Ubisoft‘s upcoming game Assassin’s Creed Shadows has reignited discussions around Canon Mode, a feature that removes dialogue choices to ensure the game unfolds exactly as intended by the lore creators.
What is Canon Mode?
Canon Mode is an optional setting that restricts player choice in dialogues, presenting only the pre-determined responses chosen by Ubisoft’s narrative team. This feature ensures a seamless storytelling experience for those who prefer to experience the game as the developers envisioned.
The official Twitter post from Assassin’s Creed reads:
“Lore lovers! Be fully immersed in the canonical story with fixed dialogues during cutscenes. RPG fans, don’t worry! Disable this mode to continue enjoying the role-playing experience.”
How Canon Mode Affects Gameplay
A video accompanying the announcement shows a scene where protagonist Yasuke can respond to another character in two different ways. When Canon Mode is enabled, the choice is removed entirely, and Yasuke delivers a pre-set response, keeping the storytelling consistent.
One significant advantage of Canon Mode is that it creates smoother cutscenes, enhancing immersion for players who prioritize narrative over customization. For many fans of story-driven games, this mode will provide a definitive version of Assassin’s Creed Shadows without variations in character responses.
The Debate Around Canon Mode
While Canon Mode caters to lore purists, it has also sparked debate. Some players feel that it undermines the role-playing aspect of the game. If a game offers choices but then provides an option to override them, it raises the question: Why offer choices at all?
Another potential issue is how Canon Mode will impact elements like romance options. For example, Naoe’s Japanese voice actress has mentioned that voicing certain romance scenes was challenging. Will Canon Mode override romance options, or will they remain player-driven?
Replayability and Player Choice
One potential benefit of Canon Mode is its encouragement of multiple playthroughs. Players might choose to experience the game twice—once with full role-playing elements and once in Canon Mode for a lore-accurate version of events. This could extend the game’s longevity and appeal to a wider audience.
Assassin’s Creed Shadows Release Date
Ubisoft has confirmed that Assassin’s Creed Shadows will launch on March 20 for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X. Whether players embrace Canon Mode or stick with role-playing choices, the game promises to deliver an exciting and immersive experience in Feudal Japan.
