The Assassin’s Creed franchise has become a cornerstone of modern gaming, celebrated for its rich storytelling, historic settings, and thrilling gameplay. With numerous titles spanning various time periods and locations, many new players often wonder, “Which Assassin’s Creed should I play?” This article aims to guide you through the labyrinth of Assassin’s Creed games, helping you choose the perfect title based on your interests, play style, and experience level.
Understanding The Assassin’s Creed Franchise
Before diving into specific titles, let’s take a moment to understand the core concepts that define the franchise. At its heart, Assassin’s Creed revolves around the eternal conflict between the Assassins, who value free will, and the Templars, who seek control. The series intricately blends real-world history with fictional elements, allowing players to explore famous events and periods.
Over the years, the franchise has expanded, introducing new gameplay mechanics, technology, and story arcs. Various games have explored different historical contexts, from Ancient Egypt to the bustling streets of Victorian London, offering players a vast array of experiences.
Categorizing The Games: Main Titles, Spin-offs, And Remakes
The Assassin’s Creed series can be categorized into several segments for easier navigation. Understanding these categories can help you select a game that aligns with your preferences.
Main Titles
These are the core entries in the Assassin’s Creed series, focusing on deep narratives and expansive gameplay mechanics. Significant titles include:
- Assassin’s Creed I
- Assassin’s Creed II
- Assassin’s Creed III
- Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag
- Assassin’s Creed Origins
- Assassin’s Creed Odyssey
- Assassin’s Creed Valhalla
Spin-offs And Side Stories
These titles expand upon the main storyline or follow secondary characters. While they may be shorter, they offer unique perspectives and gameplay styles.
Remakes And Remastered Versions
Occasionally, Ubisoft releases enhanced versions of older games, allowing new players to experience original stories with improved graphics and mechanics.
Key Considerations For Choosing An Assassin’s Creed Game
When selecting an Assassin’s Creed game, keep in mind the following factors:
Your Play Style
Different games cater to various play styles, from stealth enthusiasts to action lovers. Some titles emphasize stealth and parkour, while others focus on RPG elements and combat.
Historical Interest
Each title immerses players in a different historical period. If you have a preference for a particular era, consider starting there.
Character Development
The depth of character development varies among titles. Some games focus on a rich protagonist story, while others may feature ensemble casts.
Diving Deep: Recommended Assassin’s Creed Titles
Now that you’re familiar with the franchise’s structure and key considerations, let’s delve into recommendations based on different interests.
If You Prefer Classic Stealth Gameplay
For players who appreciate the original core mechanics of stealth and cunning, the following titles shine:
Assassin’s Creed II
Assassin’s Creed II is often hailed as the best entry point for newcomers. Set in Renaissance Italy, it follows the journey of Ezio Auditore da Firenze as he seeks revenge against the Templars. The game balances stealth, exploration, and combat, laying the groundwork for many of the series’ mechanics.
Assassin’s Creed: Brotherhood
Building upon the story of Ezio, Brotherhood introduces new features such as recruiting Assassins and managing a Brotherhood. The game enhances both the multiplayer experience and the rich narrative that fans adore.
If You Enjoy RPG Elements
For those who prefer role-playing games with in-depth character progression and decision-making, consider:
Assassin’s Creed Origins
Set in Ancient Egypt, Origins shifts toward a more RPG-focused approach, allowing players to customize their character and engage in a vast world filled with quests. The beautifully rendered landscapes and intricate storyline make it a popular choice among players looking for an immersive experience.
Assassin’s Creed Odyssey
Continuing the trend of RPG mechanics, Odyssey takes players to Ancient Greece. With the option to play as either Alexios or Kassandra, the game emphasizes player choice and decision-making, dramatically affecting the storyline and relationships.
If You Want A Blend Of Action And Exploration
For players who lean toward thrilling combat along with exploration, these titles provide a unique experience:
Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag
Set during the Golden Age of Piracy, Black Flag perfectly blends naval exploration and exhilarating sword fights. Players step into the shoes of Edward Kenway, allowing for sea battles, treasure hunts, and a sensational story that focuses on freedom and adventure.
Assassin’s Creed Valhalla
In this latest installment, you encounter the Viking era, experiencing epic raids and exploration of Anglo-Saxon England. Valhalla seamlessly combines combat, rich storytelling, and detailed world-building, presenting players with choices that affect the outcome of the game.
Exploring Spin-offs And Side Stories
While the main titles typically receive the most acclaim, several spin-offs provide unique twists and additional lore.
Assassin’s Creed: Chronicles
This trilogy features 2.5D gameplay across three different countries (China, India, and Russia), emphasizing stealth and platforming. Each game introduces new protagonists and narratives, offering fresh perspectives that deviate from the traditional format.
Assassin’s Creed: Recollection
A mobile game that combines card-based gameplay with the rich narratives of the Assassin’s Creed universe. While not aimed at players seeking a traditional AC experience, it serves as an engaging sidestory for fans.
Conclusion: Your Path Awaits
Choosing the right Assassin’s Creed game can feel like a monumental task, given the franchise’s diversity. Reflecting on your personal preferences, historical interests, and gaming style allows you to narrow down your options.
Whether you are drawn to the stealthy pursuits of Ezio, the vast landscapes of Ancient Egypt, or the thrilling naval battles of the Golden Age of Piracy, each title promises a unique adventure steeped in history and excitement.
