Image source: Ubisoft
Let us remind you that the events of Assassin’s Creed Shadows will unfold in the open world of feudal Japan. There are two main characters and playstyles – the agile and secretive shinobi Naoe, and the legendary dark-skinned samurai Yasuke.
Yasuke has few options for sneak attacks (except archery or a hit from behind), while Naoe masterfully combines classic assassin techniques with the quiet techniques of trained shinobi.
«Observation” can also be used by Yasuke, and “Eagle Vision” is available only to Naoe
According to the authors of Shadows, stealth in a number of key areas has been reworked. For example, they abandoned the eagle guide. An Overwatch mechanic has been introduced to mark enemies and highlight caches, collectibles, and quest objectives.
Among Naoe’s capabilities, developers highlight:
- Hide and seek option in the shadows (for the first time in the series);
- Extremely quiet (and rather slow) squatting movement;
- The ability to crawl (also for the first time in the series, Yasuke is also available);
- Four main tools – a smoke bomb, shinobi bells (to distract enemies), kunai and shuriken;
- Small dimensions allow Naoe to squeeze through cracks in walls and hide in small storage rooms and boxes;
- The double-kill mechanic will return – carried out using a special skill (must be unlocked first) when using a hidden blade and tanto;
- While undetected, Naoe can grab and drag an enemy in any direction to covertly eliminate or incapacitate her.
There will be an option in the menu that will allow you to kill all enemies with one hit
Enemies in Assassin’s Creed Shadows also have their own characteristics:
- A new type of non-combat opponents has appeared – when they see an intruder, they raise the alarm and call the guards;
- Different areas of protected zones (fortresses, castles) act as separate arenas – if the hero is found in one side of the location, the rest of it will not turn against the player;
- Alarmed enemies will look for the intruder in pairs;
- In search of a player, samurai, for example, will be able to cut down bushes, depriving users of secluded places;
- The less upgraded the hidden blade is, the higher the chance that a strong opponent will block a stealth finishing attempt.
The developers accompanied the listed features with short gameplay excerpts. Blogger Assassin JorRaptor collected them in one minute and a half video. Next time Ubisoft will talk about the mechanics of open combat.