7 Best Historical Cameos in Assassin’s Creed

Well, now that Ubisoft practically own the keys to human evolution and its entire timeline, it sort of makes sense that they employ it and its historical figures for fortune. By that, of course, I mean that renowned personalities are available to portray — and that Assassin's Creed is evidently a perfect host to home such characters. Admittedly, we've seen our fair share of familiar faces over the last decade of Templar warfare, and it's likely that we'll catch a few more, too. But can we really blame Ubisoft for implementing real figures into their games? After all, it seems like the ultimate cash cow in ways. I mean, who doesn't want to drop in on Queen Victoria for a chat?

Ubisoft has been figuring out methods of including historical figures in the award-winning series for every new entry. Ever since the development of the first game, Ubisoft harnessed the knowledge of genuine events and looked to evolve them with a dosage of fictional charisma. Together, Assassin's Creed fans have been able to enjoy a mixture of real-time events, as well as indulge in a fantasy fit for a Firenze. And, you know — it works rather well. Just look at the sales record. But anyway, here are the seven best historical figures in Assassin's Creed.

7. Benjamin Franklin

Ben Franklin played a subtle role in Assassin's Creed 3, as well as Rogue.

What better way to start off this list than to showcase one of the Founding Father's of the United States? Admittedly, it was a pleasant surprise when stumbling across Franklin in Assassin's Creed 3, and it did serve the Boston setting incredibly well. Although not technically siding with one of the two warring factions, Franklin did share a few moments with both the assassins and the templar order. While not exactly necessary to aid the plot, Frankin did provide gamers with a cheeky smile when being able to take a stroll with the celebrated diplomat.

6. Leonardo da Vinci

Leonardo da Vinci acted as not only an advisor to Ezio, but a close friend for several years.

Becoming one of the closest friends to Ezio over several decades, Leonardo da Vinci served as an advisor to the beloved protagonist for two glorious chapters. As a renowned Italian polymath, who is still considered to be one of the most knowledgable figures in history, it always boded well with the assassin order when reaching for the upper hand. Whether it be an upgrade for a weapon, a painting or a piece of tactical advice; Leonardo always seemed to slot into the Assassin's Creed series like the perfect puzzle piece.

5. Jack the Ripper

Jack the Ripper became a self-titled DLC that put us on the tail of the mysterious murderer of London.

While not featuring in the main portion of Assassin's Creed: Syndicate, Jack the Ripper did emerge with a worthy DLC in later months from release. As one of the most talked-about antagonists in British history, it only made sense that Ubisoft would go on to use the villain as an accessory.

Jack the Ripper once shadowed the crooked alleys of London in the late 1800s as a masked silhoute. While using London as a playground, the Ripper himself would hone his murdering habits by executing isolated ladies of the night. However, in the self-titled Jack The Ripper DLC, the villain himself takes on the form of an ex-assassin, who once served under the protagonist Jacob Frye. But, although steering heavily away from the accuracy of the Ripper, many of the characteristics and situations were taken from real-life events that took place in the late 1800s. So yes — a worthy accessory indeed.

4. George Washington

George Washington played a crucial role during the American Revolutionary War.

Drawing back to Assassin's Creed 3 for a second time, we thought we'd bring up another huge historical figure. George Washington, who was notably known for being the first president of the United Staes between 1789 and 1797, was a fascinating character for Ubisoft to portray. As the Commander-in-Chief of The Continental Army for the duration of the American Revolutionary War, Washington represented a great level of historical accuracy, and was a worthy link to include for such a defining moment in American history. Ubisoft played their cards incredibly well when deciding on figures to explore, and Washington was definitely a spectacular choice to accommodate such a striking history.

3. Charles Dickens

The renowned novelist became a subtle part of the Syndicate plotline.

Although Dickens did play a rather small role in Assassin's Creed: Syndicate, it did make up for a relatively charming encounter. As one of the most respected and celebrated novelists of the Victorian Era, it was kind of Ubisoft to factor in the historical figure. Despite not playing a major part in the Assassin's Creed world, Dickens did tend to cross paths with our heroes on a few occasions, and always assured to deliver a philosophical word of wisdom. Mysteries could be explored under the wing of Dickens, and playing a part in the drama that would go on to become the novelists latest work always seemed to make us feel somewhat accomplished.

2. Edward Thatch / Blackbeard

What better sidekick to have on the high seas than Blackbeard himself?

Black Flag always made us feel like we were an unstoppable force with very little to lose — and a whole ocean to gain. By enlisting the sadistic yet strangely loyal pirate to the assassin clause, Edward Kenway was able to tackle great depths and always hold the upper hand when tackling the seas. Blackbeard, who was known locally as Edward Thatch, was once the face of piracy on the West Indies and the eastern coast of Britain's North American Colonies. As a feared silhouette of the early 1700s, sailors would quiver over the sight of the charcoal beard and the use of lit fuses under his hat. These iconic trademarks eventually went on to become somewhat romanticized and would influence various media outlets.

1. Queen Victoria

Ubisoft played their cards right when deciding to involve Queen Victoria in the Syndicate roster.

Scaling the very walls of Buckingham Palace always made up for fantastic gameplay with stunning visuals from the apex of the tallest tower. Of course, being able to swing by and undertake a quest for Queen Victoria herself was a truly fantastic addition on Ubisoft's part. After all, Syndicate showcased a healthy amount of historical figures and accuracy, and so for Her Majesty to stroll up and send us on a death-defying mission or congratulate us for our efforts was only too wondrous. Even as a rather small role in the Assassin's Creed sphere, Queen Victoria played a crucial part in the timeline of events, and it did create some genuinely joyous moments of gameplay.