In the end, remember that the essence of Assassin’s Creed lies not just in the action or the story, but in the journey of exploration and discovery—your path as an Assassin awaits. Pick up your hidden blade, step into history, and unleash the Assassin within you!
What Is The Best Assassin’s Creed Game To Start With?
The best Assassin’s Creed game to start with often depends on your gaming preferences and familiarity with open-world titles. Many newcomers find “Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag” to be a captivating entry point due to its engaging story, naval combat, and vibrant open world. The pirate theme adds a unique twist to the franchise, making it an exciting and accessible experience for new players.
Alternatively, “Assassin’s Creed: Origins” introduces a redefined gameplay style and narrative depth, set in ancient Egypt. It serves as a soft reboot for the series and provides a fresh take on the franchise’s formula, making it suitable for both new and returning players. Deciding between these titles ultimately comes down to whether you prefer a swashbuckling adventure or a historical exploration of ancient civilizations.
How Do The Gameplay Mechanics Differ Between Games?
The gameplay mechanics in Assassin’s Creed installments have evolved significantly over time, reflecting changes in player expectations and technological advancements. Earlier titles focused heavily on stealth and parkour, requiring players to navigate urban environments while avoiding detection. As the series progressed, introducing elements like RPG mechanics and varied combat styles became prominent, especially in games like “Assassin’s Creed: Odyssey” and “Assassin’s Creed: Valhalla.”
In the latest games, players can customize their characters, choose different skills, and make pivotal choices that affect the story and world around them. Each title offers unique features and gameplay styles, so it’s important to consider what aspects of gameplay you find most enjoyable, whether it’s stealth, combat, exploration, or storytelling.
Are The Storylines Connected In Each Assassin’s Creed Game?
Yes, the storylines in Assassin’s Creed games are interconnected, forming an overarching narrative that revolves around the battle between the Assassins and Templars across different historical periods. While each game features its own unique characters and settings, they often reference characters and events from previous titles. The use of the Animus technology to explore memories connects these stories, creating a rich tapestry of lore for players to unravel.
However, many recent titles can also be enjoyed independently. For example, “Assassin’s Creed: Odyssey” and “Assassin’s Creed: Valhalla” have self-contained narratives that, while related to the larger lore, do not require extensive knowledge of prior games. This allows new players to jump into the series at various points without feeling lost, even as they may miss some of the historical context featured in earlier titles.
What Are The Main Historical Periods Explored In The Games?
Assassin’s Creed games span a wide range of historical periods, allowing players to explore various fascinating eras and locations. Notable periods include the Third Crusade in “Assassin’s Creed,” Renaissance Italy in “Assassin’s Creed II,” the American Revolutionary War in “Assassin’s Creed III,” and the Golden Age of Piracy in “Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag.” Each game immerses players in the culture, politics, and conflicts of the time, bringing history to life in interactive ways.
Recent installments have also ventured into new territories, such as ancient Egypt in “Assassin’s Creed: Origins” and ancient Greece in “Assassin’s Creed: Odyssey.” These settings provide unique stories and gameplay while showcasing the rich diversity of the historical world. As such, players interested in specific historical contexts may find particular games more appealing based on the period they wish to explore.
Can I Play Assassin’s Creed Games In Any Order?
While you can technically play Assassin’s Creed games in any order, it’s worth considering the narrative structure of the series. Many games are designed to stand alone, allowing you to experience their stories without prior knowledge of the main plotline. However, starting from the early entries often provides context and a deeper appreciation for later titles, especially when it comes to character development and overarching lore.
If you’re new to the series, you may opt to start with more recent titles like “Assassin’s Creed: Origins” or “Assassin’s Creed: Odyssey,” which offer modern gameplay mechanics and refreshingly standalone narratives. Doing so allows you to enjoy the thrill of the franchise while gradually exploring its history and legacy at your own pace.
What Are The Differences Between The Main Series And The Spin-off Games?
The main series of Assassin’s Creed games focuses on deep narratives, expansive open worlds, and intricate character development, often set against a backdrop of major historical events and conflicts. In contrast, spin-off games, such as “Assassin’s Creed: Chronicles” or mobile titles like “Assassin’s Creed: Rebellion,” usually offer different gameplay styles or settings, often being more focused experiences with less emphasis on a sprawling story.
Spin-off games may also experiment with gameplay mechanics or delve into specific aspects of the Assassin’s Creed universe, providing variety for players who wish to explore beyond the mainline entries. While these games can be entertaining and engaging, they may not offer the same level of depth or continuity found in the core series, making them better suited for dedicated fans or those seeking shorter experiences.
How Important Is Exploration In The Assassin’s Creed Series?
Exploration is a crucial aspect of the Assassin’s Creed series, as it allows players to immerse themselves in detailed worlds and discover rich historical narratives. Each game features expansive environments filled with secrets, collectibles, and side quests, encouraging players to engage deeply with the landscape. The freedom to explore iconic cities, ancient ruins, and expansive landscapes is a hallmark of the franchise and significantly enhances gameplay.
In many titles, exploration also ties directly into the story, with players uncovering hidden lore, solving historical mysteries, and interacting with famous figures from the past. This sense of discovery not only enriches the player’s experience but also adds depth to the gameplay, leading players to form personal connections with the settings and narratives they encounter.