Ubisoft strikes hard this year with the announcement of their eagerly-awaited next title, Assassin's Creed Shadows. Between the controversies surrounding combat passes and season passes, content changes and new gameplay mechanics, this new opus promises to mark a decisive turning point for the franchise. But what exactly is it, and what can we expect? Here's the lowdown.
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Positioning against combat passes
One of the most resounding announcements aboutAssassin's Creed Shadows is that the game will have neither a battle pass nor a season pass. Ubisoft has decided to change its strategy to offer a more player-friendly experience. This marks a strong return to the game's roots, where the emphasis is on narrative engagement and the quality of the overall experience.
Pre-order refunds and content modifications
During the initial announcement, Ubisoft had taken the radical decision to refund all pre-orders. The reason? The studio had planned to significantly modify the content of the various editions of the game. It was therefore impossible to market the new Assassin's Creed as is, with no adjustments. This is the first time in many years in the video game world that such a measure has been taken to ensure player satisfaction.
By doing away with the special editions and early accesses traditionally reserved for luxury versions of the game, Ubisoft also hopes to make the game more accessible and avoid any frustration associated with paid benefits.
Community feedback
The gaming community has greeted this news with some enthusiasm, but also a touch of skepticism. Many say they're relieved not to have to invest more after the initial purchase of the game. However, some remain cautious, waiting to see whether these promises will be kept in the long term.
New gameplay mechanics: infiltration, combat and parkour
Alongside these financial decisions, Ubisoft makes a point of revisiting game mechanics to offer an enriched and diversified experience. The developers have confirmed that major details will be revealed concerning infiltration, combat, parkour and other crucial aspects of gameplay.
Renewing the infiltration system
Infiltration has always been a cornerstone of the series Assassin's Creed. With Shadows, Ubisoft promises significant improvements in this area. Indeed, several new features will be introduced, including :
- More interactive environments for a variety of stealth approaches.
- Artificial intelligence (AI) revisited to offer more realistic and immersive challenges.
- New infiltration tools inspired by different historical eras.
All this is designed to give players greater freedom and flexibility in their infiltration strategies.
Combat reimagined
Although infiltration is paramount, combat is no less important in Assassin's Creed Shadows. New combat mechanics are planned:
- A dynamic combat system with fluid combos and special moves according to each character's style.
- Specific abilities to unlock, tailored to the different skill branches a player can choose from.
- The introduction of magic and supernatural powers naturally integrated into the game's historical universe.
These additions are designed not only to make combat more interesting and strategic, but also to encourage players to experiment with different styles of play.
The impact of leaks and communication errors
Another hot spot surrounding Assassin's Creed Shadows is linked to leaks concerning the first combat pass of the Animus Hub, formerly known as Assassin's Creed Infinity. This mishap forced Ubisoft to communicate more openly and transparently with its fans.
Following these leaks, there was much discussion and speculation in the gaming community. Rumors circulated that the game would be postponed or even canceled. To counter these concerns, Ubisoft reassured players that, despite the cancellation of the Season Pass, the expansions would be offered free of charge.
The positive response to these clarifications
In the end, this clarification had a positive impact overall. Not only has it allayed fears, but it has also boosted players' confidence in the company. Ubisoft. Many fans appreciated the transparency and generous gesture offered by the publisher. This may well set a precedent in the way post-launch events are handled in the video game industry.
Microtransactions: inevitable but moderate
However, even with these developments, Ubisoft will maintain certain microtransactions to support the game's ongoing development. Although it's not directly this point that has been in the news recently, it's important to note that these transactions will remain in place, but should be less intrusive compared to previous episodes.
Outlook and expectations for Assassin's Creed Shadows
As the release of this new installment approaches, anticipation is building among fans. The constant revelations and adjustments on the part ofUbisoft show a desire to get back to the heart of what made the series so successful: an immersive experience focused above all on storytelling and gameplay.
In advance, we know that the coming weeks will be punctuated by new announcements, each bringing its share of discoveries in terms of gameplay and mechanics. The hope raised by these first impressions suggests an ambitious game, aiming to redefine established standards and push even further the limits crossed by its predecessors.
This information makes it easier to understand why Assassin's Creed Shadows saga. A colossal project seems to be on the way, ready to satisfy both fervent fans of the saga and newcomers curious to discover this rich and profound universe.
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