Assassin's Creed Shadows won't be including the educational Discovery Tour mode that was present in Valhalla, Odyssey, and Origins, as Ubisoft has confirmed that it won't be coming to Japan.
Assassin's Creed Shadows: A New Journey Without Discovery Tour
Assassin's Creed Shadows, the latest instalment in Ubisoft's historical-fiction action series, is set in Japan's Sengoku period [4][5]. However, unlike its predecessors such as Valhalla, Origins, and Odyssey, Shadows does not include a separate Discovery Tour [1][2].
Ubisoft confirmed that there are no plans to develop a "Japan Discovery Tour" or similar educational mode for Shadows [3]. Instead, the game integrates historical information through an in-game Historical Codex, accessible to all players [6].
The Historical Codex provides a wealth of information about the Sengoku period, but it lacks the interactive and immersive nature of the Discovery Tours [1][2]. These tours, available as digital downloads, offer guided tours focusing on culture, history, and art, often used as educational tools [7].
In the past, Ubisoft has shown a commitment to historical accuracy. For example, copies of Assassin's Creed Unity were given away following the Notre Dame cathedral fire, allowing people to see what the cathedral looked like in its former glory [8]. Scans from the game were reportedly used in the cathedral's restoration [9].
Despite the absence of a separate Discovery Tour, the historical content in Assassin's Creed Shadows is still accessible to players. The Historical Codex is integrated directly into the main game, making it available to all [6].
However, for those seeking a more immersive educational experience, the Discovery Tours in previous games, such as the Viking Age Discovery Tour, remain a valuable resource [10]. These tours offer a free-roam, combat-free educational experience that is not available in Shadows [1][2].
In conclusion, while Assassin's Creed Shadows retains historical content, a standalone educational Discovery Tour like those in Origins, Odyssey, or Valhalla is absent in this installment. Instead, the game offers an immersive gaming experience set in the Sengoku period, with historical information integrated directly into the main game.
[1] https://www.ubisoft.com/en-us/game/assassins-creed/shadows [2] https://www.gamespot.com/articles/assassins-creed-shadows-review-a-new-dawn-for-the-franchise/1100-6501851/ [3] https://www.reddit.com/r/assassinscreed/comments/w86g0m/ama_with_the_creative_director_of_assassins/ [4] https://www.ubisoft.com/en-us/game/assassins-creed/shadows/news/assassins-creed-shadows-announcement-trailer [5] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sengoku_period [6] https://www.ubisoft.com/en-us/game/assassins-creed/shadows/news/assassins-creed-shadows-announcement-trailer [7] https://www.ubisoft.com/en-us/game/assassins-creed/discovery-tour-by-ubisoft [8] https://www.ubisoft.com/en-us/game/assassins-creed/unity/news/assassins-creed-unity-now-free-on-pc [9] https://www.pcgamer.com/notre-dame-restoration-team-used-assassins-creed-unity-scans-to-help-rebuild-the-cathedral/ [10] https://www.ubisoft.com/en-us/game/assassins-creed/discovery-tour-by-ubisoft/news/assassins-creed-odyssey-discovery-tour-by-ubisoft-now-available-on-steam-and-uplay
- The latest addition to Ubisoft's Assassin's Creed series, titled Shadows, forgoes the Discovery Tour feature, unlike games such as Valhalla, Origins, and Odyssey.
- In place of a separate Discovery Tour, Assassin's Creed Shadows provides historical information through an in-game Historical Codex, accessible to all players.
- While the Historical Codex provides valuable insights about Japan's Sengoku period, it does not offer the interactive and immersive experience of the Discovery Tours found in previous games.
- Ubisoft has a history of ensuring historical accuracy in their video games, as evidenced by their response following the Notre Dame cathedral fire.
- For those who seek a more immersive educational experience, previous Assassin's Creed games, like the Viking Age Discovery Tour, still offer free-roam, combat-free educational experiences not available in Shadows.
- Despite the absence of a standalone Discovery Tour in Assassin's Creed Shadows, the historical content remains integrated directly into the main game, providing access to players.
