mechanics. Their analysis provides a fascinating look at how Ubisoft has attempted to bring the thrill 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 segment featured on PC Gamer’s Reality Check video, posted on March 15, Segar and Cave, both avid fans of the Assassin’s Creed series, offered their professional critique. They are also working on their own parkour-based game, STORROR Parkour Pro, which adds a unique perspective to their feedback.
In one particular clip from AC Shadows, Segar highlighted a move performed by the protagonist Yasuke, which he dubbed a "hate crime against parkour." This move, known as the "alpine knee," involves using the knee as a crutch to support the body's weight while climbing. According to Segar, this technique is impractical and potentially harmful in real-life parkour scenarios.
Cave also weighed in, pointing out the unrealistic aspects of the game's parkour, such as the characters' ability to climb without ledges and balance effortlessly on tightropes. He emphasized the series' portrayal of unlimited endurance, noting that in real-life parkour, athletes take time to assess and prepare for each move. "In parkour, no one ever just runs and commits to stuff without looking. In parkour in real life, you check, you measure, you prep, and it’s such a slower process," he explained.
While Assassin’s Creed Shadows is a fictional game, Ubisoft has made significant efforts to infuse realism into its parkour mechanics. In an interview with IGN in January, AC Shadows Game Director Charles Benoit revealed that the game's delayed release was dedicated to refining these very mechanics.
Bringing Players Closer to Feudal Japan
Beyond the game's parkour, Ubisoft is committed to immersing players in the rich tapestry of Feudal Japan. On March 18, Ubisoft Editorial Comms Manager Chastity Vicencio detailed the "Cultural Discovery" feature in a post on their website. This feature, part of the in-game Codex, offers players a comprehensive look at the history, art, and culture of the Azuchi-Momoyama period, crafted by historians and enhanced with images from museums and institutions. With over 125 entries at launch and more on the way, this feature surpasses the scope of AC Mirage’s History of Baghdad.
Creating this immersive experience was not without challenges. In an interview with The Guardian on March 17, AC Shadows developers discussed the hurdles they faced in authentically representing Feudal Japan. Ubisoft Executive Producer Marc-Alexis Coté explained the long-standing desire to set an Assassin’s Creed game in Japan, stating, "I've been on [this] franchise for 16 years and I think every time we start a new game, Japan comes up and we ask, is this the time?" It wasn't until AC Shadows that this vision became a reality.
Ubisoft Creative Director Johnathan Dumont highlighted the extensive efforts to capture Japan's essence, including collaborations with historians and trips to Kyoto and Osaka. Despite challenges, such as accurately depicting the unique light in Japan's mountains, the team's dedication ensured a faithful representation of the setting. Coté noted, "The expectations have been this high throughout. It’s been a challenge."
Assassin’s Creed Shadows is poised for release on March 20, 2025, and will be available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. Stay tuned for more updates and insights into this highly anticipated game.
