Assassin’s Creed Shadows Gamescom Review – A New Era of Visual and Gameplay Innovation

Assassin’s Creed Shadows marks a pivotal moment for the Ubisoft series, serving as both the end of an era and the beginning of something new. As the final game to integrate the RPG mechanics introduced in Origins, it simultaneously introduces cutting-edge technological advancements that set a new standard for future entries in the franchise.

During Gamescom, Ubisoft revealed a detailed preview of the game, where Art Director Thierry Danserau gave a thorough breakdown of the development process behind recreating feudal Japan. To authentically represent Japanese culture, the developers engaged in rigorous research, analyzing historical documents and visual references. According to Danserau, the team’s attention to detail ensures that players will experience an accurate and immersive portrayal of Japan during that era.

From its conception, Assassin’s Creed Shadows was designed exclusively for current-generation platforms, with a focus on three primary pillars: photorealism, realism, and dynamism. To achieve this, the team spent time in Japan, gathering photos to accurately depict the country’s unique landscapes. The shaders were reworked to replicate these environments, and the game is set at a more realistic scale, focusing on Japan’s central regions rather than the entire country.

Technological Breakthroughs and Visuals

The game’s visual fidelity is elevated by ray-traced global illumination, which enhances ambient occlusion, and the introduction of virtual geometry for static objects—technology inspired by Unreal Engine 5‘s Nanite. These innovations bring the most visually advanced Assassin’s Creed world to life.

Ubisoft’s next iteration of the Anvil engine powers this visual upgrade. The engine supports thousands of objects on-screen and introduces a dynamic wind system that affects both the environment and gameplay. Wind influences everything from foliage to water, creating dynamic spray effects and generating up to 10,000 particles on-screen simultaneously. This dynamic environment will be felt through varying weather conditions and seasonal changes, which not only impact visuals but also the gameplay. For instance, in winter, the absence of grass will make stealth more challenging, forcing players to adapt their strategies.

Gameplay and Immersion

The weather and environmental factors aren’t merely for show; they deeply influence gameplay. Fog and storms will reduce visibility, demanding that players adjust their tactics in real-time. While the game promises rich gameplay, the Gamescom preview offered limited hands-on experience, leaving much of the gameplay still shrouded in mystery. However, the technical advancements alone suggest that Assassin’s Creed Shadows will be a landmark title, distinguishing itself from predecessors and competitors like Ghost of Tsushima.

A New Milestone for Assassin’s Creed

Set to release on November 15th, Assassin’s Creed Shadows is shaping up to be the most advanced game in the series. Its technical and visual leaps forward promise an immersive experience that will redefine what players expect from the Assassin’s Creed franchise.