Ubisoft’s Most Revolutionary Games

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Summary

  • Assassin’s Creed introduced fluid parkour in 2007, impacting navigation in open-world games today.
  • Just Dance pioneered motion controls by encouraging players to replicate on-screen prompts.
  • For Honor revolutionized PVP gameplay by blending fighting, hack and slash, and MOBA elements.

With so many video games being launched annually, it can prove challenging for developers to make their creations stand out. It’s even more difficult for these games to be recognized as significant advancements within a genre or the gaming industry at large, but Ubisoft has consistently released titles that have left an indelible mark, often being referred to as ‘revolutionary’ because of their profound influence and lasting impact.

Many of these game titles are still causing ripples today, fundamentally altering how both developers and gamers view games due to their innovative approaches. Ubisoft, though sometimes inconsistent in contemporary times, has undeniably shaped the video game industry by releasing numerous games that significantly influenced gaming styles.

8. Assassin’s Creed

An Early Open-World Hybrid That Introduced A Fresh New Movement System

When Assassin’s Creed was initially launched in 2007, the open-world gaming genre was gradually becoming popular among gamers. Yet, many game developers were grappling with finding an engaging way to maneuver these expansive maps. However, Assassin’s Creed demonstrated a solution by introducing its seamless and dynamic parkour system, which has since been emulated in numerous other games such as Dying Light and Mirror’s Edge, among others.

Besides shaping the industry significantly through its release, “Assassin’s Creed” also introduced a groundbreaking stealth system. Instead of relying on hiding in darkness, players could camouflage themselves among crowds and non-player characters (NPCs) to move stealthily across the game map. The significance of this legendary series in gaming is immense, with its debut game leaving an especially lasting impact that continues to resonate today.

7. Just Dance

Just Dance Introduced A New And Unique Way To Use Motion Controls

In its early days, many developers found it challenging to leverage the Wii’s motion controls effectively. Typically, players would use the controller to aim weapons in first-person shooters or swing swords in hack-and-slash games. However, Ubisoft chose a unique approach with Just Dance, opting for a different method of control.

This game encourages physical activity by displaying actions on the screen for players to mimic while using the controller. Essentially, Ubisoft transformed the widely popular arcade game Dance Dance Revolution, and brought it into homes. Since its inception, a new installment of Just Dance has been released annually, demonstrating the immense affection people have for this innovative gaming series.

6. For Honor

For Honor Mixes Fighting Games With The Action Genre To Create Something Brand New

Initially, when trailers for For Honor were being unveiled, it seemed plausible that this unique blend of fighting and action genres would only be a short-lived endeavor. However, contrary to expectations, the game has successfully carved out its niche, seamlessly integrating aspects from fighting games, hack-and-slash titles, and even Multiplayer Online Battle Arena (MOBA) games. As a result, it has significantly altered the perspective on multiplayer battle experiences for numerous gamers.

Instead of blindly attacking an opponent without thought, players are urged to exercise patience and strategically time their attacks during combat, making each fight feel more challenging and demonstrating true tests of skill. Meanwhile, players have the freedom to select from various units, each with unique abilities, keeping the gameplay exciting and unpredictable. In essence, no other combat system can compare to that found in For Honor, explaining its massive popularity and ongoing success.

5. Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell

Splinter Cell Showed Gamers How Immersive The Stealth Genre Could Really Be

While Metal Gear Solid is frequently recognized for its role in popularizing the stealth genre, it was actually Splinter Cell that demonstrated the incredible depth and immersion this style of gameplay could achieve. Splinter Cell primarily focuses on the element of darkness, meaning players can easily navigate a room filled with adversaries as long as they remain concealed in the shadows.

It’s often overlooked that creating shadows and lighting is challenging for game developers, which makes it all the more impressive when a company like Ubisoft successfully incorporates it as an in-game mechanic, especially considering the long hiatus of the series. Even so, Splinter Cell continues to be seen as a remarkable demonstration of how much the stealth genre can be refined within video games.

4. Far Cry 3

The Birth Of The Modern Day Open-World Formula

When people talk about a game having the familiar ‘Ubisoft open-world’ feel, they are often referring to a gameplay structure that originated with the release of Far Cry 3. This structure usually involves liberating zones, gaining new skills via a progression tree, and activating towers or similar landmarks. Many open-world games, whether developed by Ubisoft or not, have adopted this design formula to some extent. Even a game like Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, which falls under an entirely different series, has been compared to Ubisoft due to its incorporation of towers that reveal map sections.

In a thought-provoking twist, the game Far Cry 3 prompted players to contemplate their actions more deeply. Previously, open-world games such as GTA often allowed players to kill enemies without pause, but Far Cry 3 subtly questioned this by suggesting that the relentless violence was gradually affecting the character Jason’s sanity. This form of narrative and gameplay disconnect, known as ludonarrative dissonance, has been a topic of discussion in many games following the launch of Far Cry 3.

3. Rainbow Six Siege

Siege Has Long Been, In The Eyes Of Many, The Definitive Tactical Shooter That Revived The Entire Genre

Initially facing some challenges during its debut, Rainbow Six Siege owes its current status as the leading tactical shooter to Ubisoft’s consistent updates and improvements. Despite being primarily a tactical shooter, it incorporates aspects of the hero shooter genre in an original way, thereby rekindling enthusiasm for this specific subgenre due to its engaging gameplay.

In terms of shooter games, Siege has significantly raised the bar in numerous aspects. For instance, its exceptional audio design and destructible environments set it apart as an extraordinary video game.

2. Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle

An Unlikely Team-Up That Saw Nintendo Share Their IP With Another Developer

It’s well known that Nintendo is very protective of its first-party franchises, often appearing quite defensive towards those who try to use or even mention them. The game “Pikmin” serves as a notable example. Therefore, it was unexpectedly surprising when, during Ubisoft’s E3 2017 conference, Yves Guillemot shared the stage with Shigeru Miyamoto to announce an innovative partnership between “Mario” and “Rabbids”.

Although the game, featuring intricate strategic mechanics and an eccentric ensemble of characters, was favorably reviewed, what truly sets it apart is its very existence. The astonishment stemmed from Nintendo deciding to team up with a western studio on their prized franchise – an unforeseen move. This collaboration could be a sign that Nintendo might be becoming more open to partnerships. Ubisoft deserves the credit for making this happen.

1. Prince Of Persia: The Sands Of Time

Sands Of Time Set A New Standard For Games Within The Action-Aadventure Genre

In the early 2000s, action-adventure games were incredibly popular, but none stood out quite like Sands of Time. This game mastered its core gameplay mechanics so flawlessly that it set an unprecedented standard for all similar games to come. A key aspect of this success was movement. The Prince character could navigate walls by running and jumping, but precise timing with button presses was essential to avoid the hazards like spikes and traps that lay in his path. To make matters more challenging yet rewarding, the camera angle adjusts constantly to display what’s directly ahead, resulting in tough-but-rewarding platforming sections that truly test the player’s skill level.

These parts are enhanced by an impressive fight mechanism, allowing players to build up combo sequences to defeat enemies in the most stylish manner imaginable. Unlike other action-adventure games that tend to concentrate on just one element of the genre, Sands of Time demonstrated that a game in this category can excel in all areas, given the right balance and dedication. This is why it has served as a significant inspiration for numerous developers since its launch.

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2025-02-14 10:10