Assassin's Creed Shadows Kyoto Revealed: Is the City Built for Parkour?

A recently released Assassin's Creed Shadows gameplay video provides a sneak peek at Kyoto, viewed from a synchronization point. Shared by Impress Watch, the Japanese media outlet, the clip shows protagonist Naoe atop a rooftop, revealing a panoramic city vista. However, the scale of Kyoto in the game has sparked debate among fans, appearing smaller than anticipated.

Reddit discussions highlight the visual appeal of the setting, but raise concerns about core Assassin's Creed elements: climbing and parkour. The video suggests limited free-running opportunities, generating mixed reactions. Several comments echo this sentiment:

"Kyoto's size seems about half that of Paris in Unity. It's beautiful, exploration will be fun, but I hoped for at least one densely-packed city ideal for parkour."

"Looks amazing, but restricted parkour is disappointing. Hopefully, the grappling hook compensates."

"Visually stunning, but insufficient structures for proper parkour."

"While aesthetically pleasing, it lacks a true city feel. Historical accuracy is fine, but the parkour potential seems underwhelming."

Launching March 20, 2025, on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC, Assassin's Creed Shadows leaves fans anticipating further details on how signature gameplay mechanics will function within this historically rich environment. The balance between Kyoto's authentic representation and dynamic traversal remains to be seen.