When Assassin’s Creed made its debut in 2007, it was like a breath of fresh air in the gaming world. This unique blend of historical fiction, science fiction, and exhilarating parkour action truly set the stage for what was to become an iconic franchise. With a rich tapestry woven through games, comics, and even a Hollywood film, Assassin’s Creed has undeniably carved its name into the annals of gaming history.
With Assassin’s Creed Shadows edging closer to its launch on PlayStation 5 this March 20, it’s the perfect time to dive into the main series’ 13 enthralling titles and get up to speed with what’s in store.
Assassin’s Creed – 2007 – PlayStation 3 – Ubisoft
Introducing us to the intriguing world of 12th-century assassin Altaïr Ibn-La’Ahad, this action-packed stealth game also unveiled the Animus—an intriguing machine enabling the experience of ancestral genetic memories. Altaïr’s life during the Holy Land’s Third Crusade is lived out via Desmond Miles, his modern-day descendant, weaving a narrative that captivates across eras.
The game set a high bar for others to follow, paving the way for its highly praised sequel…
On PlayStation 4 and 5, you can enjoy these games as part of Assassin’s Creed The Ezio Collection.
Assassin’s Creed II – 2009 – PlayStation 3 and – 2016 – PlayStation 4 (Enhanced) – Ubisoft
Continuing Desmond’s saga, this sequel whisked players away to the Italian Renaissance. Stepping into the shoes of Ezio Auditore da Firenze unravels a tale of retribution featuring historical luminaries like Leonardo da Vinci. Desmond gains more presence as the modern-day Assassin Brotherhood pulls him deeper into their cause.
If the first game laid the groundwork, this installment polished it, cementing Ezio as a beloved character in the lore.
Assassin’s Creed Brotherhood – 2010 – PlayStation 3 and – 2016 – PlayStation 4 (Enhanced) – Ubisoft
Picking up where its predecessor left off, Brotherhood brought Ezio back with a mission to expand the Assassin Brotherhood in Rome. Its gameplay evolution retained the notoriety system and introduced new features: assassinations on horseback, heavy weapon throws, and even poison darts. The ability to summon apprentices for missions was also a notable addition.
Perhaps most exciting was the introduction of a cunning multiplayer mode, letting you track friends and disappear stealthily into the crowd.
Assassin’s Creed Revelations – 2011 – PlayStation 3 and – 2016 – PlayStation 4 (Enhanced) – Ubisoft
Revelations wrapped up Ezio’s trilogy, featuring an older assassin venturing to Constantinople to seek keys unlocking a library that might end the Templar-Assassin feud. As Desmond battles for his sanity, players experience enhanced mobility with tools like the Hookblade for faster travel and thrilling combat.
Random encounters with NPCs and Templar adversaries kept gamers on edge.
Assassin’s Creed III – 2012 – PlayStation 3 and – 2019 – PlayStation 4 (Remastered) – Ubisoft
Venturing to North America, Assassin’s Creed III concluded Desmond’s epic mission to prevent a global catastrophe. This time, players journey through the memories of Haytham Kenway and his son Connor during the American Revolution. It marked a significant evolution with dual-wielding combat, improved environments, and new mechanics such as hunting and naval warfare.
The game was revolutionary for the franchise in every sense.
Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag – 2013 – PlayStation 3 and PlayStation 4 – Ubisoft
Black Flag fully embraced the spirit of adventure, expanding the naval systems introduced previously. As Welsh pirate Edward Kenway, players explored the Golden Age of Piracy, engaging in naval battles, treasure hunts, and sea-based missions. This blend of sea and land exploration offered unprecedented freedom, captivating players with its vast open world.
Assassin’s Creed Rogue – 2014 – PlayStation 3 and – 2018 – PlayStation 4 (Remastered) – Ubisoft
Rogue had players guide Shay Patrick Cormac, a former Assassin turned Templar, offering a thrilling twist. Set across icy waters and colonial cities, it maintained beloved elements from previous games while introducing a fresh perspective on the conflict, with warship battles and assassination missions.
Assassin’s Creed Unity – 2014 – PlayStation 4 – Ubisoft
Launching alongside Rogue, Unity carried the series into a new generation with its PS4 debut. Set amid the French Revolution, it introduced co-op gameplay, allowing for shared adventures with up to four players. The new engine powered a vibrant world where collaboration was key, with customizable gear and shared resources.
Assassin’s Creed Syndicate – 2015 – PlayStation 4 – Ubisoft
Transporting players to Victorian-era London, Syndicate brought fresh dynamics, introducing twin protagonists Jacob and Evie Frye. This game allowed players to switch between the two Assassins and marked the debut of a female protagonist in main titles. Utilizing clever mechanics like carriage rides and kidnappings, players plotted to liberate London from Templar control.
Assassin’s Creed Origins – 2017 – PlayStation 4 – Ubisoft
Origins took a deep dive into ancient Egypt, effectively rebooting the series while exploring the dawn of the Assassins and Templars. Bayek of Siwa stood at the forefront in a game rich with RPG elements, including crafting, detailed progression, and combat innovations.
Assassin’s Creed Odyssey – 2018 – PlayStation 4 – Ubisoft
Exploring ancient Greece, Odyssey continued Layla’s narrative while allowing players to embody a descendant of a great Spartan king. Enhancing RPG mechanics, it introduced dialogue options, relationships, and multiple endings, alongside a return to naval combat and mythical creature encounters, enriching the experience with depth and replayability.
Assassin’s Creed Valhalla – 2020 – PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 – Ubisoft
Valhalla plunged us into the Viking invasions of Britain, tying Eivor—a customizable protagonist—into the legendary Assassin-Templar conflict. Building on previous games, it refined mechanics like settlement-building and introduced immersive side activities like flyting, adding layers of charm to its vast world.
Assassin’s Creed Mirage – 2023 – PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 – Ubisoft
Mirage harkens back to the series’ roots, emphasizing stealth and parkour. It strips back the modern-day tale, letting players lose themselves in 9th-century Baghdad alongside Master Assassin Basim Ibn Ishaq.
And now, the saga unfolds further with Assassin’s Creed Shadows, set for release on March 20. This new chapter takes us to 16th-century Japan, promising to interweave the tales of shinobi Fujibayashi Naoe and samurai Yasuke into the intricate tapestry of the Assassin/Templar struggle. Remember, in this universe: “Nothing is true, everything is permitted.”
