Why Every Ubisoft Quebec Assassin's Creed Game Has Two Protagonists
Why Ubisoft Quebec's Assassin's Creed Titles Feature Two Heroes and How It Enhances Gameplay and Narrative
Ubisoft Quebec has carved out a distinctive approach in their Assassin's Creed series: every mainline entry they’ve worked on (excluding Assassin's Creed Freedom Cry) features not one, but two protagonists. From the Frye twins in Assassin’s Creed Syndicate to the choice between Alexios and Kassandra in Assassin’s Creed Odyssey, this dual-character model has been integral to the storytelling and gameplay experience. The upcoming Assassin’s Creed Shadows continues this trend, letting players step into the roles of both Yasuke, a samurai, and Naoe, a shinobi.
During an in-depth preview of Assassin’s Creed Shadows at Ubisoft Quebec, I spoke with creative director Jonathan Dumont to understand why this dual protagonist formula is a hallmark of their games. Dumont explained that while it wasn’t always an intentional blueprint, it became evident during development that two protagonists were crucial to the stories they wanted to tell.
Evolution of the Dual Protagonist Formula
In Assassin’s Creed Syndicate, the decision to feature two protagonists came from the need for a dynamic, contrasting pair—Jacob and Evie Frye. Their distinct personalities and approaches to the world enhanced the tone and dialogue of the game, giving players a rich narrative experience as they switched between the two characters. The Frye Twins’ interactions were central to carrying the story forward, as each character had a unique perspective on the challenges they faced in Victorian London.
For Assassin’s Creed Odyssey, the decision was more rooted in the RPG mechanics. In a sprawling RPG, it made sense to let players choose between two different characters—Alexios and Kassandra—allowing them to customize their journey from the start. The dual protagonists in Odyssey were not only central to the story but gave players the flexibility to explore the narrative through two different lenses, whether they preferred a more stoic warrior or a charismatic mercenary.
Assassin's Creed Shadows: Two Archetypes, One Narrative
In Assassin's Creed Shadows, set in feudal Japan, the dual protagonist approach is driven by the game’s two playable archetypes: the noble samurai and the stealthy shinobi. Dumont explained that originally, the team explored the possibility of having one character who could fulfill both roles. However, this approach didn’t quite capture the distinct fantasies of being a samurai and a shinobi. Each archetype required different gameplay mechanics, so splitting them into two characters made perfect sense.
Yasuke, a historical figure and foreigner in Japan, represents the noble, military side of the samurai. His perspective allows players to experience the honor, discipline, and warfare of the samurai. On the other hand, Naoe embodies the commoner’s struggle, offering a more grounded, stealth-based experience as a shinobi. This contrast allows players to enjoy two separate playstyles, one centered on combat and nobility, the other on agility and secrecy.
This dual approach not only strengthens the narrative, giving a rich exploration of both sides of feudal Japan but also enhances the gameplay by allowing players to engage with two entirely different playstyles. The result is a more immersive experience, where each protagonist fully realizes their respective archetype rather than forcing a single character to attempt both roles.
Why Two Protagonists Work
Dumont’s insights highlight why this dual protagonist model works so well for Ubisoft Quebec’s Assassin’s Creed games. By giving players two characters with distinct roles, motivations, and playstyles, they can experience a wider range of narrative depth and gameplay variety. Whether it’s the sibling rivalry of Jacob and Evie Frye, the RPG flexibility of Alexios and Kassandra, or the honor and stealth of Yasuke and Naoe, this approach allows each character to shine in their own right.
Rather than trying to merge two different gameplay experiences into one character, Ubisoft Quebec embraces the concept of dual protagonists, ensuring that both characters feel unique and necessary to the story they are telling. It’s a strategy that not only enhances the narrative but also gives players the opportunity to explore different aspects of the game’s world through the eyes of two distinct heroes.
As Assassin’s Creed Shadows nears its release, players can look forward to stepping into the shoes of two compelling protagonists, each offering their own perspective on a tumultuous period in Japanese history. With samurai and shinobi gameplay split between Yasuke and Naoe, Shadows promises to deliver an experience that is both diverse and deeply rooted in the rich lore of the Assassin's Creed universe.