10 Potential Settings For the Next Assassin’s Creed

When Assassin’s Creed first came out it was a breath of fresh air. In a market fit-to-bursting with games set in World War II, the future or contemporary times, its historical setting was refreshing. Setting a game during Crusades era Jerusalem was a ballsy move by Ubisoft, taking a risk in an industry dominated by sequels and tried-and-tested formulas. The unusual setting made it an absorbing experience, creating a believable world you could lose yourself in. Sure, the sci-fi trappings around it felt like a bit of a cop-out, but it still felt like something new.

The game’s sequels carried on in this vein, setting games in historical times largely ignored by other developers. Games set in Renaissance period don’t come out every day. The second game was also an improvement over the first, with the world being brought to life with even more style. The next two games continued the story of the character introduced in Assassin’s Creed II, but last year’s Assassin’s Creed III brings it to a whole new time and place.

When the Revolutionary War setting was unveiled, many gamers were not overly thrilled. The series’ original location set it apart, so setting it in America seemed a bit uninspired. However it’s a time period that is largely left untouched by other games, and the finished game won most doubters over.

Ubisoft have announced that the next game will appear in 2014 and feature an all new setting. All of which has got gamers thinking: where next for the franchise? So:  for your consideration today- 10 possible settings for future Assassin’s Creed games. Before we start- this list is purely for fun and speculation. This is nothing more than a list of settings that might be interesting. Also some of the picks may pre-date earlier games in the franchise. If you’re thinking that future games will necessarily occur after 1776, then you’re wrong, as creative director Alex Hutchinson has confirmed that is not the case. So without any further ado, follow us as we clamber in the NerdSpan time machine and journey back in time…. Fun for both gamers and History nerds!

 

The War of 1812

If you’re going to set a game in the American Revolution, then why not follow it up with the other time America went to war with the British Empire ? This was a war sold by America at the time as a “second war of Independence”, although this was slightly undermined by them trying to invade Canada. It’s been largely forgotten by History, which is kind of strange seeing as this was a conflict that saw both Washington DC and (what is now) Toronto burnt to the ground by opposing forces. Seeing as Assassin’s Creed is made by Ubisoft’s Canadian studio, this would make an interesting follow-up (and counter-point to ) the third game. The game could also feature a relative of half-Tomahawk assassin Connor, as this conflict featured a large contingent of Native American warriors (largely on the British/Canadian side).

 

Feudal Japan

From the moment the series was born, many assumed this would eventually need to happen. Feudal Japan with it’s Shogun, samurai and ninja are a natural fit for Assassin’s Creed, surely? That may be the problem- this has already been done by games such as Tenchu, but I still feel they could bring something original to it. To make it most interesting it could be set in the “Bakumatsu” era (1853-1868), a time when the Shogun’s attempts at Western-style modernisation came into conflict with the traditional life-style of the samurai warriors (as seen in the film The Last Samurai). With westerners entering Japan for the first time (and bringing their modern weapons with them), this is a time the AC team could really bring to life.

English Civil War (1642-1651)

England’s most bloody conflict between the forces of the Crown (the Cavaliers) and Parliament (the Roundheads) was certainly a dramatic time, with neighbours fighting neighbours, brothers fighting brothers, communities torn asunder… It’s surprising that more films, books etc don’t use this period as a setting. It would make a neat setting for an Assassin’s Creed game, and would certainly make it unique. The series is known for involving real historical figures in fictional storylines, and eventual victor (and Christmas-banner) Oliver Cromwell  would make a natural villain and Templar member.

 

Victorian London

Picture the scene: a dark and foggy night in London’s back-streets. You stealthily sneak down the cobbled alley to cut the throat of a shadowy gentleman in a cape and top hat… so ends the reign of Jack The Ripper. 1800’s London would make a fantastic, atmospheric setting, with iconic historic landmarks and bustling streets. At the time it was the heart of a gigantic empire and the centre of scientific progress. Plus, the voice actors could have fun with bad cockney accents. It could be amazing, guv’nor and no mistake!

 

The Roman Empire

Ancient Rome at the height of the Empire was one of the greatest cities the world has ever known, a melting pot of people from all over the Empire (that stretched from England to Africa), slaves, soldiers and soothsayers. Assassination wasn’t exactly rare there either- just ask Julius Caesar. This setting would be closer in feel to the original game, but the Italian connect would allow them to connect it to the bloodline via Assassin’s Creed II’s Ezio Auditore too.

Ancient China

China was inventing gunpowder and writing great works of philosophy while Europeans were sitting around in the mud, hitting each other with sticks. It was also a time of warring dynasties, internal conflicts and political machinations. All of which makes it prime Assassin’s Creed territory. Then there’s the fact that we all know from the well known documentary Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon that everyone in ancient China knew Kung-Fu and could fly.

World War I (1914-1918)

We’ve got War War II games coming out of our ears, so we wouldn’t really want to see Ubisoft’s series joining the ranks. The First World War on the other hand is a much rarer setting. A relatively modern setting for an AC game could be interesting, and the scope could be vast. After all it was a world war, so there would be many possible locations to choose from.

Revolutionary France (1789-1799)

Viva La Revolution! Pre-revolutionary France was a land of great inequality: the masses of poor people living in poverty, and the wig-wearing aristocrats in their beautiful palaces. It was not really all that surprising that the people rose up. The events leading up to the revolution could make a fascinating back-drop for a future game in the series, and could tie in to real life events such as the storming of the Bastille.

The Old West.

You could argue that the western setting has been done, but  still it would be interesting  to see what the AC team would make of it. Set it post US Civil-war for maximum tension, plus it could further explore the Indian side of Assassin’s Creed III star Connor’s family.

Modern day

The sci-fi framing device used in each game points to a possible direction the series could take if Ubisoft are ever looking to finish the series, or maybe even produce a prequel. Seeing Desmond on hos home turf would make for a really different experience. It could work, or it could completely fall flat on it’s face, but it would certainly be interesting to see what a contemporary Assassin’s Creed game would be like.

 

[This is a modified version of an article that first appeared on Rant Gaming in October 2012]