PlayStation.Blog: A Look Back at the Assassin’s Creed Series

Back in 2007, Assassin’s Creed burst onto the scene with a unique blend of historical intrigue, sci-fi twists, and thrilling parkour action, captivating audiences everywhere. This innovative series has since spawned a rich universe filled with beloved characters, captivating video games, engaging comic books, and even a Hollywood film adaptation.

As we gear up for the March 20 release of Assassin’s Creed Shadows on PlayStation 5, it’s the perfect moment to dive into the series’ main narrative arc across its 13 core titles.

Assassin’s Creed – 2007 – PlayStation 3 – Ubisoft

When the first Assassin’s Creed game debuted, players were introduced to the enigmatic Altaïr Ibn-La’Ahad, a 12th-century assassin. The game’s concept of the Animus— a machine allowing individuals to experience their ancestors’ genetic memories—captured imaginations as players uncovered Altaïr’s tale during the Third Crusade through his distant descendant, Desmond Miles. This narrative duality set the stage for a saga that would grip gamers for years.

The game set a new standard for action-adventure titles, paving the way for its even more acclaimed sequel.

The subsequent three titles can be enjoyed on PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 (via backwards compatibility) as part of Assassin’s Creed: The Ezio Collection.

Assassin’s Creed II – 2009 – PlayStation 3 and – 2016 – PlayStation 4 (Enhanced) – Ubisoft

The follow-up to the original took a surprising turn, transporting players to the Italian Renaissance. Here, they met Ezio Auditore da Firenze, a new ancestor for Desmond to explore. Ezio’s story of vengeance intertwined with historical figures like Leonardo da Vinci and Niccolò Machiavelli, adding a rich tapestry of intrigue. As Desmond grew more involved with the Assassin Brotherhood in the modern era, the sequel sharpened and expanded the series’ legacy, endearing Ezio to fans worldwide.

Assassin’s Creed Brotherhood – 2010 – PlayStation 3 and – 2016 – PlayStation 4 (Enhanced) – Ubisoft

Picking up right after the events of Assassin’s Creed II, Ezio returned to expand the Assassin Brotherhood in Rome. With new gameplay elements like horseback assassinations, launching heavy weapons, and using crossbows and poison darts, Brotherhood elevated gameplay to new heights. The game’s social notoriety system tracked players’ reputation, while recruits could be dispatched for various missions. Moreover, the introduction of an addictive multiplayer mode offered an additional layer of excitement.

Assassin’s Creed Revelations – 2011 – PlayStation 3 and – 2016 – PlayStation 4 (Enhanced) – Ubisoft

As the trilogy drew to a close, an older Ezio embarked on a quest in Constantinople to unlock Altaïr’s secret library, with Desmond’s mind hanging in the balance. New gameplay mechanics like zip lines and the Hookblade, which facilitated both traversal and combat, enhanced player mobility and engagement. Surprise encounters with NPCs and Templar ‘stalkers’ kept players on edge.

Assassin’s Creed III – 2012 – PlayStation 3 and – 2019 – PlayStation 4 (Remastered) – Ubisoft

Set during the American Revolution, Assassin’s Creed III marked the franchise’s first venture into North America. Desmond’s mission, with memories relived through Ratonhnhaké:ton, aka Connor, introduced fresh gameplay elements. Players could now engage in complex duel-wielding, animal hunting, and naval battles, while weather changes brought the environment to life.

Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag – 2013 – PlayStation 3 and PlayStation 4 – Ubisoft

Building on Assassin’s Creed III’s naval elements, Black Flag unleashed gamers into the lush world of piracy. From taking on enemy ships to exploring underwater wrecks and hunting sea creatures, it brilliantly combined land and sea exploration. The exploits of pirate Edward Kenway provided new freedoms and exciting characters to encounter.

Assassin’s Creed Rogue – 2014 – PlayStation 3 and – 2018 – PlayStation 4 (Remastered) – Ubisoft

Rogue offered a fresh spin, letting players take on the role of Shay Patrick Cormac, an assassin who turned Templar. Set across North America’s icy seas and bustling cities, the game maintained the series’ core elements while introducing new threats and missions. Shay’s journey added a compelling layer of complexity to the saga.

Assassin’s Creed Unity – 2014 – PlayStation 4 – Ubisoft

Arriving alongside Rogue, Unity brought a fresh engine and a cooperative gameplay mode during the French Revolution in Paris. Players could join forces with up to three friends, utilizing shared resources and customizable gear in what felt like a new era for Assassin adventures.

Assassin’s Creed Syndicate – 2015 – PlayStation 4 – Ubisoft

Set in Victorian London, Syndicate introduced dual protagonists Jacob and Evie Frye. With a piece of Eden to capture, players could alternate between the siblings in an environment transformed by mechanical innovations like horse-drawn carriages and strategic kidnappings.

Assassin’s Creed Origins – 2017 – PlayStation 4 – Ubisoft

Traveling back to ancient Egypt, Origins rebooted the series, exploring the Assassin Brotherhood’s inception. Bayek of Siwa embarks on a quest rich in role-playing elements, focusing on leveling systems, combat intricacies, and a dynamic crafting system.

Assassin’s Creed Odyssey – 2018 – PlayStation 4 – Ubisoft

Diving deeper into mythology, Odyssey enhanced the RPG elements, offering player choice, relationship dynamics, and multiple endings against the backdrop of Ancient Greece. With memorable naval battles and encounters with mythological beasts, it built upon Origins’ solid foundation.

Assassin’s Creed Valhalla – 2020 – PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 – Ubisoft

Stepping into the boots of a Viking raider in 873 AD, Valhalla intertwined Eivor’s journey with the Assassin/Templar conflict as players explored settlements, contested territories, and engaged in lively Norse traditions.

Assassin’s Creed Mirage – 2023 – PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 – Ubisoft

Returning to its roots, Mirage focused on stealth and parkour within a more linear storyline set in 9th-century Baghdad. With Master Assassin Basim Ibn Ishaq helming the story, it reduced the emphasis on modern-day subplots for a tight, immersive historical experience.

And now, as Assassin’s Creed Shadows approaches, get ready to delve into 16th-century Japan, where shinobi Fujibayashi Naoe and legendary samurai Yasuke await. Remember, “Nothing is true, everything is permitted.”