Best Assassin’s Creed Games Ranked
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Have you ever found yourself lost in the intricate worlds of ancient civilizations, navigating the fine line between good and evil, and mastering the art of stealth and deception? If so, you’re likely no stranger to the Assassin’s Creed series, a franchise that has captivated gamers for over a decade with its richly detailed environments, complex characters, and epic storylines.
For those who may be unfamiliar, Assassin’s Creed is a series of action-adventure games that follow the eternal struggle between two secret societies: the Assassins, who fight for peace and free will, and the Templars, who seek control and order. With a unique blend of historical fiction, science fiction, and fantasy elements, the series has become a staple of modern gaming, with a devoted fan base and a reputation for pushing the boundaries of storytelling and gameplay.
But with so many incredible games in the series, it can be tough to decide which ones to play, and in what order. That’s why we’ve put together a definitive ranking of the best Assassin’s Creed games, taking into account factors like gameplay, storytelling, characters, and overall impact on the series.
The Early Years: A Franchise in Formation
The first Assassin’s Creed game, released in 2007, introduced players to the world of Altaïr ibn-La’Ahad, a young Assassin living in the Holy Land during the Third Crusade. While the game’s innovative parkour mechanics and richly detailed environments were widely praised, its repetitive gameplay and clunky controls held it back from reaching its full potential.
The sequel, Assassin’s Creed II, released in 2009, built upon the foundations established by the first game, introducing a new protagonist, Ezio Auditore, and a more refined gameplay experience. Set in Renaissance Italy, the game’s beautifully rendered landscapes, engaging characters, and improved combat mechanics made it an instant classic, and a major step forward for the series.
The Golden Age: A Series in Full Bloom
The next few years saw the release of several more Assassin’s Creed games, each building upon the successes of the previous titles. Assassin’s Creed: Brotherhood, released in 2010, introduced a multiplayer component to the series, while Assassin’s Creed: Revelations, released in 2011, concluded the story of Ezio Auditore and introduced a new protagonist, Desmond Miles.
But it was Assassin’s Creed III, released in 2012, that truly cemented the series’ reputation as a major force in gaming. Set during the American Revolution, the game’s vast open world, engaging characters, and refined gameplay mechanics made it a critical and commercial success, and a major milestone in the series.
The Modern Era: A Series in Transition
In recent years, the Assassin’s Creed series has undergone significant changes, with a shift towards more open-world, RPG-style gameplay, and a greater emphasis on character customization and development. Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag, released in 2013, introduced a new pirate-themed setting, while Assassin’s Creed: Unity, released in 2014, took the series to Revolutionary France.
However, it was Assassin’s Creed: Origins, released in 2017, that truly marked a new era for the series. Set in ancient Egypt, the game’s vast open world, engaging characters, and refined gameplay mechanics made it a critical and commercial success, and a major step forward for the series.
Ranking the Best Assassin’s Creed Games
So, which Assassin’s Creed games stand out as the best? Here’s our definitive ranking:
- Assassin’s Creed II: A masterclass in game design, storytelling, and characters, Assassin’s Creed II is a must-play for fans of the series.
- Assassin’s Creed: Origins: A major step forward for the series, Assassin’s Creed: Origins offers a vast open world, engaging characters, and refined gameplay mechanics.
- Assassin’s Creed III: A critical and commercial success, Assassin’s Creed III offers a vast open world, engaging characters, and refined gameplay mechanics.
- Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag: A pirate-themed adventure that offers a unique blend of exploration, combat, and character customization.
- Assassin’s Creed: Brotherhood: A refinement of the Assassin’s Creed formula, offering a multiplayer component and a engaging storyline.
- Assassin’s Creed: Revelations: A conclusion to the story of Ezio Auditore, offering a unique blend of exploration, combat, and character customization.
- Assassin’s Creed: Unity: A flawed but ambitious game that offers a unique setting and engaging characters.
- Assassin’s Creed: A groundbreaking game that introduced the series to the world, but ultimately held back by repetitive gameplay and clunky controls.
What Makes a Great Assassin’s Creed Game?
So, what makes a great Assassin’s Creed game? Here are a few key factors:
- Engaging characters: A great Assassin’s Creed game needs memorable, well-developed characters that players can root for.
- Richly detailed environments: The series is known for its beautifully rendered landscapes and detailed environments, and a great Assassin’s Creed game needs to deliver on this front.
- Refined gameplay mechanics: A great Assassin’s Creed game needs to offer a refined gameplay experience, with a balance of exploration, combat, and stealth.
- Compelling storyline: A great Assassin’s Creed game needs a compelling storyline that draws players in and keeps them engaged.
- Innovative features: A great Assassin’s Creed game needs to offer something new and innovative, whether it’s a new setting, a new gameplay mechanic, or a new feature.
Conclusion
The Assassin’s Creed series is a beloved and iconic franchise that has captivated gamers for over a decade. With a unique blend of historical fiction, science fiction, and fantasy elements, the series has become a staple of modern gaming, with a devoted fan base and a reputation for pushing the boundaries of storytelling and gameplay.
Whether you’re a longtime fan of the series or just discovering it for the first time, there’s never been a better time to dive into the world of Assassin’s Creed. With a range of incredible games to choose from, each offering a unique and engaging experience, you’re sure to find something that suits your tastes.
So, which Assassin’s Creed game will you play first? Will you explore the ancient landscapes of Assassin’s Creed: Origins, or dive into the pirate-themed adventure of Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag? Whatever your choice, you can be sure that you’re in for a thrilling ride, full of action, adventure, and intrigue.
And if you’re a fan of the series, we’d love to hear from you. What’s your favorite Assassin’s Creed game, and why? Do you have a favorite character or storyline? Let us know in the comments, and join the conversation.
In the end, the Assassin’s Creed series is a testament to the power of gaming to transport us to new and exciting worlds, to challenge our assumptions and push the boundaries of what’s possible. Whether you’re a fan of action-adventure games, historical fiction, or science fiction, there’s something in the series for everyone. So, what are you waiting for? Join the Brotherhood, and discover a world of adventure and intrigue that will leave you breathless.
