Ranking Every Assassin's Creed Game: The Ultimate Showdown

Assassin’s Creed is one of the most prominent video game franchises globally, developed by Ubisoft since its launch in 2007. Despite undergoing various transformations to maintain its relevance, it continues to be a lucrative asset for the publisher. Over the years, the series has evolved substantially, and fans have developed their unique preferences regarding which era of Assassin’s Creed they believe is superior. Some enjoy the smaller, more focused games, others appreciate the expansive RPG experiences, while some are eager for a thrilling pirate-themed adventure. With Assassin’s Creed Shadows now available, we thought it appropriate to compile a ranking based on fan feedback.

In compiling our Assassin’s Creed ranking, we will exclude all spin-offs and individual expansions. Our focus is solely on the principal main series games, so you won’t find titles such as “Assassin’s Creed Liberation” or similar ones in this specific list we are creating.

#13 – Assassin’s Creed: Mirage

In contrast to recent installments, the game “Assassin’s Creed: Mirage” was designed to recapture the essence of the original series by offering a more focused, less expansive gaming experience. On the surface, this concept seemed promising, with intriguing applications of stealth in a densely populated environment. However, the narrative and characters fell short of being engaging, giving the game an air of a cost-effective Assassin’s Creed title, seemingly produced to fill a void in Ubisoft’s release lineup. It is worth noting that “Assassin’s Creed: Mirage” started as an expansion for “Valhalla,” which may explain some of the reasons behind its perceived limitations.

The game isn’t terrible, it simply doesn’t disguise its lower budget quality. I’d be thrilled if Ubisoft revisited a more concentrated Assassin’s Creed title like this one in the future, providing it with the resources it requires, particularly if it results in a remake of the original Assassin’s Creed game. It could draw inspiration from Mirage, but it needs a stronger impact to make it stand out.

The game isn’t perfect, but it shows its budget. I hope Ubisoft creates a more focused Assassin’s Creed game like this one in the future, giving it enough resources, especially if they remake the first Assassin’s Creed game. It could take ideas from Mirage, but it needs to be more impressive.

#12 – Assassin’s Creed: Revelations

Despite the fact that Ezio’s tale is crucial to the franchise and is skillfully narrated, Revelations seems somewhat out-of-place in the larger context. From a storytelling perspective, it delivers and deserves recognition for seamlessly connecting Ezio and Altair’s stories, but it does little to push the gameplay of this series into new territories. Beyond a tower defense game, it essentially represents the most polished iteration of the preceding two installments.

Previously, “Revelations” was planned as a Nintendo DS title, but later grew into a major release. It could have been a strategy to allow the team more time on “Assassin’s Creed 3,” or capitalize on the excitement surrounding Ezio. However, it is debatable whether this game stands out as one of the most remarkable entries in the extended series.

#11 – Assassin’s Creed: Syndicate

The game “Assassin’s Creed: Syndicate” marked the end of the series as we knew it before Ubisoft reimagined it as an expansive RPG. Unfortunately, the franchise wasn’t pushing boundaries as it should have; instead, it was arguably taking steps backward in certain aspects, such as neglecting naval combat despite repeated requests for more. However, it did introduce two protagonists for the first time in the main series, one of whom was female, though their impact wasn’t particularly memorable.

Although Steampunk London provides an engaging backdrop for this game, it often seems overlooked in discussions about Assassin’s Creed. It isn’t exceptional nor problematic; instead, it offers a solid gaming experience – and there’s certainly no shame in that!

#10 – Assassin’s Creed Valhalla

Although Assassin’s Creed Valhalla has been one of the most financially successful games in the series so far, I’ve never subscribed to the belief that it’s the best. To some devotees of the franchise, this might seem heretical, but personally, I find it overly expansive and the combat doesn’t deliver the satisfying weightiness I expect from a Viking hero character.

While the world depicted in this game is undeniably captivating and attractive to many, it doesn’t outshine its predecessors or match up with other games in key aspects. In an attempt to cater to a wide audience, it seems to have veered away from providing a focused, specialized experience. Interestingly, this strategy appears to have been financially successful for Ubisoft, so perhaps my perspective is not shared by all.

#9 – Assassin’s Creed

The groundbreaking game that set new standards in gaming, Assassin’s Creed, left an indelible impact on Ubisoft and the entire gaming industry. It was a game ahead of its time, serving as a cornerstone title for the Xbox 360/PS3 generation.

While it may not compare favorably to more recent games in terms of graphics and features due to its age, there’s no denying the impact it had on gaming. Ubisoft built upon this foundation with subsequent titles that significantly advanced the gameplay and narrative.

#8 – Assassin’s Creed: Brotherhood

Similar to how Revelations was swiftly produced to capitalize on the excitement surrounding Ezio’s narrative, Ubisoft rapidly developed Assassin’s Creed: Brotherhood. Despite their rapid production pace, the story of Ezio remains the series’ standout. Although it shares some similarities with Assassin’s Creed 2.5, the developers introduced enough novelty to keep the experience feeling new and exciting.

In the game titled Brotherhood, Ezio gains control over a group of assassins who aid him in battles and perform tasks for him elsewhere. This concept has been central to the series, indicating that Brotherhood effectively executed its design. Furthermore, it was engaging to witness not only a solitary assassin but also explore the essence of this brotherhood at its zenith.

