Biggest Traditions In The Assassin’s Creed Series

by

Summary

  • The Leap of Faith is a classic move that gets players’ hearts racing since it softens landings.
  • Parkour allows quick navigation and is a core mechanic in every Assassin’s Creed entry.
  • Each game features unique historical periods and the Animus tool to connect past and present.

The Assassin’s Creed series has undergone significant transformations throughout its existence. Initially, it was a sleek, stealth-oriented collection of games, but over time, it has evolved into open-world RPGs with a strong emphasis on action. Despite the series’ dramatic shifts in direction, there have always been certain consistent aspects, such as specific gameplay features, tools, and elements that have persisted throughout each mainline title, creating a common thread.

Apart from making each installment in the series distinctively connected, these traditions serve to set the Assassin’s Creed games apart from other comparable titles. These features imbue them with a unique flavor that fosters a sense of familiarity and nostalgia. Regardless of the game’s setting or characters, which often vary from one version to another, the traditional elements mentioned below consistently find their way into each game in some form.

8. Leap Of Faith

A Stylish Maneuver That Always Gets The Heart Racing

Although boasting extraordinary parkour skills, the Assassins in the games are not invincible and have physical limitations. Consequently, they don’t possess the ability to glide or float upon landing from great heights like skyscrapers. This is where the impressive Leap of Faith originated – a gameplay feature that allows players to simulate their character diving into a stack of hay to cushion their fall.

In a fun twist, many gamers can hardly wait to perform The Leap of Faith as soon as they start a new game. They search for the map’s highest spot, then leap off without hesitation, landing straight on the ground below. It’s a quick method to heighten adrenaline levels, and this daring move has been featured in every game since the very beginning.

7. Parkour

Players Navigate The Map Like A Quick, Nimble Assassin

Not only did the original Assassin’s Creed game impress with stylish outfits and captivating stealth mechanics, but it also gained recognition for its innovative parkour movement system that mirrored realistic navigation for its era of release. As open-world games were growing in popularity, Ubisoft introduced a feature enabling players to swiftly and effortlessly traverse the map without relying on fast travel. Since then, this has become a defining characteristic of the series, closely associated with its core gameplay.

Playing the game Assassin’s Creed revolves around eliminating a target and maneuvering through buildings to escape pursuers, a key aspect of its gameplay. If the parkour system were absent, it would significantly diminish the experience, as it has become an essential mechanic for each new installment in the series.

6. Unique Historical Periods

Each Game Takes Place In A Unique Period With New Characters

Unlike many video game series that generally stick to a particular timeframe or keep sequels close in time, the Assassin’s Creed series deviates from this pattern. Instead of being set mostly in consecutive periods like Renaissance Italy or revolutionary America, it has delved into a wide array of fascinating historical eras such as Ancient Egypt. Remarkably, these epochs are separated by centuries, which makes the games an engaging experience for history enthusiasts.

Indeed, several latest game titles such as “Origins” and “Valhalla” provide visual tours, enabling players to delve into and educate themselves about the breathtaking landscapes. Remarkably, these settings strive to be as authentic as feasible to the time periods they depict. Interestingly, a key aspect of this series is its diversity, as each game presents a distinct setting, offering fans an exciting new adventure with every fresh installment.

5. The Animus

The Device That Transports Players To The Past

As a passionate fan, I’ve always marveled at how The Animus served as a bridge between our present and the historical past, enabling us to command characters like Altair in the initial installment. Yet, it was Desmond, our series’ central figure, who found himself immersed within The Animus on numerous occasions, delving into the memories of his forebears to uncover the Templars’ secrets and fragments of Eden. This intriguing device became a recurring element in each new game, providing us with an enthralling narrative journey through time.

When Desmond stopped appearing in the narrative, players assumed that the Animus might be phased out. Yet, Ubisoft opted to reintegrate it, introducing new ways to utilize it – like transforming it into a video game-like experience within Assassin’s Creed: Black Flag.

4. Ezio’s Outfit

Ezio’s Legacy Lives On Through His Iconic White And Red Robe

Man, it’s tough to put into words just how beloved Ezio became when he first appeared in Assassin’s Creed 2. This dashing, quick-witted, wealthy Italian lad was about to embark on a long and grueling journey after the tragic loss of his family. For most of that journey, he wore a striking white and red assassin’s robe – a nod to our series’ most iconic hero – which has made a comeback in every mainline game since as a heartfelt tribute to Ezio, the character we all can’t forget.

In various games, Ezio’s distinctive costume is offered as a bonus item available for purchase via the Uplay store. However, some games may need players to achieve a specific Experience (EXP) level across multiple titles before they can wear it. Even though Ezio hasn’t made an appearance in many recent installments, his influence endures through his iconic attire, which remains accessible as long as gamers are willing to complete the necessary tasks to acquire it.

3. Receiving The Robe

Symbolizes The Protagonists’ Entry Into The Assassins

In most mainline games, the initial part of the narrative provides several hours for the player to acclimate and eventually align with the Assassins’ order. Once they have demonstrated their worth and earned full membership, the character is bestowed a distinctive robe that serves as their unique attire throughout the remainder of the story.

As a devoted fan, one of the most eagerly anticipated moments in the RPG games is the sequence where I learn about the struggles of the Assassins and symbolically join their ranks by donning their distinctive robes. This attire not only adds a touch of authenticity to my character but also ensures anonymity while tracking down my next target, making me truly feel like a stealthy assassin.

2. Stealth Mechanics

Stealth Has Always Been An Available Option

Regardless of how heavily an Assassin’s Creed game emphasizes action or RPG elements, it will always include some stealth features to provide players the opportunity to address situations by adopting a covert strategy if they prefer. Although staying hidden and tracking enemies from a distance was a key aspect in the initial game, the stealth capabilities in Assassin’s Creed games have developed and grown more sophisticated over time, enabling players to seamlessly mingle with crowds and detect enemy footsteps to enhance their performance during missions.

Despite the fact that Valhalla and Odyssey reduced the emphasis on stealth somewhat, it continues to be the core element of the series, consistently reappearing in different forms. It’s fortunate that Ubisoft fully embraced the franchise’s trademark stealth mechanics in Mirage, and it appears that stealth will also be a significant aspect for Assassin’s Creed: Shadows, as demonstrated by the character of Naoe.

1. Hidden Blade

The Go-To Weapon Of The Assassins

Beyond a shadow of a doubt, the Hidden Blade stands out as the most distinctive symbol throughout the series. This lethal device was initially presented in the first installment as Altair’s primary weapon, and later in the second game, Ezio added another blade to his collection. Since then, it has made an appearance in every subsequent game, including those that deviated from traditional stealth mechanics like Valhalla.

In Odyssey, a downloadable content (DLC) was created solely to narrate the origin tale of the weapon that eventually became the signature tool for the Assassins – the Hidden Blade. Over time, this weapon has earned its place among the most iconic video game weapons, evoking a wave of nostalgia in long-term fans as soon as they encounter it in any new game.

Read More

2025-01-05 04:05