Parkour Athletes Review Assassin’s Creed Shadows Movements

Dive into the world of Assassin’s Creed Shadows, where Ubisoft's latest installment in the iconic series brings the thrill of parkour to the backdrop of Feudal Japan. In a unique twist, the game's parkour mechanics were put to the test by real-life parkour athletes, offering fans a glimpse into the realism behind the gameplay. Discover how Ubisoft has masterfully blended historical accuracy with engaging gameplay to transport players to the heart of 16th-century Japan.

Assassin’s Creed Shadows Gearing Up For Its Release

Assassin’s Creed Shadows Does A "Hate Crime Against Parkour"

In a fascinating review, PC Gamer's Reality Check video, released on March 15, features insights from Toby Segar and Benj Cave, members of the renowned UK parkour team STORROR. As avid fans of the Assassin’s Creed series and developers of their own game, STORROR Parkour Pro, their feedback is particularly insightful. Segar critiqued a scene from Assassin’s Creed Shadows where the protagonist, Yasuke, uses an "alpine knee" move to ascend a ledge. This move, he argues, is impractical in real-life parkour as it risks injury by placing too much weight on the knee.

Cave further highlighted the game’s departure from reality, noting the protagonists' seemingly endless stamina and their ability to perform parkour moves without pausing. He emphasized that real parkour involves careful planning and assessment, contrasting with the game’s fast-paced action. Despite these critiques, Ubisoft has strived to refine the parkour mechanics, as noted by AC Shadows Game Director Charles Benoit in an IGN interview, explaining that the game's release was delayed to perfect these elements.

Bringing Players Closer to Feudal Japan

Beyond the mechanics of movement, Assassin’s Creed Shadows aims to immerse players in the rich tapestry of Feudal Japan. Ubisoft has introduced a "Cultural Discovery" feature, as detailed by Editorial Comms Manager Chastity Vicencio on their website on March 18. This feature, part of the in-game Codex, offers over 125 entries at launch, crafted by historians and enriched with images from museums and institutions, providing an educational journey through the Azuchi-Momoyama period.

The development team's commitment to authenticity is evident, with Ubisoft Executive Producer Marc-Alexis Coté and Creative Director Johnathan Dumont sharing their challenges and dedication to accurately representing Japan. This involved consulting with historians and making trips to Kyoto and Osaka. Despite technical hurdles, such as replicating the unique light in Japan's mountains, the team's effort to capture Japan's essence has been unwavering.

Assassin’s Creed Shadows is poised to launch on March 20, 2025, for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. Keep an eye on our updates to stay informed about all the latest developments surrounding Assassin’s Creed Shadows!