Assassin's Creed Shadows boasts jaw-dropping open world

Summer Game Fest is wrapping up, but what an event it’s been for games on the horizon, one of which is the next entry in the Assassin’s Creed series, Assassin’s Creed Shadows.

While hands-on demos weren’t available, Ubisoft was keen to show off an exclusive look at the gameplay, showing off all the impressive features made possible by new-gen hardware, resulting in what could be the best Assassin’s Creed game to date.

Check out some of the gameplay for Assassin’s Creed Shadows below

Something that stood out the most during the gameplay showcase was how impressive the world looked with the power of the Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 5 and high-end PCs.

Kicking things off with the graphics, as you can see from the gameplay this is arguably the most detailed an Assassin’s Creed setting has looked so far, and it’s only right that the most beautiful title in the series is set in Japan.

Following one of the two protagonists Yasuke riding a horse to a nearby village, the vibrant, lush nature slowly transitioning into a rural countryside town looked fantastic, especially under the shine of the sun. Ubisoft informed us that the game’s high-security areas will be Japanese castles, one of which could be seen casting an ominous shadow over the village Yasuke was visiting.

Speaking of the village, it’s not just the visuals that have received a power-boost, the AI have as well. Given Yasuke’s title as a samurai, as well as his powerful aura and large stature, NPCs in the game will bow in respect as you move past them, with others staring in disbelief from afar. It’s a minor thing but something that fans of immersion will pick up on instantly, and hopefully adore.

Additionally the game being exclusively made for new-gen platforms allows for more advanced changes to the environment. While a day and night cycle will obviously be included, Ubisoft informed press that dynamic weather will also be important for missions and exploration.

Storms provide an easier approach to stealth, as the rain will likely muffle the sound of your movements, as well as reduce the visibility of your enemies, so when you think a storm is approaching before you initiate your mission, wait for it to roll in for a tactical advantage.

Assassin’s Creed Shadows will release on 14 November 2024, and will likely be one of the strongest open-worlds Ubisoft has created so far.