Netflix have announced an upcoming live-action Assassin's Creed series News Share 27 Oct 2020 Written By: Edited By: Colum Blackett (Col_96) Ashlea Buckley Back To Database Streaming service and production company Netflix have today announced that they are developing a live-action Assassin's Creed series in partnership with Ubisoft. The news broke when the @NXOnNetflix Twitter account posted a short teaser revealing a red Assassin's Creed insignia with the Netflix logo inside. The iconic Assassin's Creed II theme, Ezio's family theme plays softly in the background. Could this be a clue, or simply a nod to the series? “We’re thrilled to create an Assassin’s Creed series with Netflix and we look forward to developing the next saga in the Assassin’s Creed universe.” said Jason Altman, Head of Ubisoft Film & Television told Deadline. Netflix are looking to build an Assassin's Creed TV Universe, entering into a content agreement with Ubisoft to develop live-action, animated, and anime series based on the franchise. According to Deadline, the first series in development is as an epic, genre-bending live-action adaptation, and is being developed Ubisoft Film & Television’s Jason Altman and Danielle Kreinik, who are currently looking for a showrunner. “We’re excited to partner with Ubisoft and bring to life the rich, multilayered storytelling that Assassin’s Creed is beloved for. From its breathtaking historical worlds and massive global appeal as one of the best selling video game franchises of all time, we are committed to carefully crafting epic and thrilling entertainment based on this distinct IP and provide a deeper dive for fans and our members around the world to enjoy.” Peter Friedlander, VP, Original Series, Netflix. Details are currently limited regarding the first Assassin's Creed Netflix series, but you can stay up to date on all the news here at The Ones Who Came Before. Sources: Netflix Deadline comments debug Comments Write a comment Write a comment Share Your Thoughts Be the first to write a comment. About the Author Col is one of the UK's leading Assassin's Creed Community members, and is best known for establishing both 'The Ones Who Came Before' fan community and 'Isu_Network' content creation program. As Team Leader for The Ones Who Came Before, Col was officially recognised by Ubisoft, becoming one the UK Assassin's Creed community ambassadors in 2016. He has attended many events after spending a decade in the AC Community, and has worked on countless projects, all of which you can find here on TOWCB website. He is also a former Ubisoft Star Player and member of The Mentors Guild, two recognisable community programs which opened doors and took his status within the AC Community to the next level. Colum Blackett (Col_96)

The Ones Who Came Before 9 Year Anniversary Round-up News Share 22 Aug 2023 Written By: Edited By: Colum Blackett (Col_96) Ashlea Blackett Back To Database Here is a behind-the-scenes account of the different phases of content the team here at ACFirstCiv // Isu_Network released throughout the #9YearsWithTheCreed campaign, as detailed by TOWCB Community Admin Colum Blackett // Col_96 It has been my absolute pleasure to work alongside The Ones Who Came Before team over the past month on the #9YearsWithTheCreed anniversary campaign. Each day, myself and the team released varied content that honoured the 9 year milestone and the legacy we have created. For the initial preparations, I wanted to make an immediate impact in the community by redesigning our iconic logo. I reached out to graphic designer Thea Marie Rivedal and she delivered five incredible variations of the iconic TOWCB logo. I selected the burnt orange/ black version for our socials as I felt it was the closest to the official AC Mirage logo, and the black outline made it pop. Taking inspiration from Arabic calligraphy, the new design signals a change in mentality for our group, as our content now focuses heavily on the upcoming release as we approach the end of the marketing campaign. Next up, we revealed that two members would be joining our Isu_Network / AC Partnership Program: @ BunnyTheVillain and @ sirmcdonnell1 (Twitter handles). Bunny is a seasoned social media manager who will be leading our Assassin's Creed Mirage content as we approach the release date, whilst Brandon is a Twitch streamer who has currently been playing the earlier AC games. Both provide different forms of content for our community, which will help us grow as we aim to cover all things relating to the franchise. The next day, I invited members of our team to share their own community stories, and their reasons for joining the team and what they have achieved so far. It was inspiring to hear about the impact I have personally had upon content creators, who often feel that their work goes unnoticed. Thanks to the program, they are now able to share their work with a larger audience and feel a part of a global network of fans. Team member FrameHoldPhotography created a series of GIFS that flip between Assassin's Creed Mirage and promotional images for previous games, showing how the new game is heavily taking inspiration from the past. It was great to visually see that Basim's stance and appearance as an Assassin is a homage to Altair and the original game. One of my personal outcomes for the campaign was to give back to the community, so I reached out to the Assassin's Creed Community Team who have always been incredibly supportive of our content. After speaking with Community Developer Clément Dagonneau , the team kindly provided codes for Assassin's Creed Dawn of Ragnarok and Assassin's Creed Valhalla Ultimate Edition, a very generous display of support. Fellow team member Michael Smith reached out to Aconyte publishing, who were equally as supportive, providing codes for the Assassin's Creed: The Golden City E-book by Jaleigh Johnson. Finally, after launching the giveaways on our socials, we experienced a huge surge in followers, surpassing 30,000 on Twitter! I once again reached out to graphic designer Thea Marie Rivedal to mark the milestone. Huge thank you to everyone involved. comments debug Comments Write a comment Write a comment Share Your Thoughts Be the first to write a comment. About the Author Col is one of the UK's leading Assassin's Creed Community members, and is best known for establishing both 'The Ones Who Came Before' fan community and 'Isu_Network' content creation program. As Team Leader for The Ones Who Came Before, Col was officially recognised by Ubisoft, becoming one the UK Assassin's Creed community ambassadors in 2016. He has attended many events after spending a decade in the AC Community, and has worked on countless projects, all of which you can find here on TOWCB website. He is also a former Ubisoft Star Player and member of The Mentors Guild, two recognisable community programs which opened doors and took his status within the AC Community to the next level. Colum Blackett (Col_96)

Assassin's Creed Odyssey: Greek Glory Breakdown Share 24 Jun 2025 Written By: Edited By: Hayden Bird Colum Blackett Back To Database When Assassin’s Creed Odyssey launched worldwide in October of 2018, many fans and gamers alike were eager to see how the developers at Ubisoft would take the franchise next after a major series reboot began with the previous game, Origins. 2017’s Assassin’s Creed Origins was a major success for Ubisoft and served as a solid and necessary rethinking of the overall franchise. The series was in dire need of something new after the financial disappointment of 2015’s Assassin’s Creed Syndicate which was a direct fan response after many gamers starting feeling that the series itself had run its course after a near decade of its existence, and was badly needing fresh and new life into it. Ubisoft followed the path of a full reboot and after the positive reception from both critics and fans of Assassin’s Creed Origins , Ubisoft had serious momentum heading into 2018. Promo image for Assassin's Creed Odyssey showing Alexios Before the announcement of Assassin’s Creed Odyssey , fans were not even expecting a new game in the series that year as Ubisoft pointed out the need to pause their old strategy of annual installments, as they released a new Assassin’s Creed game every year since 2008 at the time. The series took a full year off before Origins released, and many fans expected much of the same, a quiet 2018 with a potential release the year after. Ubisoft surprised fans at E3 2018 by announcing Odyssey . Fans were very excited to finally be able to explore the heavily requested historical location of Ancient Greece. Odyssey was set to build upon everything that was great and loved with Origins . The fan feedback was positive of the reboot with new RPG style gameplay elements and more advanced character customization than previous games experienced. Ubisoft set themselves up in a good position to deliver with Odyssey and clearly understood they simply had to expand on what everyone enjoyed with its predecessor rather than changing up the format too much again. Ubisoft was in prime position to capitalize on their own success, and they did just that. Assassin’s Creed Odyssey was also a significant first in the series. The ability to choose a character to play as. Ubisoft tried this idea in 2015 with Assassin’s Creed Syndicate by allowing players to switch between a male and female character, but this was the first time you could play as your chosen protagonist for the entire game. Odyssey also allowed gamers to play as a female protagonist for the very first time. The character, named Kassandra, was the fan favorite amongst the pair, while the second playable character was a male named Alexios. The story of the game made it so you choose your own character, but the character you do not select still plays a significant part in the game itself, that way no character is being forgotten. Players also loved the option to choose your own dialogue responses in game. It took the RPG side of the game to a whole new level, as the game before, Origins , did not have an option to select a variety of dialogue choices and featured a single male protagonist, whereas Odyssey switched things up and gave players their own freedom to choose a character of their liking. So, Seeing these big changes for the first time really excited fans all around the world. Promo image for Assassin's Creed Odyssey (2018) showing the Cult of Cosmos Assassin’s Creed Odyssey also took different parts of their game and made them bigger and better than before. The game's map was larger than that of any prior game in the Assassin’s Creed series, by quite a lot as well. The map was measured to its full length at 250 square kilometers. A good example of how big this map really was is that if, in game, you made your way through the map from end to end, it would take you two full hours to make it across. The map was unique and was full of famous Greek islands and the many spots of ocean which is known as the Mediterranean Sea in Greece. In the game, the player could earn and acquire a ship to sail across the many plots of the ocean spread out across the map, making traversing the playable area a lot faster and smoother. The fan feedback of this large map was mostly positive, as some loved having such a massive area of land and sea to explore, while others argued the time spent travelling across the map to your different quest objectives got exhausting and they’d rather be able to quickly maneuver the map. But overall, the idea and reality of such a large playable area was appreciated by the fans. Assassin’s Creed Odyssey had many great parts to not only its story, but gameplay as well, but one area of the games fans enjoyed a lot was the DLC, short for downloadable content, that was released and added onto the games story ending. The DLC story arcs were split into chapters where one chapter would be released at a time and fans would have to wait to continue their adventure until the time the next chapter released. The story DLCs were very admired by fans who spent the extra money on the game's season pass in order to get access to these missions. The DLC features two main storylines that were each split up into three chapters. The