The Case for Completely Rebooting the Franchise

Assassin’s Creed has become a juggernaut in the gaming industry over the years, yet this powerhouse franchise seems to be facing some turbulent times. Ubisoft has been on quite the rollercoaster ride with their flagship title. The journey began in the late 2000s, blossoming from a tightly-knit historical adventure into the sprawling open-world RPG anthology it is today. Some might say it bears more resemblance to Far Cry now than its original muse, Prince of Persia, and opinions on this evolution tend to vary greatly.

Take Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, for instance. It might have been a blockbuster hit, but the buzz around the new installment, Assassin’s Creed Shadows, indicates that the series is treading on uncertain ground. The franchise seems to have lost some of its appeal in recent years, as its intricate narrative grows overly lengthy and the core gameplay mechanics become stagnant. Sure, there’s potential for success if they stick with the current formula and story framework, but without a fresh wave of innovation, the returns might start dwindling. Perhaps what Ubisoft needs is a bold reboot to shake things up and reinvigorate the brand.

When it comes to storytelling, Assassin’s Creed appears to have lost its way. Unlike the charmingly chaotic narratives of Metal Gear Solid or Kingdom Hearts, the story here seems to be building endlessly with no destination in sight. Each new installment feels like a mere stepping stone to another, rather than working towards a meaningful conclusion.

The present-day aspect of Assassin’s Creed’s storyline—a cornerstone of its grand plot—has become too ephemeral to bring any real satisfaction. Up until Assassin’s Creed 3, it seemed as though the series was steering towards some sort of climax, with Desmond Miles’ story progressing sensibly. Many fans hoped the narrative would ultimately culminate in a modern-day release tying it all together. However, the franchise now gives the impression of just marking time, releasing disjointed games with new protagonists and increasingly complex ideas that lack payoff.

This issue extends beyond just the storyline. The gameplay feels more like it’s following trends rather than setting them, adopting elements from The Witcher, Dark Souls, and other MMOs without offering a distinct twist. This approach has diluted the brand’s identity, turning it into a vessel for predictable action-RPGs rather than an innovative, cohesive experience.

In essence, Assassin’s Creed finds itself somewhat aimless. There is nothing inherently wrong with desiring a franchise to endure, even if it means sacrificing a more satisfying narrative conclusion. However, it feels like Assassin’s Creed is drifting, often reacting to the successes or failures of previous entries rather than thoughtfully developing its existing components into something outstanding.

Maybe a decisive shift away from the modern-day storyline and a renewed focus on the age-old Assassins vs. Templars conflict could help regain its once vibrant identity. Doubling down on unique stealth mechanics, dropping the quasi-magic abilities, and embracing a more refined, focused game design might also ease some of the franchise fatigue among players. And steering clear of microtransactions could certainly help win back some love.

Ultimately, a hard reboot might just be the infusion of energy and creativity that Assassin’s Creed needs to reclaim its storied throne in the world of gaming.