A key feature in Ubisoft’s upcoming Assassin’s Creed Origins is its new combat system. In all previous entries in the series, the fight system was a paired animation system, meaning that when players press a button to attack, the playable character and an enemy would come together to attack, regardless of distance so long as they were at least in close proximity. Now, Origins will feature a hit box-based system, putting a greater emphasis on the importance of weapon stats and spacial awareness.
In the video below, Assassin’s Creed Origins Game Director Ashraf Ismail explains what this all means for players who will be jumping into the game come October. With two base attacks—heavy and light—players will need to time their attacks carefully and take into account the loadout of both themselves and their enemy. One false move could leave you swinging across open air, leaving yourself vulnerable to an attack. Likewise, if you dodge or parry at the correct moment, you can then strike a lethal blow to your opponent who is left defenseless.
Ismail lists through a few enemy types and weapons that players can come across during their playthroughs, and the variety is impressive. One major criticism of older Assassin’s Creed games was that players essentially encountered the same four or five enemies over and over. In Origins, there are unique archetypes that are variations of common enemy types like brutes, elite soldiers, predators, and more.
Though Arenas were shown off at E3 2017, Ismail also provided some more information about them. Arenas will give players an outlet to take on epic boss fights. The initial introduction of Arenas is through the main quest line, giving them more purpose in Origins than a random activity to complete. There are multiple Arenas within Origin’s world, ranging from small, busy areas to grand coliseums.
Ismail ended the video by saying that he hopes Assassin’s Creed Origins is a fresh new experience for fans that respects the lore but also feels very different. Fans can judge for themselves on October 27, 2017 when Origins releases for Xbox One, PlayStation 4, and PC.
