Summary
Formerly known asAssassin’s Creed Codename Red,Assassin’s Creed Shadowshas just unveiled an official premiere trailer and a surprising amount of information about the game’s protagonists, combat, and open world. As Naoe, the fictional daughter of real historical figure Fujibayashi Nagato, and Yasuke, who is based on the legendary African Samurai, players will be allowed to swap between stealth-focused and action-oriented gameplay as they progress throughAssassin’s Creed Shadows' story. This means veteranAssassin’s Creedfans will get their wish of the series coming back to its roots while still having the RPG elements of the franchise’s modern era available to them at any time. It may also be the perfect time for newcomers to get intoAssassin’s Creed, simply due to the diverse gameplay offered byAssassin’s Creed Shadows.
In proper Ubisoft fashion, the premiere trailer forAssassin’s Creed Shadowsis an electric cinematic spectacle, and while it doesn’t reveal any actual gameplay footage, a great deal of information about its gameplay is nonetheless disclosed in what is shown. At the very end of the trailer, Naoe is seen performing a classicAssassin’s Creedassassinationon a frightened enemy, but there is something special about the assassination that only longtimeAssassin’s Creedfans may notice. Specifically, rather than using a normal Hidden Blade on her enemy, Naoe uses what has become known as a Pivot Blade against him, allowing her to pivot around his attack and assassinate him from the side. This is not the first time the Pivot Blade has made an appearance inAssassin’s Creed, but it has certainly been a while since it was last seen.
Assassin’s Creed Shadows' Pivot Blade Explained
Assassin’s Creed Shadow’s Pivot Blade Was First Introduced in Assassin’s Creed 3
Assassin’s Creed’s Pivot Blade dates back toAssassin’s Creed 3, which was nearly twelve years ago. InAssassin’s Creed 3, players control Connor, the son ofHaytham Kenwayand grandson ofAssassin’s Creed 4: Black Flag’s protagonist, Edward Kenway. As Connor, players navigate 18th-century Colonial America to avenge his mother’s death and prevent the Templars from having any influence or control on the outcome of the American Revolution.
At the time ofAssassin’s Creed 3’s release, Connor was presented differently than any protagonist the series had ever seen, being the descendant of a Templar. However, one other very significant feature set him apart from others: his Pivot Blade. With it, he could perform assassination maneuvers that no other Assassin before him had been able to pull off — at least, from the players' perspective. Just as Naoe is seen pivoting around her opponent’s attack in thepremiere trailer forAssassin’s Creed Shadows, Connor could do the same to his most naive foes.
How Assassin’s Creed Shadow’s Pivot Blade Works
While theHidden Bladeallows Assassins to strike their enemies directly in front of them, the Pivot Blade allows them to strike from the side. The Hidden Blade normally extends from the user’s wrist, but the Pivot Blade allows the user to rotate the Hidden Blade 90 degrees so that it functions as more of a dagger than a typical Hidden Blade. Assassins can either hold it like a hammer or an ice pick, which not only allows for special assassination maneuvers but also a more practical approach to direct confrontations. More so than the Hidden Blade allows, Assassins can evade their opponents while still having an opportunity to assassinate them without facing them.
Even though no gameplay footage has been revealed yet forAssassin’s Creed Shadows, it’s already certain that Naoe will be wielding the Pivot Blade likeAssassin’s Creed 3’s Connoronce did. Just asAssassin’s Creed Shadowsgives players two protagonists with diverse approaches to combat, the presence of the Pivot Blade is just another way the upcoming installment will attempt to keep things fresh while simultaneously throwing in a bit of nostalgia for the series' most dedicated fans.
Assassin’s Creed Shadows
WHERE TO PLAY
Experience an epic historical action-adventure story set in feudal Japan! Become a lethal shinobi Assassin and a powerful legendary samurai as you explore a beautiful open world in a time of chaos. Switch seamlessly between two unlikely allies as you discover their common destiny. Master complementary playstyles, create your shinobi league, customize your hideout, and usher in a new era for Japan.
