5 Best Assassin’s Creed Games of All Time

With the launch of Valhalla selling almost two million copies worldwide, we think it's only right to put Assassin's Creed in the spotlight. Although, if it wasn't for the massive success of the original trilogy and spin-off games back in the early noughties — we'd never have received the enormous open-world smash-hits that we have today. Way before Valhalla, Odyssey or Origins, there was Brotherhood and Revelations — and many more before that, too. It's these base games that built the very foundations for the franchise and escalated it to new heights.

Assassin's Creed is one of the biggest franchises in the gaming world — and we can see why. With history being in the palms of the developer  — Ubisoft can adapt to almost any period and turn it into something relevant to the platform. Of course, we've seen a whole bunch of eras defined and explored over the last decade or so, but only a few have made major impacts. But which specific games have made the biggest splash since the debut?

5. Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag

Who wouldn't want to be a pirate assassin, right?

We can't fault Ubisoft's ideal portrayal of the golden age of piracy, can we? After all, Black Flag summarizes a generation with great accuracy — and even throws in some real iconic faces, too. Black Flag delivers a little piece of everything as the ultimate pirate simulator of the ex-gen era. With a mixture of sea scrounging in an upgradable ship, gripping combat on both high tides and rocky terrain, and a whole bunch of stealthy quests to chew through — this fourth major chapter most definitely wins for fan favourite.

4. Assassin's Creed: Unity

Unity is a  life-time fan favourite, despite its shortcomings.

Originally released with mixed reviews, Unity was both praised and slated for the several elements in its core package. Of course, Ubisoft did struggle to find ground with Unity after players encountered several issues and sloppy mechanics — but all was redeemed with one of the best plotlines in the series to date. With the French Revolution providing some epic battles and stunning scenery over the trenches of Paris, Unity not only offers memorable environments — but genuine gameplay that, after a few patches — flows effortlessly. Plus, with a stunning setting to one of the bleakest time periods in European history, Unity takes real events and captures the essence of the war beautifully.

3. Assassin's Creed: Syndicate

It's not very often we stumble upon two likeable protagonists in one game.

Using London as an entire playground, Syndicate takes us back to the Industrial Age of ironworks, child labour and back-alley brawls. Under the domain of the vicious Templar Order, it is up to two sibling assassin's to reclaim the city and put an end to the corruption of the reigning powers. With boroughs to capture, slavery to abolish and figureheads to remove — Syndicate aims to be a meaty journey that never feels like a slog. Plus, with two likeable heroes and plenty of famous faces popping up all over the city, it makes turning every new corner a treat in itself. And, you know — you can meet the Queen. Top marks for that alone, of course.

2. Assassin's Creed: Origins

Origins was the turning point that brought Assassin's Creed to a whole new platform.

Ramping up the ambition and the world design by a few degrees is, of course, Origins. Unlike previous chapters in the series where gameplay is restricted to smaller maps and one basic concept, Origins opens up the draft and amps the adventure to new and exciting goals. By using Ancient Egypt as a whole platform to promote the new style, Ubisoft grants players a more well-rounded RPG experience that stills holds a few familiar templates as seen in previous instalments. By introducing new core elements, combat styles and customization, Origins flew the flag for the new design that went on to become Ubisoft's go-to technique.

1. Assassin's Creed II

Of course, Ezio Auditore had to feature on the list somewhere, right?

Assassin's Creed II delivered on all fronts when it came to the action-adventure narrative. By expanding from the previous instalment which almost lacked character and player involvement, Assassin's Creed II gave the franchise a new course and brought back the crowd with style. Thanks to its story-driven experience in a bustling country filled with Templar antics, the second chapter provides players with enough material to forge multiple hearty memories. With a city to restore, an Order to burn, and a roster of friends to recruit — this second journey becomes the finest in the series. Plus — Ezio Auditore. Need we say more?