Assassin’s Creed Shadows is the latest installment in the beloved series, plunging players into a world so expansive it’s almost overwhelming. For a sprawling open-world RPG like this, having a clear and visually appealing map is crucial. But equally important is the objectives screen, where you can keep tabs on the main missions and the plethora of side quests that pop up as you engage with NPCs and explore. I must say, Shadows offers an impressive objectives menu. It builds on the franchise’s recent enhancements, delivering a navigation system that deepens my immersion in the game’s narrative and world.
The objectives screen in Shadows takes cues from its predecessors like Odyssey, Valhalla, and Mirage, evolving into something akin to a family tree. It’s designed with distinct sections that organize quests by world regions and characters you interact with.
While many games opt for hidden, branching task structures where completing several steps unlocks the main quest, Shadows opts for transparency. It openly displays the steps needed, connecting each task to a specific character or location. This visual link provides a clearer sense of game progression than the usual lineup of completed gray tasks.
As you journey through the game, the objectives screen mirrors your personal priorities and focus areas. Tasks are grouped by their context, not by the skill level they demand. For instance, my game leans heavily towards assassination missions, leaving a trail of red Xs on my screen. Meanwhile, my colleagues who have chosen different focuses show different progress, despite logging similar hours.
Having skipped Odyssey and Mirage and bailed on Valhalla, Shadows is my first dive into an open-world RPG with this style of objective layout, and I’m loving it. It’s not just visually appealing without being cluttered; it enhances my connection to the world and my player role. The tasks feel personal and purposeful, aimed at specific characters or objectives.
Colleagues familiar with the recent games in the series agree that the objectives screen in Shadows is the most refined to date. The game retains some of the classic RPG elements in its stunning environment, but Assassin’s Creed continues to innovate with how it presents your missions. It’s a refreshing change that makes player actions feel impactful within the game world.
