When Assassin’s Creed first burst onto the scene in 2007, it felt like an unexpected but thrilling blend of history, science fiction, and parkour-fueled action. This unique combination was enough to capture the attention of gamers everywhere. Fast forward, and the series has built a rich tapestry of lore with enduring characters, stretching its influence into comic books and even a Hollywood film.
As we anticipate the release of Assassin’s Creed Shadows on the PlayStation 5 this March 20, it’s a great opportunity to delve into the main lineage of the series, now spanning across 13 titles.
Assassin’s Creed – 2007 – PlayStation 3 – Ubisoft
The introduction to 12th-century assassin Altaïr Ibn-La’Ahad offered players an innovative experience in the form of a sandbox action stealth game. It rolled out the concept of the Animus, a device enabling users to relive ancestral memories. This time around, we explored both Altaïr’s life during the tumultuous Third Crusade and the perspective of his curious modern-day descendant, Desmond Miles. The game laid the foundation for a new genre, paving the way for its highly successful sequel.
Available on PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 through backward compatibility, the following trio of titles is grouped under Assassin’s Creed The Ezio Collection.
Assassin’s Creed II – 2009 – PlayStation 3 and – 2016 – PlayStation 4 (Enhanced) – Ubisoft
In a bold move, Assassin’s Creed II shifted focus from Altaïr to Desmond’s connection to the Italian Renaissance through the life of Ezio Auditore da Firenze. Ezio’s journey of vengeance interlaced with notorious figures like Leonardo da Vinci and Niccolo Machiavelli, while Desmond started engaging more directly with the modern-day Assassins. Ezio became a beloved figure, strengthening the franchise’s legacy.
Assassin’s Creed Brotherhood – 2010 – PlayStation 3 and – 2016 – PlayStation 4 (Enhanced) – Ubisoft
Picking up where its predecessor left off, Brotherhood followed Ezio again as he expanded the Assassin Brotherhood throughout Rome. Building on the notoriety system and introducing horseback assassinations, crossbows, and poison darts, it also innovated with a multiplayer mode where you could stealthily hunt your friends amid the chaos.
Assassin’s Creed Revelations – 2011 – PlayStation 3 and – 2016 – PlayStation 4 (Enhanced) – Ubisoft
The trilogy culminated as an older Ezio ventured to Constantinople seeking the secrets within Altaïr’s library. With Desmond caught in a battle for his own consciousness, the game equipped Ezio with new tools like zip-lines and the Hookblade, offering dynamic movement and strategic surprises.
Assassin’s Creed III – 2012 – PlayStation 3 and – 2019 – PlayStation 4 (Remastered) – Ubisoft
Setting the stage in North America, this installment put a cap on Desmond’s mission against an impending catastrophe. Through the perspective of Connor—a Native American Assassin and the son of a Templar—the game introduced dual-wielding weapons, naval combat, and varied environments that marked a revolutionary step forward.
Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag – 2013 – PlayStation 3 and PlayStation 4 – Ubisoft
Taking to the seas, Black Flag expanded on its predecessor’s oceanic elements, illuminating the pirate era with the freedom of exploring a vast world. Protagonist Edward Kenway navigated through shark-infested waters and legendary pirate encounters, his journey turning the spotlight on high-stakes naval battles.
Assassin’s Creed Rogue – 2014 – PlayStation 3 and – 2018 – PlayStation 4 (Remastered) – Ubisoft
In Rogue, players experienced the thrill of role reversal by stepping into the shoes of Shay Patrick Cormac, a former Assassin turned Templar. It brought an icy new backdrop, refining familiar game elements while keeping players on their toes with strategic encounters and Assassin ambushes.
Assassin’s Creed Unity – 2014 – PlayStation 4 – Ubisoft
Released alongside Rogue, Unity transported gamers to revolutionary Paris, debuting on the PS4 with a new game engine. A notable first in franchise history, it provided cooperative play with up to four players, encouraging collaboration and creating unique experiences grounded in shared objectives.
Assassin’s Creed Syndicate – 2015 – PlayStation 4 – Ubisoft
Set in Victorian London, Syndicate introduced sibling protagonists, Jacob and Evie Frye, offering fresh twists like dual-character play and carriage-based transportation. Evie’s inclusion fostered a more diverse narrative, allowing gamers to engage with different perspectives for the first time in the series’ core lineup.
Assassin’s Creed Origins – 2017 – PlayStation 4 – Ubisoft
A return to the roots brought Origins to ancient Egypt, redefining game mechanics with RPG-like progression and discoveries about the ongoing Assassins versus Templars conflict. Bayek’s tale unfolded with Layla Hassan driving the modern-day narrative, expanding on the player’s interactive choices and enviable combat skills.
Assassin’s Creed Odyssey – 2018 – PlayStation 4 – Ubisoft
In Odyssey, the saga of Layla continued in a mythical version of ancient Greece, allowing players to choose Kassandra or Alexios and explore vast landscapes midst the brutal Peloponnesian War. The game advanced the series with intricate dialogue choices, quest variations, and swashbuckling naval skirmishes.
Assassin’s Creed Valhalla – 2020 – PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 – Ubisoft
Amidst the tumultuous Viking invasions, Valhalla placed gamers in the shoes of Eivor, blending cultural settings with renewed gameplay mechanics like settlement building and interactive contests. Valhalla’s story entwined with Layla’s modern-day troubles, weaving a rich tapestry of conflict and camaraderie.
Assassin’s Creed Mirage – 2023 – PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 – Ubisoft
Mirage revisited the series’ origins by emphasizing stealth and parkour in 9th-century Baghdad, centering on Basim Ibn Ishaq’s odyssey from street thief to a distinguished Master Assassin.
Now, the saga continues with Assassin’s Creed Shadows, bringing us to 16th-century Japan. With shinobi Fujibayashi Naoe and legendary samurai Yasuke, the next chapter arrives soon. But remember: “Nothing is true, everything is permitted.”
