Assassin’s Creed Shadows Revives a Beloved Feature After Nine Long Years

The Assassin’s Creed franchise has long been celebrated for its rich storytelling and dynamic gameplay. Since its inception, players have embraced an array of techniques for dispatching foes. Among these methods, double assassinations stood out, offering a thrilling way to neutralize two adversaries simultaneously. The last appearance of this popular feature was in 2015 with AC Syndicate. Fortunately, Ubisoft has heard the fans' clamor and is bringing back double assassinations in the eagerly awaited Assassin’s Creed Shadows, launching on November 15.

Double assassinations first appeared in Assassin’s Creed 2, immediately captivating players with sheer efficiency and spectacle. This technique was not just about practicality; it added a layer of strategic depth, allowing players to plan their attacks meticulously. The feature became a staple, appearing in subsequent titles until it was inexplicably dropped after Syndicate. With the release of Origins, the series pivoted towards a more RPG-centric approach, sidelining some of its classic mechanics. Fans missed the simplicity and satisfaction of a well-executed double assassination, a sentiment Ubisoft has finally addressed.

In Assassin’s Creed Shadows, the reins of double assassinations fall into the capable hands of Naoe, one of the game’s two protagonists. Armed with her Hidden Blade and tanto, Naoe can eliminate threats with that nostalgic finesse that longtime players will remember. This decision not only caters to long-term fans but also underscores the difference between Naoe and the other playable character, Yasuke. While Yasuke embodies the strength and honor of a samurai, favoring direct combat, Naoe represents the stealth and cunning that the series is known for. This dual-character dynamic promises a rich gameplay experience catering to varied playstyles.

Ubisoft Quebec, the studio behind Shadows, also developed Syndicate, making them the perfect torchbearer for the reintroduction of double assassinations. Their experience with Syndicate likely provided valuable insights, enabling them to refine and modernize the feature for Shadows. Having spent nearly nine years absent from the franchise, the return of double assassinations is expected to bring renewed excitement among the community. Given the studio's track record and the thoughtful re-integration of this feature, expectations are sky-high for Assassin’s Creed Shadows.

The return of double assassinations is part of a broader trend within Ubisoft to reconnect with the roots of what made Assassin’s Creed iconic. Recent releases, like Assassin’s Creed Mirage, have deliberately harkened back to the glory days of the franchise. With Shadows, Ubisoft Quebec is continuing this tradition, blending nostalgic elements with fresh innovations. Fans eagerly await the launch to see how these beloved mechanics have evolved. As November 15 approaches, the anticipation builds, promising a thrilling return to the stealth and strategy that defined the early days of Assassin’s Creed.