Assassin’s Creed Shadowsis takingthe franchise’s story back to its rootsby putting a bigger emphasis on the modern-day narrative. While the last threeAssassin’s Creedgames have placed more focus on historical fantasy, the series began with the tale of Desmond Miles exploring his genetic memories thanks to a machine known as the Animus. Over several games, Desmond’s saga became increasingly more convoluted with many fans questioning its existence, but it seemsUbisoft is trying to make the modern-day setting a priority once again.
PerEurogamer,Assassin’s Creedboss Marc-Alexis Coté confirmed thatShadowswill refocus its lens toallow the modern-day narrative to “enhance, rather than overshadow, the historical journey.“Coté goes on to explain that the modern-day storyline will examine themes of “memory, identity, and autonomy,“as well as look at how history and the past shape the people we become. The developer goes on to note thatShadowswill be the first step in this journey that will “grow in the years to come” suggesting future games will expand upon the setting.
Assassin’s Creed’s Story Is A Mixed Bag
It’s Needless Confusing
The existence of the Animus as a framing device has long perplexedAssassin’s Creedplayers since the majority agree that they prefer the historical settings;The use of “genetic memories” feels like a contrivance more than anything else. It also made the games' stories harder to follow, as even Coté admits that after Desmond’s tale ended, the franchise struggled with its direction. The constantly shifting teams behind the games meant that the overall narrative began to feel predictable and repetitive.
HowAssassin’s Creed Shadowsaims to fix this problem remains unknown, but one can onlyhope that it sticks the landing.Shifting the series away from the modern-day allowed for more cohesive narrativesthat aren’t tied to the Animus and Abstergo, the sinister corporation run by the Templars. There’s certainly potential there, butjuggling two loosely connected storiescan be like walking on a wobbly tightrope.
Assassin’s Creed Shadows Interview: Brooke Davies On Dual Protagonists & Finally Taking Players To Japan
The associate narrative director behind Assassin’s Creed Shadows spoke with Screen Rant at Summer Game Fest about the game’s story and setting.
Assassin’s Creed Should Ditch The Modern-Day Setting
Did Anyone Care For Desmond Miles?
I’ve played most of theAssassin’s Creedgames andI think the need to incorporate some kind of modern element is consistently the weakest part of every story. There’s a reason Ezio, Edward, and Bayek are talked about as the franchise’s best protagonists while Desmond Miles is usually ignored completely.I hope Ubisoft can figure out a wayto make it work inAssassin’s Creed Shadowsbut I have my doubts when I’d rather experience a seamless historical epic.
