Hello, fellow Animus navigators! Remember sneaking around rooftops in Renaissance Italy, channeling your inner Ezio Auditore da Firenze? Yeah, me too. Those were the days, teenage me glued to the screen, mesmerized by hidden blades, thrilling chases, and that iconic leap of faith into a gloriously rendered haystack. Assassin’s Creed wasn’t just a game; it was a gateway to history, a playground of hidden blades and social climbing (the good kind, of course).
But the series has come a long way since Ezio’s charming roguishness. We’ve scaled pyramids, sailed the Caribbean, and even brawled our way through Viking sagas. The question is, with all these new adventures, how do the classics hold up?
Well, fret no more! We’re diving headfirst into nostalgia (and maybe a hidden blade or two) to rank the top 10 Assassin’s Creed games. From that unforgettable first leap in Florence to the latest odyssey (be it Greek or Viking), get ready to revisit iconic settings, assess unforgettable characters, and, of course, argue passionately about where Ezio lands on the list.
10. Assassin’s Creed II (2009):
Now, kicking things off at number 10 is the game that started it all for many of us – Assassin’s Creed II. Sure, the mechanics might feel a tad rough around the edges these days, and the story might be a bit by-the-numbers compared to the franchise’s sprawling narratives later on.
But there’s a reason this one holds a special place in our hearts. It was our introduction to Ezio, a charming rogue with a heart of gold (and a serious knack for revenge). Who can forget the thrill of scaling the sun-drenched rooftops of Florence for the first time, or the sheer satisfaction of finally facing down those smug Templar jerks? Assassin’s Creed II might not be the most complex entry in the series, but it laid the foundation for everything we love about Assassin’s Creed, and for that, it deserves a spot on this list.
9. Assassin’s Creed (2007):
Slot number nine goes to the OG Assassin’s Creed, the title that started it all. Sure, the graphics might look a bit rough compared to its younger siblings, and the mission structure could be repetitive at times. But hey, that first leap of faith into a haystack? Pure magic. Assassin’s Creed 2007 introduced us to Altaïr, a conflicted assassin with a redemption arc that, while subtle, laid the groundwork for the more character-driven narratives to come.
Plus, who can forget scaling the massive spires of Jerusalem or the thrill of a perfectly timed assassination? This game might be a bit rough around the edges by today’s standards, but respect is due for where it all began.
8. Assassin’s Creed Rogue (2014):
Sliding in at number 8, we have the often-overlooked Assassin’s Creed Rogue. Now, this one might raise some eyebrows. Here’s the thing: Rogue took a bold step by flipping the script and letting us play as a Templar, Shay Cormac. Sure, it lacked the wide-eyed wonder of Ezio’s origin story, but seeing the Assassin-Templar conflict from the other side was fascinating. Hunting down your former brethren added a layer of complexity, and who can resist commanding a sweet ship called the Morrigan? Plus, exploring the icy North Atlantic offered a refreshing change of scenery from the usual sunny Italian piazzas.
Now, don’t get me wrong, the story wasn’t groundbreaking, and the mechanics borrowed heavily from Black Flag. But for a side entry, Rogue offered a unique perspective and some damn good ship battles.
7. Assassin’s Creed III (2012):
Claiming the number 7 spot, we find ourselves amidst the snowy wilderness and bustling colonial cities of Assassin’s Creed III. This title holds a special place for many a veteran gamer, myself included.
Trading the familiar Italian architecture for the American Revolution was a bold move, and Connor, our Mohawk assassin with a troubled past, offered a unique perspective. Scaling the sides of the unfinished Bunker Hill monument and assassinating Redcoats in the midst of revolutionary chaos was an experience unlike any other in the series. The combat system in AC III took a more brutal approach, with Connor wielding a tomahawk and hidden blade in a flurry of violence. Sure, the parkour controls felt a bit rough around the edges at times, and the narrative lacked the polish of some earlier entries, but AC III gave us a fresh historical period to explore and a new kind of assassin to root for. Plus, who can forget commanding your own ship, the Aquila, and carving a bloody path across the high seas?
6. Assassin’s Creed Syndicate (2015):
Swinging into the number 6 spot with a grappling hook and Victorian flair, we have Assassin’s Creed Syndicate. This globe-trotting franchise took a detour to the smog-filled streets of London during the Industrial Revolution. Stepping into the boots of not one, but two Assassins – the brash Jacob Frye and his stealthy twin sister Evie-offered a refreshing change of pace.
The grappling hook added a new layer of mobility to navigating the sprawling cityscape, and the brutal brawls felt appropriately fast-paced and unforgiving for the era. While the story might not have reached the epic heights of some previous entries, Syndicate’s charismatic protagonists and playground of a Victorian London make it a damn fun romp through history.
5. Assassin’s Creed Revelations (2011):
Ah, Assassin’s Creed Revelations, gracing our list at number 5. This entry marked the emotional culmination of Ezio Auditore’s journey, and for many of us who grew up with the character, it was a bittersweet goodbye. Revelations took us back to a more mature Ezio, now a seasoned Assassin Mentor, returning to the series’ birthplace – Constantinople. The city itself was a revelation (pun intended), bustling with Ottoman life and offering a playground of towering mosques and intricate rooftops to explore. The story delved deeper into the lore of the Assassins and Templars, with Ezio following in the footsteps of his legendary predecessor, Altaïr.
