The upcoming release of Assassin’s Creed Shadows is generating excitement among fans, particularly with the return of a beloved feature, the double assassination. This stealthy move, a fan favorite, has been absent from recent installments of the franchise.
With the setting of Assassin’s Creed Shadows in feudal Japan, players are in for a treat as they once again take down two enemies in a swift, deadly motion.
The Return of Double Assassinations
One of the standout features making its comeback in Assassin’s Creed Shadows is the double assassination, a technique that allowed assassins to eliminate two enemies at once.
This ability had been a cornerstone of earlier Assassin’s Creed games but has been missing since Assassin’s Creed Syndicate (2015). As the franchise shifted towards larger, more RPG-focused experiences with Origins, Odyssey, and Valhalla, the absence of this stealth technique left some players disappointed.
Fans have been eagerly awaiting the comeback of double assassinations, and Ubisoft has finally delivered. According to a recent blog post from Ubisoft, the character Naoe, one of the two protagonists in Assassin’s Creed Shadows, will be able to perform double assassinations using her Hidden Blade and tanto, bringing back the thrilling stealth kills many have missed.
Meet the Dual Protagonists: Naoe and Yasuke
Assassin’s Creed Shadows introduces two distinct playable characters: Naoe, a stealthy assassin, and Yasuke, a powerful samurai. These characters represent different styles of combat and approach to the game’s missions.
While Naoe embodies the traditional Assassin’s Creed experience with her expertise in stealth and double assassinations, Yasuke offers a more brutal, combat-heavy gameplay, providing players with varied experiences depending on who they choose to play.
Naoe’s double assassination ability is particularly interesting, as she can kill two enemies simultaneously depending on the weapons she carries. The combination of her Hidden Blade and tanto adds versatility to her attacks, making her a lethal force in the shadows. This marks a significant shift back to the series’ roots, where stealth and swift eliminations were key.
Why Double Assassinations Disappeared
The removal of double assassinations in recent games sparked debates among fans. Some speculated that the move was linked to the shift in focus toward RPG elements and open-world exploration, where grand battles took precedence over stealth-based mechanics.
Others pointed out that the last few games were set before the events of the original Assassin’s Creed, where the technique was first introduced by Altaïr Ibn-LaʼAhad. Since the double assassination was technically “invented” by Altaïr, it would not have been available in games set before his time.
However, fans argue that the assassins in the series are highly trained killers, capable of extraordinary feats, so the idea of eliminating two targets at once should not have been beyond them.
Release Date and Editions
Assassin’s Creed Shadows is set to launch on November 12, 2024, for those who purchase the Gold, Ultimate, Deluxe, or Collector’s Editions. The Standard Edition, priced at $69.99, will be available on November 15, 2024.
This game promises to deliver a fresh yet nostalgic experience for long-time fans, with the return of iconic mechanics like double assassinations, all set in the captivating world of feudal Japan. As the release date approaches, excitement builds around this return to stealth and the revival of a much-missed gameplay feature.
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