Exploring the Legacy of Assassin’s Creed: A Series Retrospective – PlayStation.Blog

When Assassin’s Creed made its debut back in 2007, it arrived like a well-kept secret, with its unique blend of history, science fiction, and exhilarating parkour-action capturing the imagination of gamers around the world. The franchise didn’t just stop at video games; it expanded into comics and even hit the silver screen with a Hollywood movie, building a universe rich with lore and unforgettable characters.

Fast forward to the anticipated release of Assassin’s Creed Shadows on March 20 for the PlayStation 5. It’s the perfect opportunity to take a look back at the 13 main titles that have defined this iconic series.

Assassin’s Creed – 2007 – PlayStation 3 – Ubisoft

In our first journey, we meet Altaïr Ibn-La’Ahad, a 12th-century assassin whose life is revisited through the Animus, a remarkable device allowing Desmond Miles, an unwitting 21st-century descendant, to experience his ancestor’s adventures during the Third Crusade. This game set the gold standard for action stealth games, paving the path for even greater success with its sequels.

Assassin’s Creed II – 2009 – PlayStation 3 / 2016 – PlayStation 4 (Enhanced) – Ubisoft

Continuing Desmond’s narrative thread, Assassin’s Creed II surprised many by transitioning from Altaïr’s world to the vibrant Italian Renaissance. Enter Ezio Auditore da Firenze, a character beloved by fans who rubs shoulders with the likes of Leonardo da Vinci on a quest for revenge. Meanwhile, Desmond grows into his role within the modern-day Assassins’ Brotherhood, adding depth to the overarching story.

Assassin’s Creed Brotherhood – 2010 – PlayStation 3 / 2016 – PlayStation 4 (Enhanced) – Ubisoft

Following directly from its predecessor, Brotherhood sees Ezio take charge in Rome, expanding the Assassin Brotherhood by recruiting new members. Alongside familiar gameplay dynamics, new abilities like horseback assassinations and calling apprentice assassins for support brought fresh layers to the experience. The game also introduced a clever multiplayer mode, adding a new dimension of intrigue and strategy.

Assassin’s Creed Revelations – 2011 – PlayStation 3 / 2016 –PlayStation 4 (Enhanced) – Ubisoft

This installment wraps up the Ezio trilogy, focusing on an aging Ezio’s journey to Constantinople to discover the secrets of Altaïr’s library. Players could use new tools like the Hookblade for combat and movement, as they navigated unpredictable encounters, keeping them constantly alert and engaged.

Assassin’s Creed III – 2012 – PlayStation 3 / 2019 – PlayStation 4 (Remastered) – Ubisoft

Bringing a new setting to the series, Assassin’s Creed III transported players to the American Revolution, concluding Desmond’s modern-day saga. Players explored the life of Connor, the son of a Templar, who was caught between two worlds. The game introduced animal hunting, naval combat, and dynamic weather systems, pushing the series into new territory.

Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag – 2013 – PlayStation 3 / PlayStation 4 – Ubisoft

With the winds of the ocean as your guide, Black Flag set players on a high seas adventure during the Golden Age of Piracy. Welsh pirate Edward Kenway’s journey allowed for seamless transitions between land and sea, offering a vast array of naval battles, treasure hunting, and pirate folklore to explore.

Assassin’s Creed Rogue – 2014 – PlayStation 3 / 2018 – PlayStation 4 (Remastered) – Ubisoft

This game turned conventions on their head by allowing players to assume the role of Shay Patrick Cormac, an Assassin who turns Templar. Rogue flipped the series’ narrative focus, presenting unique challenges and perspectives, while retaining the beloved open-world exploration and naval combat.

Assassin’s Creed Unity – 2014 – PlayStation 4 – Ubisoft

Launched alongside Rogue but set in a revolutionary Paris, Unity refined the series with the introduction of an all-new game engine and the option for a cooperative campaign. Collaborating with friends added a novel layer to the game’s strategy and enjoyment.

Assassin’s Creed Syndicate – 2015 – PlayStation 4 – Ubisoft

In Victorian London, players could shift between twin protagonists Jacob and Evie Frye, marking the series’ first inclusion of a female Assassin in the main titles. The game introduced carriages for transport and strategic kidnapping mechanics, enhancing the gameplay’s creativity.

Assassin’s Creed Origins – 2017 – PlayStation 4 – Ubisoft

Origins brought us to Ptolemaic Egypt, showing the first sparks of the conflict between the Hidden Ones and the Order of the Ancients. Through Bayek of Siwa, and with an innovative RPG approach, players experienced refined combat and progression systems.

Assassin’s Creed Odyssey – 2018 – PlayStation 4 – Ubisoft

Continuing the RPG evolution, Odyssey dove into the mythos of Ancient Greece, presenting branching dialogues, complex NPC relationships, and multiple endings. The game intertwined history with legend, challenging players with tasks like battling the Minotaur and outsmarting bounty hunters.

Assassin’s Creed Valhalla – 2020 – PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 – Ubisoft

Valhalla took players to the era of Viking invasions, intertwining their story with the enduring Assassin/Templar conflict. The game expanded on settlement mechanics and offered various side activities, delivering an immersive and multifaceted Viking experience.

Assassin’s Creed Mirage – 2023 – PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 – Ubisoft

Returning to its stealthy roots, Mirage emphasizes narrative and parkour movement, following Basim Ibn Ishaq’s ascension from street thief to Master Assassin. As the modern narrative loosens its grip, players are invited to delve deeper into the historical storylines.

And as we anticipate the release of Assassin’s Creed Shadows, prepare to be transported to 16th-century Japan, where new characters like shinobi Fujibayashi Naoe and samurai Yasuke await. Remember, in this world: "Nothing is true, everything is permitted."