DLCs were called ‘Legacy of the First Blade’ which told the story of how the famous and iconic signature weapon used by the Assassins in the series that was known as the hidden blade, came to be in the world. The second DLC was called ‘The Fate of Atlantis’ which focused around the fabled underwater kingdom of Atlantis. Both of these expansions were well received and offered the players additional hours of new gameplay after the completion of the main story. Promo image for 'Legacy of the First Blade' The season pass of the game also offered an incentive for fans to spend the extra money on it as it offered a remaster of the 2012 game Assassin’s Creed III along with the standalone expansion, Liberation . The remaster and expansion were later offered as a separate purchase outside the season pass, but it goes to show how much content Ubisoft packed into these DLCs. Two major story expansions along with a remaster of a fan-favorite game in the series. It was a serious payoff for fans who spent the extra money to get access to these great additions to the game. Ubisoft put all their effort into not only the game, but the future of it and player experience post-launch. It is safe to say that Assassin’s Creed Odyssey was a very strong follow-up to a massively successful series reboot. Ubisoft took the correct path by building off the momentum they created a year before, but to still add new things and different changes that were fresh to gamers and made it a worthy journey into Ancient Greece. Ubisoft played their cards right in trying to continue to satisfy longtime fans, but to also introduce new players who could’ve been unfamiliar with the series, and Odyssey was their first experience in the franchise. It catered to all fans both new and returning. Odyssey will certainly be remembered for a long time, as it set the bar high for similar games and the Assassin’s Creed series as a whole. It managed to please fans who were looking to enjoy more of what its predecessor offered, but also include unique elements that made it feel like a true and full mainline Assassin’s Creed game that it certainly was. Kassandra in Assassin's Cred Odyssey (2018) comments debug Comments Write a comment Write a comment Share Your Thoughts Be the first to write a comment. About the Author Hayden is a passionate Freelance Writer based in South Carolina who joined TOWCB's Writing Team in 2020 during the Covid-19 Pandemic, writing articles on all things Assassin's Creed Valhalla. He left the group to focus on studies, joining our Alumni program, but triumphantly returned with fresh ideas in 2024 to pick up where he left off, only this time covering Assassin's Creed Shadows. In 2025, Hayden took on the position of Team Leader for TOWCB's Writing Team, overseeing article releases, assisting with recruitment and providing assistance with internal operations. Hayden Bird

What we want to see from the Assassin's Creed Franchise in 2020 Wishlists Share 29 Dec 2019 Written By: Edited By: Mieke Dix Ashlea Blackett Back To Database 5. Assassin’s Creed 1, Version 2.0 This is effectively a repeat from last year’s list which is why it’s first on this one, but it’s just as relevant. The game that started it all has yet to receive a remaster on current-gen platforms, unlike every other previous-gen title. Sure, there are plenty who dislike it due to its gameplay being simplistic and repetitive, particularly in comparison to the later games, but that doesn’t make Altaïr’s story any less compelling. It’s definitely a game that would benefit from a significant technical overhaul instead of merely an aesthetic one, which may well explain why they haven’t remastered it yet - or just won’t bother. However, whether we’ll be seeing this anytime soon or not is unclear, so all we can do is once again cross our fingers that it’ll feature in the upcoming UbiE3 lineup. 4. Next Instalment Announced With all the leaks and rumors that have been abounding on the internet this year, it’s somewhat inevitable that Ubisoft’s E3 press conference in June will feature a teaser trailer for the next game, at the very least. What’s less certain is whether Ubisoft will announce the game for release this year on current-gen only, or wait until 2021 when they can release it on the new Xbox and PS5, whether that’s a dual-release or next-gen only. This is where we can only hope that, if they are planning a dual-release, Ubisoft thoroughly learned their lesson following the disaster that was Rogue/Unity’s release. Whatever the case, we fully expect there to be a new main series title announced at some point in the coming year. 3. The Symphony on CD The Assassin’s Creed Symphony was a wonderful celebration of the many composers who have been a part of the franchise since its inception and their beautiful, emotive music. I personally attended the performance in London (and probably cried 90% of the time). Each game’s soundtrack was arranged into an excellently-composed suite which showcased the music at its best. What would be greatly appreciated, doubly so by those who couldn’t get a ticket for whatever reason, is an album of the arrangements for us to enjoy at our leisure. Of course, what would also be appreciated is an announcement that the Symphony will become an annual event visiting more locations worldwide, or even a series of concerts that would allow for even more arrangements of each soundtrack….! Wait, where was I? 2. Creed-Con 2020? (Confirmed 12/4/20) Something that was evident by the response to the Symphony - mainly the rapidity at which it sold tickets - is that there really is a market for official Assassin’s Creed events and experiences. That’s not to say that we demand an official Assassin’s Creed convention or anything, but there is plenty of scope for other events. (I mean, a convention also sounds freaking awesome). The community already organises a fair amount of events of their own accord, but to be able to pull all that passion under one, officially-endorsed roof would be grand. For example: the Symphony becoming a regular event could be a good start. It could be the perfect headline act of a convention, or even a one/two-day festival of celebration for the franchise, especially if it was then streamed live for all to enjoy. 1. A Return to its Roots I plan on getting a bit more in depth about this at some point, but let’s face facts: the series is nothing like it was in the beginning. This isn’t actually a bad thing, and Origins and Odyssey are both fantastic games. However, the criticism that neither game feels like Assassin’s Creed is entirely fair, and there is a good deal of worry that the series will just continue to stray further and further from where it began, until it’s purely Assassin’s Creed by name only. Hopefully we can see a return of the rooftop-skulking, shadow-lurking assassins that we all came to love, and less of the colossal maps half-full of empty space. We love naval combat because it’s fun, fast-paced and exhilarating, but we also love balancing precariously on window ledges four storeys up as we stalk a Templar far below, ready to dive gracefully into the nearest hay bale and wait for the perfect moment to strike. Now that is Assassin’s Creed at its heart, and we desperately want that back. comments debug Comments Write a comment Write a comment Share Your Thoughts Be the first to write a comment. About the Author Mieke is a huge fan of the Assassin's Creed franchise, and is looking forward to creating regular content for the AC community as an online article writer. She has previously written articles for Cultured Vultures and currently runs an online gaming blog. By joining the program, Mieke will be able to write articles on a wide variety of topics for the community. Mieke Dix

Building an Assassin's Creed Community: Getting Started Community Share 24 Oct 2020 Written By: Edited By: Colum Blackett (Col_96) Ashlea Buckley Back To Database Setting up an Assassin's Creed Community can be a daunting prospect, as so many exist across multiple different social media platforms. Don't let that deter you though. The community is always ready to embrace the next wave of innovative projects, and in this new series we will help you to establish your own. In this first article, I will be drawing on my own experiences to help fellow community members start up their own projects, and build something that stands out from the crowd. Back in 2014, the community looked very different. You would wait eagerly for the next epic video produced by Assassin's Creed Universe, and use the Initiates platform to gain intel from an online database full of lore and mysteries. The Ones Who Came Before was created as a place to share theories and aimed to create a platform that encouraged positive discussion surrounding the games. We have since shifted our aims, and now strive to make our channels the home of Assassin's Creed community content, and hope to inspire a new wave of fan content. So, how do you get started? At the drawing board of course! Grab your nearest notepad and pen and jot down some initial ideas that come to mind. Find a niche and set your goals Once you have your initial ideas, conduct some research into past and present Assassin's Creed communities. Look for a way to stand out from the crowd, and highlight your niche area. A perfect example of this is AC: Landmarks , a new community project led by Arshak that provides in-depth historical discussions. Although the project only started up this year, it's been very successful and is different to anything else going on in the community right now. Next, set your goals and list your intentions. What are you hoping to achieve? Do you want to create a new form of community or simply cover the news? Whatever it is, make it a goal and keep going until you achieve it. You don't always need to be the biggest, and sometimes people make huge social media numbers a priority. I personally value small-scale interactions with passionate community members over this. Yes, growth is a sign of progression, but it takes time to achieve. You probably won't gain huge numbers overnight, but that's okay. So, you have your niche area and goals. Now what? Next, your community needs a name! Look for something that sounds Assassin's Creed related, but doesn't clash with past initiatives or projects. A great example of this is Access the Animus , which is actually a song by Jesper Kyd on the original soundtrack! Trial and Error Now you have your goals, niche area and a name, it's time to set up your social media channels/ platform! Where do you want to start? Probably best to begin with a platform you're already familiar with. Create your channels and begin your first Assassin's Creed community projects! In the beginning, you'll probably get a low response rate. That's to be expected when you start. You'll also start to notice what does well and what doesn't. Youtube is a good place to see this progression, as you can track likes, views and dislikes. Whatever you do in the beginning, make it work for you. One of the first projects for TOWCB was a wall poster that listed all the Modern day characters from Initiates. This sparked discussion about the Altair II ship and later developed into the Norway theory, which became popular with community members at the time. It really is just a case of trial and error. Thrive in your niche field, and people will notice. As I said before, it's not always about the numbers. If you have positive interactions with community members, you're on the right track and your platform is beginning to establish itself. Don't give up, and if you're unhappy with your response rate, reach out for support. Create an inner circle The Assassin's Creed community has always been extremely supportive, and you can always find people to give you a helping hand. You don't have to do anything alone. Collaborative projects with community leaders are a great way of making a name for yourself, and will also help you make friends. Establish a network, and build a team around you in order to take the pressure off. We here at The Ones Who Came Before have a huge inner circle thanks to years of working on projects. Some of our branches include: The core admin team, The Discord moderators and The