Assassin’s Creed Shadowsmay be aiming to provide players with an originalAssassin’s Creedexperience set in feudal Japan, but that’s not stopping it from pulling scrapped resources from a previous installment in the series. According to recent reports, a takedown animation that was formerly designed forAssassin’s Creed 3but later scrapped has been spotted in footage forAssassin’s Creed Shadows. Naoe can be seen jumping onto the back of an enemy and stabbing them, then rolling on her side over the enemy to maintain her momentum. This is, in fact, a takedown animation originally designed forAssassin’s Creed 3’s Connor that was featured in the 2012 PAX East demo of the game but was later scrapped.
This isn’t the first bit ofAssassin’s Creed 3seen inAssassin’s Creed Shadows, asConnor’s famous Pivot Bladehas made a return. As such, there will likely be other references toAssassin’s Creed 3hidden withinAssassin’s Creed Shadows' gameplay. It shouldn’t stop there, however, as there may be other material from pastAssassin’s Creedtitles that might have enough reason to be revived forAssassin’s Creed Shadows. Specifically, there might not be a better time to bring back some of the series' best takedown animations, if not just for a bit of fan service while players fend off foes inAssassin’s Creed’s long-requested rendition of feudal Japan.
Assassin’s Creed Shadows Should Pull From the Series' Most Popular Takedowns
When pulling from theAssassin’s Creedseries' best takedown animations, it’s important to consider the fact thatAssassin’s Creed Shadowshas dual protagonists, each of which approaches combat differently. Naoe is the stealth expert that provides a classicAssassin’s Creedapproach to gameplay, whereas Yasuke is the action-oriented protagonist who plays more likeAssassin’s Creed’s recent entries such asAssassin’s Creed OdysseyandAssassin’s Creed Valhalla.
Assassin’s Creed 3 and Assassin’s Creed Unity Have the Series' Best Stealth Takedowns
When it comes to theAssassin’s Creedseries' best stealth takedowns,Assassin’s Creed 3andAssassin’s Creed Unityrise above the rest.Connor’s assassinations inAssassin’s Creed 3are noted for their brutality, and they are almost universally recognized by the fan base as the absolute best takedown animations the franchise has ever seen.
Assassin’s Creed Unity, though it was a divisive entry in the series, also has some of thebest assassinations inAssassin’s Creedhistory. WhileAssassin’s Creed Unity’s takedowns aren’t as brutal as Connor’s inAssassin’s Creed 3, they are still noted for their finesse and for being almost dance-like in their execution.Assassin’s Creed Shadowscould pull from the stealth takedown animations inAssassin’s Creed 3andAssassin’s Creed Unityfor Naoe as a love letter to these beloved games.
Assassin’s Creed Valhalla Has the Series' Best Action Finishers
Assassin’s Creed’s more recent titles have leaned more into action-oriented combat, as opposed to the series' traditional stealth formula. Despite being somewhat controversial, these modern titles offer something the classic titles could never provide, simply on account of them honoring the franchise’s roots.Everything changed withAssassin’s Creed Origins, as the departure from stealth-focused gameplay was largely felt, though it wasn’t fully realized until the release ofAssassin’s Creed Valhalla.
Despite being one of the most controversialAssassin’s Creedtitles to date,Assassin’s Creed Valhallahas some incredible action-packed takedown animations that might be perfect forAssassin’s Creed Shadows' Yasuke. Like Connor’s assassinations inAssassin’s Creed 3, Eivor’s takedowns inAssassin’s Creed Valhallaare absolutely brutal, sending literal shockwaves through the screen and shaking the camera with each hit.
It’s unclear whetherAssassin’s Creed Shadowswill pull from any of the series' most famous takedown animations, but it could be a well-received love letter if so.Assassin’s Creed 3andAssassin’s Creed Unityhave some stellar animations forstealth-based Naoe, whileAssassin’s Creed Valhalla’s could fit Yasuke perfectly.
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.• Explore the captivating open world of feudal Japan, from spectacular castle towns and bustling ports to peaceful shrines and war-ravaged landscapes. Adventure through unpredictable weather, changing seasons, and reactive environments.• Become Naoe, a shinobi Assassin, and Yasuke, a legendary samurai, as you experience their riveting stories and master their complementary playstyles. As Naoe, use stealth to avoid detection and agility to confound your enemies. As Yasuke, strike your foes with lethal precision and power. Unlock new skills, gear, and progression independently for each character.• Make information your weapon as you explore the world, and build your own network of spies to be your eyes and ears across locations to hunt down your next target. Along the way, recruit new allies with unique abilities to help accomplish your missions.• Create a fully customizable hideout for your growing shinobi league as you train your crew, craft new gear, interact with key characters, and choose your base’s layout, decorations, and accessories.
