Assassin's Creed Shadows Dev Talks World Design, Balancing Two Protagonists, and More
In Assassin's Creed Shadows, the developers delve into the challenges of crafting a dynamic world, balancing dual protagonists, and creating a seamless gameplay experience.
In Assassin's Creed Shadows, the latest entry in the Assassin’s Creed franchise, players are transported to Japan’s Azuchi-Momoyama period, immersing themselves in the world of samurai Yasuke and shinobi Naoe. Set for release on March 20, the game introduces two distinct protagonists, each with a unique playstyle, challenging the development team to create a seamless gameplay experience that honors both characters’ identities while staying true to the core Assassin's Creed elements.
We spoke with Charles Benoit, the game director of Assassin’s Creed Shadows, about the development process, the inspirations behind the game, and the challenges of balancing the two protagonists. Benoit shared how the team drew from their past experience with previous Assassin's Creed titles like Syndicate, Odyssey, and Valhalla, and how their time in Japan directly influenced the design choices made for the game.
Crafting the Shinobi and Samurai Fantasy
When designing Shadows, the team’s goal was to deliver an authentic shinobi and samurai fantasy. Benoit explains that understanding what makes these figures so iconic was crucial. The key was ensuring that each character’s abilities and playstyle felt distinct and true to their cultural identity. Yasuke, the combat-focused samurai, and Naoe, the stealth-focused shinobi, both use katana swords, but their animations, abilities, and movement are finely tuned to reflect their unique approaches to combat.
“You can press the same button for both characters, but we tweak it so that each feels different,” Benoit explains. Yasuke is more skilled with his katana and has a larger reach, while Naoe’s fluidity and agility allow her to access higher places and navigate the environment more freely.
Balancing Dual Protagonists: A Challenge and a Reward
Balancing two protagonists with such different playstyles was no small task, and Benoit notes that it was essential to offer players a choice without overwhelming them. "The goal was to ensure you couldn’t do everything at once," he says. "You have to adapt to your playstyle and choose where to focus your strengths." The game’s missions are designed so that players can approach them using either combat or stealth, offering variety and replayability depending on the protagonist they play as.
Unlike past Assassin's Creed games, where players could switch between protagonists on the fly, Shadows forces players to pick one at a time, ensuring that each experience is tailored to the character’s abilities. Benoit and the team wanted players to feel that their choice shaped the outcome of their experience, making each playthrough unique.
Honoring Japanese Culture Through Small Details
Benoit and his team also wanted to incorporate elements of Japanese culture to make Shadows feel authentic. One such feature is the inclusion of small shrines scattered across the game world. While not a major gameplay mechanic, these shrines encourage players to pause and interact with the world. By offering a simple "pray" interaction, players can receive random bonuses, such as increased health or damage, as a reward for their devotion. This small but meaningful detail was inspired by Benoit’s experiences in Japan, where he observed people engaging in similar rituals.
Other features also reflect Japanese customs, such as the detail of Yasuke and Naoe removing their shoes before entering safe houses. These touches provide subtle but important connections to the setting, ensuring that Shadows feels as much like a cultural journey as an action-packed adventure.
The Importance of Architecture in World Design
In true Assassin's Creed fashion, architecture plays a crucial role in shaping the game's parkour mechanics. The steep rock walls around Japanese castles, for example, are designed to funnel players down specific paths. Yasuke, being a more grounded character, must use the established paths, while Naoe’s grappling hook gives her greater freedom to scale structures and move more fluidly. This dynamic creates a unique approach to parkour, allowing players to experience the world differently depending on which character they control.
Looking Ahead to Assassin's Creed Shadows
With Assassin’s Creed Shadows rapidly approaching its release, Benoit expresses excitement for how players will experience the game. He hopes that the dual protagonists, the dynamic gameplay, and the small cultural details will allow players to craft their own unique experiences within the game world. “I can’t wait to see how players will approach the game, what creative solutions they’ll find, and how they’ll personalize their journey through this rich, immersive world,” he says.
With its unique setting, dual protagonists, and a focus on blending stealth and combat in innovative ways, Assassin's Creed Shadows is shaping up to be one of the most exciting entries in the Assassin's Creed franchise yet.