AC Partnership Program members. As you can see, we have loads of community members we can call on for help or support, and you too can create an inner circle by working with people. You might even find that working on projects with other people can be more fun! This can seen by looking at recent episodes of the Let's Talk Assassin's Creed Podcast hosted by Declan from The Mentors Guild. Collaborative projects will always be a great way to spark discussion and explore different avenues of thinking. The Ones Who Came Before always aims to promote community content, so reach out to us directly for support. We would be honoured to join your inner circle, and will share your projects with our audience. Stay Unique This one can sometimes be hard, as other communities are also working hard to create content, but try your best to stay unique, and stand out from the crowd. If you notice similarities in your projects, maybe collaborate or put a unique spin on it. You can always adapt your work to stay innovative. As former community developer Justin Kruger used to say: #DoAThing . Keep going and establish yourself. I hope that you found the first article in the series to be useful. Let us know in the comments if you plan on setting up your own AC community/ project over the coming weeks, and if we can be of any help. Next time: We invite another Community Builder from The Mentors Guild to bring you some guidance on establishing and maintaining an Assassin's Creed community. Thanks for reading! comments debug Comments Write a comment Write a comment Share Your Thoughts Be the first to write a comment. About the Author Col is one of the UK's leading Assassin's Creed Community members, and is best known for establishing both 'The Ones Who Came Before' fan community and 'Isu_Network' content creation program. As Team Leader for The Ones Who Came Before, Col was officially recognised by Ubisoft, becoming one the UK Assassin's Creed community ambassadors in 2016. He has attended many events after spending a decade in the AC Community, and has worked on countless projects, all of which you can find here on TOWCB website. He is also a former Ubisoft Star Player and member of The Mentors Guild, two recognisable community programs which opened doors and took his status within the AC Community to the next level. Colum Blackett (Col_96)

Assassin's Creed Valhalla Ending Discussion with Darby McDevitt: Information Roundup Breakdown Share 13 Mar 2021 Written By: Edited By: Colum Blackett (Col_96) Ashlea Blackett Back To Database Here is our roundup containing all of the new Assassin's Creed Valhalla information coming from the official Ubisoft Ending Discussion with Narrative Director Darby McDevitt, that aired on the 12th March 2021. MAJOR SPOILERS BELOW - The end of the world scenario that is looming in Valhalla was hinted at in messages that can be found in Assassin's Creed Origins. - It was important to the former Creative Director of the game to have an Assassin character from the Middle East (Basim), as the game is set close to the AC1 time period, and this would start to bridge the gap. - The entrance to the Norwegian First Civilization vault containing the Yggdrasil device from Assassin's Creed Valhalla is marked as a symbol on a map in Assassin's Creed II. - The Yggdrasil device took inspiration from the Assassin's Creed Movie, where users are plugged in, resembling fruit hanging on a tree. - The decision to have Basim replace Layla as the Modern Day playable protagonist by trapping her in the Yggdrasil simulation was proposed at an early stage of development. The original idea was to have players take over as Shaun or Rebecca, which would have been a choice, meaning you could switch back and forth at any point. This idea was scrapped so that fans could play as the mysterious Basim, a member of The Hidden Ones and reincarnation of Loki. - The team wanted to tie up loose ends, such as Layla's purpose and giving the Staff of Eden an important use, which was to revive Basim. Many narrative threads that connect to previous games were added to the game, making them more meaningful than Easter eggs. (Examples below) - It was very important to the Narrative Team and Creative Director to bring back Shaun and Rebecca, as it was hinted at by the introduction of William Miles in Origins that Layla's Assassin cell, and Desmond's old team would cross at some point. Also they are popular characters internally. Darby has also been writing for Shaun and Rebecca since Assassin's Creed Revelations. This decision to bring them back was made early on in the development of Valhalla. - At the beginning of the game, players can sense a tension between Shaun and Rebecca, and Layla, as they have seen the consequences of a Piece of Eden controlling an Assassin before (referencing Desmond killing Lucy & Layla killing Victoria with the Staff in Odyssey) - The Vinland (North America) addition wasn't suggested until 2019, but the idea came from Ubisoft CEO Yves Guillemot. Although historically Vikings didn't travel to NA in the Vinland Sages for another 200 hundred years after the game, the team liked the suggestion and made it happen by reasoning that the Templars are always one step ahead of actual history. They would have hidden their trip to North America. - The reason for The Order of Ancients trip to North America was made to be very simple, as well as Eivor's purpose there. The connections to Assassin's Creed III via the Grand Temple and the Crystal Ball tie together threads, explaining how the Mohawk tribe came into possession of it. - There is an Ezio Auditore reference in Jotunheim, where Gunlodr asks "Are you there, prophet? Can you hear me" in an attempt to send messages to the future. As Havi and Gunlodr walk away, a voice can be heard asking "Who are you?". Although this is not voiced by Roger Craig Smith, it is Ezio, and references his first conversation with Minerva in AC II, and also Jupiter to Desmond in Assassin's Creed Revelation's Time Nexus. - All of the cities in AC Valhalla are direct homages to the cities in AC1, down to the assassinations and mission set-ups. This idea to pay tribute to the cities in AC1 was first proposed by Darby during AC Origins as the team were looking to refresh the brand, but it found it's place in Assassin's Creed Valhalla. - Quest Design Director Philippe Bergeron also worked on Assassin's Creed I as a designer. He made sure that the cities were a direct homage to AC1 such as Acre and Damascus, and kept the team on track. - Origins introduced the idea that different Isu tribes lived in different locations around the world. By establishing different sets as Isu, the team felt less restricted and could explore new ideas. Norse Mythology represents a Northern Isu clan, whilst Egyptian are an African Isu clan, who are different from the Mediterranean Isu (Capitoline Triad/ Greco-Roman). - The team thoroughly researched Norse Mythology, and looked for parallels between it and established Assassin's Creed lore. For example, the doomsday event known as Ragnarok in Norse Mythology was tied to a mass extinction event known as the Toba catastrophe, that in Assassin's Creed lore wiped out the Isu (Revelations). - It was important for the team to make the dual protagonist system work in a way that fits with Assassin's Creed lore. Two different early pitches were proposed by Darby when he joined the project. Pitch 1: Protagonist would be a male Viking, with the female version actually being Layla projecting herself onto the avatar (referencing similarity between Desmond and Altair in AC1). This could also now be done with Basim projecting his face onto a male or female, which could lead to some interesting dialogue. Pitch 2: A Sage, where you are the reincarnation of Aita. You play as a female Viking, but you can switch to looking like Aita. - Eivor being Odin reincarnated is the direction that was agreed upon in mid 2018. The former creative director was really interested in the Odin and Loki stories from Norse mythology, and proposed a counter idea that Eivor could be a sage, but the reincarnation of Odin instead. Odin is the perfect mix between a leader and a lone wolf, and it would be really interesting for players to realise that they are playing as the reincarnation of Odin. The ultimately led to the internal personality clash between Havi and Eivor, acting as an angel/devil on the shoulder in regards to choices. Fight Club is a film that was used as reference for this conflict. Other Isu Reincarnations and parallels include: Sigurd - Tyr Svala - Freya Basim - Loki Halfdan - Thor Faravid - (Not confirmed, but probably Freyr) Jotunheim Minerva- Gundolr Juno - Hyrrokin Aletheia - Angrboða Jupiter - Suttungr - Darby hints that there are more reincarnations that have not yet been discovered! - In Norse myth, Odin was always trying to survive Ragnarok, so the other characters grew naturally out of this idea. Nine were chosen as that is an important number for the Norse and recurs frequently in myths: Nine worlds, Nine times etc. - The idea of someone seeing a prophecy doesn't make sense in AC lore, but Eivor is actually seeing things that have already happened (Odins Memories). The Asgard / Jotunheim sections are Eivor's interpretations of prophecy, but she doesn't realise that the events already have happened in the past. Eivor as Odin has already betrayed Sigurd as Tyr. - When Fulke captures Sigurd, you can read her torture notes that describe how he shouts "I am the lord of Justice". She then wonders if he means Tyr, and decides to cut off his arm like was done in Norse mythology to trigger his old trauma, unlocking the ancient memories. - There are hints and clues dropped very early in the game, such as Eivor having a vision of Sigurd with one arm early in the game, where he calls her 'Havi'. Moments like this make complete sense once you have completed the game. - The prophecy that Eivor will betray Sigurd steers the course of the game, leading fans to question their choices and wonder if they are fulfilling it. Oxenfordscire arc: Sigurd changes and some fans online do not like him anymore. This was the intended effect, as the team wanted fans to hate him enough to punch him, because it leads you to question if the prophecy could be becoming true. - There are moments where fans may believe they are betraying Sigurd, such as punching him, or the Randvi romance subplot. - There are five choices in the game that determine whether Sigurd stays or go. They are a test of your loyalty to Sigurd as a leader. Did you respect the chain of command? - Early on in the game, Basim describes meeting Sigurd, and it felt like a forgotten memory of an old friendship resurfaced, and Eivor brushes it off completely. This scene was written by Darby to add an element of foreshadowing. - The scene where Eivor and Basim are sat around the campfire in Kent references Loki's loss. Basim misses his son terribly, and argues that the people closest to you can hurt you the most. (referencing Fenrir and Odin). The scene was written halfway through production, but it was easy to write as all the pieces were already in place. This is also the first moment that Basim and Eivor get to sit down and talk after Sigurd's capture. Eivor was initially suspicious of Basim, but this scene humanising him, leading players to let their guard down and potentially no longer suspect him of ill intentions. - Players who have not completed the Jotunheim / Asgard arcs may be confused by the ending in the vault with Basim fighting Eivor. - Original Prophecy Pitch: Eivor would never reach Valhalla, but it led to unsatisfying results, as a prophecy telling you that something is definitely not going to happen can lead to an accepting mindset that all actions are futile to change things. The betrayal prophecy is more actionable and human, something which players can relate to and worry about as you play. - The end scene with Basim in the vault was slightly changed to suit the pace when recording, something which the actor performances helped with. - If you look closely, there are similarities between the reincarnated / parallel faces: Sigurd and Tyr look similar for example. - The end of the Myth Worlds arc depicting Ragnarok, with the