Is Kenway in Assassin’s Creed Rogue? Exploring the Kenway Legacy
Yes, Haytham Kenway, a prominent member of the Kenway family, is indeed a significant character in Assassin’s Creed Rogue. While Edward Kenway, Haytham’s father and the protagonist of Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag, does not physically appear in Rogue, his legacy and the consequences of his actions heavily influence the narrative. Rogue serves as a crucial bridge between Black Flag, Assassin’s Creed III, and even Assassin’s Creed Unity, offering a deeper understanding of the complex relationships and ideological conflicts within the Assassin and Templar Orders. Haytham plays a key role as an ally and mentor figure to Shay Patrick Cormac, the game’s protagonist, shaping Shay’s journey from Assassin to Templar.
Haytham Kenway’s Role in Rogue
Haytham’s presence in Rogue is far more than a cameo; he is instrumental in guiding Shay and revealing more about his own motivations and beliefs. The game takes place during a period where Haytham is solidifying his position within the Templar Order in the Americas. He is portrayed as a charismatic, intelligent, and ruthless leader, committed to achieving the Templar’s vision of order and control. He is looking to fill a vital role within the Templar Order.
Through his interactions with Shay, we see Haytham’s strategic mind and his dedication to the Templar cause. He recognizes Shay’s skills and utilizes them to further the Templar’s agenda. This mentorship provides valuable insight into Haytham’s character and allows players to understand the events that lead to his pivotal role in Assassin’s Creed III, where he is revealed to be a Templar Grand Master.
The Shadow of Edward Kenway
Even though Edward is deceased, his legacy casts a long shadow over the events of Rogue. The consequences of his actions in Black Flag, particularly his involvement with the Assassin Brotherhood and his acquisition of certain artifacts, set the stage for the conflicts explored in Rogue. The Templars, under Haytham’s leadership, are actively pursuing the same objectives that Edward once sought, but with vastly different intentions. This creates a sense of continuity and demonstrates how the past continues to influence the present.
The game doesn’t shy away from referencing Edward. Characters might mention him, and the impact he had is evident in the reactions of the Assassins and Templars involved. It reinforces that the Kenway saga, as a whole, explores the blurred lines between Assassin and Templar ideals, challenging the player to question the motivations of both factions.
Rogue as a Bridge Between Games
One of the most significant aspects of Rogue is its function as a narrative bridge. It connects the pirate-themed adventures of Black Flag with the revolutionary war setting of Assassin’s Creed III. Rogue also introduces elements that foreshadow the events of Assassin’s Creed Unity, particularly through its epilogue, which directly ties into the beginning of Arno Dorian’s story.
This interconnectedness enriches the overall Assassin’s Creed universe, allowing players to appreciate the complexity of the overarching narrative. Playing Rogue after Black Flag and before Assassin’s Creed III provides a more complete and nuanced understanding of the Kenway family and their impact on the ongoing Assassin-Templar conflict. Further academic research on gaming and education can be found at the Games Learning Society website.
Assassin’s Creed Rogue Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is Edward Kenway alive in Assassin’s Creed Rogue?
No, Edward Kenway is not alive during the events of Assassin’s Creed Rogue. He died in 1735, years before the game’s timeline.
2. Which Kenway appears in Assassin’s Creed Rogue?
Haytham Kenway appears as a key character in Assassin’s Creed Rogue, serving as a mentor and ally to Shay Patrick Cormac.
3. Is Edward Kenway mentioned in AC Rogue?
Yes, Edward Kenway is mentioned in AC Rogue. His legacy and past actions are referenced, highlighting his influence on the ongoing conflict between Assassins and Templars.
4. Are Assassin’s Creed Rogue and Black Flag the same?
No, Assassin’s Creed Rogue and Black Flag are not the same game. While they share similar gameplay mechanics, they feature different stories, characters, and protagonists. Rogue is set between Black Flag and Assassin’s Creed III, while Black Flag focuses on Edward Kenway’s pirate adventures.
5. Does AC Rogue take place after Black Flag?
Yes, AC Rogue takes place after Black Flag in the Assassin’s Creed timeline. It’s a sequel to Black Flag and a prequel to Assassin’s Creed III.
6. Should I play Rogue or Black Flag first?
Play Black Flag first, then Rogue. This is the order they were released and the order that best allows you to understand the overarching story.
7. Why is Haytham in Rogue?
Haytham is in Rogue to showcase his role in the Templar Order in the Americas and to mentor Shay Patrick Cormac, explaining the missing chapters in Haytham’s life. This also develops a better understanding of his motivations and ideologies, and his role in the grand scheme of the Assassin-Templar War.
8. Who kills Edward Kenway?
Edward Kenway was killed by mercenaries hired by Reginald Birch, who sought to obtain Edward’s journal and groom Haytham into the Templar Order.
9. Is Edward Kenway related to Desmond?
Yes, Edward Kenway is an ancestor of Desmond Miles. Desmond’s lineage includes several prominent Assassins, including Edward, Haytham, and Connor.
10. Is Arno in Rogue?
A young Arno Dorian appears in the ending sequence of Assassin’s Creed Rogue, during Shay Cormac’s mission in Versailles. This scene directly leads into the events of Assassin’s Creed Unity.
11. Is Rogue a prequel to ac3?
Yes, AC Rogue is a prequel to AC III and a sequel to Black Flag. It bridges the narrative gap between the two games and provides context for the characters and events in both.
12. Who is the main villain in Assassins Creed Rogue?
While there isn’t a single definitive “villain,” Achilles Davenport, the mentor of the Assassin Brotherhood in the Americas, can be seen as an antagonistic figure from Shay’s perspective, as their ideological differences drive the central conflict.
13. How old is Edward Kenway at the end of Black Flag?
Edward Kenway is roughly 22 years old at the start of Black Flag and dies at the age of 42.
14. What happens to Ezio and Sofia after revelations?
After the events of Assassin’s Creed: Revelations, Ezio retires from the Assassin Order and settles down with Sofia Sartor in Tuscany. He eventually dies of a heart attack in Florence in 1524.
15. Why did Haytham become evil?
Haytham’s worldview was shaped by his upbringing within the Templar Order. He believed in control and order as the means to achieve peace, often justifying morally questionable actions in pursuit of these goals. His dedication to the Order led him to prioritize its objectives over personal relationships, even his relationship with his son.
Rogue’s narrative expands upon the Kenway saga, offering a unique perspective on the Assassin-Templar conflict and further solidifying the Kenway family’s legacy within the Assassin’s Creed universe. For more information on the intersection of gaming and learning, visit GamesLearningSociety.org.