Ubisoft has recently revealed a brief but exciting preview of Assassin’s Creed Shadows during Apple’s MacBook Pro announcement. The nine-second clip features Naoe, one of the game’s two protagonists, showcasing her agility and stealth skills.
In the footage, Naoe is seen sprinting across a rooftop, skillfully using a grappling hook to swing toward a fortress wall, offering a taste of the game’s fast-paced, fluid gameplay. This sneak peek has generated buzz among fans eagerly awaiting new footage since previews of Assassin’s Creed Shadows had been limited over the past few months.
The announcement comes as Assassin’s Creed Shadows faces a delayed release, now scheduled for February, and the removal of its early access option. Initially planned for an earlier launch, this delay places the game in a highly competitive release window, coinciding with an exceptionally busy month for RPGs.
With many anticipated RPGs set for a February debut, the launch of Assassin’s Creed Shadows will test its ability to stand out among a crowded field of releases. This delay might help Ubisoft polish the game further, which could be essential given the high expectations for this installment.
Ubisoft has emphasized the importance of Assassin’s Creed Shadows for the company’s portfolio, particularly after the lower-than-expected sales of Star Wars Outlaws, another major title. With significant financial stakes involved, Ubisoft is betting heavily on Assassin’s Creed Shadows to boost its performance and regain momentum. The company has a lineup of upcoming titles, but none hold the iconic status or potential impact of an Assassin’s Creed release, making the success of Shadows even more critical to Ubisoft’s future plans.
Ultimately, fans and industry watchers are viewing this release as pivotal not only for Ubisoft but also for the evolution of the Assassin’s Creed franchise itself. The focus on fluid stealth mechanics and a protagonist with enhanced agility, as seen in Naoe’s gameplay snippet, hints at the game’s potential to push the series in new, exciting directions. As Ubisoft leans into the RPG genre with Assassin’s Creed Shadows, this installment could redefine expectations for the franchise and shape its role in an increasingly competitive RPG market.