Gods drinking the mead and joining the life tree to be reborn before facing their doom is once again Eivor's interpretation of Odin's memory. Side by side with the Animus Glitches (Lokis memories) it is very similar, but with a Norse Mythology Filter distorting it. "The curtain of mythology" covering Isu history. - The animus anomalies were something that were discussed during the development of Assassin's Creed Origins. Darby is always looking for ways to get the present day fully integrated into the game without creating a stop-start situation (that we say in the Desmond games, Black Flag etc). This is people who are gameplay oriented to bridge the gap. - The animus anomalies peel back the curtain and show real Isu history, and how they were really reborn. It also shows how Loki was reborn. This is the parallel to the myth worlds, but the animus anomolies add to this as they are from Lokis memories. We see beyond the point where they face Ragnarok. - Loki kills Heimdall, Odin's son before adding his DNA to the machine, becoming the ninth to be reborn. - The Toba catastrophe footage from Assassin's Creed Revelations can be seen on the screen. This is not necessarily Asgard, and could be any Isu city. It has never been specified which city this was. ( I always assumed it was a Mediterranean city as a statue of an Isu that looks like Minerva falls) - Basim placed the Animus Anomalies to tell Loki's story and perspective to the Animus user (Layla). - When Desmond turned on the machine in AC III, he activated all of the existing temples around the world, overclocking them and causing them to create a magnetic field that would shield the earth from the solar flare. Since his death however, they remained on, allowing Basim to move around and lead Layla to him by messing around with it. He overclocked the device, causing the earth's new destruction scenario. The Nornir say that they weave in fealty to our master, referring to Basim's influence within the machine. - Basim helps Layla save the world, but he's the reason that it's in danger. He also traps her in the machine. - The Yggdrasil device is capable of projecting endless simulations, and the Valhalla program is just one of many. Any calculation can be projected. - The Valhalla program scene is meant to demonstrate that real life is better because it's imperfect, and the artificial quality of the simulation is realised by Eivor. It's possible that Svala started the Valhalla program, as she was already there. The true purpose of the device was to plug yourself in before death, and live endlessly in the machine as Svala did. The Yggdrasil machine can also preserve people in a suspended state, providing nutrients and prolonging life. - At the end of the game, Aelfred leaving the order as Grand Master mirrors the historical rise of Christianity during this time, and foreshadows the shift from The Order of Ancients to the Templar Order. This also bridges the gap, and hints at the birth of the Templar Order. - Darby believes that the Hidden Ones don't need to change much to become the Assassins, as the tenets, goals philosophies are the same, but the Templars and The Order of Ancients have clear distinctions, which are made clear by Valhalla's ending. - Shaun hints in a note that Edward Kenway may have named his son after the Hidden One 'Hytham', after searching the Assassin archives. This was Darby's contribution, who wanted to connect the game to AC4. The name was spelled differently to act more as inspiration for Edward rather than a direct copy, and because of the time difference. - Fans of the AC franchise will always analyse, theorise and discuss the games in depth. Darby is particularly proud of how much discussion Valhalla has sparked within the AC Community on community forums/ discord servers, reminding him of the Ezio era. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DnWKiObMtCQ comments debug Comments Write a comment Write a comment Share Your Thoughts Be the first to write a comment. About the Author Col is one of the UK's leading Assassin's Creed Community members, and is best known for establishing both 'The Ones Who Came Before' fan community and 'Isu_Network' content creation program. As Team Leader for The Ones Who Came Before, Col was officially recognised by Ubisoft, becoming one the UK Assassin's Creed community ambassadors in 2016. He has attended many events after spending a decade in the AC Community, and has worked on countless projects, all of which you can find here on TOWCB website. He is also a former Ubisoft Star Player and member of The Mentors Guild, two recognisable community programs which opened doors and took his status within the AC Community to the next level. Colum Blackett (Col_96)

Event Log: Assassin's Creed Roleplaying Game Early Access Digital Event Events Share 8 Nov 2023 Written By: Edited By: Colum Blackett (Col_96) TOWCB Team Back To Database Back in September, we were lucky enough to be invited to attend a digital event for the upcoming 'Assassin's Creed - Roleplaying Game' by CMON Games and Ubisoft, which is due for release October 2024. Those who attended the event were given early access to the reveal trailer, and had the opportunity to ask the Dev Team questions about the project. Immerse yourself in the legendary Assassin’s Creed © video game universe. Play across time from the modern day to the ancient world, experiencing different eras and interpreting characters belonging to cultures from every corner of the planet. The fight between the Assassin Brotherhood and the Templars is more than a battle of stealth and blades. It is a conflict between tyranny and free will that affects humanity itself. Designed by Max Castellani and Andrea Macchi (Brancalonia, Inferno: Dante’s Guide to Hell), along with Francesco Nepitello (Lex Arcana, The One Ring), the Assassin’s Creed Roleplaying Game faithfully replicates the atmosphere and setting of the video game, in a cinematic experience that brings together a team of modern-day characters as they synchronize with their ancestors to unlock mysteries hidden in history itself. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7HX3L0ApU3o I was blown away by the sheer amount of concept art which has been created for the project, which has so far been featured in the promotional campaign and the game itself. It really is incredible how the artists managed to create new concept art for older games such as Brotherhood and Liberation just for the game, whilst remaining faithful to the series. Finally, I was equally as impressed by the team's dedication to player choice, incorporating a huge wealth of Assassin's Creed lore into the game which impact each and every playthrough. ''The Assassin's Creed Roleplaying Game is a game promoting strong narrative and creative solutions. The players are encouraged to approach any situation with action and stealth, but can also rely on their characters’ mental acumen or social ability. They will employ skills which are not only those of their modern-day characters, but also those that made their Ancestors famous.'' In particular, the dedication to Modern Day is admirable, after numerous games have stripped away its importance over time. We were also sent a package containing an Altair figurine prototype! Check out the unboxing video on our TikTok channel! Look out for more coverage of the Assassin's Creed Roleplaying Game on our social media channels as we get closer to launch! comments debug Comments Write a comment Write a comment Share Your Thoughts Be the first to write a comment. About the Author Col is one of the UK's leading Assassin's Creed Community members, and is best known for establishing both 'The Ones Who Came Before' fan community and 'Isu_Network' content creation program. As Team Leader for The Ones Who Came Before, Col was officially recognised by Ubisoft, becoming one the UK Assassin's Creed community ambassadors in 2016. He has attended many events after spending a decade in the AC Community, and has worked on countless projects, all of which you can find here on TOWCB website. He is also a former Ubisoft Star Player and member of The Mentors Guild, two recognisable community programs which opened doors and took his status within the AC Community to the next level. Colum Blackett (Col_96)

Assassin's Creed Codename Hexe Teaser Analysis Analysis Share 11 Sept 2022 Written By: Edited By: Preston Carbonaro Ashlea Blackett Back To Database Fans of the franchise were given a goodie bag filled with treats at the Ubisoft Forward Assassin's Creed Showcase event , ranging from a gorgeous cinematic trailer for the much-awaited Assassin’s Creed Mirage, updates on the upcoming Netflix show, a new mobile game, and tantalising teaser trailers for future games. One short, eerie trailer in particular - for Codename Hexe - featuring barking dogs, bare trees, and an open fire, has left fans and codebreakers alike intrigued and perplexed. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wbMh3PFPCDM In his segment during the Ubisoft Forward event, Marc-Alexis Côté – executive producer of the Assassin's Creed franchise - said that he’ll leave it up to us to spot the little secrets. So, let’s get down to business! Starting from the most prominent object in the image. The Assassins symbol, of course. As you can see, it is made out of twigs and twine; very primitive in design. Personally, I couldn't help but think of handmade Halloween decorations when I saw this. More specifically decorations used by pagans during Samhain. Which brings me to my second observation. What seems to be an eight-pointed star (octagram) drawn in chalk on the wall behind the AC insignia. Octagrams have various different interpretations and meanings in various religions around the world, but I decided to focus more on Paganism and Occultism as that seemed to be the theme of the content. Lo and behold, my research eventually led me to The Wheel of the Year, an annual cycle of seasonal festivals, observed by many modern pagans, consisting of the year's main solar events (solstices and equinoxes) and the midpoints between them. A few more searches further confirmed my hunch. The images below are similar to what is seen in the Hexe reveal trailer. Writer’s note: The Yule, Ostara, and Lammas festivals all feature in Assassin’s Creed Valhalla. There was also The First Night of Samhain quest. And what of the text in the Hexe diagram, you ask? My first guess was the Theban alphabet, also known as the Honorian alphabet, Runes of Honorius, or witches' alphabet due to its use in modern Wicca and other forms of witchcraft. However, upon further inspection and more research, I concluded it to be from The Alphabet of the Magi. A variant of the Hebrew alphabet, it was used for inscriptions in talismans in 17th-century occultism. It also seems that the chalk wall behind the Assassin's Creed insignia hold a secret, as discovered by Community Member Boukhari Adam. The letters are actually from the Magi alphabet, and spell out ''We work in the dark to serve in the light!''. See how everything is linked? Let’s analyse further... “Codename Hexe” (pronounced hex-uh). ‘Hexe’ is the German word for ‘witch’. In English we use very similar words like ‘hex’ or ‘hexed’, which mean: to cast a spell on; to bewitch. So, taking into consideration all of these ideas and how closely related they are to each other, I am assuming that Codename Hexe will revolve around the witch trials which took place in 17th century Germany. Namely the Würzburg witch trials of 1625-1631. Let us know what you think. Would you be interested in playing an Assassin’s Creed game which involves such themes? And what do you think about the possible setting? One thing is for sure. Dark times lie ahead. comments debug Comments Write a comment Write a comment Share Your Thoughts Be the first to write a comment. About the Author Preston is a long-time Assassin's Creed fan of both the games and the soundtracks. He works as a primary school educator, and is also a part-time actor. He takes a keen interest in mythology, symbology, codes and puzzles. Some of his passions include writing, reading, art, gaming, football, and music. Preston Carbonaro

