Assassin’s Creed Shadows’ AC3 Takedown Animation Should Only Be the Tip of the Iceberg

Assassin’s Creed Shadows may be aiming to provide players with an original Assassin’s Creed experience set in feudal Japan, but that’s not stopping it from pulling scrapped resources from a previous installment in the series. According to recent reports, a takedown animation that was formerly designed for Assassin’s Creed 3 but later scrapped has been spotted in footage for Assassin’s Creed Shadows. Naoe can be seen jumping onto the back of an enemy and stabbing them, then rolling on her side over the enemy to maintain her momentum. This is, in fact, a takedown animation originally designed for Assassin’s Creed 3‘s Connor that was featured in the 2012 PAX East demo of the game but was later scrapped.

This isn’t the first bit of Assassin’s Creed 3 seen in Assassin’s Creed Shadows, as Connor’s famous Pivot Blade has made a return. As such, there will likely be other references to Assassin’s Creed 3 hidden within Assassin’s Creed Shadows‘ gameplay. It shouldn’t stop there, however, as there may be other material from past Assassin’s Creed titles that might have enough reason to be revived for Assassin’s Creed Shadows. Specifically, there might not be a better time to bring back some of the series’ best takedown animations, if not just for a bit of fan service while players fend off foes in Assassin’s Creed‘s long-requested rendition of feudal Japan.

Assassin’s Creed Shadows Should Pull From the Series’ Most Popular Takedowns

When pulling from the Assassin’s Creed series’ best takedown animations, it’s important to consider the fact that Assassin’s Creed Shadows has dual protagonists, each of which approaches combat differently. Naoe is the stealth expert that provides a classic Assassin’s Creed approach to gameplay, whereas Yasuke is the action-oriented protagonist who plays more like Assassin’s Creed‘s recent entries such as Assassin’s Creed Odyssey and Assassin’s Creed Valhalla.

Assassin’s Creed 3 and Assassin’s Creed Unity Have the Series’ Best Stealth Takedowns

When it comes to the Assassin’s Creed series’ best stealth takedowns, Assassin’s Creed 3 and Assassin’s Creed Unity rise above the rest. Connor’s assassinations in Assassin’s Creed 3 are noted for their brutality, and they are almost universally recognized by the fan base as the absolute best takedown animations the franchise has ever seen.

Assassin’s Creed Unity, though it was a divisive entry in the series, also has some of the best assassinations in Assassin’s Creed history. While Assassin’s Creed Unity‘s takedowns aren’t as brutal as Connor’s in Assassin’s Creed 3, they are still noted for their finesse and for being almost dance-like in their execution. Assassin’s Creed Shadows could pull from the stealth takedown animations in Assassin’s Creed 3 and Assassin’s Creed Unity for Naoe as a love letter to these beloved games.

Assassin’s Creed Valhalla Has the Series’ Best Action Finishers

Assassin’s Creed‘s more recent titles have leaned more into action-oriented combat, as opposed to the series’ traditional stealth formula. Despite being somewhat controversial, these modern titles offer something the classic titles could never provide, simply on account of them honoring the franchise’s roots. Everything changed with Assassin’s Creed Origins, as the departure from stealth-focused gameplay was largely felt, though it wasn’t fully realized until the release of Assassin’s Creed Valhalla.

Despite being one of the most controversial Assassin’s Creed titles to date, Assassin’s Creed Valhalla has some incredible action-packed takedown animations that might be perfect for Assassin’s Creed Shadows‘ Yasuke. Like Connor’s assassinations in Assassin’s Creed 3, Eivor’s takedowns in Assassin’s Creed Valhalla are absolutely brutal, sending literal shockwaves through the screen and shaking the camera with each hit.

It’s unclear whether Assassin’s Creed Shadows will pull from any of the series’ most famous takedown animations, but it could be a well-received love letter if so. Assassin’s Creed 3 and Assassin’s Creed Unity have some stellar animations for stealth-based Naoe, while Assassin’s Creed Valhalla‘s could fit Yasuke perfectly.