Are All the Assassin’s Creed Games Connected? Unraveling the Threads of History and Conspiracy
Yes, all the Assassin’s Creed games are interconnected, albeit to varying degrees. The franchise isn’t a series of completely standalone stories. Instead, it’s a sprawling tapestry woven with common threads that bind the historical narratives and modern-day meta-plot together. These recurring elements include the eternal conflict between the Assassins and the Templars, the mysteries surrounding the Isu, and the ever-present shadow of Abstergo Industries in the modern era. While each game can be enjoyed independently, understanding these connections enriches the overall experience and provides a deeper appreciation for the franchise’s grand narrative.
The Core Connections: Templars, Assassins, and the Isu
The most fundamental connection across all Assassin’s Creed games is the overarching conflict between the Assassin Brotherhood and the Templar Order. These two factions, locked in a centuries-long struggle, are present in every installment, albeit with different names and manifestations depending on the historical period. The Assassins champion free will and individual liberty, while the Templars seek order and control through various means, often involving manipulation and oppression. This ideological clash fuels the core narrative engine of the series.
Equally important is the presence of the Isu, a precursor civilization that predates humanity. These advanced beings, also known as “Those Who Came Before,” created powerful artifacts and technologies that both the Assassins and Templars seek to control. The Isu’s influence is woven into the historical narratives, providing a sci-fi layer that elevates the series beyond a simple historical fiction. Discovering more about the Isu is a core part of the metaplot of the series.
The Modern-Day Storyline: The Animus Connection
The Animus, a device that allows users to relive the memories of their ancestors, serves as the primary link between the historical settings and the modern-day storyline. While the modern-day narrative has evolved significantly over the series, it consistently features characters connected to either the Assassins or the Templars, who are searching for Isu artifacts or trying to decipher the secrets of the past. While its importance has varied, it has always been a connecting thread for all the games.
Characters and Lore: Recurring Themes
The Assassin’s Creed series has several characters and lore that recur throughout different games, binding the universe together. Certain protagonists and storylines might be connected to characters from other parts of the timeline.
FAQs: Your Guide to the Assassin’s Creed Universe
1. Do I need to play the Assassin’s Creed games in order?
While not strictly necessary, playing the games in release order or chronological order is recommended for a better understanding of the overarching story, particularly the modern-day elements. However, each game offers a self-contained narrative within its historical setting, making them accessible to newcomers at any point.
2. Can I skip Assassin’s Creed games and still understand the story?
Yes, you can skip some games, especially those with weaker connections to the central plot. However, be aware that you might miss out on character development, lore expansions, and plot points that are referenced in later installments.
3. Which Assassin’s Creed games are directly connected?
The Ezio Auditore trilogy – Assassin’s Creed II, Assassin’s Creed: Brotherhood, and Assassin’s Creed: Revelations – are directly connected, continuing Ezio’s story and character arc.
4. Is Assassin’s Creed 1 a standalone game?
Assassin’s Creed 1 introduces the core concepts of the series, but its modern-day storyline is essential for understanding the overarching narrative. While the game itself is somewhat self-contained, it sets the stage for the events that follow.
5. Can I start with Assassin’s Creed Odyssey or Valhalla?
Yes, both Odyssey and Valhalla are good entry points due to their relatively light focus on the modern-day narrative and their placement earlier in the historical timeline. Odyssey, in particular, is the earliest in the chronological timeline, making it an easier entry for new players.
6. How long does it take to beat all the Assassin’s Creed games?
Completing all the main storylines can take approximately 450 hours, while completionist playthroughs can exceed 1150 hours.
7. Which Assassin’s Creed game has the best story?
Many fans consider Assassin’s Creed II to have the best story due to its compelling protagonist, engaging narrative, and significant contributions to the series lore.
8. Is Bayek the first assassin?
Bayek and Aya are considered the founders of the Hidden Ones, the precursor to the Assassin Brotherhood. However, the existence of individuals like Darius, who used a Hidden Blade centuries prior, suggests that the ideals and methods of the Assassins predate Bayek’s organization.
9. Who is the strongest assassin in Assassin’s Creed?
Ezio Auditore is often considered the strongest assassin due to his skill, charisma, and longevity. He successfully led the Assassin Brotherhood for decades and played a crucial role in shaping the organization’s future.
10. What is the significance of the Isu in the Assassin’s Creed universe?
The Isu provide a science fiction element to the historical settings of the games. Their artifacts and knowledge drive the conflict between the Assassins and Templars, adding layers of mystery and conspiracy to the overarching narrative.
11. Does the modern-day storyline matter in the Assassin’s Creed games?
The modern-day storyline serves as the frame narrative for the historical events. While its importance has varied across the series, it provides context and closure to the overarching conflict between the Assassins and Templars. Some fans enjoy it, while others prefer to focus on the historical settings.
12. What is Abstergo, and what is their role in the Assassin’s Creed universe?
Abstergo Industries is a modern-day corporation controlled by the Templar Order. They use the Animus to search for Isu artifacts and manipulate historical events to further their agenda of control and order.
13. Were the real-life Assassins anything like the ones in the games?
The Assassins in the games are loosely based on the historical Nizari Ismailis, a Shia Muslim sect known for their political assassinations. However, the games take significant creative liberties with their portrayal, adding elements of fantasy and conspiracy.
14. Is there a chronological order to the Assassin’s Creed games?
Yes, a chronological order based on the historical settings can be established. The order is: Odyssey, Origins, Valhalla, Mirage, Assassin’s Creed, II, Brotherhood, Revelations, III, Black Flag, Rogue, Unity, Syndicate.
15. What resources are available to learn more about game-based learning and the educational impact of games like Assassin’s Creed?
The Games Learning Society is a great source of information on the educational value of games. Visit GamesLearningSociety.org to learn more about the research and insights into how games can be used to teach history, problem-solving, and other valuable skills.
In conclusion, the Assassin’s Creed franchise is a complex and interconnected universe. While each game offers a unique experience, the recurring themes, characters, and overarching narrative create a cohesive and engaging world for players to explore. Whether you choose to play them in order or jump around, understanding these connections will enhance your appreciation for the series.