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Ubisoft’s Assassin’s Creed Shadows is undoubtedly the strongest entry in the series’ open world era. As players continue to explore the game’s gorgeous recreation of Japan, many have notice the return of the treacherous yellow paint that some believe is plaguing modern gaming.
From Resident Evil to Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, yellow paint is often used as a simple indicator of what can be interacted with in modern games. As visuals get more complex, this simple indicator allows more natural landscapes to show clear ways forward? But why do games keep adding this paint?
Why does Assassin’s Creed Shadows have yellow paint?
Speaking to GamesRadar, Assassin’s Creed Shadows creative director Jonathan Dumont explained that the yellow paint feature wasn’t originally included in the game. However, since playtesters had trouble with navigating the game’s dense environments, the team decided to bring back the tried-and-true formula.
“Well, we didn’t have it until players were really struggling in playtests to find their path when engaging in hidden trails activity,” the creative director said. “The environment is lush and full, and giving a bit of guidance was needed.”
Assassin’s Creed Shadows is rather liberal in its use of yellow paint compared to other modern titles, but some very minor, very vocal crowds have used it as a sticking point for the open world game. While yellow paint hasn’t always been used, most games have their own methods of telling players where to go. Remember Dying Light? Those ropes aren’t there for nothing!
Ubisoft’s work on Shadows has resulted in one hell of a game, and it’s open world design is leagues ahead of prior maps in the series. While Origins, Odyssey and Valhalla all had some great landmarks, the flow of Shadows’ world just feels better.
For more on Assassin’s Creed, read about the rumours of an AC4 remake at Ubisoft. Additionally, read about how another AC game is slated to come out in 2025 that isn’t the Black Flag remake.
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