Embarking on Timeless Journeys: The 15 Best Assassin's Creed Games in History

A franchise steeped in historical grandeur and unforgettable gaming experiences, Assassin's Creed has continuously offered gamers the chance to live out epic adventures. With each game themed around a distinct historical period and location, the series has captivated audiences worldwide. Here, we take an in-depth look at the 15 best Assassin's Creed games that have, in their unique ways, indelibly made their mark on the world of gaming.

1. Assassin's Creed Unity

Set amidst the stormy backdrop of the French Revolution, Assassin's Creed Unity captured the chaos and violence of the time. With its remarkable recreation of Paris, Unity incorporated intricate gameplay mechanics and pushed the boundaries of graphics in gaming when it was released. Despite initial criticism over technical issues, its now-cemented legacy is one of an audacious, beautifully designed entry in the series.

2. Assassin's Creed Rogue

Providing a twist to the familiar narrative, Rogue offered a fascinating story from the perspective of a Templar. With its stunning North American landscape, an intense naval battle system, and the compelling transformation of protagonist Shay Patrick Cormac, it's a hidden gem in the franchise. Rogue might not be the most discussed title in the series, but its contribution to the lore is undeniable.

3. Assassin's Creed: Revelations

Concluding the arc of fan-favorite Ezio Auditore, Revelations was a worthy farewell to the beloved character. Set in a vividly recreated Constantinople, the game was a breathtaking testament to the franchise's commitment to historical accuracy. With a refined combat system and the addition of bomb crafting, Revelations was an emotional and exciting end to Ezio's journey.

4. Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood

Brotherhood drew players back into the shoes of Ezio, now a full-fledged assassin. Its memorable setting in Rome, alongside groundbreaking features like the management of your Assassin Brotherhood and innovative multiplayer modes, made it a significant milestone in the series. Brotherhood didn't just feel like an extension of Ezio's saga but a complete, standalone experience in its own right.

5. Assassin's Creed Valhalla

Marking a fresh turn for the series, Valhalla took a plunge into Viking history. With the harsh and beautiful landscapes of England & Norway and a complex protagonist in Eivor, the game provided a deep, intricate narrative. It expanded on the RPG elements introduced in Origins and Odyssey, making for a fuller, more immersive experience that fans appreciated.

6. Assassin's Creed Syndicate

Syndicate presented a story of intrigue and power struggles in Victorian London. The dual-protagonist of Jacob and Evie Frye was a refreshing addition, with each offering distinct playstyles. Integration of vehicles, sprawling city landscapes, and the grappling hook stand out in Syndicate’s gameplay, making it a thoroughly entertaining journey through one of history's most exciting eras.

7. Assassin's Creed II

With its introduction of the charismatic Ezio Auditore and a captivating plot that spanned decades, Assassin's Creed II marked a turning point in the series. Its depiction of Renaissance Italy was deeply atmospheric, and the game refined the formula of the original, making for a more fluid experience that helped define the series.

8. Assassin's Creed Odyssey

Odyssey was a bold stride into the realms of ancient Greece and full-fledged RPG gaming. With its enormous open world filled with quests, beautiful vistas, and a choice-driven plot, Odyssey brought players closer to the action than ever. The ability to choose between two protagonists, Alexios and Kassandra, helped elevate the game's replayability and branching narrative.

9. Assassin's Creed: Origins

Origins served as both a rejuvenation and a redefinition of the franchise. Set in the meticulously crafted world of Ancient Egypt, its stunning landscapes and riveting plot captivated players. Introducing RPG mechanics into the series, Origins gave the franchise a much-needed breath of fresh air and set the bar high for the titles that follow.

10. Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag

Ambitious and expansive, Black Flag was the pirate game players didn't know they needed. With its large Caribbean Sea open world, unforgettable naval battles, and the swashbuckling anti-hero Edward Kenway, Black Flag set a new standard in the series. It flawlessly fused the series' signature stealth mechanics with a shared world of seafaring and exploration.

11. Assassin's Creed 2: Discovery

As a handheld spin-off, Discovery provided an alternative look to the Assassin's Creed universe. While it simplified the traditional mechanics to suit mobile devices, it managed to capture the essence of the franchise. With streamlined gameplay and a more linear narrative, it provided a great on-the-go Assassin's Creed experience.

 

Bloodlines marked the franchise's first venture into handheld systems. Despite having to work within the limitations of the PSP, it offered a compact Assassin's Creed experience. Following the story of the original Assassin's Creed, Bloodlines' unique gameplay and rich narrative made it an impressive addition to the lineup.

13. Assassin's Creed Chronicles: India

Part of a standalone trilogy, Chronicles: India incorporated 2.5D side-scrolling at its finest. This delineation from the traditional Assassin's Creed dynamics brought a refreshing twist to the game. With its vivid color palettes and level designs infused with Indian cultural elements, Chronicles: India gave a unique perspective to the series.

14. Assassin's Creed Pirates

A mobile offering targeting maritime enthusiasts, Pirates captured the seafaring life beautifully with customizable ships, open-world exploration, and real-time naval battles. While it streamlined the typical Assassin's Creed gameplay for mobile devices, its enjoyment wasn't watered down, offering a commendable handheld adventure.

15. Assassin's Creed Liberation

Set in 18th-century New Orleans, Liberation introduced the series' first female protagonist, Aveline. With its illuminating look into the era’s social norms and a compelling protagonist, Liberation was a poignant game that stood out amongst the other titles in the franchise. Its use of costume changes to impact gameplay was a unique addition that gave it a flavor of its own.

In conclusion, the Assassin's Creed franchise offers a varying array of games, each contributing to the rich tapestry of a gaming dynasty. Starting with the tale of Altair and extending into lands and times unimaginable, every chapter adds unique depth and perspective. Transcending beyond the realms of gaming to capture the essence of history, Assassin's Creed games have created experiences that are both entertaining and enlightening.