Highlights:
– Ubisoft confirms the removal of social stealth from Assassin’s Creed Shadows.
– Social stealth, a longtime feature, allowed players to blend in with crowds to avoid detection.
– Fans are divided over the change, though Naoe still has various stealth options like hiding in grass or shadows.
Ubisoft has announced that Assassin’s Creed Shadows will not include social stealth, a gameplay mechanic integral to the franchise since its inception. This announcement comes as Assassin’s Creed Shadows takes center stage this month, showcased in the Xbox Games Showcase and Ubisoft Forward. The game introduces two protagonists, each with distinct playstyles, a concept reminiscent of Ubisoft Quebec’s 2015 game.
In Assassin’s Creed Shadows, Yasuke is portrayed as a bruiser, favoring direct combat to tackle challenges. In contrast, Naoe, embodying the shinobi archetype, relies on stealth and subtlety. Despite her stealth focus, Ubisoft has confirmed that Naoe will not have access to social stealth, leaving many longtime fans disappointed.
Ubisoft’s Clarification on Social Stealth Removal
Following the Ubisoft Forward reveal, the studio clarified that social stealth would not be part of Assassin’s Creed Shadows. Traditionally, this mechanic allowed players to merge with crowds, effectively becoming invisible to guards. For Yasuke, this exclusion is logical, as Ubisoft explained he is inherently unable to blend in. Surprisingly, Naoe also cannot use this feature. Instead, she remains undetected by military NPCs in the open world unless she engages in attention-drawing actions like climbing buildings or unsheathing her sword.
Fan Reactions to the Removal
Fan reactions, as highlighted by Stephen Totilo, have been mixed. While Naoe retains other stealth options, the complete removal of social stealth has left many fans disheartened. Some feel the feature has been oversimplified, becoming an automatic function rather than a strategic choice. Comments on social media express disappointment, with some fans noting that Assassin’s Creed Mirage handled stealth effectively, only for the feature to be removed in the subsequent game.
Although social stealth has been a staple since the franchise’s debut in 2007, it isn’t the only stealth tactic available. The gameplay demo revealed various alternatives for Naoe, such as hiding in grass, underwater, or in shadows. Assassin’s Creed Shadows also draws inspiration from Ubisoft’s other stealth series, Splinter Cell. The game features an interface showing the character’s exposure to light sources. A new global illumination system allows players to manipulate lighting by extinguishing torches or other light sources, creating more shadows and making it harder for enemies to detect them.
Assassin’s Creed Shadows continues to evolve the franchise’s stealth mechanics, even as it bids farewell to a beloved feature.