Assassin’s Creed Virtual Photography: 16th to 27th September Community Share 17 Oct 2024 Written By: Edited By: Aaron Young Colum Blackett Back To Database Welcome to the biweekly virtual photography roundup hosted by Aaron Young from the AC Partnership Program. Every two weeks we will be picking our top 5 favourite Assassin’s Creed shots and showcasing them on The Ones Who Came Before website, in order to promote virtual photography and talented content creators within the community. This theme has been run alongside @ Cll3ar a long-time friend of TOWCB. Raven has been delighting us with her beautiful and unique virtual photography from the RPG games. Her dark and gritty Valhalla shots are some of the best I have seen, while she also charms us with the softer tones of Odyssey. Raven was the very first guest judge for these articles, so it is a pleasure to have her return. Keep an eye on the site as more shots are added, we are looking for captures across all Assassin’s Creed games. Tag your photos to #ACFirstCivVP for a chance to be featured. Theme: Peaceful Blossom Game: Assassin’s Creed Mirage VP Artist: @ playpausephoto The Ones Who Came Before Photo of the Week Judge: @ Cll3ar Raven When it comes to capturing what I consider peaceful, it’s mostly places in nature, ambient spots or details with soft colours. Each of the participants did an amazing job of showcasing these. However, as only one can be the winner, I definitely see it in Malin’s capture. It is lovely, soft and shows peaceful details from nature. Aaron In some ways it is the perfect theme for the minimal queen. When Malin won the code for Assassin’s Creed Mirage, I knew we would be in for some different and distinctive captures. This theme really breaks away from the standard Assassin’s Creed shot and delves deeper into the finer details. Malin’s beautiful photo mixes vibrant flowers against some soft calming negative space. I just can’t get enough of the colours in this shot. What I love about it though is the fact you could not tell which game this is from. A worthy winner for the peaceful theme. Warm Glow Game: Assassin’s Creed Odyssey VP Artist: @ WonDerNooB_VP RS is a fantastic virtual photographer who consistently supports our themes. This time we had a really hard time picking which shot to feature. For all the action and bravado of the Assassin’s Creed games there are always softer, more peaceful moments to find. I think RS has found one of these here with this capture. There is a real relaxing vibe with the stunning view and the warm glow of the fire. I really like how this photo makes it feel like we are playing in the first-person perspective. Looking at this reminds me of some of the promotional shots for the VR game. Excellent work as always RS. Autumnal Game: Assassin’s Creed Valhalla VP Artist: @ UVioletra Much the same as Malin, Bianca excels with peaceful photography. Although known for her vibrant Odyssey shots, Bianca actually produces quite a lot of remarkable Valhalla environments. The diverse seasons within Valhalla really do lend themselves to some truly beautiful VP. I am sure this is something we will see a lot more of once Shadows releases. The distinctive colour tones displayed here make this look like a painting. I love the autumnal colours, with the trees looking so good. The house and the people in the fields working really gives that lived in experience. Wonderful photography as usual. Sunset Game: Assassin’s Creed Odyssey VP Artist: @ cyrielle_vp Assassin’s Creed Odyssey has such contrasting landscapes that offer sublime photo opportunities. The Sunsets in all the RPG series have been quite something and activating the PM during these moments often ends with a mesmerising capture. This beautiful shot from Cyrielle is the epitome of peaceful. What I love the most is the framing, with the tree branches encompassing the sun as it sets behind the mountains. That reflection on the water is very picturesque adding to the sense of calm. This is the perfect photo to accompany the end to Kassandra’s story. The Forest Game: Assassin’s Creed Odyssey VP Artist: @ NovA1990 This capture confused me as I was sure this was the English countryside. Once again showing that Odyssey has some of the most diverse landscapes in a video game. What I like about his photo is the way it reminds me of summer walks in my local area. The varying vegetation on both sides of the path adds variety and that leading line from the walkway is a great addition. You can feel the peace exuding from this capture. I am sure Kassandra enjoyed walking this path after a hard day on the battlefield. And that sums it up for this Assassin’s Creed virtual photography recap list! Thank you for checking out the photo collection. This would not be possible without the virtual photographers out there so a huge thanks to them. Until next time keep those shots coming in! comments debug Comments Write a comment Write a comment Share Your Thoughts Be the first to write a comment. About the Author Aaron is a passionate Assassin's Creed fan who joined our AC Partnership Program as an Online Article Writer back in 2021 after the release of Assassin's Creed Valhalla. After building momentum and interest on TOWCB website for Virtual Photography, Aaron established TOWCB Virtual Photography Team, of which he is now Team Leader. Throughout 2024, TOWCB VP Team will be sharing community captures in dedicated articles, and providing a positive environment on Twitter for gamers to share their shots. Aaron Young

Ask the VP Episode 15: Interview with TOWCB Virtual Photography Team Leader Aaron Young Interviews Share 5 Nov 2023 Written By: Edited By: TOWCB Team Colum Blackett Back To Database On the 4th November 2023, The PhotoMode invited our very own Aaron Young // FalconVP (Team Leader for TOWCB Virtual Photography Team) for an interview on Twitter Spaces, as part of the 'Ask the VP' series, covering hi s VP Style and process, being a part of The Ones Who Came Before // Isu_Network team, his love for Assassin's Creed and more! Check it out here! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rcFO6GfXl88 comments debug Comments Write a comment Write a comment Share Your Thoughts Be the first to write a comment. About the Author A collection of articles from The Ones Who Came Before team. TOWCB Team

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Will Black Flag Resynced "Replace" The Original? Breakdown Share 27 May 2026 Written By: Edited By: Hayden Bird Gargudon Back To Database One question many Assassin’s Creed fans are facing right now, while the wait for the highly anticipated Assassin’s Creed Black Flag - Resynced continues, is will this reiteration of one of Ubisoft’s most iconic and household games ever, also having left its mark on gaming history overall, “replace” the legendary 2013 original? This is something that has the potential to cause strong debate amongst fans; some might feel this remake is a replacement of the original game, that fans and critics alike loved and praised, and for others it is merely a more enhanced version of the original. Fans will flaunt these ideas around until they get to play the game for themselves, when it arrives this summer on July 9th. Assassin's Creed Black Flag - Resynced promotional screenshot This reiteration of Assassin’s Creed IV Black Flag, comes at a time where remakes and remasters of games are all the rage in gaming. Technology in gaming has rapidly improved in a short period of time, and it makes sense to rebuild classic games, taking advantage of today’s enhanced technology, taking games to a new level, maybe even making them reach their full potential as always intended. Back in the day, certain developers would built their game with the technology they did have, but always envision more, but that simply was not possible to implement given the technology of the time. Whether it be character models, environment, gameplay mechanics, or other aspects. One good example of this is probably still another one of 2013’s landmark releases, Grand Theft Auto V . Originally released for PS3 and Xbox 360, this original version pushed those consoles to the very limit technically, but still achieved so much under the circumstances. Mere 14 months later, the game was re-released for the new generation of consoles, in the form of the PS4 and Xbox One, and the game had been severely enhanced in a number of ways, at last reaching its full potential, and becoming what it was likely always meant to be. Grand Theft Auto V PS4 & Xbox One promotional screenshot (2014) Many are seeing Black Flag - Resynced as a tribute to the original, as it is well known that the 2013 classic is irreplaceable and incredible in its own way, and nothing could ever change that. So far, it is pretty clear that this remake is a faithful adaptation of the original, that stays true to it and does not dampen the legacy of the first game, but simply builds upon what made the original so great. It is easy to see this remake not as a replacement, but more of a testament to what the original game did for gamers, and seeks to merely empower and enhance the original, and not disrespect it in any way. Another thing that proves Ubisoft is treating the original game with respect, is that the game is not going to be delisted from digital storefronts following the release of this reiteration. The classic game will stay available for purchase everywhere, despite the anticipated remake inching closer to release. In some cases, it has become an unfortunate trend, that when a remake is released, the original game is removed from storefronts, and is basically abandoned and forgotten by the developers. This does not seem to be the case at all for Ubisoft. They understand very well that this game is very special to many people, who have made memories with it over the years, whether they’ve been there since day one in 2013, or discovered it years down the line. Based on much of the footage we have seen of Black Flag - Resynced so far, the game clearly intends to be a faithful adaptation of the original game, not a completely revamped experience, that transforms the game into a full blown RPG like most newer instalments in the franchise. It seems Ubisoft understands making changes that drastic would not sit well with many fans, so this reiteration merely builds upon the excellence of the first game, and simply enhances it with modern visuals and improved gameplay. Ultimately, there were also a few aspects of the original game that do not necessarily hold up by today’s standards, so Resynced shows improvement upon the select few things of the original game that were more unpopular, such as the stealth mechanics, tailing missions, and clunky combat system, all of which are being improved with modern technology. When the original game was released, it also came out during a much different era of the gaming industry, where certain features of the game that felt normal then, do not necessarily hold up well in modern standards. This was natural to have happened, as the gaming world advances faster than one can keep track of. Resynced intends to fix these minor flaws of the original, and create an as close to “Definitive Edition” of the game as possible that honours and sticks true to the original, bringing its own new life into the legendary game, that was and remains so beloved by fans and critics alike. Black Flag - Resynced , in some ways, is a fresh interpretation of the original game. It builds upon what the original did well, while adding new features that make it unique, rather than a full on retelling. The game does a great job at bringing new life, into a game that is over a decade old, and does not attempt to replace the original, but uses it as a stepping stone to all the advanced technology of today, that creates a fuller and more complete version of a game, that is considered the best game in the series by many, and that says a lot with how long the franchise has been around, and how many other games have released both before and after the 2013 classic. Still, the full picture of what has been improved, and what might ultimately have been removed from Resynced remains to be seen. So far, it is still unclear if features such as 100% total sync and optional objectives in main story missions will