Assassin’s Creed Shadows: Associate Director Reflects on RPG’s Record Success
Ubisoft Quebec’s latest release, Assassin’s Creed Shadows, continues to capture attention nine months after its launch. Associate Game Director Simon Lemay-Comtois has highlighted the RPG’s impressive visual quality, attributing it to the robust engine developed by the studio.
Visual Success of Assassin’s Creed Shadows
Shadows has garnered acclaim for its technical beauty. Lemay-Comtois noted, “I’m surprised that nine months in we are hard to beat from a pure visual standpoint.” This high standard reflects Ubisoft Quebec’s commitment to excellence.
The game focuses on two protagonists: Naoe and Yasuke. Lemay-Comtois mentioned that their characters were inspired partially by earlier games, particularly Assassin’s Creed Syndicate, which laid the groundwork for Shadows. The dual-character dynamic aims to resonate with both RPG fans and those who appreciate classic gameplay.
Character Distinction and Gameplay Mechanics
One of Shadows’ defining features is the distinct playstyles of its two protagonists. Each character embodies unique combat abilities, where Naoe focuses on agility and stealth, while Yasuke offers a more brute-force approach. Lemay-Comtois elaborated, “It’s an exercise in contrast,” as the gameplay mechanics addressed the need for variability between characters.
- Naoe: Emphasizes classic assassin skills with a focus on agility and stealth moves.
- Yasuke: Functions as a strong combatant, aligning with previous characters like Eivor from Assassin’s Creed Valhalla.
Innovations and Future Prospects
The game introduces the Animus Hub, a modern-day framework connecting Shadows with future titles in the Assassin’s Creed series. Lemay-Comtois expressed that while Shadows utilizes the Hub, it will serve as a bridge into upcoming projects, enhancing continuity within the franchise.
As the studio continues to support Shadows, with additional downloadable content already launched, the focus remains on refining parkour mechanics, which will play a central role in future titles. Lemay-Comtois stresses, “Parkour matters. Let’s really push parkour forward.”
Lessons Learned and Future Developments
Feedback from players regarding dual protagonists has been a learning opportunity for Ubisoft Quebec. The team recognizes the potential divisions in fan preferences but remains committed to creating engaging narratives when exploring multiple protagonists in upcoming games. Lemay-Comtois stated, “We could do more dual-protagonist games in the future if we have a good reason to do it narratively and for the setting.”
With Shadows’ impact lingering on the community, gamers are keenly awaiting news about upcoming titles. The continued evolution of Assassin’s Creed will likely retain the innovative spirit exemplified by Naoe and Yasuke.
Ubisoft Quebec’s achievements with `Assassin’s Creed Shadows` have notably advanced the franchise, setting the stage for exciting possibilities ahead.
