Since its inception in 2007, the Assassin's Creed series has taken players on a captivating journey through history, blending stealth, action, and an intricate narrative. With each installment, Ubisoft has transported gamers to different eras, unveiling the secrets of a millennia-old conflict between Assassins and Templars. In this blog, we'll delve into the highlights of every Assassin's Creed game, providing an overview to help you rank them yourself.
If you need a refresher on each series installment, read them below by release date. If you'd like to rank and share this list yourself using RumbleRank, following the button below:
The game that started it all, Assassin's Creed introduced players to Desmond Miles, a modern-day bartender forced to relive the memories of his ancestor, Altair Ibn-La'Ahad, during the Third Crusade. The game's groundbreaking parkour mechanics and the concept of exploring historical settings through the Animus captivated players. Altair's journey to uncover ancient artifacts and confront the Templars set the stage for the series.
Assassin's Creed II took the series to Renaissance Italy, where players embodied Ezio Auditore da Firenze, a charismatic and skilled young man seeking revenge for his family's murder. The game expanded on the original's formula, introducing a rich open world, diverse missions, and an engaging narrative. The charismatic Ezio became an iconic protagonist, making Assassin's Creed II a fan favorite.
Continuing Ezio's saga, Brotherhood transported players to Rome, where Ezio established the Assassin Brotherhood to counter the Templar threat. The introduction of a recruit system, allowing players to build their own Assassin brotherhood, added depth to the gameplay. Brotherhood's multiplayer component also brought a fresh perspective to the series, offering a unique blend of stealth and strategy.
The final chapter in Ezio's trilogy, Revelations saw the aging Assassin embark on a journey to discover the secrets of Altair in Constantinople. The addition of the hook blade and the introduction of bomb crafting added new dimensions to gameplay. Revelations also provided closure to both Ezio and Altair's stories, delivering an emotional and satisfying conclusion to their arcs.
Assassin's Creed III marked a significant departure, shifting the setting to the American Revolution with a new protagonist, Connor Kenway. The game introduced naval combat, allowing players to navigate the high seas and engage in thrilling ship battles. While Connor's stoic demeanor divided opinions, the game's historical richness and innovative gameplay elements left a lasting impact.
Black Flag took the series to the golden age of piracy, where players embodied Edward Kenway, a charming and ruthless pirate Assassin. The introduction of seamless naval exploration and combat, along with a vast open world, made Black Flag a standout title. The Caribbean setting, dynamic weather systems, and the emphasis on naval battles rejuvenated the series, earning it widespread acclaim.
Rogue provided a unique perspective by casting players as Shay Patrick Cormac, a former Assassin turned Templar. The game bridged the gap between Black Flag and Unity, offering a narrative twist that explored the complexities of the Assassin-Templar conflict. Rogue also introduced Arctic exploration, adding a fresh layer to the series' exploration mechanics.
Unity transported players to the French Revolution, introducing Arno Dorian and emphasizing cooperative multiplayer for the first time. While the game faced initial criticism for technical issues, subsequent updates improved its performance. Unity's detailed recreation of Paris, the refined parkour system, and the dense crowd simulation showcased the series' commitment to historical authenticity.
Set in Victorian London, Syndicate featured twin protagonists, Jacob and Evie Frye, each with their distinct playstyles. The introduction of a grappling hook enhanced traversal, while the setting allowed for a unique blend of historical and fictional characters. Syndicate's focus on dynamic gang warfare and the Industrial Revolution provided a fresh take on the Assassin's Creed formula.
Origins marked a significant overhaul, shifting the series to ancient Egypt and introducing RPG elements. Players embodied Bayek, the first Assassin, exploring the origins of the Brotherhood. The game's expansive open world, intricate combat system, and the removal of a traditional mini-map represented a departure from the series' conventions, revitalizing the franchise.
Building on Origins' RPG foundations, Odyssey took players to ancient Greece, allowing them to choose between two protagonists, Alexios or Kassandra. The addition of dialogue choices and branching narratives further embraced the RPG genre. Odyssey's sprawling world, naval exploration, and the mythical elements brought a sense of grandeur to the series.
The most recent installment, Valhalla, immersed players in the Viking Age, following Eivor's quest for settlement and power in England. The game expanded on Odyssey's RPG elements, introducing settlement management and dual-wielding combat. Valhalla's stunning landscapes, Norse mythology, and the blend of historical and fictional characters provided a fitting entry into the Assassin's Creed saga.
How Would You Rank Them?
The Assassin's Creed series has undergone a remarkable evolution, delivering diverse experiences across various historical periods. Each installment contributes to the overarching narrative while introducing new gameplay mechanics and settings. As you embark on your journey through this extraordinary franchise, consider the unique elements that resonate with you the most. Whether it's the historical authenticity, engaging characters, or innovative gameplay, the Assassin's Creed series offers a tapestry of experiences waiting to be explored and ranked according to your personal preferences.
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