Ubisoft has joined forces with gaming peripheral manufacturer Lexip to offer fans of the franchise something novel: custom gaming accessories inspired by the upcoming release of Assassin's Creed Shadows. This collaboration, which spotlights the game's setting of feudal Japan, promises six exclusive peripherals set to be launched alongside the game on March 20, 2024, for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, macOS, and PC platforms, including Steam and the Ubisoft Store.
The centerpiece of these offerings is the Engraved Wireless Headset, which boasts ancestral Japanese design elements for aesthetic appeal. Not only does it provide sleek visuals, but it also promises cross-platform compatibility, enabling connectivity across various devices through Bluetooth or the included 2.4GHz dongle. For players searching for increased precision, the Programmable Mouse with Thumb Joystick stands out with its unique thumb joystick feature. This mouse includes four additional buttons, a clickable wheel, and is equipped with an optical sensor for enhanced gaming experiences.
To complement the mouse, the Ergonomic Controller targets comfort and customization, functionally catering to users across different platforms, including PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, and PC. This controller includes four programmable rear paddles, alongside its intended combination of multiple buttons and vibration feedback, ensuring players get both comfort and control as they navigate virtual worlds.
Dedicated gamers can express their style with the AC: Shadows-themed mechanical keyboard, which impresses with red mechanical switches and customizable RGB backlighting. This keyboard caters to diverse regions, providing options for QWERTY, QWERTZ, and AZERTY layouts, allowing for international appeal. Rounding out the setup are the Rigid Mouse Pad with customizable backlighting and the XXL Flexible Mouse Pad, crafted from durable neoprene with a non-slip latex base for stability during intense gaming sessions.
For fans anticipating the game, additional bundles containing these peripheral accessories alongside the standard edition of Assassin's Creed Shadows are available for pre-order, with prices ranging from $139.99 to $339.99. This pricing provides various options for fans wanting to get their hands on these specialized products, catering to different budgets and needs.
Despite the effort behind the visual design of these peripherals, reactions from the gaming community have been mixed. Lexip, not being a household name within the gaming peripheral industry, evokes curiosity albeit skepticism about the functionality and performance of these devices compared to established competitors. While many applaud their unique design reminiscent of Japan's rich history, some fans were left wanting more substance.
Critiques arose particularly surrounding the performance specifications of the advertised peripherals. The Programmable Mouse, with its thumb joystick, was previously popular enough to secure significant funding on Kickstarter, creating high expectations. Nevertheless, the current specifications raise eyebrows; with merely a 12,000 DPI optical sensor and 500Hz polling rate, it trails far behind current gaming standards set by brands like Razer and Logitech. This disparity leaves many gaming aficionados hesitant, pondering if aesthetics outweigh performance.
Similarly, the mechanical keyboard is said to feature independent red mechanical switches, but details savvy gamers typically rely on—like customization options, layout profiles, and key rollover—remain vague. Such omissions prompt worries about the peripheral's ultimate usability and whether these products will adequately meet the desires of dedicated gamers.
While younger players or casual gamers may find these new peripherals appealing due to their artistic references to the Assassin’s Creed universe, others are cynical about the lack of advanced features often present among competing products. Some critics suggest Ubisoft would have been wiser to collaborate with established brands known for high-equality peripherals, as seen with reputable partnerships like SteelSeries and their themed collaborations, rather than picking up lesser-known Lexip.
Despite concerns, anticipation for the game remains palpable. With Assassin's Creed Shadows set to launch on March 20th, players are eagerly waiting to see how the game itself shapes up alongside these themed peripherals. Whether the graphics and gameplay can impress as much as the aesthetics of the accessories remains to be seen. What’s certain is Ubisoft's move highlights the growing trend of branded merchandise flooding the gaming space.
For those eyeing the Lexip x Assassin's Creed promotional items, one thing is clear: visual originality aside, players will need to assess just how these new accessories perform once they arrive on the market. The upcoming release is bound to spark discussions among fans about the balance between unique branding and genuine gaming performance.