14 DAY TRIAL // Ubisoft has confirmed that Assassin's Creed Unity, the next game in the series, introduces a major improvement to the trademark hidden blade weapon, transforming it into the Phantom Blade, which not only provides a deadly and stealthy dagger but also a small crossbow.
Unity is the next iteration in the action adventure series from Ubisoft and it's already been confirmed that it marks a new stage for the franchise, introducing a new historical period – the French Revolution – as well as a new protagonist, in the form of Arno Dorian.
Besides adding major gameplay elements, like the cooperative mode that allows players to team up with friends and complete missions, the new title also includes a major overhaul to the famous hidden blade weapon.
In order to better augment the stealth and combat in Unity, the iconic gadget has been turned into the Phantom Blade.
While it still features a sliding dagger, like the previous iterations, the new one also incorporates a crossbow that can launch small yet deadly projectiles against foes.
"Our philosophy is not simply to add gadgets, but to develop a feature linked to one of the core brand pillars," Lead Gameplay Designer Alex Pedneault explains on the UbiBlog. "With Assassin’s Creed Unity, the Phantom Blade is a new feature that affects two core brand pillars: stealth and combat."
This isn't the first time Ubisoft is tinkering with the hidden blade, as they were augmented with pistols in Assassin's Creed 2 or with hooks and different darts in subsequent sequels.
The Phantom Blade serves to promote versatility, as it can set up the use of other weapons like swords or even pistols.
"The Phantom Blade really is perfect for both stealth and all-out combat. It can be used to silence an enemy without alerting others, or it can be paired with his 'louder' weapons in group combat. Arno can take on one opponent with his rapier, and then whip around to hit an enemy further away with the blade; a handy tool for anyone looking to even out the odds," Ubisoft adds
Besides wielding the Phantom Blade in Unity, fans can also get a real-life replica, as Ubisoft is partnering with McFarlane toys to produce actual gadgets. It even comes with a functioning projectile, in the form of a sort dart, as well as a code to unlock an exclusive Cavalry Pistol inside the game.
Assassin's Creed Unity launches this fall on PC, PS4, and Xbox One.