TheAssassin’s Creedfranchise has undergone a mild identity crisis over the last few years. After establishing itself as a stealth-based, linear action title,AChas evolved with industry trends to become a sprawling open-world, action-RPG experience. For those who have stuck with the series since the beginning, this dramatic change has come with its fair share of growing pains, and many have expressed a desire for developer Ubisoft to go back to basics. While the upcomingAssassin’s Creed Miragepromises to do just that, the franchise could find the best of both genres inAssassin’s Creed Red.
Assassin’s Creed Redlooks to finally fulfill the wishes of longtime fans by exploring feudal Japan, and recent rumors have statedAC Redcould have both a ninja and samurai protagonist. If these rumors are true,Redcould have a unique opportunity to give fans of bothACgameplay styles something to enjoy.ACis no stranger to giving players two protagonists with differing gameplay, as the Frye twins inAC Syndicatehad separate affinities for combat and stealth.Redcould take things a step further by having one protagonist embodyAC’s classic stealth, and having the other represent its recent action-RPG leanings.
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How a Ninja Protagonist Can Satisfy Classic Assassin’s Creed Fans
WhenAssassin’s Creedbroke on to the scene about fifteen years ago, it captivated players with its social-stealth gameplay and movement systems. While the franchise took players to Renaissance Italy and colonial America, many fans dreamed of how the series might take advantage of a feudal Japan setting with a ninja protagonist. Especially withAC 3seemingly setting up what would becomeAC Red, hopes have always been high that the series would let players take control of one of the stealthiest warriors in history. After years of anticipation, theAC Redreveal trailer finally vindicated those wishes.
Now thatACfans will finally be able to embody a ninja, it seems only right that Ubisoft provides the experience many fans wanted when anticipation for a feudal Japan setting was at its height. Whether there’s a focus on social stealth, silently infiltrating buildings, or both, it would harken back to games likeAssassin’s Creed BrotherhoodandUnity. It would also be more in line with the historical perception of ninjas, as they aren’t known for open combat like Vikings and ancient Greek warriors. While there could still be RPG elements, it would make the most sense to bring deep stealth mechanics back in this context.
How a Samurai Protagonist Can Satisfy Action-RPG Assassin’s Creed Fans
While many longtime fans have decried Ubisoft’s action-RPG approach with theAssassin’s Creedfranchise, just as many gamers have praised it. Of the three games to employ this style,AC Originsis regularly cited as an excellent all-around adventure, combining a rich open world with a memorable story. IfAC Redincludes a samurai protagonistalongside the ninja shown in its trailer, Ubisoft would have plenty of room to build on its recent action-RPG efforts. From combat to exploration, Ubisoft could makeRed’s samurai portions feel just like previous entries within the highly-anticipated Japanese setting.
A feudal Japan setting has been requested by fans for nearly a decade, and now that it’s comingUbisoftwill have very high expectations to meet. To satisfy fans of classic and current dayAC, focusing on a ninja and samurai protagonist would likely be the most effective way to marry the two gameplay styles. Taking a combat-heavy approach to ninjas would be antithetical to how they operate, but adding a samurai into the mix would ensure Ubisoft can continue to use its recent gameplay formulas. If Ubisoft takes this bold approach, it could become one of the most dynamicAssassin’s Creedgames to date.
