Assassin’s Creed Shadows Incorporates Top Lessons from AC Odyssey, Developer Confirms

Exploring the Influence of Assassin’s Creed Odyssey on Assassin’s Creed Shadows

In the latest installment of the Assassin’s Creed franchise, Assassin’s Creed Shadows, players can expect to see the hallmark design principles that have characterized the series. However, one noteworthy influence on the game’s aesthetic stems from Assassin’s Creed Odyssey, marking a creative evolution as Ubisoft Quebec takes the franchise into the rich cultural backdrop of Sengoku period Japan. Despite the stark contrasts between Japan and Ancient Greece, the design philosophies can carry over, producing a remarkable visual experience.

Color as a Key Design Element

Art director Thierry Dansereau shared insights in an interview with Screen Rant, stating that the game’s vibrant color palette is a direct reflection of the positive feedback received from Assassin’s Creed Odyssey. Historically, the Assassin’s Creed series has been criticized for its somewhat muted visuals; however, Odyssey’s colorful world captivated players, influencing Shadows’ design direction.

Thierry Dansereau: Me, I would say personally it comes from the lessons learned on the making of Assassin’s Creed Odyssey. We saw, even on Reddit and channels like that, players feel great when there’s colors. And you love to be in a world that’s worth saving. So you want to spend time where you feel great.

The Natural Inspiration Behind the Aesthetic

The development team took an intentional approach to maintain the game’s integrity, ensuring it does not veer into the realm of cartoonish fantasy. Dansereau emphasized that the inspiration for Shadows’ colorful landscapes came from actual visits to Japan and authentic references from its history. By subtly enhancing the vibrancy, particularly to showcase evolving seasons in the game, they aimed to enhance immersion without sacrificing realism.

The Importance of Positive Community Feedback

Assassin's Creed Odyssey promotional image of an airborne assassination

The emphasis on vivid colors in Assassin’s Creed Shadows stands in stark contrast to earlier entries in the franchise, which often featured desaturated tones. While the previous palette aligned well with the series’ Animus concept, the evolution towards a more colorful aesthetic reflects contemporary gaming trends and community preferences.

Diving deeper into the interplay between developers and the gaming community, Dansereau’s observations reveal an interesting narrative: while criticism often garners more attention online, positive feedback—a theme prevalent in discussions on platforms like Reddit—can significantly shape design choices, bridging the gap between developers and players.

Why Vibrancy Works in Assassin’s Creed Shadows

Balancing Color and Reality

Naoe doing a backflip in Assassin's Creed Shadows

Vibrancy, when utilized purposefully, can significantly enhance the gameplay experience. Dansereau cites Akira Kurosawa’s film, Ran, which features a masterful use of color, as an influential reference for Shadows. Although not every gamer may appreciate heightened saturation, the creative team appears to leverage color as an engaging storytelling device.

This approach may not signify a permanent shift for the entire franchise; color schemes are inherently tied to their respective settings. Yet, as Dansereau emphasizes, the use of more saturated tones feels organically aligned with the nuances of Japanese culture. Fans are eagerly awaiting the final product to fully experience what Assassin’s Creed Shadows has to offer in terms of dynamic color variations across seasons.

Source & Images