Assassin’s Creed Review

Assassin’s Creed, developed by Ubisoft Montreal and published by Ubisoft, is an action-adventure stealth game that launched a multi-million dollar franchise. Released on the PlayStation 3 (PS3) in 2007, Assassin’s Creed introduced players to a unique blend of historical fiction, open-world exploration, and innovative gameplay mechanics. This Assassin’s Creed PS3 review explores the game’s impact and legacy.

A Leap of Faith: Setting and Story

Assassin’s Creed is set primarily during the Third Crusade in the Holy Land in 1191. Players control Altaïr Ibn-La’Ahad, a member of the Assassin Brotherhood. The story follows Altaïr’s journey as he carries out assassinations of key Templar leaders, uncovering a larger conspiracy.

The game also features a modern-day framing device, where the protagonist, Desmond Miles, experiences Altaïr’s memories through a machine called the Animus. This dual-narrative structure, while initially controversial, became a staple of the series.

• Historical setting during the Third Crusade
• Control of the assassin Altaïr Ibn-La’Ahad
• Modern-day framing device with Desmond Miles
• Conflict between Assassins and Templars
• Intriguing blend of historical fiction and science fiction

Gameplay: Parkour, Stealth, and Assassination

Assassin’s Creed introduced several innovative gameplay mechanics that became hallmarks of the series. These include:

• Free-running and parkour: Players can navigate the game’s open-world cities with fluid and acrobatic movements.
• Stealth: Players can use the environment to their advantage, blending into crowds, hiding in shadows, and performing silent assassinations.
• The “Social Stealth” system: This system allows players to use the environment and NPC behavior to remain undetected.
• The Hidden Blade: Altaïr’s signature weapon, used for quick and silent kills.
• Investigation missions: Before each assassination, Altaïr gathers intel.

The game’s open-world design allows players to explore cities like Jerusalem, Acre, and Damascus, each with its own unique architecture and atmosphere.

Visuals and Sound: Bringing History to Life

Assassin’s Creed was visually impressive for its time, particularly on the PS3. The game featured detailed cityscapes, realistic character models, and fluid animations. The sense of scale, especially when climbing to the top of a viewpoint, was breathtaking.

The game’s sound design also contributed to the immersive experience, with authentic ambient sounds, historical music, and voice acting that brought the characters and world to life.

Impact and Legacy: Birth of a Franchise

Assassin’s Creed was a commercial success and spawned a long-running and highly successful franchise. It introduced a unique blend of action, stealth, and historical fiction that resonated with players.

The game’s innovative gameplay mechanics, particularly its parkour system, influenced many subsequent titles. Assassin’s Creed established Ubisoft as a major player in the action-adventure genre and left a lasting mark on the gaming industry.

What was so special about Assassin’s Creed?

Assassin’s Creed was special because of its innovative parkour system, its unique historical setting, its blend of stealth and action, and its ambitious open-world design. It offered a fresh and immersive experience that captivated players.

Is Assassin’s Creed on PS3 Worth Playing Today?

Yes, Assassin’s Creed on PS3 is still worth playing today, especially for those interested in experiencing the origins of the franchise. While some of its mechanics may feel dated compared to later entries, its core gameplay, historical setting, and innovative ideas remain compelling.