Assassin’s Creed Shadows Introduces ‘Canon’ Mode
Assassin's Creed Shadows will offer players the flexibility to either shape the story through their own dialogue choices or let its dual protagonists make all the decisions autonomously. The newly introduced Canon Mode seems designed to appeal to long-time fans of the franchise's earlier entries while providing richer character development.
The Assassin's Creed series, known for its stealth-focused gameplay, first debuted in 2007 during the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 era, releasing four mainline games and two spin-offs in its early years. While those titles firmly adhered to the action-adventure genre, the franchise shifted toward action-RPG mechanics with 2017's Assassin's Creed Origins, which introduced a gear system. Later entries like Odyssey and Valhalla leaned further into RPG-style gameplay with branching choices, sparking debates among fans about the series' direction. With Shadows slated for release on February 14, 2025, many are curious about its gameplay approach.
Recently, four key developers from Shadows participated in a Reddit AMA (Ask Me Anything) session, addressing topics such as the game's immersion, control schemes, and narrative design. Responding to a fan inquiry about how dialogue decisions impact the storyline, creative director Jonathan Dumont explained that these choices won’t drastically alter the characters' ultimate objectives but will influence elements like recruitment and romance. For players who prefer not to engage with such decisions, Dumont highlighted the inclusion of Canon Mode. This feature allows players to experience the game with pre-determined choices, providing a streamlined, decision-free adventure.
Optional Dialogue Choices in Assassin's Creed Shadows
The announcement of Canon Mode during the AMA was met with enthusiasm by many fans. Long-time supporters have long anticipated a game set in feudal Japan, and the option to bypass one of the franchise's more recent RPG-inspired elements appears to cater to those who favor the classic action-adventure style. By doing so, Shadows aims to bridge the gap between the series’ traditional and modern gameplay philosophies, appealing to fans of both.
Additionally, some players inquired about the scale of Assassin's Creed Shadows compared to previous installments. Dumont confirmed that the game's world size will be similar to recent entries, referencing Assassin's Creed Origins and its Egyptian setting as a benchmark. Players can expect the feudal Japan map, centered on protagonists Yasuke and Naoe, to span approximately 80 square kilometers.
