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

When Assassin’s Creed first burst onto the scene in 2007, it made a remarkable impression with its innovative blend of historical intrigue, science fiction elements, and exhilarating parkour-style action. This unique formula captivated audiences and laid the groundwork for a franchise that has expanded into video games, comic books, and even a major Hollywood film.

As we gear up for the latest installment, Assassin’s Creed Shadows, which is set to launch on March 20 for PlayStation 5, now is an excellent time to delve into the rich history of the series, spanning 13 main titles.

Assassin’s Creed – 2007 – PlayStation 3 – Ubisoft

Back in 2007, players were introduced to Altaïr Ibn-La’Ahad, a skilled assassin from the 12th century. They also encountered the Animus for the first time—an extraordinary machine that enables individuals to relive the genetic memories of their ancestors. In this inaugural game, players navigated the intricate storylines of Altaïr during the Third Crusade, uncovered through his modern-day descendant, Desmond Miles.

Assassin’s Creed not only set a new benchmark for action and adventure games but also paved the way for its critically acclaimed sequels.

On PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5, fans can enjoy the following three titles as part of the Assassin’s Creed The Ezio Collection.

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

Ezio Auditore da Firenze became the new face of the franchise when Assassin’s Creed II transported players to the Italian Renaissance. His quest for vengeance introduced historical figures like Leonardo da Vinci and Niccolo Machiavelli and allowed Desmond to participate more actively in the modern-day storyline of the Assassin Brotherhood.

Ezio’s charismatic presence and the expanded narrative only enhanced the legacy of the series, cementing its place in gaming history.

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

A direct sequel to Assassin’s Creed II, Brotherhood continued Ezio’s journey as he took on the mission of expanding the Assassin Brotherhood in Rome. Building on the notoriety system, the game introduced horseback assassinations and new weapons like crossbows and poison darts. Players could also call on recruit assassins for various missions.

Brotherhood also marked the series’ first foray into multiplayer, offering a unique experience where players could stealthily target and eliminate friends.

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

Revelations completed the Ezio trilogy with the aged assassin venturing to Constantinople. As Desmond lay in a coma, players aimed to synchronize with Ezio’s and Altaïr’s memories to preserve his mind. New features like zip lines and the Hookblade offered fresh gameplay mechanics, while dynamic NPC events kept players engaged.

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

Marking the series’ first American setting, Assassin’s Creed III wrapped up Desmond’s quest to avert a global disaster. Interacting with 18th-century Templars like Haytham Kenway and his son Connor, gameplay introduced innovations such as naval battles and complex environmental interactions, capturing the spirit of the American Revolution.

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

Embodying a true sense of freedom, Black Flag embarked on the high seas during the Golden Age of Piracy. Players explored the world as Edward Kenway, engaging in naval combat, treasure hunting, and much more. The game’s expansive nature allowed players to branch out from the land, with characters like Blackbeard adding to the lore.

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

In an unexpected twist, Rogue let players step into the shoes of Shay Patrick Cormac, an Assassin turned Templar. This shift in narrative perspective brought a fresh dimension to the series while maintaining familiar elements like naval combat, in a world fraught with peril from both enemies and treacherous environments.

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

Partnered with Assassin’s Creed Rogue’s PS3 launch, Unity made its PlayStation 4 debut amid the fervor of the French Revolution. It offered a new co-op campaign where up to four players could join forces, featuring customizable gear and weapons that could alter gameplay significantly in the bustling streets of Paris.

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

Syndicate took players to Victorian London, introducing dual protagonists for the first time: Jacob and Evie Frye. This installment innovated with carriage-based travel and a clever ‘kidnapping’ mechanic, allowing players to navigate and manipulate the social landscape of the era in pursuit of their goals.

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

Set in the vast landscapes of Ptolemaic Egypt, Origins dived deeper into the origins of the Assassin Brotherhood (known as the Hidden Ones) and their foes, the Order of the Ancients. Bayek of Siwa’s quest offered robust RPG elements, elaborate combat systems, and a chance for players to craft their destiny amid the sands of time.

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

Trading history for mythology, Odyssey continued Layla’s exploration of ancient legacies, allowing players to choose between Kassandra or Alexios, descendants of King Leonidas. Its narrative delved into the Peloponnesian War and enriched the series with dynamic NPC interactions, dialogue choices, and multiple endings.

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

Valhalla immersed players in Viking conquests, tying Eivor’s saga with the modern storyline of Layla. Players could enhance settlements, take part in Nordic festivities, and flex their strategic might against formidable foes, blending historical fiction with exhilarating gameplay in a fresh way.

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

Returning to the roots of stealth and narrative simplicity, Mirage focused on Basim Ibn Ishaq, a character familiar from Valhalla. Set in 9th-century Baghdad, the game highlighted parkour movements and meticulously crafted the Assassin’s early days.

The saga is set to continue with Assassin’s Creed Shadows, leading players into 16th-century Japan. The anticipation builds as we prepare to enter this new chapter in the never-ending war between Assassins and Templars with characters like shinobi Fujibayashi Naoe and samurai Yasuke. Remember: "Nothing is true, everything is permitted."