While the assassins in Assassin’s Creed games usually wield the Hidden Blade, there has also been a wide assortment of other gadgets introduced over the years. Assassin’s Creed 3 gave players an ax, Assassin’s Creed 4: Black Flag equipped them with numerous pistols, and Ezio had many unique tools at his disposal throughout his three entries. Wherever the franchise goes, tools themed after the region and period in which the game is set seem to follow. With Assassin’s Creed Shadows, that continues to hold true.
Assassin’s Creed Shadows features a slew of new gadgets and weapons, with some themed after the assassins and others built around being a samurai. Alongside all the new stuff comes the grand return of the grappling hook, which was last seen in Assassin’s Creed Syndicate. This grappling hook serves as a fantastic addition to the game’s traversal system, and now that it has been re-introduced, Ubisoft really cannot take the feature away again. Instead, it needs to expand it to be the greatest tool in any assassin’s loadout.
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Assassin’s Creed Shadows: The Hanno-ji Incident Explained
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The Grappling Hook Should Be One of the Assassin’s Main Tools
The Grappling Hook Hasn’t Been Seen Since AC Syndicate
Released back in 2015, Assassin’s Creed Syndicate brought players to 1868 London for a new type of adventure. Not only did the game feature two protagonists, a series first, it also added a slew of new features to the franchise’s established formula, with the standout being the rope launcher. While not actually called a grappling hook, this piece of equipment functioned very much like one. Players would use the rope launcher to climb up structures or create zip-lines between buildings, and it had a tremendous impact on the game’s traversal system.
While the rope launcher was a fun new feature, Ubisoft chose not to carry it over to future titles. Versions of it would crop up in the Assassin’s Creed Chronicles series, but it has been absent in the main series since the massive overhaul that was brought on by Assassin’s Creed Origins. Luckily, things have changed with the release of Assassin’s Creed Shadows.
AC Shadows Should Just Be the Start
Assassin’s Creed Shadows has once again given players their very own grappling hook. While it cannot create zip-lines between buildings anymore, the tool is still extremely useful for scaling tall buildings. Additionally, it can be used to swing from various things, much like Spider-Man would. Although not perfect, this feature really enhances Naoe’s traversal, especially since it speeds up some of the more mundane climbing sequences.
Now that Ubisoft has chosen to bring back the grappling hook, it really should consider keeping it around. It feels like something an assassin would use as a means to traverse rooftops, and since that type of movement has always been a part of Assassin’s Creed, the tool seems like a perfect fit. Plus, there is so much more the studio could do with the grappling hook, like re-introduce the zip-line ability, if it wanted to expand the concept even further.
Not only could Ubisoft give the grappling hook more traversal-based utility, it could also become a vital tool in combat. Assassins could use it as a way to pull enemies closer, to assassinate them from above, or to pull heavy objects down upon their heads. Additionally, it could serve as a way to grab exploding objects, to quickly reach for ammo, or to distract an opponent for long enough to get an edge. As long as the studio made it relatively easy to use and realistic, the grappling hook could make for a fantastic new core feature for the franchise.
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.
