Ubisoft sets a new standard for Assassin’s Creed—all because of the heroes

The upcoming installment, Assassin’s Creed Shadows, introduces transformative changes to how protagonists interact with their surroundings, establishing a new benchmark for the entire franchise.

Associate Game Director Simon Lemay-Comtois highlighted that the game’s dual protagonists—Naoe and Yasuke—possess fundamentally different physiques, which directly dictates their mobility. This design ensures that traversing 16th-century Japan feels distinct for each character, a philosophy the development team plans to refine for all future Assassins.

A cornerstone of this evolution is the departure from a “one-size-fits-all” movement system. In Shadows, this shift is personified through specialized gear: Naoe’s grappling hook revitalizes verticality, making exploration and resource gathering more fluid and dynamic. Meanwhile, Yasuke surprises with his agility despite his massive frame; however, his weight and height significantly impact his ability to navigate rooftops or slip into the fortresses of the Kansai region. While he cannot squeeze through every narrow passage, he compensates with brute force, such as smashing through fortified gates to reach his objectives.

According to Ubisoft, the future of the series will be built upon a tighter synergy between a character’s appearance and their physical capabilities. Lemay-Comtois noted that every new hero, regardless of gender or build, will be given a bespoke movement style rooted in their specific anatomy. Size is no longer just a visual detail; it is becoming a functional mechanic that shapes how players approach stealth and world interaction.

While the specifics of the post-Shadows era remain a mystery, it is clear that the foundations laid by Naoe and Yasuke will redefine the series’ identity. By embracing distinct character physics, the developers are providing players with greater tactical freedom in how they eliminate targets and navigate the evolving game world.

Source: iXBT.games