Those who have worked tirelessly on a lengthy project understand the exhaustion of being overworked. Once the project is complete, the body breathes a giant sigh of relief. However, the lagging fatigue can take months or even years to overcome. For video game studios, the transition between one release to the next is often seamless and does not afford developers the time necessary to properly recover. While some adhere to a strict schedule, others are more lenient in their approach. But even the most ambitious studios need a break on occasion. For renowned developer Ubisoft, the two-year break in Assassin’s Creed releases might have results in its most ambitious title to date: Assassin’s Creed Valhalla. As the world premiere trailer reached its conclusion, fans were shocked by a startling announcement. Let’s dive in.

A New Legend Begins

The trailer begins with a narrator summarizing the plights of the viking people. However, as the voice over produces a series of assumptions, the actions of the viking people in the trailer prove contradictory. Though brash and fearsome, the protagonists are caring and demonstrate fierce allegiance to family and faith. As the trailer unfolds, a violent battle between the barbaric and the traditional ensues. Just as the protagonist Eivor is about to meet his impending doom, he produces the familiar Assassin’s bracer to defeat his giant foe.

The game takes place in the latter stages of the first millennium with the viking commander Eivor leading his people to a new home. The snowy, empty plains of Scandinavia are no longer suitable for the Norse tribe. They have their eyes set upon a more fruitful land: the land of England, which is inhabited by the pompous Anglo-Saxons.

A New Way to Play

Assassin’s Creed Odyssey proved revolutionary for the series by altering several mechanics. Known for its role-playing features, the game relied heavily upon dialogue options, divergent quests, and superficial consequence. While gameplay still featured familiar elements, such as naval combat, critics praised Odyssey for its customization and choice.

Enter Assassin’s Creed Valhalla. According to Ubisoft, the game will feature not only varying dialogue options but also a Witcher-esque approach to quests and foes. Instead of slashing foes with sword and steel, Valhalla will encourage players to utilize diplomacy. This strategy could forge new alliances, which might help players in future conflicts. Regardless of the approach, Ubisoft is promising that every dialogue option, alliance, and combat strategy will change the game’s narrative.

But it would not be an Assassin’s Creed game without raids. Longship raids will return so that players can acquire additional resources. Though familiar, Ubisoft promises that its new combat system will make raids even more fun and challenging.

The Shocking Reveal

We saved the best for last. As the beautiful trailer reached its conclusion, Ubisoft unveiled a release date of holiday 2020 but with a caveat: Assassin’s Creed Valhalla could release as a timed cross-generational exclusive on Xbox One and Xbox Series X. No. You did not read the last sentence incorrectly. A major triple-A title seems to be releasing as a timed exclusive on a Microsoft platform. But is there more to the story?

If you answered “yes” to our last question, you are indeed correct. Because Sony has yet to reveal more details about the PlayStation 5, Ubisoft decided to exclude Sony from the trailer. While we know that Valhalla will eventually release on PS4, Xbox One, and PC, we do not know if the game will be a day-one launch title on the PlayStation 5. If Sony delays the PS5 or Ubisoft does not release Valhalla at the PS5’s launch, then the latest Assassin’s Creed game will end up as a defacto timed-exclusive on a Microsoft platform. Though Phil Spencer likely did not plan for such an event, the troubled console developer will chalk it up as a win.

So if you are planning on making Assassin’s Creed Valhalla a day-one purchase, be sure to read the fine print. Among the uncertainty surrounding PS5 and PC, the game could have a staggered launch. For once, Xbox players might end up with bragging rights by playing a renowned game before the rest of the video game world. Only time will tell.

Conclusion

But we want to know what you think. Are you excited for Assassin’s Creed Valhalla? What do you think about Ubisoft’s decision to initially release the game on the Xbox Series X? Will you buy a next generation Xbox just to play the game? Let us know in the comments below or the social media links on the right. Also, be sure to check out our other news items on Final Fantasy VII Remake, Animal Crossing, Modern Warfare, and more.

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