Parkour Pros Critique Assassin’s Creed Shadows Moves

Two professional parkour athletes recently evaluated the movement system in Assassin's Creed Shadows. Discover insights into the game's parkour realism and how Ubisoft authentically recreated feudal Japan.

Assassin's Creed Shadows Prepares for Launch

Parkour Specialists Critique Movement Authenticity

In PC Gamer's recent Reality Check video featuring UK parkour experts Toby Segar and Benj Cave from STORROR, the athletes analyzed movement realism across Assassin's Creed titles. Both professional traceurs are developing their own parkour simulation game.

The video highlights Yasuke performing what they dubbed "parkour malpractice" - using his knee improperly for ledge climbs. The controversial "alpine knee" technique shown would realistically cause joint damage.

Cave noted the series' most unrealistic element is characters' unlimited stamina - executing complex maneuvers consecutively without rest periods typical in actual parkour training.

While Shadows prioritizes gameplay over strict realism, developers polished movement systems extensively. Creative director Charles Benoit revealed ongoing refinements caused minor delays.

Authentically Recreating Feudal Japan

Ubisoft incorporates historical accuracy through new educational features. The expanded "Cultural Discovery" mode presents over 125 expert-vetted entries about Azuchi-Momoyama period Japan.

The development team conducted extensive historical research, including field trips to Kyoto and Osaka. Executive producer Marc-Alexis Coté explained their sixteen-year journey toward creating this Japan-set installment.

Technical challenges included accurately rendering Japan's distinctive mountainous lighting. Creative director Johnathan Dumont emphasized their commitment to authentic recreation.

Assassin's Creed Shadows launches March 20, 2025 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC platforms.