The combat, while familiar by then, was refined to a satisfying smoothness, and the addition of bomb crafting added a new tactical wrinkle to taking down your enemies. Revelations might not have offered the same level of historical novelty as some other entries, but for sheer emotional resonance and a fitting conclusion to Ezio’s epic saga, it holds a special place in our hearts.
4. Assassin’s Creed Origins (2017):
Leaping into the number 4 spot with a trusty hidden blade, we find Assassin’s Creed Origins. This sprawling 2017 title marked a significant shift for the series, embracing a full-fledged open-world RPG format.We journeyed back to the majestic sands of Ancient Egypt as Bayek, a Medjay protector seeking justice. The world of Origins felt truly alive, from the bustling markets of Memphis to the desolate beauty of the desert.
The combat system received a welcome overhaul, with a focus on gear acquisition, skill trees, and a more tactical approach to fighting. Unraveling the mysteries of the pyramids and the origins of the Hidden Ones (the forerunners to the Assassin Brotherhood) offered a fascinating historical deep dive. Sure, the sheer scale of the world could be overwhelming at times, and the narrative lacked the focused intensity of some past entries, but Origins marked a bold new direction for the franchise, one filled with stunning visuals, deep RPG mechanics, and a rich historical playground to explore.
3. Assassin’s Creed Unity (2014):
Earning the prestigious bronze medal at number 3 is Assassin’s Creed Unity. Many gamers are only now coming around to appreciate just how groundbreaking Assassin’s Creed Unity truly was. Released in 2014, Unity pushed the boundaries of what the franchise and arguably the entire generation could achieve.
Unity wasn’t without its flaws at launch, but its impact on the series can’t be denied. The sheer scale of revolutionary Paris was staggering, teeming with crowds and steeped in historical detail. We donned the hood of Arno Dorian, a young Assassin seeking vengeance and embroiled in a conspiracy far grander than himself. The co-op mode, a first for the series, let us team up with friends to tackle missions and wreak havoc across the city. While the story faltered at times, and technical hiccups plagued the release, Unity’s gorgeous visuals, innovative co-op gameplay, and meticulously recreated revolutionary Paris make it a landmark entry in the Assassin’s Creed franchise.
2. Assassin’s Creed Brotherhood (2010):
Stealing the silver medal at number 2 is the game that cemented Ezio’s legacy in the hearts of many gamers: Assassin’s Creed Brotherhood. Building upon the foundation laid by Assassin’s Creed II, Brotherhood wasn’t just a sequel, it was an evolution. We rejoined Ezio, now a seasoned Assassin, in the bustling heart of Rome. The city itself became a character, sprawling and full of opportunity for both free-running and political maneuvering.
Brotherhood introduced a new layer of depth by letting you recruit and train your own guild of Assassins, transforming Ezio from a lone wolf into a master strategist. Plus, who can forget the thrill of taking down those pesky Borgia towers and liberating the city district by district? Brotherhood wasn’t just about flashy assassinations; it was about building a force and enacting real change. For many, it remains the pinnacle of the Ezio trilogy, a perfect blend of refined mechanics, a captivating story, and a chance to truly feel the weight of the Assassin’s Creed legacy on your shoulders.
1. Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag (2013):
Ahoy there, mateys! Claiming the coveted gold medal at number 1 is the swashbuckling extravaganza that is Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag. This 2013 release wasn’t just another trip through history; it was a whole new adventure on the high seas! We traded in the robes of an Assassin for the captain’s coat of Edward Kenway, a charismatic rogue thrust into the heart of the Golden Age of Piracy.
The Caribbean came alive with vibrant port cities, hidden coves, and of course, thrilling ship-to-ship combat. Black Flag wasn’t afraid to embrace the pirate fantasy fully. Commanding your own ship, the Jackdaw, became as integral to the experience as the hidden blade. From plundering galleons to navigating treacherous storms, Black Flag offered an unparalleled sense of freedom and exploration. Sure, the modern-day story took a backseat, but who cared when you could spend hours diving for buried treasure or hunting sharks in the crystal-clear waters? Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag wasn’t just a great Assassin’s Creed game; it was a phenomenal pirate adventure that redefined what the series could be. It’s a game that continues to be a fan favorite, and for good reason. So, set sail, raise the Jolly Roger, and prepare to relive the golden age of piracy in all its glory!
Alright, Assassins (and Templars, if any of you are lurking out there), that’s our top 10 Assassin’s Creed games! It was a nostalgia trip down memory lane, revisiting iconic settings, unforgettable characters, and of course, the thrill of the hidden blade.
This ranking is just one person’s opinion, of course. The beauty of the Assassin’s Creed series is the sheer variety it offers. Whether you crave the rooftops of Renaissance Italy, the high seas of the Caribbean, or the snowy battlefields of the American Revolution, there’s an Assassin’s Creed game out there for you.
So, what are your thoughts? What did your top 10 look like? Let’s fire up the Animus in the comments below and discuss what makes Assassin’s Creed such an enduring gaming experience. Until next time, may your leaps of faith always find a conveniently placed haystack!
