The much-anticipated Assassin's Creed Shadows, set in the rich historical backdrop of feudal Japan, faced delays from Ubisoft as they awaited the necessary technological advancements to bring their vision to life. The concept of exploring Japan within the iconic series has been a long-standing desire, but Ubisoft held off until both the technical capabilities and the narrative met their rigorous quality standards.
In a recent interview, creative director Jonathan Dumont emphasized that Ubisoft chose not to rush the project, focusing instead on achieving the perfect synergy between technology and storytelling to create an experience that lives up to the franchise's esteemed reputation.
This deliberate approach highlights the critical importance of Shadows to Ubisoft, particularly in the wake of challenges faced with other titles like Star Wars: Outlaws and Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora. With these hurdles in mind, Ubisoft cannot risk another setback, which has resulted in multiple delays for Shadows. These delays were partly to refine the parkour mechanics and ensure the game achieves the expected level of polish.
Despite the long wait for an Assassin's Creed game set in Japan, the reception to Shadows has been mixed. Fans are concerned that it may resemble previous entries such as Odyssey or Valhalla too closely. Moreover, the introduction of dual protagonists, Naoe and Yasuke, has raised questions about how player choices will influence the storyline.
Ubisoft has reassured players that they can fully experience the game with either character, achieving 100% completion as both Naoe and Yasuke. However, uncertainties linger about the depth and divergence of their individual story arcs. As the release date nears, the developer must address these fan concerns while striving to deliver a fresh and engaging addition to the beloved franchise.
Currently, Assassin's Creed Shadows stands as a crucial project for Ubisoft, aiming to rebuild trust in the series and showcase the studio's dedication to innovation and quality.
