Before Ubisoft switched gears and released Odyssey and Origins, Assassin's Creed was far different from its most current iteration. Early Assassin's Creed titles like Assassin's Creed 2 focused more on the social stealth mechanics, with weapon stats and loot not taking as much of an important role as utilizing parkour and staying incognito. Stealth in plain sight was a big factor in the original games, and Assassin's Creed Valhalla is making an effort to return to the series' roots. But it's also worth noting many of Odyssey's key elements like experience and skill trees are returning as well.
While Assassin's Creed Odyssey was a big hit for the RPG-focused fans of the franchise, purists argue it doesn't emphasize the initial ideals of what Assassin's Creed was meant to be. The lack of social stealth or hidden blades, the heavy reliance on loot and level-based enemies, and far detachment from the overarching conflict made fans feel like it was a serious departure from typical Assassin's Creed mechanics. On the other hand, it seems Assassin's Creed Valhalla is bridging the gap between purists and RPG fans by cross-breeding the mechanics of Odyssey with classic Assassin's Creed flair.
Returning Classic Assassin's Creed Features
Of course, it wouldn't be classic Assassin's Creed without the re-introduction of the hidden blade after its absence from Assassin's Creed Odyssey. While Kassandra/Alexios had the Spear of Leonidas to serve as the tool for assassinating foes, it was never a guaranteed kill and it didn't have the same subtle grace that the hidden blade has. While Eivor doesn't tuck the blade under the wrist like a typical assassin, he's still able to perform all the usual assassination techniques the series has pioneered for so long. It's just this time Eivor wears his hidden blade with pride, instead of a practical tool for social stealth.
Speaking of social stealth, elements of the classic Assassin's Creed public stealth mechanics are returning in Valhalla as well. Eivor will have many opportunities to enter Saxon cities/towns/villages, but since Eivor is a Viking, they need to wear the iconic hood to conceal their true identity. Games like Odyssey and Origins didn't feature many of these stealth mechanics simply because there weren't opportunities or regions that justified the use of these mechanics. Both games focused on dedicated traditional stealth mechanics, though quite watered down compared to games like Splinter Cell or Far Cry. Now Valhalla brings back public stealth and anonymity.
Refining the RPG Mechanics
Similar to Assassin's Creed Odyssey, experience points and skill trees return to Valhalla, while grinding for better loot and experience isn't as time-consuming compared to Odyssey. Often times pursuing the story missions in Odyssey would screech to a halt when players realize they need to be a higher level. This was a pervasive issue throughout the game, as several locations would be soft-locked by high level enemies that players simply couldn't engage with unless they leveled up more. While Valhalla still has all the trappings of RPG progression, they take less of a focus away for players who simply want to enjoy the narrative in Assassin's Creed Valhalla.
Narrative in Assassin's Creed Valhalla will also feature a lot of the elements of choice that were pioneered by Assassin's Creed Odyssey. Dialogue choices will return, allowing players to tailor their responses and decisions to their preference. Additionally, different choices will meaningfully change how different interactions or encounters play out. One particular example was if Eivor spared the rival Dane Rued, he would eventually return and challenge Eivor to a duel to the death. It's implied that Eivor could potentially have killed Rued and players would have avoided the confrontation entirely. These are the RPG bits that made Odyssey's story and side quests so compelling.
Appeasing Both Ends of the Fanbase
The common ground Ubisoft is attempting to find with Assassin's Creed Valhalla could be very promising for both sides of the fanbase. Those who enjoyed the implementation of light RPG mechanics and skill trees will still have the opportunity to tailor Eivor's skills and playstyle to their preference. For those who appreciated the social stealth and achieving incognito status in earlier Assassin's Creed games will be able to do so in certain towns and cities Eivor will need to explore throughout the game. Plus with instant assassinations and the hidden blade making its return, players won't be punished for landing a perfectly silent assassination on an enemy.
Valhalla doesn't need to sacrifice everything that was started with Origins and Odyssey's difference in core gameplay. On a conceptual level, everything that's being added to Assassin's Creed Valhalla doesn't heavily interfere with one another. Insta-killing high level enemies with the hidden blade rewards proper stealth without taking out the challenge entirely. Same with the social stealth mechanics, as it gives more meaning to avoiding guards and utilizing crowds in towns/cities without reducing the risk entirely. Assassin's Creed Valhalla has struck a solid balance in what mechanics are returning to the game, as well as refining existing mechanics that were troublesome in recent entries.
Assassin's Creed Valhalla launches on November 17, 2020, for PC, PS4, Stadia and Xbox One. PS5 and Xbox Series X versions are currently in development.