The latest addition to the Assassin’s Creed series, Assassin’s Creed Shadows, unfolds in a stunningly expansive world—so vast, in fact, that it might feel a bit overwhelming at first. In massive open-world RPGs like this one, having a map screen that’s easy to read is crucial. Equally important is the objectives screen, which helps you keep track of the main story missions and numerous side quests you stumble upon as you engage with NPCs and explore the game’s landscapes. I must say, the objectives menu in Shadows ranks as one of my top favorites. It builds on the series’ recent improvements in quest maps, creating an interface that’s easy to use and deepens my immersion in the game’s universe and storyline.
The objectives screen in Shadows takes cues from ideas previously explored in Odyssey, Valhalla, and Mirage, offering something of a new twist. It’s designed in a manner akin to a family tree, with various sections of the screen indicating different quest categories, geographical areas, and people you’re aiding.
Unlike many games, which employ a hidden branching system for objectives requiring the completion of certain tasks before revealing further missions, Shadows lays it all out in the open. Every objective is visually linked to a specific character or region, giving you a much clearer sense of your progress in comparison to the standard list of completed tasks that’s often grayed out.
An intriguing aspect of the objectives screen is how it mirrors your journey through the game’s story. It doesn’t just highlight your completed quests; it visually narrates your in-game priorities and the paths you’ve chosen to travel. Unlike typical displays that sort tasks based on difficulty, this one organizes them by their relevance. For example, in my playthrough, I gravitated towards assassination missions, which offered a lot of choices. Consequently, my screen ended up with more red Xs than some of my colleagues, who focused their attention elsewhere in the game.
Having skipped Valhalla and not dabbled in Odyssey or Mirage, Shadows marks my initial dive into an open-world RPG with such a layout. I’ve found it refreshingly engaging—it’s visually appealing without being cluttered and fosters a stronger connection to the game world, because my tasks aren’t just faceless chores. Each mission feels personal, aimed at helping or engaging with a specific character.
Colleagues who have experienced the franchise’s recent chapters agree that Shadows offers the most refined version of the objectives screen yet. Though the game features some well-worn RPG elements, the fresh ways it presents your objectives stand out. This approach not only enhances the playing experience but also reinforces the notion that your in-game actions are truly impactful.
