7 Open World Ubisoft Formula Games Better Than Assassin’s Creed Shadows

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It’s only fair to acknowledge that Ubisoft has made significant contributions in the field of open-world game development. They essentially created a formula that the gaming industry admired and imitated for years before. In reality, numerous developers continue to build upon or modify this well-established design even today.

Yet, I wouldn’t go so far as to call it excessive, but it’s accurate to say that numerous developers have borrowed this formula and, in a sense, outperformed Ubisoft at their own game. They’ve managed to create games that embody the essence of what one would traditionally associate with Ubisoft, even surpassing the original creators.

Following the release of Assassin’s Creed: Shadows, its sequel feels even clearer that the series has been following a familiar pattern. While Assassin’s Creed: Shadows is generally considered one of the stronger recent entries in the franchise, it still adheres closely to established formulas.

In other words, let’s draw attention to some popular games developed by other studios, as they seem to provide a more satisfying gaming experience compared to Ubisoft’s most recent release.

To make things absolutely clear, we’ll focus on games not developed by Ubisoft, specifically those that have a strong resemblance to Assassin’s Creed: Shadows in terms of features like towers for map exploration, numerous map markers, and elements reminiscent of classic Ubisoft design from previous titles.

7. Hogwarts Legacy

It’s Wingardium Levio-sa

I’ll position this option last because I believe it’s slightly superior to AC Shadows, but not by much. It follows a similar pattern in terms of game design, featuring tasks that seem like pointless chores, and it also retains the same sluggish equipment system as before.

On the other hand, it continues to provide a more comprehensive enjoyment for various causes. For instance, the game doesn’t transform into tedious map marker tasks until approximately 20 hours or more have passed.

Notably, the game offers an abundance of fan service and intricate details, transforming it into a genuinely enchanting journey for Harry Potter enthusiasts.

Then, thirdly, the game takes bigger swings in terms of puzzles, traversal, combat, and more.

The narrative lacks excitement, and as time goes on, the gameplay becomes less engaging, similar to Assassin’s Creed: Shadows. However, considering both, I’d rate this one slightly higher.

6. Dying Light

Goodnight, Good Luck

Initially, among our double feature of zombie games, Dying Light, stands out as one that shares surprising similarities with Assassin’s Creed: Shadow, despite initial appearances to the contrary. However, upon closer examination, it excels in nearly all aspects when compared.

As a gamer, I can tell you that this game really shines when it comes to parkour. Unlike some other games where climbing feels automatic and lackluster, in Dying Light, traversing the environment is incredibly smooth and satisfying. It’s not just about holding a direction and hoping for the best – there’s a real sense of control and skill involved, making every leap, jump, and slide feel rewarding.

As a gamer, I can tell you that both games feature a map with vertical elements, but Dying Light’s world is incredibly diverse and intricate. Similar to other games, it employs a common design strategy where map markers are plentiful, yet there’s still an element of mystery thanks to the ‘fog of war’.

Instead, it’s Dying Light that stands out primarily due to its captivating day-night cycle, along with its engaging crafting and combat mechanics.

In terms of narrative coherence, both stories could use some work, with Dying Light’s plot perhaps having a slight upper hand in terms of disjointedness. However, when considering the overall experience, Dying Light takes the lead as the superior choice.

5. Days Gone

The Oregon Trail

Despite some people criticizing Days Gone for its weak storyline and writing, it’s worth noting that other aspects of the game are top-notch. In fact, if you can look past the story, there’s a lot to appreciate in

This game draws inspiration from Ubisoft’s titles and Sony hits like The Last of Us, but it distinguishes itself through unique survival elements and tasks scattered across the map that offer more than mere busywork.

As a gaming enthusiast, I must say that

Deacon St. John may not be the strongest lead character, however, Day’s Gone stands out as a more captivating and innovative open-world game compared to Assassin’s Creed: Shadows.

4. Marvel’s Spider-Man 2

NYC’s Finest

Sony and Ubisoft games have a striking resemblance in terms of design, which is somewhat unexpected given the criticism often leveled at Ubisoft. Yet, both companies manage to bring a distinct twist to established gameplay formulas.

Although Sony and Ubisoft games look similar, they often add something new to the standard format, which is unusual considering the flak Ubisoft usually receives.

Marvel’s Spider-Man closely follows the standard design of a Ubisoft game, but the unique way they handle this intellectual property sets the game apart.

