Who Took Over from Desmond Miles? The Post-Desmond Era of Assassin’s Creed
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The Assassin’s Creed franchise, known for its intricate historical settings and engaging narratives, underwent a significant shift after the departure of its initial modern-day protagonist, Desmond Miles. The answer to who replaced Desmond isn’t as straightforward as a single character taking the reins. Instead, it’s a more nuanced evolution that involved multiple protagonists and a shifting narrative focus in the modern-day storyline. After Desmond’s sacrifice at the end of Assassin’s Creed III, the series experimented with different approaches, ultimately landing on Layla Hassan as a prominent figure in the later installments. However, “the player,” as a silent, unseen character interacting with Abstergo’s Animus in Black Flag and Syndicate, also plays a role in the succession.
The Immediate Aftermath: Animus Users and the Void
Following Desmond’s death, the series initially moved away from a singular modern-day protagonist. In Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag and Assassin’s Creed: Rogue, the player takes on the role of an Abstergo Entertainment employee. These games broke the fourth wall, making “you,” the gamer, the modern-day protagonist.
The Abstergo Employee
As an Abstergo Entertainment researcher, your task is to explore historical memories retrieved from genetic samples using a modified Animus. This period can be defined as the era of “the Initiate”, a blank slate for the player to project themselves onto. You’re tasked with sifting through the memories of ancestors like Edward Kenway (Black Flag) and Shay Cormac (Rogue). While lacking the narrative weight of Desmond, this approach offered a degree of immersion, albeit a temporary one.
Absence of Strong Modern-Day Narrative
These games focused more on the historical simulations, minimizing the modern-day story to a series of optional missions and investigations within the Abstergo Entertainment offices. This period was marked by a lack of consistent narrative thread connecting the past with the present, an issue that fans often cited as a weakness.
The Rise of Layla Hassan
The franchise sought a more compelling modern-day narrative, leading to the introduction of Layla Hassan in Assassin’s Creed Origins. Layla became the most prominent character to directly succeed Desmond in terms of narrative focus.
From Abstergo to Assassin
Layla is a former Abstergo scientist who defects from the company after discovering the tomb of Bayek and Aya, the founders of the Hidden Ones (the precursors to the Assassin Brotherhood). Driven by her ambition and research into the Simulations of the past, Layla creates a portable version of the Animus, allowing her to relive historical events without Abstergo’s control.
Layla’s Journey
Layla’s journey becomes central to the modern-day plot in Origins, Odyssey, and Valhalla. She confronts internal conflicts, wrestles with the power of Isu technology, and grapples with the legacy of both the Assassins and the Templars. Layla becomes entangled with ancient prophecies and hidden truths, ultimately playing a crucial role in preventing catastrophic events and shaping the future of the world.
Layla’s Fate
Her narrative arc culminated in Valhalla, where she encounters Desmond in a digital realm and becomes the Reader, charged with preventing another global catastrophe. This role, a callback to Desmond’s sacrifice, solidifies Layla as a significant successor, bearing the burden of saving humanity.
Shifting Focus and Legacy
While Layla Hassan became the dominant character in the modern-day segments, the initial “Initiate” approach and the subsequent story elements involving various Abstergo employees and Assassins contributed to a fragmented narrative.
Multiple Protagonists, Shared Thread
It’s important to acknowledge that “the player,” in Black Flag and Syndicate, represents a period where Ubisoft tried to experiment with player immersion and a less centralized narrative. Ultimately, Layla Hassan served as the primary narrative successor to Desmond, but the other figures in the modern-day storyline are pieces of the puzzle.
Legacy of Desmond
Despite the introduction of new characters and shifting narratives, Desmond Miles remains an integral part of the Assassin’s Creed mythos. His sacrifice and connection to the First Civilization (Isu) continue to influence the events of the series. Characters like Layla grapple with the consequences of Desmond’s actions and the secrets he uncovered, making his legacy a persistent theme.
FAQs: Unraveling the Mysteries of the Post-Desmond Era
1. Who was the main character in Assassin’s Creed after Desmond Miles died?
Initially, there wasn’t a single main character. Instead, “you,” the player, took the role of an Abstergo Entertainment employee. Later, Layla Hassan became the primary modern-day protagonist.
2. Did Desmond Miles return in later Assassin’s Creed games?
While Desmond physically died at the end of Assassin’s Creed III, his presence is felt throughout the series through mentions, flashbacks, and his influence on the modern-day story. He appears in a digital afterlife in Valhalla.
3. What happened to Desmond’s body after his death?
Abstergo collected Desmond’s body, and his memories were uploaded to their cloud, which was intended to be the end for Desmond.
4. What is the significance of the Apple of Eden in the Assassin’s Creed series?
The Apple of Eden is a powerful artifact created by the Isu, capable of controlling minds, projecting illusions, and manipulating reality. It plays a crucial role in the conflict between the Assassins and the Templars and is connected to the events of the past and the future.
5. Who are the Isu?
The Isu, also known as the First Civilization, were a technologically advanced race that predated humanity. They created the Pieces of Eden and played a significant role in shaping human history.
6. What is Eagle Vision?
Eagle Vision is a heightened sense that allows certain individuals to perceive the world in a unique way. It enables them to identify enemies, track targets, and see hidden objects. Only descendants of Eagle Sense users can use it.
7. What is the Assassin Brotherhood?
The Assassin Brotherhood is a secret organization dedicated to protecting free will and fighting against oppression. They are the sworn enemies of the Templar Order.
8. What is the Templar Order?
The Templar Order is a secret society that seeks to control humanity and impose order on the world, often through force. They are the sworn enemies of the Assassin Brotherhood.
9. Is there a connection between the Assassin’s Creed games and real-world history?
Yes, the Assassin’s Creed games are set in real historical periods and feature real historical figures. However, the games also introduce fictional elements and characters to create a unique narrative.
10. Who is the strongest Assassin in the Assassin’s Creed series?
Strength is subjective, but Ezio Auditore is often cited as one of the most powerful and skilled Assassins due to his charisma, wisdom, resources, and mastery of Assassin techniques.
11. Are Altaïr and Ezio related?
No, Altaïr and Ezio are not related, although Desmond is a descendant of both, which allows him to access their genetic memories.
12. What role does technology play in the Assassin’s Creed series?
Technology, especially the Animus, is central to the Assassin’s Creed series. It allows modern-day characters to relive the memories of their ancestors and uncover hidden secrets. The Isu technology, such as the Pieces of Eden, is also a driving force in the conflict between the Assassins and the Templars.
13. Did Ezio see Desmond?
Yes, Ezio sees a vision of Desmond while recording a message for him in Revelations. He knows that Desmond will eventually hear his words.
14. What is the meaning of the ending of Assassin’s Creed Valhalla?
The ending of Valhalla reveals that Layla meets with a transcendent Desmond, now known as the Reader, re-contextualizing his role in Assassin’s Creed lore and hinting at future events.
15. Is there educational value in playing Assassin’s Creed games?
Yes, the Assassin’s Creed games can offer educational value by immersing players in historical settings and introducing them to historical events and figures. Players can also learn about different cultures and societies through the games. Check out the Games Learning Society at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/ for more on the educational benefits of games.
In conclusion, while Desmond Miles’s sacrifice marked the end of an era, the Assassin’s Creed series has explored diverse paths to continue the modern-day narrative. The roles of the player as the Abstergo employee and the introduction of Layla Hassan provided different perspectives and challenges, shaping the ongoing struggle between Assassins and Templars. The series continues to evolve, integrating new characters and concepts while remaining true to the core themes of freedom, knowledge, and the battle against those who seek to control humanity.