The Best Assassins Creed Spin-Off Games

Key Takeaways

Spin-offs in the
Assassin’s Creed
franchise vary in success, from
Altair Chronicles
to
Identity.
Bloodlines
and
Freedom Cry
provide strong narratives and unique gameplay experiences.
Assassin’s Creed Chronicles
offers compelling side-scrolling stories in different historical settings.

As someone who has spent countless hours immersed in the world of Assassin’s Creed, I can confidently say that these spin-offs have been nothing short of extraordinary. The Assassin’s Creed Chronicles trilogy, with its captivating narratives and diverse settings, has undeniably left an indelible mark on the franchise’s history. From the chilling tales of an aged assassin in Russia to the thrilling adventures of Shao Jun in China, these games have not only provided us with compelling stories but also introduced characters that have become beloved by fans worldwide.

For more than two decades, very few gaming franchises have consistently dominated the industry like Assassin’s Creed. Each new release is a significant event, and there have been over ten mainline games that have proven successful. However, it’s important to note that not all games released under the Assassin’s Creed banner are part of the main series. This franchise also includes titles that delve into its rich historical context.

Ubisoft has ventured into iOS apps, handheld games, and expansion games connected to the main series for the Assassin’s Creed franchise, aiming to explore it extensively. The results of these spin-off games within the franchise have been mixed, with the quality of the games also showing a wide range.

8 Assassin’s Creed: Altair Chronicles

The Original Spin-Off

The very first spin-off from the Assassin’s Creed series was called “Altair Chronicles.” This game starred the original assassin on a mission to find an ancient artifact, The Chalice. The story unfolded in various Middle Eastern cities, sharing similarities with the setting and themes of the initial Assassin’s Creed game. However, it didn’t quite capture the same level of style and finesse as its predecessor.

Since “Altair Chronicles” marked the first attempt at a handheld version of the popular “Assassin’s Creed” game, it was expected to have some initial issues. Despite these hiccups, players could still enjoy stealthy assassinations and engaging combat. However, the absence of an open world was a significant drawback that somewhat diminished the overall experience in this spin-off from the main series.

7 Assassin’s Creed: Bloodlines

A More Interesting Altair Game

From the early days of the franchise, Bloodlines isn’t a primary installment but offers crucial backstory for fans of lore. In an unusual twist for the series, Bloodlines serves as a direct sequel to a previous game, specifically the first Assassin’s Creed. Starring Altair once more, this title follows his journey to Cyprus where he encounters the Templars and meets Maria, who later becomes his wife.

It’s intriguing that Maria Thorpe continues as a Templar agent in Bloodlines, adding depth to an engaging narrative that effectively utilized the PSP’s controls. This game, with its open-world exploration, solid combat, and missions, has become a well-regarded spin-off due to maintaining these key elements.

6 Assassin’s Creed Identity

A Fascinating Ezio-Focused Adventure

Platforms: Android, iOS
Developers: Ubisoft Blue Byte
Released: September 2014

Among many spin-off games within various gaming franchises, it’s the story that often leaves a lasting impression. However, Assassin’s Creed Identity sets itself apart by focusing heavily on this aspect. This game is set during the much-loved time period of Ezio Auditore, and it unfolds in Italy while parallel events from Assassin’s Creed: Brotherhood are taking place.

From the viewpoint of the assassin known as The Falconer, the narrative revolves around disrupting Templar dominance and a struggle between the Assassins and another faction called the Raven-like, who can imitate assassin skills. This combination resulted in an engaging storyline, a comfortable gaming experience, and a broadening of a cherished epoch from the annals of Assassin’s Creed, interestingly reflecting the evolutions undergone by the franchise over time.

5 Assassin’s Creed Recollection

The Lore-Filled Strategy Entry

Platforms: iOS
Developers: Ubisoft Montreal
Released: December 13th, 2011

Despite often being overshadowed by other games in the series, Ubisoft’s unique creation, Recollection, was a delightful and distinct concept. Blending elements of collectible card games with real-time strategy, this game was nestled within the universe of Assassin’s Creed. Surprisingly, the iPad game exceeded expectations with its engaging gameplay that many didn’t anticipate.

