Unveiling like a stealthy assassin, the Assassin’s Creed series introduced a novel blend of history, sci-fi, and parkour action back in 2007 that grabbed everyone’s attention. This captivating mix spun off into a rich universe filled with fascinating stories and characters, expanding beyond games into comic books and even a hit movie.
With the upcoming release of Assassin’s Creed Shadows slated for a March 20 debut on the PlayStation 5, there’s no better time to dive into the core series and its 13 installments.
Assassin’s Creed – 2007 – PlayStation 3 – Ubisoft
The journey began with 12th-century assassin Altaïr Ibn-La’Ahad, where the fresh and innovative sandbox stealth game introduced us to the concept of the Animus. This device lets people experience the genetic memories of their ancestors. We saw Altaïr’s adventures during the Third Crusade through his modern-day descendant, Desmond Miles. This narrative structure cleverly intertwines medieval escapades with a contemporary mystery.
The first Assassin’s Creed set a high bar for future games of its kind, setting the stage for a sequel that would be even more engaging and beloved.
On PS4 and PS5, players can enjoy Assassin’s Creed The Ezio Collection, which contains the next three chapters.
Assassin’s Creed II – 2009 – PlayStation 3 and – 2016 – PlayStation 4 (Enhanced) – Ubisoft
The sequel continued Desmond’s journey, but in a surprise twist, it whisked players away to the Italian Renaissance. Here, we met Ezio Auditore da Firenze, whose quest for vengeance involved real historical figures like Leonardo da Vinci and Niccolo Machiavelli. Desmond also gained more depth, becoming more involved with the Assassin Brotherhood in the present day.
If the first game set the style, the second refined it, solidifying Ezio as a standout character in the franchise.
Assassin’s Creed Brotherhood – 2010 – PlayStation 3 and – 2016 – PlayStation 4 (Enhanced) – Ubisoft
Picking up from where the second game left off, Brotherhood saw Ezio expanding the Assassin Brotherhood’s influence across Rome. It kept the notoriety system but added new features like horseback assassinations, heavy weapon throws, and a crossbow, among others. Ezio could even call on apprentices for help, and the thrilling multiplayer mode allowed players to hunt each other in a game of cat and mouse.
Assassin’s Creed Revelations – 2011 – PlayStation 3 and – 2016 – PlayStation 4 (Enhanced) – Ubisoft
Concluding Ezio’s trilogy, Revelations had an older Ezio traveling to Constantinople to uncover secrets of the past. Desmond, caught in a perilous Animus state, needed to synchronize with both Ezio’s and Altaïr’s memories to save himself.
The game increased Ezio’s capabilities with the addition of zip lines and the Hookblade, enhancing both navigation and combat, along with introducing random encounters to keep players engaged.
Assassin’s Creed III – 2012 – PlayStation 3 and – 2019 – PlayStation 4 (Remastered) – Ubisoft
Venturing into North America, Assassin’s Creed III ended Desmond’s saga, focusing on preventing a global disaster. This chapter introduced Haytham Kenway and his son, Connor, offering a fascinating historical narrative set during the American Revolution. With new gameplay elements, such as animal hunting and naval battles, it was a major leap forward for the series.
Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag – 2013 – PlayStation 3 and PlayStation 4 – Ubisoft
Taking the adventurous spirit even further, Black Flag set sail during the Golden Age of Piracy. Players took on the role of Edward Kenway, enjoying unparalleled freedom on land and sea. The naval combat expanded, allowing shipwreck exploration and battles with other pirate legends.
Assassin’s Creed Rogue – 2014 – PlayStation 3 and – 2018 – PlayStation 4 (Remastered) – Ubisoft
Rogue flipped the script, putting players in control of Shay Patrick Cormac, an Assassin turned Templar. This twist gave the game a unique perspective as Shay navigated the icy North Atlantic and New York City while evading his former brethren.
Assassin’s Creed Unity – 2014 – PlayStation 4 – Ubisoft
Released simultaneously with Rogue, Unity was the series’ debut on PS4. It dazzled players with a new game engine, stunningly recreating Paris during the French Revolution. For the first time, it featured cooperative gameplay, allowing players to team up in Arno Dorian’s journey.
Assassin’s Creed Syndicate – 2015 – PlayStation 4 – Ubisoft
The industrial age of Victorian London came alive in Syndicate, which introduced twin protagonists Jacob and Evie Frye. Players could switch between them, experiencing a fresh dynamic, especially with Evie marking the first playable female Assassin in a core game.
Assassin’s Creed Origins – 2017 – PlayStation 4 – Ubisoft
Origins took us back to ancient Egypt, rebooting the series with an exploration of the Assassin Brotherhood’s origins. Through Bayek of Siwa, the game introduced RPG elements, crafting, and a refined combat system, offering a deeper experience.
Assassin’s Creed Odyssey – 2018 – PlayStation 4 – Ubisoft
Set against the mythic backdrop of Ancient Greece, Odyssey followed the footsteps of Kassandra or Alexios, descendants of King Leonidas. It expanded on Origins’ RPG mechanics with dialogue choices, multiple endings, and encounters with mythological beasts.
Assassin’s Creed Valhalla – 2020 – PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 – Ubisoft
Valhalla took players to the Viking invasions, reintroducing the central Assassin/Templar conflict through Eivor’s story. With settlement-building and engaging side activities, it refined and expanded upon elements introduced in previous entries.
Assassin’s Creed Mirage – 2023 – PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 – Ubisoft
Mirage brings players back to the series’ roots with a streamlined story focusing on stealth and parkour. Set in 9th-century Baghdad, it continues the tale of Basim Ibn Ishaq, first seen in Valhalla.
Soon, the saga continues in 16th-century Japan with Assassin’s Creed Shadows, featuring shinobi Fujibayashi Naoe and samurai Yasuke. Mark your calendars for March 20. As always, remember: "Nothing is true, everything is permitted."
