The Assassin’s Creed franchise is like a chameleon—constantly evolving over the years. While the classic narrative of Assassins versus Templars remains a fixture, the gameplay and mechanics have shifted significantly, with the most recent games reflecting the biggest transformations yet. In line with this trend, Assassin’s Creed Shadows continues the evolution. However, despite its fresh and exciting feel, there’s one beloved feature that fans may find conspicuously absent.
When Assassin’s Creed Origins hit the shelves, it marked a significant departure from the series’ traditional action-adventure roots, veering towards a more RPG-inspired format. One standout change was the reimagining of the core Eagle Vision into an actual eagle companion. This innovative feature became a staple for four consecutive titles, but sadly, Assassin’s Creed Shadows has opted to remove it. Let’s hope this isn’t the end for the fan-favorite element.
Back in Assassin’s Creed Origins, players met Bayek’s feathered friend, Senu. This trusty eagle allowed gamers to scope out their environment from the skies, tagging foes, pinpointing mission targets, and uncovering valuable resources. As players advanced, they could enhance Senu’s abilities, turning her into an invaluable asset in the fight against the Templars. The tradition continued with memorable birds like Odyssey’s Ikaros, Valhalla’s Synin, and Mirage’s Enkidu. Each avian ally offered a unique scouting experience, setting a consistent expectation among fans. But now, with Assassin’s Creed Shadows, this tradition appears to have taken a backseat.
In Assassin’s Creed Shadows, the familiarity of the bird companion has been replaced by a feature known as Observe. This new mechanic enables players to mark enemies and identify resources from the perspective of characters like Naoe or Yasuke. Gone is the joy of an eagle’s soaring vision or the classic glimmer of Eagle Vision. Instead, players rely solely on their avatars’ natural senses. While this lends a more authentic touch, some of the magic might be missing.
The absence of the bird companion might not revolutionize the game, but it was an endearing part of the experience. There was something inherently satisfying about getting a panoramic view from the sky before diving into action. It offered not only strategic insight but also visual splendor. Ideally, Ubisoft will find a way to reintroduce this feature in future installments.
While introducing a bird companion late into Assassin’s Creed Shadows may not be feasible, future games should consider its return. Even with limited functionality, having a bird by your side added a special touch to the gameplay. If a bird isn’t possible, then hopefully something more engaging than the current Observe ability will make its way into upcoming titles.
