“It’s not going to be like before.” The Assassin’s Creed community is divided, and Ubisoft is taking a bold approach with Shadows by leaving mythology behind.

The newest entry in the Assassin’s Creed series takes a significant step away from titles like Valhalla and Odyssey, as mythology will no longer be a core part of its gameplay or story.

Ubisoft is in the final stages of preparing for the launch of Assassin’s Creed Shadows. This open-world game has faced two major delays and is arriving during a challenging period for the company, which has dealt with a series of setbacks. In an effort to be transparent with its community, Ubisoft has shared details about the game’s length and how it handles mythology in its feudal Japan setting. For fans hoping for a Valhalla-style approach, this might come as disappointing news.

Ubisoft has often reiterated that Assassin’s Creed is, first and foremost, historical fiction. While the series is set in real historical periods and features figures like Napoleon and Julius Caesar, it has also incorporated elements of science fiction and fantasy since its inception. In recent years, these elements have become even more pronounced.

Games like Valhalla, Odyssey, and Mirage catered to players who wanted more fictionalized adventures. However, this approach has also caused rifts within the community. With Shadows, Ubisoft is playing it safe, deciding not to incorporate Japanese mythology into the main story.

Brooke Davies, associate narrative director at Ubisoft Quebec, told Vandal in an interview that mythology would not be a focal point in this installment. Players might notice subtle references to mythological elements, but they will remain minor. “Narratively, from a plot perspective, you might see small details here and there,” Davies explained, hinting at a more grounded and realistic tone for this chapter in the series.

When asked about the possibility of battling mythological creatures or visiting legendary realms, as seen in previous titles, Davies clarified that these elements would be minimal. If Shadows does delve into fantasy, it will likely be through DLCs, similar to what happened with Valhalla. That said, she hinted that attentive players might discover surprises hidden in the game.

Ubisoft Launches a New Platform Alongside Shadows

For now, all we can do is wait. Assassin’s Creed Shadows is set to release on March 20 for PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. Alongside the game’s debut, Ubisoft is launching Animus Hub, a digital platform dedicated exclusively to the Assassin’s Creed franchise. This hub will include access to all previous games, exclusive rewards, in-game assistance, and additional lore from the Assassin’s Creed universe.

Source: 3djuegos