AC series is a name that holds great significance in the world of gaming. The series has been around since the early days of gaming when 8-bit consoles like Nintendo ruled the roost. It has come a long way since then and has become a gaming franchise par excellence, known for its stunning visuals, cinematic storytelling, and engaging gameplay. In this article, we’ll take a look at the evolution of the AC series and how it has transformed over the years.
The Beginning:
The first game in the AC series was released back in 2007. Developed by Ubisoft Montreal, the game introduced the world to the protagonist, Altaïr Ibn-La’Ahad. Set in the Holy Land during the Third Crusade, the game followed Altaïr, a member of the Assassin’s Brotherhood as he unravels a conspiracy to take control of the Holy Land. The game was an instant hit and was praised for its unique gameplay mechanics, a vast open-world environment, and incredible graphics.
The Golden Age:
With the success of the first game, Ubisoft knew they were on to something special. The subsequent games in the series, Assassin’s Creed 2, Brotherhood, and Revelations, formed the Ezio Trilogy and were set in Renaissance Italy. These games took the series to new heights, introducing new gameplay mechanics like free-running, an improved combat system, and a vast array of side missions. The storyline was also expanded, which delved deeper into the history of the Assassin’s Brotherhood and the Templar Order. These games are considered as the Golden Age of the AC series and received critical acclaim for their rich and immersive world, cinematic storytelling, and engaging gameplay.
The New Era:
After the completion of the Ezio Trilogy, Ubisoft decided to explore new settings and protagonists. This led to the release of Assassin’s Creed 3, which was set during the American Revolution and followed Connor, a half-Mohawk, half-English Assassin. The game introduced new gameplay mechanics like hunting and sailing, but the reception was mixed due to a convoluted storyline and a lack of character development. The subsequent games, Black Flag, Unity, and Syndicate, introduced new protagonists and settings but failed to recapture the magic of the Ezio Trilogy.
The Rebirth:
With the release of Assassin’s Creed Origins in 2017, the series underwent a significant overhaul. The game was set in Ancient Egypt and followed Bayek, an Egyptian Medjay, as he uncovers a conspiracy to overthrow the Pharaoh. The game introduced a new gameplay mechanic, an RPG-style leveling system, which allowed players to customize their character’s abilities and weapons. The game was critically acclaimed for its open-world environment, engaging storyline, and impressive visuals. The game was a massive commercial success and breathed new life into the series.
The Future:
With the upcoming release of Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, the series is set to take another leap forward. The game is set during the Viking Age and follows Eivor, a Viking raider, as they lead their people to a new home in England. The game promises to introduce new gameplay mechanics like raiding and settlement building, and the series will continue to leverage the RPG-style leveling system introduced in Origins. The game has already generated a substantial amount of hype and is expected to be yet another commercial and critical success.
Conclusion:
The AC series has come a long way since its inception in 2007. From humble beginnings to a global phenomenon, the series has transformed gaming in more ways than one. The series has evolved over time, introducing new gameplay mechanics, exploring new settings, and developing engaging characters. With the upcoming release of Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, the series continues to push boundaries and promises to be yet another triumph for Ubisoft. The series has left an indelible mark in the gaming world, and its enduring legacy will continue to inspire new generations of gamers for years to come.k Lift Accessories