In the same period when many games added multiplayer modes as an afterthought, Ubisoft successfully integrated an online mode into Assassin’s Creed that stood out. This feature allowed players to engage in a PvP environment, using stealth tactics to avoid detection while hunting each other. Though it didn’t achieve the same popularity as some other games, it was a noteworthy attempt from the franchise.

#7 – Assassin’s Creed 3

Alert for enthusiastic opinions: I’m a big fan of Assassin’s Creed 3. Compared to the Ezio trilogy, it seemed like a significant advance in gameplay for the series. The ability to hunt from trees and hang enemies, navigate inside buildings using parkour, and control a ship made Assassin’s Creed 3 feel quite advanced for its time. Ubisoft really stepped up their game, which was necessary after Revelations fell short on delivering any major innovations.

Despite Connor not being particularly vibrant, it’s fascinating how the backdrop of the American Revolution was a brilliant decision for an Assassin’s Creed game, offering a refreshing shift from the European settings seen in previous games. The thrill of tracking animals in the snowy wilderness of Colonial America and later confronting redcoats in the bustling streets of New York is exceptionally rewarding.

#6 – Assassin’s Creed Unity

Initially, “Assassin’s Creed Unity” was criticized heavily upon release due to numerous technical issues, which could potentially have impacted the success of “Assassin’s Creed Syndicate.” However, once these glitches were resolved, it became evident that the game was both grandiose in scope and exceptional. Its grandeur was clearly demonstrated through massive crowds, a cooperative narrative, and a level of detail and immersion not often seen in similar games since then. Although “Unity’s” grand ambition may have been the cause of its initial problems, it remains a game that continues to captivate players even today.

#5 – Assassin’s Creed Shadows

As a long-time admirer, I’m ecstatic that Assassin’s Creed Shadows has finally transported us to the enchanting land of Japan after almost two decades! While its narrative could use some refinement, Shadows skillfully satiates the craving for ninja and samurai action that fans have yearned for all these years. The characters Naoe and Yauske complement each other flawlessly, offering players the flexibility to approach objectives stealthily and silently or with intense, impactful confrontations.

The combat has been significantly upgraded to be more immersive and rhythmic, drawing inspiration from Ghost of Tsushima and the Batman Arkham series. This transformation makes sword fights demanding, requiring thoughtfulness, and even creating a sense of cinematic grandeur when swords meet in a dance of steel on steel.

Ubisoft successfully made this massive game more manageable without reducing its scale. You’ll find plenty of things to explore and activities to enjoy, but the map won’t be cluttered with annoying markers. Furthermore, the role-playing aspects seem less overwhelming, so you can avoid getting bogged down by weapon/armor stats or special loot unless you choose to delve deeper into that part of the game.

#4 – Assassin’s Creed Origins

In a refreshing twist, Assassin’s Creed Origins skillfully rejuvenated the series by transporting us right back to the genesis of the assassins’ tale. This was a daring shift for Assassin’s Creed, a move that could have potentially spelled disaster for the franchise if it hadn’t been successful. However, it proved to be the lifeline that revived Assassin’s Creed and provided it with the momentum required to continue thriving. The role-playing game aspect of the title was precisely what fans had been eagerly anticipating from Ubisoft, enabling the series to grow in an innovative and engaging manner.

Additionally, Egypt stands out as one of the most breathtaking backdrops in the series. It’s a delight to delve into and appreciate, particularly for individuals who harbor any interest in that region and its past.

#3 – Assassin’s Creed 2

In the opinion of many, Assassin’s Creed 2 boasts an outstanding narrative that delves into Ezio’s heartrending origins. This game introduces one of gaming’s most beloved characters and offers an impressive musical score. From a gameplay standpoint, it paves the way for future installments in the series. It stands as one of the finest sequels in gaming history and played a significant role in shaping Ubisoft’s future.

#2 – Assassin’s Creed Odyssey

Blending Assassin’s Creed with ancient Greek settings seems like an obvious fit, and it’s somewhat astonishing it wasn’t done earlier. Ubisoft’s Odyssey skillfully integrates elements from Origins, further developing them appropriately, while also reintroducing epic naval battles. Additionally, the developers have enhanced the role-playing game aspects by granting players more decision-making power in the story, resulting in a deeper and more immersive narrative shaped by the player’s choices.

One of Ubisoft’s finest RPGs is this particular one, and it’s truly remarkable – even for an Assassin’s Creed game! Who wouldn’t be captivated by the thrill of hacking up enemies as a Spartan warrior?

#1 – Assassin’s Creed 4: Black Flag

As a gamer, let me tell you, diving into Assassin’s Creed 4: Black Flag was like stepping onto a brand-new ship in a vast, open sea. Ubisoft managed to revitalize the series with its pirate theme, offering a refreshing change after five installments that were gradually evolving but felt somewhat predictable. Edward Kenway was an engaging character who brought charm to the storyline, providing a welcome contrast to some of the more somber protagonists in previous games.

Beyond that, the chance to traverse an expansive open-sea world for the first time and engage in grand sea battles was a delightful extra feature. I’m still uncertain if any other Assassin’s Creed game has matched the breadth and grandeur of this one. I can’t wait to see how Ubisoft refreshes the game with the alleged remake of Assassin’s Creed 4.

2025-03-26 01:12

Ranking Every Assassin’s Creed Game: The Ultimate Showdown