In terms of intensity, the combat seems almost adjacent to the Arkham trilogy. The web-slinging action brings to mind an updated interpretation of the Spider-Man game based on Sam Raimi’s movies, and it delivers a compelling Spider-Man narrative that hooks you from beginning to end, offering a fresh take on the character.

This place offers training in captivating and rhythmically unfolding narratives, and it’s thrilling just to be here in New York City and soar around. That’s why I think it surpasses Ubisoft’s latest attempt at a story set in Japan involving assassinations.

3. Middle Earth: Shadow of Mordor

Lord Of The Creeds

On occasion, I playfully claim that The Shadow of Mordor is my top Assassin’s Creed game, and while humor is at play, there is a kernel of truth to this statement. In reality, I’ve consistently regarded it as one of the most impressive adaptations of the AC framework.

In this game, the battles align well with those found in the Assassin’s Creed series, and there are towers for parkour that unveil different parts of the map. Additionally, you’ll encounter multiple camps requiring either a show of physical force or strategic stealth to clear them out.

Additionally, while adhering to classic Ubisoft elements, you were granted access to a captivating Tolkien realm, a riveting narrative to unfold, a variety of Wraith abilities at your disposal, and not forgetting, the intriguing Nemesis System.

1. Clearing each camp avoided the possibility of sparking a great feud, and every death benefited lowly orcs by advancing them in rank. Unfortunately, this system remains patented today, but its Nemesis feature elevates it above the competition in Assassin’s Creed: Shadows.

2. Each camp you cleared prevented the start of a grand feud, and every death provided an advantage for lowly orcs in their climb up the ranks. Regrettably, this system is still under patent, but its Nemesis system makes it far more appealing than offerings in Assassin’s Creed: Shadows.

3. Clearing each camp eliminated the chance of instigating a major feud, and every death benefited lowly orcs by promoting them within their ranks. Unfortunately, this system is still patented, but its Nemesis feature sets it apart from offerings in Assassin’s Creed: Shadows.

4. Clearing each camp prevented the onset of a grand feud, and every death served as an advantage for lowly orcs in their rise through the ranks. Unfortunately, this system remains under patent, but its Nemesis system makes it more attractive than options in Assassin’s Creed: Shadows.

5. Clearing each camp prevented the potential for a grand feud, and every death helped lowly orcs advance within their ranks. Regrettably, this system is still patented, but its Nemesis feature distinguishes it from offerings in Assassin’s Creed: Shadows.

2. Horizon Zero Dawn

A New Kind Of Dino Crisis

At one point, you might have thought there was nothing new under the sun when it comes to unique and captivating environments in open-world games. But then came the Horizon series, offering a post-apocalyptic landscape where ancient tribal practices intertwine with advanced technology and mechanized creatures.

The environment is captivating enough to entice even the most uncertain, but what truly enchants is the gameplay experience – fluid archery battles, stealth that works well, and an engaging open-world brimming with exciting tasks and treasures to discover.

The narrative is full of unexpected events, boasting a heroine whose value exceeds her weight, and visually appealing scenes everywhere you look. In terms of stealth and parkour, AC takes the lead, but in all other aspects, Horizon Zero Dawn triumphs as the clear winner.

1. Ghost Of Tsushima

Every Original Has A Cheap Copy

Moreover, the pièce de résistance is the game that Action-Adventure enthusiasts like AC Shadows have longed for – Ghost of Tsushima.

Although AC Shadows offers an abundance of high-quality features and boasts a few unique gameplay elements and instances, there’s no denying that its overall vibe seems reminiscent or imitative of Sucker Punch’s popular samurai game.

In every part, this game offers a greater sense of fulfillment. For instance, the advancement isn’t locked behind levels, and the map markers indicate activities with richer detail instead of just ‘Go there, eliminate them.’

In terms of visual appeal, both games might be considered equally impressive by some, although I personally find one more appealing than the other.

In the game of thrones, every major twist or shocking event finds a watered-down counterpart in Assassin’s Creed: Shadows, and making a direct comparison between the two only underscores the differences.

If you enjoyed playing Ghost of Tsushima, Assassin’s Creed: Shadow will certainly satisfy similar tastes. However, when you finish watching the ending, I can confidently say that Jin Sakai’s journey is significantly more captivating.

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2025-03-28 17:40