Assassin's Creed Shadows Dev Talks World Design, Balancing Two Protagonists, and More
Exploring the Challenges of Dual Protagonists, Open-World Design, and Innovation in Assassin's Creed Shadows
Assassin's Creed Shadows will soon immerse players in Japan’s chaotic Azuchi-Momoyama period, where they will step into the shoes of two distinct protagonists—samurai Yasuke and shinobi Naoe. The development team behind the game faced significant challenges in balancing their unique play styles but also found it to be an exciting opportunity to deliver a fresh and immersive experience.
In an exclusive interview with Game Rant, game director Charles Benoit opened up about how the team drew inspiration from Japan itself, along with insights from past Assassin's Creed titles, to create a unique dual-character system that blends combat and stealth. Benoit also discussed how the game's world design honors Japanese culture and its rich historical context.
A Blend of Two Distinct Play Styles
Working with dual protagonists posed a unique challenge for the Assassin’s Creed Shadows development team. Yasuke, the samurai, represents the strength and honor of combat, while Naoe, the stealthy shinobi, relies on subtlety and agility. According to Benoit, these differences are key to making each protagonist's playstyle feel distinct, creating an experience that is both tactical and engaging for the player.
“When we first pitched the idea of dual protagonists for Shadows, we wanted to make sure players couldn’t just do everything at once,” Benoit explains. “The key was to design a game that forces players to adapt to their strengths and weaknesses, allowing them to make a choice between combat or stealth.”
Embracing Japanese Culture Through Small Details
A key aspect of Assassin's Creed Shadows is its faithful representation of Japan’s cultural nuances. Benoit shared that the team worked hard to integrate little details that would honor the country’s traditions, such as shrines scattered across the game world. Players can interact with these shrines, offering prayers in exchange for random perks, like increased health or damage. This subtle mechanic, which Benoit experienced firsthand in Japan, adds a touch of authenticity to the game's open-world design without forcing players into it.
Balancing Parkour and World Design
As in previous Assassin’s Creed games, world architecture plays an essential role in the game’s parkour mechanics. Benoit and his team took great care to craft environments that feel true to Japan’s iconic structures, from steep rock walls near castles to the intricate rooftops of bustling cities. This environment design influences how players navigate, with Naoe able to reach higher places due to her grappling hook while Yasuke is restricted to paths more suited for his larger frame.
“We wanted to embrace the chaos with Naoe, while following a more traditional path with Yasuke,” Benoit explains, highlighting how world design and parkour mechanics work together to guide players through the game’s environments.
Looking Ahead: A Unique Experience for Every Player
Benoit is eager to see how players will engage with Assassin's Creed Shadows. With its dual protagonists, each with their own strengths and skills, the game offers a deeply personal experience. Benoit expressed his excitement for the varied ways players will approach missions, navigate the world, and utilize the distinct playstyles of Yasuke and Naoe.
“I can't wait to see the creative ways players approach the game,” he says. “Every playthrough will feel unique, and we’re excited to see the feedback and personal stories that emerge.”
As Assassin’s Creed Shadows prepares for its release, the development team is poised to offer a fresh take on the Assassin's Creed formula, blending the beloved franchise’s core elements with an exciting new setting and innovative gameplay mechanics.