return, latter which were some to players’ liking, while others thought them annoying and pointless. If this or other drastic changes yet to be seen are introduced in Resynced , it is very likely a lot of fans of the original game, will hop off and lose interest quickly, feeling the original game is being disrespected after all. If this was to happen, it is likely some fans will be very dissatisfied with this remake, and will instead just stick to the 2013 original. This has happened with remasters typically called ‘The Definitive Edition’ before, either being too different from the original, or having bad launches that quickly impact their reputation, making players just stick to the old version. In recent times, this was apparent for the release of the GTA Trilogy - The Definitive Edition in 2021, the three games - Grand Theft Auto III, Vice City & San Andreas - being a buggy mess for some players at first, quickly damaging their reputation, and quickly making players just return and stick to the 2004 PC original of San Andreas for one. No matter what, the 2013 original has one of the strongest legacies in the franchise, and depending on Resynced’s reception, that could grow even stronger, depending on how this new version stays true to and respects the original in the very end. The original has its legacy, Resynced has the opportunity to leave its very own one, in the end making both games different and unique and each their way, with each their unique legacy. In the end, the debate of whether or not this remake will “replace” the original will go on, but so far all signs point to Resynced merely being a faithful adaptation, that simply takes what the first game did correctly, and enhances it by fixing the flaws, upping graphics and mechanics, and adding additional content, all bringing new life to the game. While the wait for the game’s release continues, fans will have the opportunity to decide on this topic for themselves, but when July comes around, many will be able to make more accurate assessments, on what Ubisoft did right, and what they could have improved upon. Will you be buying Assassin’s Creed Black Flag - Resynced when July comes around, maybe even having pre-ordered the game already, and are you excited for it? Be sure to let us know in the comments, and stay tuned here on The Ones Who Came Before for all news and more content on the game! comments debug Comments Write a comment Write a comment Share Your Thoughts Be the first to write a comment. About the Author Hayden is a passionate Freelance Writer based in South Carolina who joined TOWCB's Writing Team in 2020 during the Covid-19 Pandemic, writing articles on all things Assassin's Creed Valhalla. He left the group to focus on studies, joining our Alumni program, but triumphantly returned with fresh ideas in 2024 to pick up where he left off, only this time covering Assassin's Creed Shadows. In 2025, Hayden took on the position of Team Leader for TOWCB's Writing Team, overseeing article releases, assisting with recruitment and providing assistance with internal operations. Hayden Bird

Assassin’s Creed Virtual Photography: 19th to 13th June Share 25 Jun 2025 Written By: Edited By: Aaron Young Turið Torkilsdóttir Back To Database Welcome to the monthly virtual photography roundup hosted by Aaron Young from the AC Partnership Program. Every four weeks we will be picking our top five favourite Assassin’s Creed shots and showcasing them on The Ones Who Came Before website, in order to promote virtual photography and talented content creators within the community. This theme has been run alongside @ itsphysicsjim a longstanding member of the virtual photography community. Sammie is a YouTuber and Twitcher but also likes to post VP, most recently from Assassin’s Creed Shadows. Sammie really enjoys Japanese culture and has produced great photography in Ghost of Tsushima. We are delighted she agreed to join us for this theme. Keep an eye on the site as more shots are added, we are looking for captures across all Assassin’s Creed games. Tag your photos to #ACFirstCivVP for a chance to be featured. Theme: Weapons The Hidden Blade Game: Assassin’s Creed Mirage VP Artist: @ cyriellevp.bsky.social The Ones Who Came Before Photo of the Theme Judge: @ itsphysicsjim Sammie I love this particular shot by Cyrielle for several reasons. The black and white emphasises the sleek design of the hidden blade and the intricate details of the gauntlet. This gives it a timeless and artistic feel. The upward angle and minimalist background also draws all the attention to the subject. This makes the photo feel powerful, iconic and instantly recognisable. Aaron In the last few weeks, I have actually thought about Assassin’s Creed Mirage and how the game had much more of an impact on me than Shadows. The focused Assassin story probably played a huge part, and the fact you are largely based in a city. When looking at this beautiful capture from Cyrielle I was instantly transported back to the game. I adore the minimalist approach; it really pays off when attempting to highlight specific weapons in virtual photography. Capturing this moment in game is a stroke of genius and takes more effort than you might think. The white background and the position of the hand are so reminiscent of the original Assassin’s Creed. Fantastic photography Cyrielle, a worthy winner of the theme. Weapon of the Gods Game: Assassin’s Creed Odyssey VP Artist: @ wondernoob.bsky.social It’s got to be said that Assassin’s Creed Odyssey has some very cool looking weapons. None more so than the spear of Leonidas. The decision to use this as the ‘hidden blade’ of Kassandra’s story worked a treat. Here we can see the blade in all it glory, beautifully highlighted on Kassandra’s back. The ornate design makes it standout despite being attached to her quiver. Wondernoob has done an excellent job of showcasing this piece of weaponry through a smart use of the depth of field and some top-notch lighting. The black background really helps to elevate the image and further focus our attention on the subject. Ready to Duel Game: Assassin’s Creed Shadows VP Artist: @ G_Assassin90 I think most of the Assassin’s Creed fan base has waited a long time to finally explore the world of Japan. It’s probably beneficial that we finally get it during the RPG reign, where we can explore to our hearts content. One of the key features on the time period is beautifully designed weapons and armour. There is a stylish efficiency to the Japanese culture, and you can see that in this capture from G_Assassin. I thought it was very smart to capture this in the snowy season as the background helps to elevate the details. I think this photo wonderfully shows off the hard work the developers put into creating all the little details from the various markings on the katana to the flower designs on the armour. This shot really meets the theme and arguably shows why we love the Japanese setting so much. Perspective Game: Assassin’s Creed Shadows VP Artist: @ TakaSanGames Assassin’s Creed Shadows features quite a few new weapons to the franchise, and they all come with new takedown animations that can lend themselves to great captures. Couple that with the implementation of character poses and you have the receipt for some very intriguing captures. Taka is often known for creating stylish compositions and that once again become the case with this shot. It is such an eye catcher with the chain exquisitely framing Naoe’s head as she swings the kusarigama. As the viewer it really feels like the metal ball is about to hit me in the face. It’s the striking nature of this photo that really stands out to me and Taka has very kindly created a mini video showing us how to do it. Stay Your Blade Game: Assassin’s Creed Shadows VP Artist: @ framecapturevp.bsky.social The filters that were added to Assassin’s Creed Shadows really give the photographer additional opportunities to create unique and interesting captures. It has been refreshing to see Ubisoft add to the photo mode with quality-of-life upgrades. I think Mario has truly captured the essence of the Creed with this ink silhouette of Naoe’s hidden blade. The filter does the work of making this feel as if it has been drawn. The composition then adds to the photo by perfectly showcasing the released blade right after an assassination. I do love the splash of colour from the blood falling from the blade. The silhouette nicely highlights the intricate details of the hidden blade culminating in a classic piece of virtual photography. And that sums it up for this Assassin’s Creed virtual photography recap list! Thank you for checking out the photo collection. This would not be possible without the virtual photographers out there so a huge thanks to them. Until next time keep those shots coming in! comments debug Comments Write a comment Write a comment Share Your Thoughts Be the first to write a comment. About the Author Aaron is a passionate Assassin's Creed fan who joined our AC Partnership Program as an Online Article Writer back in 2021 after the release of Assassin's Creed Valhalla. After building momentum and interest on TOWCB website for Virtual Photography, Aaron established TOWCB Virtual Photography Team, of which he is now Team Leader. Throughout 2024, TOWCB VP Team will be sharing community captures in dedicated articles, and providing a positive environment on Twitter for gamers to share their shots. Aaron Young

Assassin’s Creed Virtual Photography: 5th to 15th February 2024 Community Share 21 Feb 2024 Written By: Edited By: Aaron Young Colum Blackett Back To Database Welcome to the biweekly virtual photography roundup hosted by Aaron Young from the AC Partnership Program. Every two weeks we will be picking our top 5 favourite Assassin’s Creed shots and showcasing them on The Ones Who Came Before website, in order to promote virtual photography and talented content creators within the community. This theme is all about celebrating our 100th article. It has been an absolute honour to feature all your shots over the last 2 years. The collection below is a small selection of our favourites from the last few weeks, with write ups from the artists. We look forward to many more articles in the future. Keep an eye on the site as more shots are added, we are looking for captures across all Assassin’s Creed games. Tag your photos to #ACFirstCivVP for a chance to be featured. This week’s theme: Assassin’s Creed 100th Article All Father Game: Assassin’s Creed Valhalla VP Artist: @ Cll3ar The Ones Who Came Before Photo of the Theme ''When it comes to virtual photography, I aim to bring creativity and artistry to every shot. I enjoy capturing everything from dark, moody scenes to vibrant magical moments. Take for example this shot of Eivor (Havi) emerging from the red leaves left behind by a fallen enemy. I’ve been a fan of Assassin’s Creed for ages, and the photo mode features in the latest games have been a real game-changer for me. Allowing me to freeze moments and tell stories through my lens. The Assassin’s Creed community has been awesome, giving me the opportunity to showcase my work in articles and virtual photography magazines early on. This support has meant the world to me. Big thanks to everyone for letting me share my world with you.'' Judge: Admin Team Aaron ( FalconSwift87 ) “The realm is changed. But this is not Surtr’s doing. It is something more.” Assassin’s Creed Valhalla boasts a considerable section dedicated to Havi. When entering these mythical worlds, photography options become a lot more varied. On reflection I cannot wait to revisit them soon. This stunning landscape shot of Havi gives me real box art vibes, in fact it isn’t too dissimilar to what Ubisoft produced. I adore Havi stance as it shows him in pain, something he must endure a lot of during the Ragnarok DLC. The cold tones in the background fit beautifully with the Norse theme, reminding me of the Norway arc. I love the red leaves; they look so graceful fluttering up behind him. The remains of an enemy put to the sword by the High One. Turið Torkilsdóttir Raven has a distinctive way of utilizing the environment of a game. She combines pleasant colours and interesting scenery to create something