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 footage shows protagonist Naoe atop a rooftop, revealing a panoramic city vista. However, Kyoto's apparent smaller-than-anticipated size has ignited debate among fans regarding its design and gameplay implications.

Reddit user feedback highlights the location's aesthetic appeal while expressing concerns about core Assassin's Creed elements: climbing and parkour. The video suggests limited free-running opportunities, generating mixed community reactions. Several comments echo these reservations:

"Kyoto's supposed to be about half the size of Paris in Unity? It looks stunning, exploration will be fun, but I hoped for at least one densely packed parkour-friendly city."

"Looks amazing, but restricted parkour instead of full freerunning is disappointing. Hopefully, the grappling hook compensates."

"Nice visuals, but insufficient structures for proper parkour."

"Visually appealing, but it doesn't quite feel like a city. Historically accurate, perhaps, but lacking in parkour potential."

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 mechanics will function within this unique historical setting. While Kyoto may prioritize historical accuracy over extensive traversal, the developers' success in balancing aesthetics and gameplay remains to be seen.