Yasuke’s Combat Style Sparks Demand for a Bold New Assassin’s Creed Spin-Off!

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In essence, the Assassin’s Creed series, as indicated by its title, has consistently prioritized stealth gameplay. However, this aspect sometimes clashes with other design elements. The upcoming game, Assassin’s Creed Shadows, seems to address this issue elegantly by segregating its stealth and action-RPG components across two playable characters. Yasuke, who is physically imposing, is more adept at direct combat, while Naoe shines in covert operations, demonstrating proficiency in stealth tactics.

In Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, there’s an intriguing dilemma that’s been ongoing for quite a while in the series, and this game might present the most challenging inconsistency. The game requires players to take on the role of a Norwegian Viking, a character traditionally not linked with stealth or deception. However, the storyline conflicts with the gameplay mechanics, making stealth feel unnatural and incongruous at times. Although the samurai-ninja divide in Assassin’s Creed Shadows might provide a more harmonious and comprehensive experience, it may not be the only method to refresh the Assassin’s Creed formula.

After Assassin’s Creed Shadows, the Series Could Tackle a Templar Spin-Off

A Templar Game Could Be a Nice Change of Pace

Over nearly two decades, the storyline of “Assassin’s Creed” has grown intricate. Essentially, the series revolves around the ongoing conflict between the Assassins and the Templars, two enigmatic organizations with contrasting beliefs. The Assassins, operating clandestinely, advocate for personal freedom, while the Templars are willing to impose peace worldwide, even if it means suppressing or annihilating cultures, societies, and ideologies in the process.

The contrasting ideologies are evident in distinct strategies: Templars often employ open and assertive tactics, while Assassins opt for covert operations, creating a stark difference between the two. This dichotomy is clearly demonstrated throughout most Assassin’s Creed games, where Templar operatives wield political influence or military might to attain their objectives. On an individual level, they resemble the knights of the actual Order of the Knights Templar, characterized by Catholic faith, gambesons, armored helmets, shields, and spears.

In the past, the series has depicted a stereotypical medieval Templar character, specifically in the prologue of Assassin’s Creed Unity. Interestingly, an Assassin who later becomes a Templar is the main character in Assassin’s Creed Rogue, but this transformation doesn’t significantly alter the gameplay experience.

It’s quite clear that a Templar protagonist in Assassin’s Creed could make for an action-packed game instead of focusing on stealth. With Ubisoft refining combat mechanics in Assassin’s Creed Shadows and introducing a character like Yasuke, who embodies a ‘tank’ archetype, it seems there’s potential to build upon these action-oriented design principles for an entire game. This would eliminate the need to force stealth elements into the gameplay since the Templar Order’s tactics are more direct and aggressive, not requiring stealth techniques.

The Narrative Benefits of a Templar-Focused Assassin’s Creed

If you find the dynamic gameplay of Yasuke in Assassin’s Creed Shadows enjoyable, then it’s clear that an Assassin’s Creed game with a reduced focus on stealth would be appealing. However, what makes this even more intriguing is the possibility of combining the fast-paced, intense action gameplay typical of such titles with a deeper, more complex narrative. Essentially, a Templar spin-off of Assassin’s Creed could provide more than just the traditional sword and shield action.

In the world of Assassin’s Creed, players have been conditioned to perceive Templars as antagonists. This is not unexpected, given that modern audiences tend to view rigid, ideological organizations as threats to liberty and progressive society. However, the idea of global harmony, even if it means sacrificing personal freedom, has captivated many throughout history. A spin-off series focusing on the Templars could delve into this concept. For instance, games like Assassin’s Creed Unity, Assassin’s Creed Rogue, and Assassin’s Creed 3 provide a more nuanced portrayal of Templar agents. A game entirely dedicated to this sect could present it from a more sympathetic, complex, and sophisticated perspective.

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2025-03-08 14:38