Since its inception nearly twenty years ago, the Assassin’s Creed franchise has evolved into a vast mixed-media phenomenon, encompassing multiple spinoffs, novels, comics, a film starring Michael Fassbender, and an upcoming TV series. Its central themes—such as the manipulation of religion by advanced ancient civilizations and the ongoing struggle between freedom and control—have shifted from innovative and engaging to predictable and convoluted.
14. Assassin’s Creed Revelations
Assassin’s Creed Revelations diverges from the series’ traditional stealth mechanics by introducing bomb crafting and combat. Although critics claim the game struggled to differentiate itself, it features notable character development for Desmond, the franchise’s modern-day protagonist, and explores his past through abstract puzzles. These vignettes offer insights into his turbulent life in New York City, reminding players of the narrative potential lost in later games.
12. Assassin’s Creed Unity
Regarded as a visually stunning title, Assassin’s Creed Unity represents a high point in graphical fidelity for the series, even after eleven years. It features ambitious multiplayer modes integrated into the main campaign, though its launch was marred by infamous bugs. Despite these flaws, the developers refined the game post-release, transforming it into a vibrant representation of revolutionary Paris.
10. Assassin’s Creed Rogue
Assassin’s Creed Rogue serves as a sequel to Black Flag, placing players in the role of an assassin turned Templar. Although it attempts to explore moral ambiguities within the franchise’s lore, it ultimately feels less rich and ambitious than its predecessor. The game suffers from a lack of visual vibrancy and creative depth, leading to a lesser experience compared to the broader ambitions of the series.
9. Assassin’s Creed Mirage
Mirage’s classification as a mainline game or a spinoff is unclear, creating mixed reactions from critics. However, it presents a compact and visually appealing stealth adventure that harkens back to the franchise’s roots. While some elements fell flat, it still offers an engaging experience with art direction that stands out among its contemporaries.
8. Assassin’s Creed Valhalla
Assassin’s Creed Valhalla marks the culmination of the “modern” trilogy, shifting focus from stealth to action RPG elements. Despite being polished and expansive, the game suffers from a sense of bloat and repetition. While it is not inherently flawed, its primary selling point appears to be its sheer size, leading to a less memorable gameplay experience.
7. Assassin’s Creed Syndicate
Assassin’s Creed Syndicate effectively revitalizes the franchise by returning to its stealthy gameplay roots set against the backdrop of Victorian London. The introduction of dual protagonists adds fresh dynamics, though the game does struggle with repetitive missions and outdated combat mechanics. The overall experience, however, remains satisfactory for fans of the series.
6. Assassin’s Creed Shadows
Shadows is a long-awaited entry that immerses players in a detailed recreation of historical Japan, merging RPG elements with classic stealth gameplay. Though it features a slow start, it gradually reveals a rich open world that meets fan expectations. The game successfully fulfills the desire for a Japanese setting that a significant segment of the fanbase has longed for.
5. Assassin’s Creed Origins
Assassin’s Creed Origins serves as a spiritual predecessor for future titles, introducing significant changes to combat and exploration. Though it plays like a compilation of familiar ideas, it stands out due to its vibrant Egyptian setting and engaging characters. The game brings a refreshing departure from the predominantly European narratives of earlier installments.
4. Assassin’s Creed Odyssey
Odyssey marks a bold expansion of the series, building upon the foundation laid by Origins. With an extensive map and a focus on player choice, the game immerses players in a grand family saga set against the backdrop of ancient Greece. The vibrant world and character-driven narrative make it a standout entry, showcasing the franchise’s potential for evolution.
2. Assassin’s Creed 4: Black Flag
Black Flag diverges from traditional gameplay, focusing on naval exploration and piracy, which revitalizes the series with a fresh perspective. The game successfully combines high-seas adventure with immersive storytelling, making it feel distinct from its predecessors. Its unique direction and engaging elements mark it as one of the franchise’s best installments.
1. Assassin’s Creed: Brotherhood
Brotherhood serves as a turning point for the franchise, introducing a plethora of new gameplay mechanics, such as assassins recruitment and more dynamic combat. While it laid the groundwork for future titles with its extensive content, it also established some less favorable trends that the series would follow. Despite this, its polished presentation and engaging narrative make it a highlight of the franchise.