Assassin’s Creed: A Look Back at the Series – PlayStation.Blog

When Assassin’s Creed first burst onto the scene back in 2007, it captivated audiences with its striking mix of historical intrigue, sci-fi elements, and thrilling parkour gameplay. The series quickly grew into a beloved franchise, branching out into comic books and even a Hollywood film, while remaining rooted in its engaging narrative and unforgettable characters.

As anticipation builds for the March 20 release of Assassin’s Creed Shadows on PlayStation 5, this is the perfect moment to dive into the rich tapestry of the series, tracing its evolution through 13 captivating titles.

Assassin’s Creed – 2007 – PlayStation 3 – Ubisoft

Back in 2007, gamers were introduced to Altaïr Ibn-La’Ahad, a 12th-century assassin navigating the tumultuous period of the Third Crusade. This innovative sandbox game unveiled the Animus, a fascinating piece of tech allowing characters to relive their ancestors’ genetic memories. As players, we walked in the footsteps of Altaïr through Desmond Miles, a seemingly ordinary 21st-century descendant, uncovering a storyline that cleverly intertwined past and present.

The original game set a benchmark in the industry, paving the way for its highly successful sequel…

A trio of games featuring Ezio can be experienced on modern systems, courtesy of Assassin’s Creed The Ezio Collection available on PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 through backward compatibility.

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

This follow-up took a bold leap, whisking players away from Altaïr and straight into the heart of the Italian Renaissance. In this new chapter, we journey alongside Ezio Auditore da Firenze on his path of vengeance, rubbing shoulders with historical figures such as Leonardo da Vinci and Niccolo Machiavelli. Even Desmond finds himself more deeply involved with the modern-day Assassin Brotherhood.

Ezio’s adventures not only cemented the series’ style but also made him a fan-favorite, enhancing the franchise’s lasting appeal.

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

Picking up where the second game left off, this sequel follows Ezio as he expands the Assassin Brotherhood’s influence throughout Rome. It introduced new gameplay elements like horseback assassinations, heavy weaponry, and the ability to dispatch apprentices on missions. Players could also experience multiplayer for the first time, cleverly weaving in elements of stealth and strategy as you stalked your friends.

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

In the finale of the Ezio trilogy, an older Ezio embarks on a quest to Constantinople to locate keys to unlock Altaïr’s secret library, a pivotal moment in the ongoing conflict between Templars and Assassins. Meanwhile, Desmond must achieve full synchronization with his ancestors in a bid to preserve his own mind. New mechanics like zip lines and the Hookblade added depth to combat and exploration.

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

This game ushered the saga to North America, continuing Desmond’s mission to thwart an impending global disaster. Here, players navigate the past through the eyes of 18th-century Templar Haytham Kenway and his son, Connor, who becomes an assassin. Featuring expansive frontier landscapes, new combat mechanics, and naval battles, it was a revolutionary step for the franchise.

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

Building on the previous game’s naval adventuring, Black Flag took to the high seas during the Golden Age of Piracy. As Edward Kenway, players enjoyed unparalleled freedom, combining open-sea exploration with land combat. Facing off against legendary pirates and discovering treasures, this installment offered a captivating blend of maritime and terrestrial escapades.

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

True to its name, Rogue flipped the script by putting players in the shoes of former Assassin turned Templar, Shay Patrick Cormac. While maintaining traditional gameplay features, this unique perspective added a fresh spin, with new challenges and missions set in the icy North Atlantic and 18th-century New York.

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

Launching alongside Rogue, Unity brought the franchise to PS4, featuring a new engine and set during the French Revolution in Paris. The game introduced a co-op campaign, allowing up to four players to team up, sharing resources and customizing their arsenals, as they stepped into the role of Assassin Arno Dorian.

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

Set in Victorian London, Syndicate further diversified the series by introducing twin protagonists, Jacob and Evie Frye, marking the first time a female Assassin was playable in the main games. Players navigated the city in carriages, employed a ‘kidnapping’ mechanic, and battled Templar forces to free London.

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

Taking a leap back to Ptolemaic Egypt, Origins charted the foundation of the Assassin Brotherhood. As Bayek of Siwa, guided by modern-day Layla Hassan, players experienced an RPG-infused gameplay with intricate crafting, combat systems, and a rich narrative steeped in historical and mythical elements.

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

Expanding on the RPG mechanics of Origins, Odyssey transported players to Ancient Greece, continuing Layla’s story and allowing them to choose between two protagonists, Kassandra or Alexios. The game featured a branching narrative with dialogue choices, rekindled naval combat, and epic mythological encounters.

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

Valhalla drops players amidst the Viking conquests of 873 AD, threading Layla’s story to its conclusion while highlighting the enduring Assassin/Templar conflict. With Eivor, a customizable protagonist, players engaged in settlement building, raiding, and jovial activities like drinking games against the backdrop of Norse mythology.

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

Returning to the series’ stealth roots, Mirage focuses on a more streamlined narrative in 9th-century Baghdad. Players step into the role of Basim Ibn Ishaq, navigating a world intertwined with the series’ long-standing themes of conspiracy and intrigue.

As we gear up for the next chapter, Assassin’s Creed Shadows promises to take us on an adventure to 16th-century Japan. Expect to cross paths with iconic figures such as the shinobi Fujibayashi Naoe and samurai Yasuke. Until then, remember: “Nothing is true, everything is permitted.”