Despite the relative flop of a game that Assassin’s Creed Unity ended up being, it heralded an intriguing standalone DLC in the form of Assassin’s Creed Chronicles. This installment in the franchise appeared to be everything I wanted – it took place in Asia with a female assassin and seemed to take its cues from Mark of the Ninja. However, chronicles are plural, and the story will go beyond China.
According to Ubisoft, ACC: China is all about the stealth. Reading the description of blending into shadows and dark alcoves to hide from guards (or murder them in the darkness) sounds so much like Mark of the Ninja – which isn’t a bad thing. Still, read this description and tell me it doesn’t instantly remind you of Klei’s incredible game:
Shao Jun can also use her rope darts to climb and cling to the ceiling – or, in certain places, to simply swing over to platforms in the background layer to avoid detection. And if the environment doesn’t offer any immediately obvious routes, you have two powerful tools for strategizing at your disposal: Eagle Vision, which shows off the patrol routes of guards; and a whistle with an adjustable radius, which can be used to lure guards away from their posts. If all else fails, she can use her supply of firecrackers like stun grenades, dazing guards just long enough for her to slip past, or toss a noise dart to draw the guards’ attention elsewhere.
I think this is officially my most anticipated Assassin’s Creed game. I love every aspect of it and I’m incredibly excited for this smaller title. I think Ubisoft does really well with these types of games; they let some innovative developers explore a unique vision and it can really turn out well. However, Shao Jun won’t be alone as we also explore stories in other regions. Here is the rather sexy announcement trailer:
Arbaaz Mir takes on the Templars in the time of the Sikh Empire in 1841 while Nikolai Orelov brings down death from above in post-revolutionary Russia around 1918. These sequels will play similarly to ACC: China, albeit with distinctive looks and feels. According to ACC’s Art Director, Glenn Brace:
They’re all illustrative, and that brings them together. For China, we took a 16th century influence – very flat, 2D illustration. We then melded a very contemporary Chinese ink take with it, so it echoes Shao Jun the character and how fluid she is. We end up with a romantic, impressionistic vibe.
Russia’s really exciting. It’s 20th century, so we have photography, graphics, poster art, constructivism, and we fused all those together to achieve an even more stark contrast to the other episodes.
Meanwhile India’s art style is more influenced by lithographs and unique colors and Sikh-influenced patterns. Personally, I’m drawn to all three, although the Russian one is the biggest change and most intriguing to me at this point.
Assassin’s Creed Chronicles: China releases 21 April while the rest of the trilogy will be completed by this fall, presumably before the launch of the usual AAA Assassin’s Creed title for the year. While there is a narrative link between the three, you can also just play the installments that you prefer. Personally, I am keen for all three – I really like the art styling and unique gameplay these titles are offering. It’s experimentation like this where I think Ubisoft really shines. How do they do this to me every time? I had all but given up on Assassin’s Creed titles, and now I’m all aboard the hype train again. Curses Ubisoft!
Last Updated: April 1, 2015
Umar
April 1, 2015 at 08:45
The combat looks really bad though….but looks far more interesting than their recent stuff.
Admiral Chief
April 1, 2015 at 08:48
Yeah, too technicolour for my taste
Umar
April 1, 2015 at 08:57
MUUUUUCH prefer Mark of the Ninja’s darker tone.
Admiral Chief
April 1, 2015 at 08:58
Dude, what a game that was! REALLY enjoyed it
Umar
April 1, 2015 at 09:03
WHERE DA SEQUEL AT! 🙁 lol
Admiral Chief
April 1, 2015 at 08:48
You know what, I kinda like it
Greylingad
April 1, 2015 at 08:52
Yes! Yes!! It looks so refreshing! I only hope that it doesn’t sequel bait like the major releases though….
Admiral Chief
April 1, 2015 at 08:54
So just WHEN are you getting a profile pic eh?
Greylingad
April 1, 2015 at 08:56
Bwaahaaa!! Probably within the next few minutes!
Admiral Chief
April 1, 2015 at 08:58
Good
Spaffy
April 1, 2015 at 09:16
Nice one
Greylingad
April 1, 2015 at 09:17
I honestly ran out of ideas…
Dutch Matrix
April 1, 2015 at 09:20
Zoidberg rules. Let no one else say otherwise. Unless it is me. Because Bender Rules!
Greylingad
April 1, 2015 at 09:22
If someone says otherwise it’ll be a duel of clawplach!
Dutch Matrix
April 1, 2015 at 09:23
Only if you re-attach my arm at the end of it…
Greylingad
April 1, 2015 at 09:26
Of course, of course! Right below the shoulder nipple, right?
Admiral Chief
April 1, 2015 at 09:26
And I didn’t even have to *wave hand*
Dutch Matrix
April 1, 2015 at 08:53
And in other news: Adam Sandler is making another flick…
Admiral Chief
April 1, 2015 at 08:58
What song is playing?
Dutch Matrix
April 1, 2015 at 09:02
The Ballad of Billy Blue, as sung by Jim Reeves.
Ranting Raptor
April 1, 2015 at 09:02
Meh
Dutch Matrix
April 1, 2015 at 09:05
What do you mean Meh? This is like the seventeenth Assassin’s Creed game! We are all ecstatic at the news! All we want is clone games. Bring the Remasters! Let me stuff the wallets of devs and thank them for a great rehash!
Yay Gaming!
Ranting Raptor
April 1, 2015 at 09:06
Yaaaaaay!!!!
Dutch Matrix
April 1, 2015 at 09:10
Woo-hooooooooo!!!!!
Greylingad
April 1, 2015 at 09:15
Who wants an original, amazing fresh new game anyway? Phil Fish made that mistake already and see how many people love him… *No I’m not running at this stage, I’m bolting*
Dutch Matrix
April 1, 2015 at 09:16
And I’m gay…
Admiral Chief
April 1, 2015 at 09:22
HAH,
Your profile picture just received the [Admiral Chief Stamp of Approval]
Greylingad
April 1, 2015 at 09:25
Thank you kind sir! Now please close all three of your ears and inhale…
Blood Emperor Trevor
April 1, 2015 at 09:04
Don’t suppose I can buy this separately?
Dutch Matrix
April 1, 2015 at 09:24
Just go and buy any Ass Creed game…
Matthew Holliday
April 1, 2015 at 09:40
i really want a legit chinese AC. not a side scroller.
if this game is a financial success, does that mean we’ll get more china in the future? or more side scrollers in the future?
Admiral Chief
April 1, 2015 at 09:58
Five dorrar?