The Case of the Missing Blade: Which Assassin’s Creed Games Forsake the Franchise Staple?
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The Hidden Blade, a retractable blade concealed within a bracer, is arguably the most iconic weapon in the Assassin’s Creed franchise. It’s a symbol of the Assassins, a tool for stealthy assassinations, and a constant presence throughout most of the series. But, surprisingly, not every game in the sprawling franchise features this signature weapon in the way you might expect. So, which Assassin’s Creed game doesn’t have a Hidden Blade? The answer is nuanced, but primarily it’s Assassin’s Creed Odyssey. While the main game initially lacks the traditional Hidden Blade, it’s crucial to understand the full context.
Assassin’s Creed Odyssey: A Blade by Any Other Name…
Assassin’s Creed Odyssey, set in ancient Greece, distinguishes itself from other entries. Instead of a Hidden Blade from the beginning, players initially wield the Spear of Leonidas, a powerful artifact that serves a similar function in combat and assassination. It impales enemies with brutal efficiency and channels Isu power, acting as a one-hit kill weapon in many scenarios.
However, the absence of a traditional Hidden Blade is not absolute. The “Legacy of the First Blade” DLC significantly alters this. As the name suggests, this DLC introduces Darius, the first known historical figure to wield a Hidden Blade. By playing through this DLC, players gain access to their own Hidden Blade, thereby retroactively adding the iconic weapon to their arsenal. So, while Odyssey doesn’t start with a Hidden Blade, it eventually includes one, albeit locked behind downloadable content.
Other Notable Absences and Variations
While Odyssey is the most prominent example of a game lacking an initial Hidden Blade, it’s worth noting other instances where the weapon’s role is altered or absent:
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Assassin’s Creed Valhalla: While Eivor receives a Hidden Blade early in the game, the character initially wears it on top of their wrist, a detail that annoys Hytham. To perform the classic hidden blade assassination, Valhalla requires the off-hand to be free and a charged attack to activate the stab.
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Assassin’s Creed Unity: In Unity, Arno’s Hidden Blade is primarily reserved for assassinations from stealth. Open combat with the Hidden Blade is not possible.
These examples, while not complete absences, highlight the evolving role of the Hidden Blade throughout the Assassin’s Creed series.
The Importance of the Hidden Blade
Despite these variations, the Hidden Blade remains a crucial element of the Assassin’s Creed identity. It represents:
- Stealth and Precision: The Hidden Blade is designed for silent, deadly strikes, emphasizing the Assassin’s focus on stealth.
- Tradition and Legacy: The weapon has been passed down through generations of Assassins, connecting characters across different time periods.
- Innovation and Adaptation: While the core concept remains the same, the Hidden Blade has been modified and improved over time, reflecting the changing needs of the Assassins.
- The Core Fantasy: Players love living out the fantasy of being a shadow warrior, and the Hidden Blade is central to that experience.
For educators interested in using video games as tools for learning, the Assassin’s Creed franchise offers numerous opportunities to explore historical settings, cultural contexts, and complex moral dilemmas. The Games Learning Society and its GamesLearningSociety.org website provide resources and insights into the educational potential of games like Assassin’s Creed.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions related to the Hidden Blade in the Assassin’s Creed franchise:
1. Do all Assassins have Hidden Blades?
While the Hidden Blade is a common weapon among Assassins, not all members of the Brotherhood possess or use one. Factors such as rank, resources, and individual fighting styles can influence whether an Assassin carries a Hidden Blade.
2. Is there no Hidden Blade in Odyssey main game?
Correct. The main game of Assassin’s Creed Odyssey initially does not feature a traditional Hidden Blade. The Spear of Leonidas serves as the primary weapon for assassinations.
3. Does Assassin’s Creed Black Flag have a Hidden Blade?
Yes, Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag features a Hidden Blade used by Edward Kenway. The game’s design even incorporated the weapon as a key part of its mechanics.
4. Does Assassin’s Creed Unity have Hidden Blades?
Yes, Assassin’s Creed Unity has Hidden Blades, but their usage is restricted to stealth assassinations. Players cannot equip and fight with the Hidden Blade in open combat.
5. What was the first Assassin’s Creed with a Hidden Blade?
While various characters have used proto-hidden blades throughout history, Assassin’s Creed (the first game in the series) was the first game to feature the modern version of the Hidden Blade as Altair’s main weapon. Assassin’s Creed Odyssey also depicts an early Hidden Blade through the “Legacy of the First Blade” DLC.
6. Does Ezio have a Hidden Blade?
Yes, Ezio Auditore da Firenze wields Hidden Blades throughout his trilogy of games (Assassin’s Creed II, Brotherhood, and Revelations). He eventually acquires two Hidden Blades.
7. Does Valhalla have Hidden Blades?
Yes, Eivor has a Hidden Blade in Assassin’s Creed Valhalla. However, its initial placement on the wrist and activation method differ from previous games.
8. Did Ezio cut off his finger?
No, Ezio Auditore never had his ring finger removed to accommodate the Hidden Blade. Later designs of the blade allowed it to be used without removing a finger.
9. Does Connor Kenway have a Hidden Blade?
Yes, Connor Kenway has a Hidden Blade in Assassin’s Creed III. Notably, one of his Hidden Blades is detachable and can be used as a dagger.
10. Did Bayek use a Hidden Blade?
Yes, Bayek of Siwa used a Hidden Blade in Assassin’s Creed Origins, although an accident resulted in him losing his ring finger.
11. Why do Assassins cut their ring finger?
Early designs of the Hidden Blade required the removal of the ring finger to allow the blade to extend properly without hindering the user’s grip. However, this practice became obsolete with later Hidden Blade designs.
12. Which Assassins have 2 Hidden Blades?
Ezio Auditore eventually acquired two Hidden Blades, along with Shay Cormac.
13. Did Altair modify the Hidden Blade?
Yes, Altair made significant modifications to the Hidden Blade using knowledge gained from the Apple of Eden. These modifications included using stronger materials.
14. Who gave Ezio the hook blade?
The hook blade was gifted to Ezio Auditore by Yusuf Tazim, an Ottoman Assassin.
15. Does Kassandra have a Hidden Blade?
Yes, by the time fans see Kassandra in Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, she is wielding a Hidden Blade.