Following the recent cancellation of the sequel to Ubisoft’s popular game, Immortals: Fenyx Rising, new details have emerged about the project, revealing a unique combination of elements from Elden Ring and Wind Waker.
According to Axios, who spoke with sources familiar with the development of Immortals 2 (codenamed Oxygen), the project began in 2021 with ambitious changes in mind. The sequel would have shifted away from the Greek mythology theme of the original game and instead focused on a Hawaiian Polynesian-inspired setting. Axios reports that the plan also included a more realistic graphical style, the removal of the first game’s narrator, reduced emphasis on puzzle solving, and the introduction of a player-driven narrative.
Furthermore, Immortals 2 aimed to disrupt Ubisoft’s traditional open-world formula by embracing an Elden Ring approach. This would mean fewer quest markers and guidance, requiring players to navigate their own paths by following animals, stars, and the wind as they explore fictional islands inspired by real-world locations such as New Zealand, Tahiti, Easter Island, and Hawaii.
According to sources, players would control a highly customizable protagonist, with options for gender, and would need to impress Polynesian gods, earning elemental and shape-shifting powers as well as tattoos based on their choices in the story. The game would also feature the player’s actions impacting the environment around them.
Immortals 2 represented a significant departure from its predecessor and was distinct enough that Ubisoft reportedly considered rebranding it as a standalone game. Axios states that Ubisoft’s Quebec studio, in collaboration with Polynesian consultants, had developed several playable hours of an internal demo by spring of this year. However, due to concerns about costs, Ubisoft ultimately decided to cancel the project, surprising the development team.
In July, when Ubisoft announced the cancellation, they explained that the decision was made to reallocate resources and creative teams within the Quebec studio towards other unannounced projects. Ubisoft has been vocal about its focus on its flagship titles, particularly Assassin’s Creed, following financial challenges in recent years.
Upcoming releases from Ubisoft include Assassin’s Creed Mirage in October and the highly anticipated open-world Star Wars game, Outlaws, set to be released in 2024.