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 point has emerged, courtesy of Japanese media outlet Impress Watch. The footage depicts protagonist Naoe atop a rooftop, revealing a sweeping vista of the city. However, Kyoto's apparent smaller scale than anticipated has ignited discussion among fans regarding its design and gameplay implications.

Reddit users lauded the location's aesthetic appeal but voiced concerns about core Assassin's Creed mechanics—primarily, climbing and parkour. The video suggests limited free-running opportunities, sparking mixed reactions. Comments echoed these sentiments: "Isn't Kyoto supposed to be about half the size of Paris from Unity? It looks beautiful, but I hoped for at least one densely populated city designed for parkour." Another stated, "Looks great, but disappointing that we might be limited to restricted parkour instead of full-on freerunning. Hopefully, the grappling hook will compensate." Similar concerns highlighted insufficient structures for proper parkour and a lack of the typical "city" feel, despite historical accuracy.

Assassin's Creed Mirage launches March 20, 2025, on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. As the release nears, fans eagerly await further details on how signature mechanics integrate into this unique historical setting. While Kyoto may prioritize authenticity over extensive traversal, the developers' success in balancing beauty and gameplay remains to be seen.