Like a stealthy assassin lurking in the shadows, the Assassin’s Creed series carved its own niche with an intoxicating mix of historical intrigue, science fiction elements, and exhilarating parkour mechanics. First appearing in 2007, it quickly captured the hearts of gamers worldwide, setting off a franchise that now spans video games, graphic novels, and even a Hollywood movie.
As Assassin’s Creed Shadows gears up for its March 20 launch on PlayStation 5, now’s a great time to dive into the rich tapestry of the series’ main titles. Here’s a rundown of the series that’s captivated players for years.
Assassin’s Creed – 2007 – PlayStation 3 – Ubisoft
In the original installment, players were introduced to the 12th-century assassin, Altaïr Ibn-La’Ahad. The game introduced the Animus, a device that let people experience the lives of their ancestors, in this case journeying through the Third Crusade. Simultaneously, Desmond Miles, Altaïr’s descendant, finds his modern-day life intricately tied to the ancient events his ancestor lived through. This title laid the groundwork for an entire genre and set the stage for an even more successful sequel.
On PlayStation 4 and 5, the next three riveting chapters of the series are available within Assassin’s Creed The Ezio Collection.
Assassin’s Creed II – 2009 – PlayStation 3 and – 2016 – PlayStation 4 (Enhanced) – Ubisoft
Stepping into a new era, the sequel transported us to the Italian Renaissance, where we met Ezio Auditore da Firenze. This installment wove a rich narrative of revenge, intertwining historical figures like Leonardo da Vinci into its storyline. Desmond’s journey continued as he delved deeper into the shadowy world of the modern Assassin Brotherhood. Ezio soon became an iconic character, with this release further cementing the franchise’s legendary status.
Assassin’s Creed Brotherhood – 2010 – PlayStation 3 and – 2016 – PlayStation 4 (Enhanced) – Ubisoft
Picking up right where the previous game left off, Brotherhood had Ezio expanding the Assassin Order across Rome. New game mechanics included covert horseback assassinations and the ability to recruit and train apprentices for missions. A notable highlight was the introduction of a cunning multiplayer mode, letting players blend into crowds, eluding detection in a thrilling game of cat and mouse.
Assassin’s Creed Revelations – 2011 – PlayStation 3 and – 2016 – PlayStation 4 (Enhanced) – Ubisoft
The conclusion of Ezio’s saga took him to Constantinople, searching for keys to unlock a secret with the power to end the Templar-Assassin conflict. Meanwhile, Desmond faced his own challenges. This game upped the ante with devices like the Hookblade for improved traversal and combat, as well as dynamic encounters with NPCs and Templar adversaries.
Assassin’s Creed III – 2012 – PlayStation 3 and – 2019 – PlayStation 4 (Remastered) – Ubisoft
This installment marked the series’ American debut, as Desmond raced against time to prevent a global disaster. Players accessed the past through the memories of Connor, an 18th-century assassin. Filled with rich landscapes, naval combat, and weather systems that impacted gameplay, Assassin’s Creed III was a revolutionary experience.
Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag – 2013 – PlayStation 3 and PlayStation 4 – Ubisoft
Black Flag took players on an unparalleled adventure during the Golden Age of Piracy. With an emphasis on naval exploration, players sailed as Edward Kenway, engaging in sea battles and hunting for treasures. The ability to freely aim and wield multiple pistols at once gave players a thrilling edge in this high-seas adventure.
Assassin’s Creed Rogue – 2014 – PlayStation 3 and – 2018 – PlayStation 4 (Remastered) – Ubisoft
Rogue offered a twist in perspective by putting players in the shoes of Shay Patrick Cormac, an Assassin-turned-Templar. This time, players navigated the icy North Atlantic, fending off Assassin threats while exploring rich gameplay elements like naval combat and city-based missions.
Assassin’s Creed Unity – 2014 – PlayStation 4 – Ubisoft
Launching alongside Rogue was Unity, the first PS4 title in the series. Set during the French Revolution, Unity introduced a groundbreaking co-op campaign, allowing up to four players to collaborate, share resources, and customize their characters while unraveling the intricate plot of Assassin Arno Dorian.
Assassin’s Creed Syndicate – 2015 – PlayStation 4 – Ubisoft
Players stepped into Victorian London, controlling twin assassins Jacob and Evie Frye. This title allowed them to switch between characters, offering unique abilities, as players worked to free London from Templar rule. Innovatively, it also introduced the series’ first playable female protagonist in its mainline games.
Assassin’s Creed Origins – 2017 – PlayStation 4 – Ubisoft
Taking a leap back to ancient Egypt, Origins delved into the roots of the Assassin Brotherhood. With Bayek of Siwa leading the way, the game offered deep role-playing mechanics, with an engaging leveling system and intricate combat. The result was a renewed and fresh take on the series.
Assassin’s Creed Odyssey – 2018 – PlayStation 4 – Ubisoft
Set in Ancient Greece, Odyssey allowed players to follow Layla’s story further. Here, they could choose to play as Kassandra or Alexios, exploring the fallout from the Peloponnesian War. Enhanced RPG elements, a mercenary system, and mythological encounters enriched the gaming experience.
Assassin’s Creed Valhalla – 2020 – PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 – Ubisoft
With a Norse setting, Valhalla follows Viking Eivor’s adventures during the Viking invasions. Blurring lines between history and myth, players enjoyed settlement-building, fishing, and even humorous insult battles, all while engaging in the Assassin-Templar conflict.
Assassin’s Creed Mirage – 2023 – PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 – Ubisoft
Returning to the series’ core elements, Mirage scales back to deliver a stealth-centered narrative. Set in 9th-century Baghdad, players stepped into the shoes of Basim Ibn Ishaq, a character introduced in Valhalla.
As we await Assassin’s Creed Shadows, which will unfold the tales of 16th-century Japan with new intriguing characters, remember the series’ enduring motto: “Nothing is true, everything is permitted.”
