What's Happening?
Ubisoft's latest installment in the Assassin's Creed series, 'Assassin's Creed Shadows,' marks a significant departure from previous games by eliminating the 'social stealth' feature. This change is part of a broader shift towards a 'tactical shinobi experience,' focusing on moment-to-moment gameplay. The decision was explained by Ubisoft developers during a Reddit AMA, where they assured fans that social stealth might return in future titles. In 'Shadows,' players navigate the game as the shinobi character Naoe, who relies on cover and climbing to evade capture, contrasting with the traditional blending into crowds. The game also features a samurai character, Yasuke, whose size and armor make stealth impractical.
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Why It's Important?
The shift in gameplay dynamics reflects Ubisoft's strategic approach to evolving the Assassin's Creed franchise. By focusing on tactical gameplay, the developers aim to offer a fresh experience that aligns with the game's Japanese setting. This change may attract new players interested in more action-oriented gameplay while retaining the franchise's core stealth elements. The decision to potentially reintroduce social stealth in future games indicates Ubisoft's commitment to balancing innovation with fan expectations, ensuring the franchise remains relevant and engaging.
What's Next?
Ubisoft's future plans for the Assassin's Creed series include exploring new settings and themes, as evidenced by the upcoming 'Assassin's Creed Hexe,' reportedly set in 16th century Europe with a focus on witchcraft. This suggests a continued diversification of gameplay experiences and narratives within the franchise. Fans can anticipate further expansions and updates, such as the 'Claws of Awaji' expansion for 'Shadows,' which will introduce quality-of-life improvements and new content.
