Assassin’s Creed is a franchise that has seen its fair share of evolution since its inception in 2007. What started off as a stealth-action game with a focus on historical accuracy and parkour has now transformed into a more fast-paced action RPG. With its latest installment, Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, Ubisoft has doubled down on the brutal action elements, leaving fans nostalgic for the series’ roots in stealth. However, with the recent announcement of Assassin’s Creed Shadows, it seems that Ubisoft is attempting to strike a balance between the two contrasting playstyles.
Through its two distinct protagonists, Shadows attempts to address the incongruency between the old-school Assassin’s Creed experience and the series’ new identity. On one hand, we have a ruthless Viking warrior named Eivor, who embodies the new direction of the franchise with his brutal combat and fearless approach to battles. On the other hand, we have a stealthy Persian assassin named Darius, who represents the classic gameplay style that fans have come to know and love.
This duality of gameplay styles in Shadows is a bold move by Ubisoft, as it not only aims to cater to the diverse preferences of its fanbase but also reflects the struggle of the franchise in finding its identity. However, this attempt to please both sides of the spectrum comes with its own set of challenges and ultimately results in mixed results.
On one hand, the inclusion of Eivor in Shadows adds a fresh perspective to the Assassin’s Creed universe. As a Viking, he brings a whole new combat style, incorporating axes, swords, and shields, which is a welcome change from the traditional hidden blade. The visceral and brutal nature of his attacks is a stark contrast to the stealthy and calculated kills of previous assassins. This change in gameplay also opens up new possibilities for exploration and combat, as players can now engage in large-scale battles and raids, making the world feel more alive and dynamic.
However, this focus on action and combat also takes away from the core essence of Assassin’s Creed. The franchise has always prided itself on its stealth mechanics, with players carefully planning their approach and executing precise kills. With Eivor, stealth takes a backseat, and players are encouraged to charge into battles, leaving little room for strategic gameplay.
On the other hand, we have Darius, who brings back the classic stealth and parkour elements that fans have been longing for. With his hidden blade and hooded attire, he feels like a throwback to the earlier Assassin’s Creed games. His missions involve sneaking past guards and using the environment to his advantage, which is a refreshing change from the hack-and-slash gameplay of Eivor.
But while Darius’ gameplay may be a nod to the old-school Assassin’s Creed, it also feels outdated in comparison to the newer installments. The controls and mechanics feel clunky and lack the fluidity that has been developed over the years. This could be a turn-off for players who have grown accustomed to the smoother gameplay of the recent games.
Moreover, the switch between the two protagonists in Shadows feels abrupt and disjointed. One moment, players are charging into battles with Eivor, and the next, they are sneaking around with Darius. While this may have been done to add variety to the gameplay, it ultimately takes away from the overall experience and feels like two different games mashed into one.
Despite its flaws, Assassin’s Creed Shadows attempts to strike a balance between the old and new elements of the franchise, and for that, Ubisoft deserves credit. It shows that the developers are listening to the feedback of their fans and trying to incorporate it into their games. However, this attempt to cater to both sides may not have been executed as well as it could have been.
Nevertheless, Shadows is a step in the right direction for the Assassin’s Creed franchise. It acknowledges the roots of the series while also embracing its evolution. It remains to be seen how successful this dual approach will be in the final game, but it is a promising sign that Ubisoft is willing to take risks and experiment with different gameplay styles.
In conclusion, Assassin’s Creed Shadows is an ambitious project that tries to have it both ways by incorporating brutal action and stealth as core mechanics. While it may not have achieved a perfect balance between the two, it is a significant step towards finding the identity of the franchise. As fans eagerly await the release of the game, it is clear that Ubisoft is committed to keeping the Assassin’s Creed series fresh
