The Assassin’s Creed video games have been an entry point for many into the world of parkour, although their representation is far from accurate. In a recent episode of the series Reality Check, parkour athletes Toby Segar and Benj Cave from the Storror team analyzed the execution of the maneuvers in the games, highlighting inconsistencies in the physics and biomechanics of the movements. According to Toby, the leaps of faith that characterize the series could be feasible in real life, but he warned that, without perfect execution, they could result in serious injuries.
An interesting representation, but not without problems
The athletes emphasized that, while Assassin’s Creed presents a spectacular vision of parkour, the reality of this discipline involves meticulous planning, unlike the improvisation shown in the game. Toby and Benj pointed out that the protagonists seem to possess inhuman endurance and skill, which contradicts the structured and calculated nature of true parkour.
In particular, the representation of the character Yasuke in the game was subject to criticism. The choice to animate movements like the alpine knee reveals a lack of attention to the subtleties of parkour, according to athletes. While these movements reflect his own character design, Benj explained that such a technique is a fundamental mistake in the practice of parkour, as it involves unnecessary risk to joint health. However, that does not detract from the fact that the game also does not aim to be realistic, as the existence of the hidden blade reminds us.
On the other hand, the Storror team is working on a parkour simulator that will be released in early access in March, which could mark a step towards a more faithful representation of the discipline. Parkour and video game enthusiasts will be able to closely follow this development and other related content through platforms like Instagram and YouTube, where the team shares their innovative vision of this sport.
