Discover why Assassin’s Creed Shadows should bring back a feature from Odyssey. With dual protagonists, the game is set for deeper storytelling.

With Assassin’s Creed Shadows just around the corner, I can’t wait to dive into the game’s world and uncover more about its setting and mechanics. While there is plenty of information circulating in the community, one thing has been kept under wraps, and for good reason: its narrative.

The anticipation for the game is high. | Image Credit: Ubisoft

What we do know is that Shadows will feature dual protagonists, each offering a unique perspective and playing an integral role in the overarching story. This immediately got me thinking: why not add a feature that Ubisoft previously abandoned in Odyssey? I can’t help but feel that this could be the perfect opportunity to revisit this feature.

Ubisoft should revisit the abandoned idea for Assassin’s Creed Shadows

I would enjoy the subtle hints about the impact of my choices. | Image Credit: Ubisoft

Let’s be honest, there’s one mechanic from Odyssey that I think Ubisoft should absolutely reconsider for Shadows: the subtle hint that player decisions from the past had consequences, through a notification or something.

In Odyssey, you never got an explicit notification or achievement telling you that your choices mattered, as players had to connect the dots. However, as Scott Phillips, the director of Odyssey, shared in an interview with Gamespot, it was considered but ultimately abandoned.

This decision was made to avoid the notifications feature that most ‘Telltale-style’ narrative games are known for. Instead, the developers wanted players to make discoveries themselves, later on when they least expected it. He said:

Ultimately we felt that the player is better off making those connections themselves and we didn’t want to put too much in their face. 

This made the narrative have a deeper impact and after finding that my consequence had an impact (on a random quest), I was surprised and then I made every decision with utmost care and gave everything a thought.

But now, as I look ahead to Shadows with its dual protagonists and intricate storyline, this system makes so much sense and fits perfectly. With two distinct characters and branching paths that is going to intersect. This feature would be happy to see that my choices carry weight and can have impact.

With the game already swimming in a very deep pool of controversy, I feel that it is important that Ubisoft should provide a clear indication of what it wants to show about Japan and its history.

Why it makes sense for Shadows

Having the subtle tell makes so much sense in this game. | Image Credit: Ubisoft

Considering the intricacy of the narrative and the potential for multiple outcomes, adding a more transparent system could allow players to feel more in control of the story. All while still preserving the surprise of discovering how their choices impacted the game world.

With Shadows set in feudal Japan, a setting filled with historical weight and cultural significance, it’s crucial for Ubisoft to ensure the narrative is not only impactful but also respectful and thoughtful. (especially after the controversies surrounding the game).

While I appreciated the depth that no subtle way of knowing impact of my decisons, I feel this mechanic would fit perfectly with Shadows‘ complex story. Since we are seeing two perspective of a single story, I feel its imporant to know the decision I made have impact.

After all, as much as Assassin’s Creed has always been about stealth combat, the series has always been driven by its compelling narratives. With Shadows poised to delve even deeper into storytelling, it’ll be exciting to see how the game balances player choice and narrative clarity.

In the end, as I wait at the edge of my seat for March 20th, it will be interesting to see if Ubisoft will finally give us a way to see if our choices are making any impact or not.