Assassin’s Creed has been a staple in the gaming world for over a decade, captivating players with its unique blend of action, adventure, and historical fiction. The franchise began with the release of the first game in 2007, introducing players to the ongoing war between the Assassins and Templars, two secret organizations that have been fighting since the time of the Crusades. Since then, the series has seen numerous installments, each taking players on thrilling journeys through different time periods and locations.
The franchise has evolved significantly over the years, from its humble beginnings as a stealth-based title to its current status as an expansive open-world adventure. With each new release comes a mix of excitement and anticipation, as fans eagerly anticipate what new elements and innovations the developers will bring to the table. In this article, we will take a comprehensive look at the latest releases in the Assassin’s Creed franchise, including plot summaries, gameplay features, character development, and more.
Introduction to Latest Releases
The latest installment in the Assassin’s Creed franchise, titled “Mirage,” marks a deliberate change in direction for the series. Released in late 2020, it takes us back to the Golden Age of Baghdad, a city known for its vibrant culture and political intrigue. Players take on the role of Basim, a street thief who becomes entangled in the ongoing conflict between the Assassins and Templars. Mirage promises a return to the series’ roots, focusing on a more compact map and a narrative-driven experience reminiscent of the early games.
Another recent release is “Valhalla,” launched in November 2020. This game shifts the focus from the Middle East to the Viking Age, allowing players to explore the rich history and mythology of Norse culture. Valhalla introduces new gameplay mechanics and features, such as building and managing a settlement, forging alliances with other Viking clans, and even recruiting a raven companion to aid in battle. With its sprawling open world and immersive storytelling, Valhalla has been praised by fans and critics alike.
Plot Summaries of New Games
Assassin’s Creed Mirage: Set in the 9th century, during the Golden Age of Baghdad, players take on the role of Basim, a street thief who becomes embroiled in the ongoing conflict between the Assassins and Templars. As Basim navigates through the bustling streets of the city, he uncovers secrets and conspiracies that threaten to tear apart the fragile balance of power. The game’s main antagonist is an infamous Assassin-turned-Templar, known as the “Dreaded One,” who seeks to control the city for his own selfish desires.
Assassin’s Creed Valhalla: This game takes place in the 9th century as well, but in a different part of the world – England. Players take on the role of Eivor, a Viking warrior who leads a group of Norsemen to settle in England. As they establish their presence in this new land, Eivor must navigate alliances and conflicts with the Saxons and other Viking clans. The game also delves into Norse mythology, allowing players to interact with gods such as Odin and Thor.
Key Gameplay Features and Innovations
Assassin’s Creed Mirage: The game promises a return to the series’ roots, with a more focused and refined approach to gameplay. While previous titles have featured sprawling open worlds, Mirage features a more compact map that allows players to focus on the main story and side missions without getting overwhelmed. The game also introduces new parkour mechanics, allowing players to traverse the city in unique and fluid ways.
Assassin’s Creed Valhalla: Valhalla boasts a vast and dynamic open world, featuring various regions of England to explore. Players can engage in naval combat and build their own Viking settlements, adding a new layer of strategy to the gameplay. The game also introduces a dual-wielding combat system, allowing players to wield two weapons at once, such as an axe and a shield or two swords.
Character Profiles and Development
Assassin’s Creed Mirage: The protagonist of Mirage, Basim, is a street thief with a mysterious past. As players progress through the game, they will uncover more about Basim’s motivations and his connection to the Assassin Brotherhood. Alongside Basim are other key characters, including the notorious Dreaded One and a female Assassin named Zara.
Assassin’s Creed Valhalla: Eivor, the main character in Valhalla, is a Viking warrior who can be played as either male or female. Players will have the opportunity to make choices that affect Eivor’s personality and relationships with other characters throughout the game. Other prominent characters include Eivor’s brother Sigurd and the powerful Norse god Odin.
World Settings and Historical Contexts
Assassin’s Creed Mirage: The game is set in Baghdad during the Golden Age, a time of great prosperity and advancements in science and art. Players will explore the bustling streets, markets, and iconic landmarks of the city, such as the House of Wisdom and the Grand Mosque. The game also delves into the political climate of the time, with the Abbasid Caliphate struggling for power against various rival factions.
Assassin’s Creed Valhalla: Valhalla takes place during the Viking Age, a period of exploration and conquest by the Norse people. The game features a variety of locations in England, including the kingdoms of Northumbria, Mercia, and Wessex. Players will encounter historical figures such as King Alfred the Great and the infamous Viking raider, Ivar the Boneless.
Graphics and Visual Enhancements
Both Mirage and Valhalla boast stunning graphics and visual enhancements, bringing the historical settings to life in vivid detail. Mirage features a vibrant color palette, with rich textures and detailed character models. Valhalla, on the other hand, embraces a more muted color scheme, reflecting the harsh and rugged landscapes of the Viking Age. The game also features impressive weather effects, making the world feel even more immersive.
Multiplayer and Online Features
Unfortunately, neither Mirage nor Valhalla offers traditional multiplayer modes, but both games have online features that allow players to connect and interact with one another. In Mirage, players can participate in timed events and challenges, competing for high scores and exclusive rewards. Valhalla also has a similar feature, allowing players to engage in raids and battles with other players’ settlements.
Reviews and Player Feedback
Both Mirage and Valhalla have received mostly positive reviews from critics and fans alike. Mirage’s return to the series’ roots and focus on storytelling has been praised, with many noting its engaging plot and improved gameplay mechanics. Valhalla’s expansive open world and deep dive into Norse culture have also been met with positive reception, although some have criticized its pacing and technical issues.
Future Developments and Speculations
With the success of Mirage and Valhalla, it is safe to say that the Assassin’s Creed franchise is here to stay. The developers have already hinted at future installments, with rumors suggesting a possible return to feudal Japan or ancient Rome. While nothing is confirmed yet, fans are excited about the possibilities of exploring new time periods and cultures in the next Assassin’s Creed game.
Conclusion
The Assassin’s Creed franchise continues to captivate audiences with its unique blend of history, action, and adventure. With the recent releases of Mirage and Valhalla, the series has proven that it can still deliver innovative and engaging experiences while staying true to its roots. From the bustling streets of Baghdad to the rugged landscapes of England, players can immerse themselves in different time periods and cultures while experiencing exciting gameplay and storytelling. Only time will tell what new adventures await us in the future of the Assassin’s Creed franchise.
