The development of Assassin's Creed Shadows, which is set in the fascinating backdrop of feudal Japan, was strategically delayed by Ubisoft. The company held off on the project until the technological advancements necessary to fully realize their vision were in place. The concept of setting an Assassin's Creed game in Japan has been a long-standing desire within the company, but Ubisoft insisted on waiting until both the technical capabilities and the narrative met their rigorous quality standards.
In a recent interview, the creative director, Jonathan Dumont, highlighted that Ubisoft deliberately avoided rushing the project. They prioritized achieving the perfect mix of advanced technology and compelling storytelling to create an experience that lives up to the franchise's esteemed reputation.
This deliberate and cautious approach emphasizes the critical importance of Shadows to Ubisoft, particularly in light of recent challenges faced with other titles such as Star Wars: Outlaws and Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora. Given these hurdles, Ubisoft cannot risk another setback, which has resulted in several delays for Shadows. These delays were partially focused on perfecting the parkour mechanics and ensuring the game achieves the desired level of refinement.
Despite the long-awaited anticipation among fans for an Assassin's Creed game set in Japan, the reception to Shadows has been mixed. There are concerns that the game might echo too closely the gameplay and structure of previous entries like Odyssey or Valhalla. Furthermore, the introduction of dual protagonists, Naoe and Yasuke, has raised questions about how player choices will influence the overarching narrative.
Ubisoft has reassured players that they will have the opportunity to fully experience the game through both characters, allowing for a 100% completion as either Naoe or Yasuke. However, doubts persist about the depth and variation in their individual story arcs. As the release date nears, the developers are tasked with addressing these fan concerns while striving to deliver a fresh and captivating addition to the cherished franchise.
Currently, Assassin's Creed Shadows stands as a crucial project for Ubisoft, one that is poised to rebuild trust in the series and showcase the studio's dedication to innovation and excellence.
