Best Ubisoft Games That Do Not Follow The Ubisoft Formula

Key Takeaways

Ubisoft is sometimes criticized for cookie-cutter AAA titles, but some of their games offer creative and unique experiences.
Some Ubisoft games, like Valiant Hearts and Rayman Legends, focus on storytelling and gameplay innovation.
Titles like Trials Rising show the strength of Ubisoft games when they focus on a single concept.

As someone who’s been gaming for quite some time now, I must say that Ubisoft has certainly shown its versatility with games like The Fractured but Whole, Valiant Hearts: The Great War, Trials Rising, and Rayman Legends. Each of these titles offers a unique take on the typical AAA game, providing us with moments of laughter, tears, adrenaline rushes, and pure joy.

As a gaming enthusiast, I can’t help but marvel at the meteoric rise of Ubisoft in the video game industry. This developer has earned a reputation as one of the titans of modern gaming, yet simultaneously serves as a cautionary tale for the pitfalls often encountered by AAA titles. Whether you’re a fan or a critic, it’s undeniable that Ubisoft’s influence in the gaming world is colossal. What sets them apart is their commitment to creating both grandiose AAA experiences and more personal, intimate games.

The formula that most Ubisoft games follow has become way too obvious for most people to ignore, lending to the fatigue that most people have experienced with the bulk of their modern releases. However, to say that Ubisoft’s entire library is dominated by these cookie-cutter experiences would be a short-sighted statement. The truth is that players who want to check out some creative and unique Ubisoft titles will find more than enough games that fit this criteria.

5 Prince Of Persia: The Sands Of Time

Amazing Writing With Two Fun Characters At The Helm

At one point, the Prince of Persia games were highly desired by many people, and the blockbuster hit “The Sands of Time” significantly boosted the series’ reputation. Rebuilding this franchise after the significant flop of “Prince of Persia 3D” was a challenging task, but fans were thrilled to encounter a witty Prince whose arrogance could make him hard to like. Yet, it was exactly this aspect that made the character growth in “The Sands of Time” so captivating to observe.

As players engaged with Farah and witnessed the transformation of the Prince, it became hard not to adore the main character as he revealed his tender and fragile side. This level of powerful storytelling is often lacking in contemporary Ubisoft games, due to their complex, non-linear narratives. However, what truly stands out is the exceptional parkour system that allows players to experience the thrill of being agile ninjas, scaling walls, jumping, rolling, and traversing multiple stages. Regrettably, the combat could have been more intricate or immersive, but this was rectified in subsequent games, resulting in one of the most impressive gaming trilogies ever created.

4 South Park: The Fractured But Whole

The Sequel Is Just As Ludicrous As The First Game

Obsidian Entertainment truly outdid themselves with The Stick of Truth, a feat that’s tough to surpass, but Ubisoft’s internal team admirably continued this tradition. While The Fractured but Whole may not reach the iconic status of its precursor, fans of South Park will appreciate the enhanced turn-based combat and the engaging story that maintains the show’s signature humor. The game is further bolstered by the recurring superheroes from the series.

This shift from the fantasy roleplay that the kids engaged in before was a breath of fresh air, with the town of South Park littered with secrets. Whacking Morgan Freeman for a bit of fun, only to find out that he’s the game’s secret boss is a hilarious moment that fans won’t forget anytime soon. And that’s just one of the many ridiculously fun moments that are rampant in The Fractured but Whole. With most modern Ubisoft games playing it safe, it’s nice to see a game from this developer that doesn’t mind engaging in a lot of dark humor and ridiculous scenarios.

3 Valiant Hearts: The Great War

A Human Story Told During World War I

In contrast to Ubisoft’s typical emphasis on violent themes, it’s quite unexpected to encounter a game from this publisher that delves into the human experiences and heartrending tales of war, such as Valiant Hearts: The Great War. This game stands out not only for its visually captivating graphics but also for its thought-provoking narrative. Remarkably, even without dialogue, the storyline in Valiant Hearts carries a profound emotional impact that often surpasses many high-budget Ubisoft games.

Exploring the tale of a soldier conscripted into war seeking to reclaim his beloved one, “Valiant Hearts: The Great War” stands out as one of Ubisoft’s most innovative games, offering numerous rewarding conclusions. Although the puzzles within the game are straightforward, they remain captivating enough to sustain players’ interest throughout this concise and delightful adventure. However, some incongruous boss battles detract somewhat from the overall title. Nevertheless, when it comes to games that challenge Ubisoft’s standard approach, there’s no louder call-out than this game.

2 Trials Rising

A Solitary Gameplay Loop Involving Wacky Motorcycles

A frequent issue in popular Ubisoft games (as well as many AAA titles) is the attempt to incorporate numerous gameplay elements to appeal to a broad audience. In contrast, Trials Rising concentrates on one primary feature and does so exceptionally well. The over-the-top physics and racing dynamics necessitate maintaining control and balance while players strive to complete each level without crashing or falling off.

The side-splitting fun found in Trials Rising makes it an outstanding choice for gamers, whether they play solo or with friends. It easily transforms into a lively gathering game where participants strive to minimize their deaths and reach the finish line by any means possible. The online community keeps the game’s tracks captivating as ever, demonstrating the power of a Ubisoft game when it concentrates on a central theme.

1 Rayman Legends

One Of The Greatest Side-Scrolling Platformers Of All Time

It’s surprising to think that one of the most vibrant and creative side-scrolling platform games ever made was developed by Ubisoft. The Rayman series offers enjoyable titles that quickly escalate in difficulty, making fans excited when Rayman Legends struck a balance. Players could be amazed at the game’s imaginative level design without feeling overwhelmed by an impossible challenge.

Rayman Legends distinguishes itself through its vibrant visuals and local multiplayer functionality, enabling multiple players to jointly enjoy an exceptional platforming adventure. Given the game’s inventive and endearing nature, it’s disappointing that Ubisoft hasn’t launched a primary series installment since, instead choosing to concentrate on other titles that seem to fall short in capturing the warmth evident in each level of Rayman Legends.

2024-09-08 18:03