Assassin's Creed Shadows blends classic and modern gameplay

Assassin's Creed Shadows was released by Ubisoft Québec on March 20 and has been well-received despite some ongoing controversies. The game mixes traditional stealth gameplay with newer role-playing game (RPG) elements, which has pleased many fans. CBR interviewed Charles Benoit, the Game Director, and Nathalie Bouchard, the General Director of Ubisoft Québec, to discuss the game’s development. They highlighted the innovative dual protagonist setup, featuring a shinobi and a samurai, as a major change for the series. Benoit explained that this blend of old and new gameplay styles aims to satisfy both longtime fans who prefer stealth mechanics and newer fans who enjoy expansive RPG elements like those in Valhalla and Odyssey. He noted that the campaign takes around 40 to 50 hours to complete, making it more accessible for those seeking a shorter story experience. Bouchard discussed the collaboration with 15 different Ubisoft studios worldwide, emphasizing the diversity of talent and perspectives. This collaboration allows for a richer gaming experience, despite the challenges of coordinating among many teams. To modernize stealth gameplay, Benoit mentioned improvements like changing weather and visibility that impact how players approach missions. He also highlighted the unique gameplay experience offered by the character Yasuke, who lacks traditional assassin skills. Both Benoit and Bouchard expressed their hope that players would walk away from the game with memorable experiences, whether through exploration or engaging narrative moments. They want players to enjoy their time in the beautifully crafted world of Shadows and create lasting memories from their adventures.