Ubisoft Reveals the Expansive Features of The Map of Assassin’s Creed Shadows

Simon Lemay-Comtois reveals the size of the map of Assassin’s Creed Shadows and how it compares to other Assassin’s Creed games.

Ubisoft’s upcoming title, Assassin’s Creed Shadows, is generating significant excitement among fans, particularly regarding the scale and design of its world map. Set in Japan, the game promises a rich and immersive experience. Associate game director Simon Lemay-Comtois provided some insights into the map’s dimensions and the design philosophy behind it in a recent interview.

Comparable Size to Assassin’s Creed Origins

Map Size Comparison: Lemay-Comtois revealed that the map of Assassin’s Creed Shadows will be similar in size to that of Assassin’s Creed Origins. “It’s about roughly similar to Origins, so it’s smaller than Valhalla in terms of territory,” he told VGC. This places the map on the larger end of the series but not as expansive as the vast landscapes found in Assassin’s Creed Odyssey or Valhalla​. Origins’ map offered a significant amount of content and exploration without feeling overwhelming, which seems to be the balance Ubisoft aims to achieve with Shadows.

Water Bodies and Topography: Unlike the Greek archipelagos in Odyssey, which consisted of large bodies of water, Shadows will feature Japan’s coastlines and significant lakes, such as Lake Biwa. Lemay-Comtois emphasized the map’s mountainous terrain, which will offer unique challenges and exploration opportunities compared to the flatter landscapes of previous games. “There is some body of water around Japan, but it’s not like [Odyssey’s] Greece was, [which was] half water,” he explained. The mountainous regions will require players to adapt their strategies for both combat and navigation​.

Design Philosophy and Realism

Realistic Yet Approachable: While striving for realism, Ubisoft aims to keep the game enjoyable and accessible. The team visited Japan to scout locations, ensuring that the representation of cities like Kyoto and Osaka is both credible and engaging. They carefully balanced realism with gameplay practicality to avoid excessive travel times that could hinder player experience. “It wouldn’t necessarily be fun for Assassin’s Creed Shadows to be realistic in the sense that it would take four days on horseback to get from one place to another,” Lemay-Comtois noted​.

Major Cities and Landmarks: The game will not encompass all of Japan but will include significant cities and landmarks, making the world feel vast and diverse while remaining manageable and enjoyable to explore. This approach ensures that each location is rich with content and detail, enhancing the immersive experience Ubisoft aims to deliver. The team focused on creating a world that justifies its size through meaningful content and engaging environments.

Gameplay Elements and Exploration

Protagonists and Play Styles: The extended gameplay trailer released during the Ubisoft Forward event showcased two playable protagonists, each with distinct play styles. This dual-protagonist approach adds depth to the narrative and offers varied gameplay experiences, enhancing the overall exploration of the game world. Players will be able to experience different aspects of the game through the unique perspectives and abilities of each character.

Mountains and Mobility: The mountainous terrain of the map will play a significant role in how players navigate and engage with the environment. The emphasis on vertical exploration and the presence of strategic viewpoints will likely influence both stealth and combat mechanics, providing a fresh take on the traditional Assassin’s Creed gameplay loop. These geographical features will challenge players to adapt their strategies and make use of the terrain to their advantage​.

Release Date and Platforms

Assassin’s Creed Shadows is slated for release on November 15 for PlayStation, Xbox, and PC. The anticipation for its launch continues to build as more details emerge, highlighting the game’s potential to deliver a captivating adventure set against the backdrop of feudal Japan.

Assassin’s Creed Shadows is shaping up to be an impressive addition to the series, with a meticulously crafted map that balances realism and playability. The game’s setting in Japan, coupled with its innovative gameplay features, promises to offer a unique and engaging experience. As we approach the release date, fans can look forward to exploring this beautifully rendered world and uncovering the secrets it holds.

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