The 10 Most HATED Assassin's Creed Moments
Level Scaling & Microtransactions
The Best Opening Level In Video Game History
“Assassin’s Creed Odyssey” (2018) Though “Assassin’s Creed: Origins” featured level scaling, it was possible to disable it. However, with “Odyssey” came imposed level scaling. Level scaling is basically when the enemies’ strength increases with the player’s. Couldn’t defeat the Erymanthian boar the first time? Went back when you were stronger? Well while you were gone, the boar went to the boar gym every day and is still an even match. “Odyssey” also brought with it microtransactions, which is already an overall disliked term for gamers. You can now purchase a shiny wardrobe for your “misthios”, one outfit at a time! There’s no multiplayer, of course, so it’s just for your own viewing pleasure. Our wallets are closed, Ubisoft.
A Cheesy Ending
The 10 Funniest Moments in Assassin's Creed Games
“Assassin’s Creed Syndicate” (2015) “Syndicate” isn’t too bad of a game. It’s short, but Jacob and Evie Frye are a lot of fun, and play off each other well in terms of attitude and skill. The game, however, could definitely have used a better ending. The final battle with Crawford Starrick is lackluster - run at him as Jacob, run at him as Evie and repeat. However, it is post-defeat that we are served a large platter of assorted cheeses. Queen Victoria knights the twins and their cohort Henry Green and off they go on their merry ways. Want to know what happened afterwards? Tough. Oh, don’t forget to go back to the train hideout for a second cheese course and watch Henry propose to Evie. Lactose intolerance strikes again.
Da Vinci’s Machines
10 Assassin's Creed Moments We Wish We Could Forget
“Assassin’s Creed II” (2009) & “Assassin’s Creed: Brotherhood” (2010) Want to give “Assassin’s Creed” players PTSD? Just say: “Ma cosa! Shoot! Shoot the flying demon!” It should bring back horrible memories of hearing that line over and over again in between flying machine crashes and burns. Da Vinci is an amazing character, and endlessly helpful (though it can be tough to hug him - you really need to press that button fast!) However, his machines are a nightmare. The flying machine missions gave us arthritis, especially the “Brotherhood” mission with the workshops and that stupidly fast messenger! Lest we forget the tank missions! Has anyone ever gotten full synchronization on it? The real Da Vinci designed but never actually built those tanks. We could have used some historical accuracy here, Ubisoft.
The Codex Pages
The 10 DARKEST Moments In Assassin's Creed Games
“Assassin’s Creed II” (2009) Most video games have a plethora of side quests and missions that can easily be overlooked. Completionists and OCD players will do everything on the map, but some players are more into the main plot. Well, we learned our lesson in “Assassin’s Creed II.” Sequence 14 is the final one in the game, but for most players, a surprise awaited at Monteriggioni. Trying to activate that final stretch? Did you collect all the codex pages and have them translated by Da Vinci? No? Well, go get them. The final sequence in the game requires all codex pages, a little fact that could have been brought to our attention earlier in the game! AC loves its bits of paper, doesn’t it? Looking at you, shanties…
A Predictable & Dull Ending
The 10 Most HATED Assassin's Creed Characters
“Assassin’s Creed Unity” (2014) “AC:Unity” wasn’t very popular from the beginning, with its rushed and bug-filled release. However, many players were thoroughly dissatisfied with its ending as well. Like its release, the conclusion of the game felt rushed, and some players were quick to accuse the developer of “milking” the AC franchise regardless of its effect (or lack of in this case) on the overarching, ongoing narrative. Protagonist Arno Dorian lacked development, so anything tragic in his story arc was missing any true empathic feeling. Elise’s death was expected, but happened so quickly and uselessly - just 20 seconds of helping Arno free himself and she would probably have survived. It also isn’t clear if Arno’s stripped assassin-hood was regained. Did he just become a barista after all this?
Eivor’s “Hidden” Blade
“Assassin’s Creed Valhalla” (2020) The AC hidden blade is a symbol of devotion to the creed: assassins receive them when they are accepted into the order and earlier assassins cut off their ring fingers to more stealthily conceal the weapon. So when “AC Valhalla”’s Eivor received a hidden blade, player reactions were mixed. Firstly, Eivor isn’t an assassin, nor does he become one. Secondly, he chooses to wear his blade in full view on top of his forearm, rather than the traditional concealed way, claiming that his enemies should see it. The “hidden” part of the weapon is thus tossed out the longhouse window. Apprentice Hytham points out his disapproval, and we kind of wish Basim had put his foot down on this one.
The British Are Coming!
Top 10 Assassin's Creed Moments
“Assassin’s Creed III” (2012) Connor is already a contemptuous character, so let’s see how he does with the worst backseat driver in the colonies. Remember that “Brotherhood” money box mission where you had to follow the guard’s comments for directions? This is much, much worse. This time you are taking a one horse two riders trip with Paul Revere for 10 excruciating minutes. He knows where you’re going, but he just prefers to sit back and obnoxiously shout directions - “to the left, Connor!” If he’s so scared of “redcoats”, shouldn’t he stop shouting? Also, saying “we need to lose them!” is unnecessary, Mr. Revere. You don’t say! I was going to invite them over for tea and biscuits! Honestly, we were ready to throw Paul to the enemy.
Tower Defense
Top 10 Tower Defence Games
“Assassin’s Creed: Revelations” (2011) What was missing in the Ezio trilogy? Ah yes, a clunky, difficult to maneuver tower defense mini-game! Thankfully, we were only forced to do this once during regular gameplay, but we still shudder at the memories of this “AC Revelations” addition. Thankfully, it did not make a comeback. Ezio is put in charge of defending assassin dens against increasingly destructive templar attacks. The player must place assassins in strategic spots (snipers, for the most part) prior to the attacks, as well as place barriers and the like. Tower defense is an odd idea, as it really doesn’t fit with Ezio’s narrative: when did he become a commander on the battlefield? Not to mention it really feels like a mobile game we wouldn’t buy.
Tailing Ships
“Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag” (2013) What would an earlier AC game be without tailing? Though AC players are very familiar with tailing missions, no one expected “Black Flag” to take it to another level. It’s difficult enough to tail soldiers in towns, but how about tailing huge boats in your own huge boat? Add a narrow swamp to the mix and you get one of the most frustrating gaming experiences ever! You have to give it to the NPC sailors, though. They work fast, letting out and retracting the sails at the drop of a hat as you alter your speed every 3 seconds. Oh, and while we’re on the subject, a special mention goes to anxiety-inducing eavesdropping barriers. Thanks for that, Ubisoft.
Lucy’s Betrayal
“Assassin’s Creed: Brotherhood” (2010) & “Assassin’s Creed: Revelations” (2011) Some fans have accused the AC franchise of frivolously killing off characters for no other reason than to advance the greater narrative. This would imply that there isn’t much substance to the deaths and anyone looking for a deeper meaning will likely be disappointed. Lucy Stillman was a well-liked character until her untimely death at the end of “AC Brotherhood.” It all seemed tragic and senseless, as Desmond seemed to be forced to stab her. But did you know she was working with the templars and Juno had a hand in her death, having known of the betrayal? The only time this was revealed was during some “Revelations'' DLC, which definitely feels like a rapid, forced bandage on the wound created by game writers.
