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

A new gameplay video from Assassin’s Creed Mirage showcasing Kyoto from a synchronization viewpoint has been released by Japanese media outlet Impress Watch. The footage depicts protagonist Naoe scaling a rooftop to reveal a panoramic city view. However, Kyoto’s apparent smaller-than-anticipated size has sparked debate among fans regarding its design and gameplay implications.

Reddit users lauded the location’s aesthetics but expressed concerns about core Assassin’s Creed mechanics, specifically climbing and parkour. The video suggests limited free-running opportunities, prompting mixed reactions. Comments included:

“Isn't Kyoto supposed to be about half the size of Paris from Unity? Don't get me wrong, it looks beautiful, and exploring it will definitely be enjoyable, but I was hoping for at least one densely populated city designed for parkour.”

“It looks great, but it's disappointing that we might be limited to restricted parkour instead of full-on freerunning. Hopefully, the grappling hook will make up for it.”

“Looks nice, but there aren't enough structures for proper parkour.”

“While it's visually appealing, it doesn't quite feel like a city. I'm sure it's historically accurate, but it seems lacking when it comes to parkour potential.”

Assassin’s Creed Mirage is slated for release on March 20, 2025, for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. As the release date approaches, fans await further details on how signature gameplay mechanics will integrate into this historically unique setting. While Kyoto may prioritize authenticity over extensive traversal, the balance between visual fidelity and gameplay remains to be seen.