unique every time. This photo is the best proof of it and well deserved first place. Kai ( KaiVirtualPhoto ) I’m a fan of Raven and her work with colours, and this shot makes no exception. I love the contrast between the red leaves in the foreground and the white/blue tones in the background. Eivor passing by with his eyes covered by shadows, as well as the cinematic aspect ratio, make for a magnificent picture and composition. Congratulations Raven. Jack ( _Virtualtourism ) Raven’s distinct style and perspective consistently yields stunning virtual photography across various games. In this image her talent shines through in her ability to convey motion within the image. The sense of Eivor traversing the scene is heightened not only by a great composition but also the vibrant red leaves, which are drifting through the scene, and helped by being excellently contrasted against the cold blue backdrop. Truly a breath-taking capture. Church Game: Assassin’s Creed Valhalla VP Artist: @ PodToGo ''Hi, I’m Payableondeath from Germany and I’ve been doing VP since 2015. I started just taking screenshots for me and my friends, but from 2017 with Horizon Zero Dawn, I discovered photo mode. I was impressed by everything I could do that couldn’t be done in real life photography, such as pausing the action and moving the camera or changing the time of day. I’ve loved challenging my creativity again and again. I got to know Assassin’s Creed back then with AC2. It picked me up during a difficult time and that’s not the only reason why it has a place in my heart. Assassin’s Creed also showed me to be open to foreign cultures and people. It is great to share my passion for both, with this wonderful community.'' Viewpoint Game: Assassin’s Creed Syndicate VP Artist: @ juanmawl ''I remember the exact moment I took this shot (along with others in that location). I was particularly fond of the WW1 sequence in Assassin’s Creed Syndicate. I was experimenting with a free roam injector for the PC version of the game. I loved the colours on the horizon, and I decided to place Lydia at the top of London Bridge. I tried some unusual angles, but I think the shot turned out beautifully overall. I love virtual photography in general and Assassin’s Creed in particular because it allows me to capture the details beneath the visuals, such as short angle shots, expressions, or the tranquillity of a landscape. There is so much difference between the gameplay shot and the final outcome. That is one of the things I love the most, comparing the two. I’ve been honing my photography skills since AC3, and shots like this one make me fee proud.'' Restricted Game: Assassin’s Creed Mirage VP Artist: Siobhan from AC UK (@ mysticheero ) ''I’m a big Assassin’s Creed fan. I am part of the Assassin’s Creed United Kingdom group and former Mentor and Star Player for Ubisoft. I enjoy virtual photography and exploring the world of gaming through it, capturing scenes I find amazing and inspiring. I love discovering how changing colours, focal points and angles alters our perception of an image. Strong colours stand out and impact the emotion of a scene but, equally the lack of colour can have just as powerful effect. Assassin’s Creed has something for everyone, across all its transmedia sources. The community is a great place to express our love from different viewpoints. It’s always great seeing the community come together to share their passions, supporting and inspiring each other to be part of such an inclusive community.'' Under the Sea Game: Assassin’s Creed Valhalla VP Artist: @ RaffGN7 ''This shot was a little difficult to take. I had to centre Eivor with the ship, and Eivor needed to be closer to the camera because of the photo mode restrictions. I took some shots, and this was the one that turned out best. Obviously, it’s a little retouched in photoshop, so you can use it as a wallpaper or poster. My passion for this saga inspired me to take this shot. I call it Between two Worlds.'' Dracarys Game: Assassin’s Creed Valhalla VP Artist: @ Amaya_Nocturna ''This is truly an honour. This particular shot was all experimental. It was during my first time playing the Dawn of Ragnarok DLC. I was using Sýnin (with the dragon skin) to look for something, until I noticed the smoke from the chimneys. A lightbulb essentially went off in my head. It took a few tries to time it just right, but the result is something I am so extremely proud of. I would like to say that my virtual photography is still very much a work in progress. I am trying new things as often as possible, and I am trying to grow with it. Its like a traditional artist trying to have diverse styles. However, portraits like this are my forte. Virtual photography is fun and is another digital art form that we can explore. When it comes to Assassin’s Creed, I have to say that it is a great series. Personally, it has taught me that history is far more interesting than school makes it out to be. It taught me and continues to teach me history in a fun and engaging way. As far as the community is concerned, it is a place where I have met some amazing people and have formed lots of friendships. I continue to meet new people because of this fantastic series. I even met classmates who are also fans of Assassin’s Creed. I know the community isn’t always perfect, but I think we all need to remember that we are here for a mutual love of this game series. It’s a great community and we need to stick together.'' Tactician Game: Assassin’s Creed Valhalla VP Artist: @ 9b75 The good thing about Assassin’s Creed is that as an Assassin we can set the world straight. At the same time, we can get in touch with nature and the lives of the people who lived in that time-period. I don’t know of any other game where we can climb Big Ben, run freely around the Palace of Versailles, or stand at the top of the pyramids. It’s the best. I will continue to take photos of these great moments. I want to thank the community for featuring our work in this way. It is nothing short of a source of energy for us. Thank you so much. Surveying the Land Game: Assassin’s Creed Odyssey VP Artist: @ cop_filip ''Assassin’s Creed is the first gaming franchise I ever got into back with Assassin's Creed 2 and it's also where my virtual photography journey started all the way back in 2017. These are the games I've captured and posted most, and even after all this time and all the different games I've captured over the years I still love coming back to them and capturing their beautiful worlds. I really love this series and I'm happy I can be a part of and contribute to the community. '' Anubis Game: Assassin’s Creed Origins VP Artist: @ zurullotarra ''I love doing virtual photography because I can explore my favourite games looking for beautiful places to capture. That way I can get lost in their fantasy worlds and forget about real life.'' And that sums it up for this Assassin’s Creed virtual photography recap list! Thank you for checking out the photo collection. This would not be possible without the virtual photographers out there so a huge thanks to them. Until next time keep those shots coming in! comments debug Comments Write a comment Write a comment Share Your Thoughts Be the first to write a comment. About the Author Aaron is a passionate Assassin's Creed fan who joined our AC Partnership Program as an Online Article Writer back in 2021 after the release of Assassin's Creed Valhalla. After building momentum and interest on TOWCB website for Virtual Photography, Aaron established TOWCB Virtual Photography Team, of which he is now Team Leader. Throughout 2024, TOWCB VP Team will be sharing community captures in dedicated articles, and providing a positive environment on Twitter for gamers to share their shots. Aaron Young

Starter Guide focussing on Norway for new players looking to begin their Assassin's Creed Valhalla adventure. Community Guides Assassin's Creed Valhalla Starter Guide: Norway By Aaron Young 2/2/21 Share Top Stories The Assassin's Creed Community are raising money for Ocean Conservancy. Donate today Assassin’s Creed Valhalla can seem like a daunting game at first. When you start in Norway the map is already a decent size. The amount of collectables and content to discover can feel slightly overwhelming, especially with most of the main game set in England. In this article I will try and set you up for your Viking adventure, with hints and tips for your beautiful starting location, Norway. I am going to keep away from the story aspects of the Norway arc, as it is best you discover this yourself. The only thing I will say is that the story can drag you in, and before you know it you will be sailing off to England without exploring everything Norway has to offer. Take time in-between quests to have a look around. Important to note, you will be able to return to Norway at any moment once you are in England. When you begin the game you will immediately start levelling up, however this is only the beginning. Norway is a snowy playground that you can use to set yourself up for your adventures in England. You will notice many icons scattered around Norway on the map. They range from gold (wealth), blue (mysteries) and white (artefacts). These are often separate from the main story and are here to enrich the experience. Completing the main quest will always be your best way to level up as the XP reward is high. The little gold markers have less of an impact on completing an area but offer valuable XP and resources. If you are a completionist like me then these small loot boxes are worth it even if they don’t seem like it at the time. Edited by Ashlea Buckley XP and the Map Interview with Magnus Bruun - Eivor Assassins' Creed Valhalla Merchandise Guide Q&A with Abubakar Salim - Bayek of Siwa TOWCB Plans for 2021 Netflix announce upcoming live-action Assassin's Creed series Female Vikings: The Real History Building an Assassin's Creed Community: Getting Started Mentors Guild Announcement Interview with Benoit Richer: Valhalla Co-Dev Game Director Interview with Eric Baptizat: AC Valhalla Game Director Interview with Jordan Van Andel (JorRaptor) Colours in Assassin's Creed: A Short Review 6 ways to stay entertained in the Assassin's Creed Community during isolation Interview with Carlos Ferro - Da Vinci 5 ways you can support TOWCB Interview with Jesper Kyd Top Stories For anyone who played Assassin's Creed Odyssey, Mysteries may come as a welcome addition. I found Odyssey a tad repetitive, but Valhalla’s Mysteries help diversify the world and keep things fresh. They often come with a small bit of problem solving, but be sure to check your surrounding area for clues. Mysteries are great for XP too, but don’t feel compelled to complete them all as some are power dependant. Gear and Skill Points Unlike Odyssey, don’t expect to find loads of gear throughout the world. Norway does not have many gear items and you can find yourself in the same outfit for quite some time. Personally I enjoy this, as I find I use each piece way more than I would in Odyssey/Origins. Your best way to scout out these gear pieces is to find the synchronization points. This will open up the world, and although Valhalla is less click and go, waypoints will become clearer after syncing with the world. Upgrading your gear can be done in multiple ways. The major upgrades will not be available until you reach England (Settlement Blacksmith), but runes and resources can be applied to your gear right from the start. I did this sparingly but if you follow the guidance above then you can use resources such as iron and leather to upgrade your gear as often as you like. Try not to get overloaded with skill points. The maximum power in Valhalla is 400, but this level will be increased during future DLC expansions. The points can be added to 3 different routes, however you do not have to specialise as by the end of the game you will most likely have filled all of the skill tree. Red is the way of the bear (Melee), yellow is the way of the raven (Stealth) and blue is the way of the wolf (Ranged). The game lets you view what is available under each section, so just find a skill you wish to acquire and work towards it. Combat Combat will take some getting