Summary
WithAssassin’s Creed, publisher and developer Ubisoft struck a chord with fans of both history and stealth/action.Assassin’s Creedsustained this structure through the course of nearly 20 years, with multiple spin-offs and currently a number of related projects in the works. The varied historical settings eventually became more of a main selling point as the series recreated many popular historical time frames. From the Crusades through the Renaissance and then to Ancient Egypt and Greece,AChas always explored fascinating historical periods, even eventually including modes that act as a guided tour-like experience.
While the overarching story of theTemplar-Assassin Warhas always been the undercurrent and connecting thread between entries, along the way, certain titles began to incorporate some more real-life-inspired mythological and supernatural aspects. Although this was a sometimes contentious inclusion, there are good reasons forAssassin’s Creedto continue to insert them into its world designs.
Details on the next mainline entry,Assassin’s Creed Shadows,formerly codenamedRed, were recently leaked.
Assassin’s Creed Should Continue to Fit in Mythological and Supernatural Aspects
Assassin’s Creed’s Previously Featured Mythological Monsters
Assassin’s Creedhas long had the task of balancing its well-researched and realized historical settings with its own internal lore as well as real-life legends and exaggerated elements depending on the exact historical period a given title was exploring.Assassin’s Creed Odysseyis probably the most obvious one, as the ancient Greek period was ripe for including some of the most well-known creatures in all of folklore. For example,AC Odysseyhad hidden optional encounters with monsters like the Minotaur and Medusa. These were high-level and difficult bosses that some players may not have even found or chosen to fight. Still, they were present and added an interesting layer beyond the base campaign.
BeforeOdyssey, Assassin’s Creed Originssent fans to the Egyptian Underworld, andAssassin’s Creed Valhallasimilarly did so with Norse lore, more so in the Ragnarok DLC. Ubisoft has further indulged in this penchant elsewhere, notably delving headlong into pure mythology with2020’sImmortals Fenyx Rising, though from a far less serious bent as compared toAC’s usual vision. Still, the potential and enjoyment factor that goes along with inserting these elements intoAC’s mix is appealing.
Why Assassin’s Creed Keeping Mythological Elements Would Work in its Favor
Two major franchise lore components could provide an avenue forAssassin’s Creedto continue to have mythological and related elements in the form of the precursor race known as the Isu and the Animus technology. The Isu, whose advanced civilization predates humanity, left behind powerful relics that translate into magic, especially from the viewpoint of characters far in the past. The Animus is basically akin to a VR supercomputer and is the explanation of why it’s even possible to experience the lives of these characters in modern times. These facets have been used to explain a number of perhaps otherwise incongruous items in the franchise, especially asAssassin’s Creed’s complex timelinewent on, with the mythological elements being one.
Though it might verge on being a crutch when this excuse is invoked too often, it can also provide a more palatable reason for the audience’s suspension of disbelief. It does track withAssassin’s Creed’s internal logic that the Animus can render such fictional entities within, even if they are not strictly “real.” Having such elements also adds a fun flavor, as players can be surprised when discovering them, and be challenged with combating impressive and nonstandard enemy designs that may require different strategies than normal.
The upcomingAssassin’s Creed Hexewill focus on the Witch Trialsthat occurred during the 1500s in what was at the time The Holy Roman Empire, at least from what is currently deducible. This approach again implies magic or adjacent elements, which might be represented through a combination of the above. While they may sometimes risk breaking immersion, the mythological aspects seen inACadd a mystique and cool vibe that aren’t too much of a stretch to justify and can be some of the best parts of the series in combination with its more historically grounded directions.
Assassin’s Creed: Mirage
WHERE TO PLAY
Play as a cunning young street thief seeking answers in this majestic Middle Eastern open world. Experience the home of the original Assassins in this exciting new narrative-driven, open world adventure. 15 years since the first Assassin’s Creed redefined adventure, experience the franchises' trademark parkour and stealth like never before - in Assasin’s Creed Mirage. In this smaller scale, back to basics Assassin’s caper, you play Basim, a young street thief seeking answers. Roam the richly-detailed, reactive and vibrant streets of 9th century Baghdad, uncovering the mysteries of the past as you fight to secure your future. Stalk the shadows. Become the ultimate assassin.