Offering additional perks such as complete sets of concept art from each of the four previously launched installments, and an expansive deck of cards that keeps the game excitingly varied and worth revisiting, Recollection continues to be a standout choice, albeit less commonly found than before.

4 Assassin’s Creed 2: Discovery

Ezio’s Fun Side-Scrolling Adventure

Platforms: iOS, Nintendo DS
Developers: Griptonite Games, Gameloft, Glu Mobile
Released: November 17th, 2009

Despite several offshoot games in the series encountering issues due to their lack of an open-world design, Assassin’s Creed 2: Discovery succeeded in delivering an engaging story without compromising Ezio’s narrative from the main games, all while maintaining a side-scrolling perspective.

In the game Assassin’s Creed 2, there’s an additional storyline called Discovery. This tale follows Ezio on a mission for the Assassins in Spain, where he combats the Templars who are disguised as the Spanish Inquisition. Although this story could have been a standalone game, it’s also presented as a shorter, side-scrolling adventure available on iOS and Nintendo DS devices. Despite having simpler gameplay, the combat was enjoyable, the game was engaging, and it added to the series by providing another captivating Ezio narrative.

3 Assassin’s Creed Chronicles

The Trilogy Across History

Platforms: Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PlayStation Vita
Developers: Climax Studios
Released: February 9th, 2016

Instead of just one game, you’ll find a set of three distinct titles known as the Assassin’s Creed Chronicles. These games follow the style of exploration similar to Discovery, but in a shorter side-scrolling format that still manages to deliver captivating narratives. Each game is set in different countries – China, India, and Russia respectively – providing brief, yet impactful stories about assassins across the globe, areas where the main games might not venture.

As a devoted fan, I can tell you that my journey through the annals of Assassin’s Creed took me to Russia, India, and China in unique and captivating tales. In the Chronicles: Russia narrative, I played the role of an aged assassin on a relentless pursuit of a Precursor box in the tumultuous aftermath of the October Revolution. In Chronicles: India, I joined forces with an assassin trying to thwart Templars intent on discovering more Precursor sites amidst the Anglo-Sikh Wars. And in Chronicles: China, I stepped into the shoes of Shao Jun, who returned home to China to combat the Eight Tiger Templar group after being trained by Ezio Auditore in the 16th Century. Each of these stories was a masterpiece, and their protagonists have graced numerous novels and short films, making them an integral and cherished part of Assassin’s Creed lore.

2 Assassin’s Creed 3: Liberation

A Fascinating Trip To Louisiana

As a gaming enthusiast, I delved into another captivating spin-off titled “Liberation.” This game was set amidst the happenings of “Assassin’s Creed 3” and stirred up a fair share of debates. In this instalment, we were introduced to the first female protagonist in the series – Aveline de Grandpré. She navigated through the complexities of 18th-century New Orleans, battling against the Templars, even flirting with the idea of joining their ranks herself.

A remarkable figure named Aveline kicks off her existence as an aristocrat in the French Colony, though unbeknownst to many, she’s been covertly working to liberate slaves for quite some time. Her actions eventually escalate, leading her to work more closely with assassins. As she eliminates key Templars and dismantles their influence within the colony, Aveline learns that her stepmother has been quietly preparing her for a role as a Templar. This revelation sparks defiance in Aveline, who ultimately takes her stepmother’s life in rebellion against this destiny. This tale underscored the fact that Liberation represented an advancement over many of the spin-offs the franchise had previously produced.

1 Assassin’s Creed Freedom Cry

The Narrative Masterpiece

Nearly every installment of the Assassin’s Creed franchise up until Black Flag had a spin-off game released. Among these, Freedom Cry, in terms of narrative, stands as an extraordinary and courageous title that continues to be one of the most cherished games within the series.

The narrative unfolds after Adewale, a former slave turned assassin who collaborated with Edward Kenway, taking center stage. This tale continues in the Caribbean where he’s determined to abolish slavery within the region by confronting the Templars who dominate the Slave Trade. Alongside liberated slaves, he embarks on this mission and encounters genuine horrors, making Freedom Cry one of the most emotionally impactful video games ever created. Notably, it offers a remarkable spin-off experience with much of the same engaging gameplay (and naval combat) as Black Flag.

2024-09-13 07:34