used to but with perseverance you will prevail. I don’t tend to make the strongest builds or use that many different weapons, as I prefer to keep to the pure Viking simulator. If you take the time, you can make your character very powerful, even in the early stages of the game. When in Norway, I preferred the axe and the shield combination for close up fights and then switching to the bow for anything at a distance. There are not a lot of weapons to choose from in Norway, but there are enough to get you started. Once in England you will gain many more abilities which will tie in with your weapon choices. Health and stamina play a larger role in Valhalla. You will not have the luxury of health regeneration and must forage for food to store in a rations bag which can then be used during combat. Your stamina bar will deplete when running/fighting, so it is important to slow things down from time to time. Traveling and Discovering When navigating Norway it is best to use your longship. This will help you to discover fast travel points for easy access later in the game. It is also a great way to view the beautiful scenery Norway has to offer. On land you will find yourself on horseback. I found it a tad slow due to the mountain ranges. Try if you can to keep to the main paths, as this is a lot quicker and will not deplete your stamina. Quite often you will find items in the world that are trapped behind locked or barricaded doors. Sometimes it can be frustrating to find a way in. Remember, locked doors will always have a key nearby and Sýnin your raven can help. Sýnin cannot tag everything in the environment like Senu or Ikaros could, but your bird will still be useful for finding things. If that fails you have Odin’s sight (Eagle Vision) which will give you a glimpse of the environment around you. Anything that is barricaded will just be a small puzzle to solve. Keep an eye out for gaps in windows, or weakness in walls/roofs for a way in. Hopefully these tips will help you get started on your Viking adventure. Valhalla is a wonderful game full of intrigue and mystery with a story that sucks you in slowly. Be patient and take your time, you will not regret it. About the Author Aaron is a passionate Assassin's Creed fan who recently joined TOWCB AC Partnership Program as an Online Article Writer. Throughout 2021, Aaron and other writers will be joining the admin team in a collaborative effort to create an Assassin's Creed Valhalla Guide Database, which you can find here . Twitter Aaron Young Save 10% on officially licensed Assassin's Creed Origins merchandise with the code "TOWCB"

Pitching an Assassins' Creed Game: Building the Perfect Game Wishlist Share 9 Nov 2024 Written By: Edited By: Hayden Bird Colum Blackett Back To Database For any fan of the ‘Assassin’s Creed’ game series, there will always be a personal wishlist, whether it be hopes for new parkour elements, combat techniques, or a new story direction. I always found it fun to brainstorm ideas for a potential new game in the series with a list of additions I would love to see. I think fans can all agree that each and every ‘Assassin’s Creed’ game could have different features that could slightly impact the quality of the game. Ubisoft does an excellent job already in creating these games, and they do a fine job of taking fan feedback into consideration, so the realistic gap between anyone’s wishlist can be small due to the great response that Ubisoft offers its fans. As good as any game can be, no matter what it is, there is always room for improvement as it's how the gaming industry works. I am going to build an ‘Assassin’s Creed’ game that would satisfy my expectations as a long-time fan of the series. I hope other fans will do the same as Ubisoft may very well be listening to our feedback, and there's always a chance the suggestions you make may one day be implemented into one of their games. Image via Ubisoft. I will start off with the basics, which is the overall formula. ‘Assassin’s Creed’ , in recent years. Has undergone some very significant changes. This has divided some fans, as some prefer the way the old games used to be played. But now, there are plenty of fans who love and appreciate the new style the more recent games have taken. The newer ones have also done a great job at creating new fans to the ‘Assassin’s Creed’ series. There are many fans who never played any of the older games, that are now fans of the series thanks to the major reboot that took place back in 2017. I am a fan of both formulas, but I won't deny I see the appeal for each argument. I think there should be a balance of some sorts. Basically a bridge between old and new. I think combining both could easily satisfy both the older fans and the new ones. Doing this, however, would prove challenging to the developers at Ubisoft because they would have to sacrifice content from each different formula to mix them together. Meaning one aspect of the game would lack something important, which would impact both formulas in its own way. I think to find this ideal balance, there should be a mixture of these elements, but also something new and fresh, so that this hypothetical game would not only honor both the past and the present, but would also make an impact as a new and innovative game rather than feeling repetitive or recycled. This would prove quite the challenge creatively, and would take extensive research and brainstorming from the team at Ubisoft, but in the end, this company employs some of the best creative minds in the entire industry. Offering a new challenge for the team might prove beneficial in the long run. Promotional banner used to tease the reveal of Assassin's Creed Origins. Source: Ubisoft Next on the list, would be the parkour. Free-running and parkour have been a staple of this series since the beginning of its inception. Each game has always brought a unique aspect of the parkour that is so well known in these games, and fans often look back at different eras of the mainline games and how far the parkour has developed. For the original games, parkour was monumental at the time, now it's seen as an iconic part of gaming history. Looking back at how far the free-running and climbing has come, it's easy to forget all the fun parkour we have now, would not exist without the main inspiration of the original games. During the early days of the series, parkour was seen as basic, but effective. It was a treat for fans to be able to run across rooftops or scale the tallest building in the city in the beautiful settings all the games took place in. Many fans see 2009’s ‘Assassin’s Creed II’ as one of the best, if not the best game in the series for many reasons, and one of those would be the gorgeous setting of Florence and Venice in Italy in the 14th century. It was incredible to climb real life buildings and monuments that still stand in Italy to this day, and be able to look out to the city in either Florence or Venice. Parkour, of course, has changed a lot over the following years. Which also depended on the setting of the game. ‘Assassin’s Creed III’ , for example, took place during the American Revolution, and had to change some features in the parkour to match that of the setting. For example, the playable characters in the game were able to scale and climb trees, which was new and exciting for fans to experience, but also a great creative change from Ubisoft to adapt to that timeline, and not stick to only what they were familiar with, but to branch out and stay authentic to the time period in history. As a fan of the series since its creation, I think the ideal parkour would be to once more adapt to the setting of the game. Not every aspect of the new games that will follow a different time period will be the same as the last, some will have different terrains or cultures to adapt to. I think to match this authenticity, the team at Ubisoft will have to do what they do best. Study the era inside and out to come up with a solution that not only satisfies fans, but also matches the setting of that particular game. Capture from Assassin's Creed III by Col_96 The next bullet point to follow would be combat. I think Ubisoft has adapted the combat in the series very effectively. The original games had specific combat loopholes that made the need for the traditional fighting less important, where instead some fans could easily manipulate that feature by using the loopholes left in the games. Ubisoft has done an excellent job in cleaning that up and making the combat realistic to the era, and also mechanically fluent in terms of game development. I think Ubisoft would be wise to stick to the current style of combat, if I had a say in this, I would mostly leave it as it is. Ubisoft has perfected the art of combat in modern video games. Changing this would not make sense as it wouldn’t match that of today's standards. However, one thing Ubisoft could continue in its combat mechanics are the extended use of special abilities while fighting enemies. These abilities allow the developers to get creative. There's a lot of potential in creating these special abilities to give the player an aid in combat by having these unique skills be authentic to the game's time period. Ubisoft has already accomplished this in the past, for example in ‘Assassin’s Creed Odyssey’ , one of the special abilities you could use and equip was the infamous Spartan kick. The game was set in Ancient Greece, and this technique is well known today by being shown in different types of movies and TV shows, as well as the actual inspirations of Greece during that time period. The game adopted this type of ability specifically for ‘Odyssey’ as it fit perfectly in the Ancient Greek lore. Lastly, one thing I would add to create my picture perfect ‘Assassin’s Creed’ game would be the continued use of the skill tree. The universal use of skills in ‘Assassin’s Creed’ games only became a part of the series in more recent years. Almost all games created in today's era have adopted the same use of a skill tree. It has become a staple of the gaming industry. Any new ‘Assassin’s Creed’ game could further take advantage of this option by being “different” in their use of a skill tree. It will be creatively challenging, but if Ubisoft were to create a skill tree that looks and acts differently that the usual of what we see today, it would bring publicity to the game by having a unique aspect of it that so many other game developers have typically recycled this part of their game, which is understandable as most skill trees are supposed to be basic, as developers would not want to confuse fans with an overly complicated skill tree feature that could end up worsening the experience and creative gamble they would take. I think a good example of this would be what we saw in ‘Assassin’s Creed Valhalla’ where the skill tree was turned into a system that changed skills into “power”. This was a healthy change in what we are so used to in games today. ‘Valhalla’ did a great job at their attempt to be unique in the skill tree aspect of their game. Assassin's Creed Valhalla Skill Tree from TOWCB 'How to' Guides I think overall that these specific aspects, along with the great foundation Ubisoft has already built for the ‘Assassin’s Creed’ series, would create a game for everyone. I think blending the elements of both past and present could be a pleasant surprise for any fan of the games. These are, of course, hypothetical suggestions, as this is all a personal wishlist for me, but it is a wise thing to do as a fan of ‘Assassin’s Creed’ because one day, if enough fans were to create something similar, the creators at Ubisoft may very well take interest in our suggestions, and perhaps a new ‘Assassin’s Creed’ game could fit our personal wishes. Anything is possible in today's era of the gaming industry. Which is why the hobby of gaming so many fans enjoy, is the best form of entertainment in the entire world. Related Articles Aztec Empire: Pitching an Assassin's Creed Game Chinese Pirates: Pitching an Assassin's Creed Game comments debug Comments Write a comment Write a comment Share Your Thoughts Be the first to write a comment. About the Author Hayden is a passionate Freelance Writer based in South Carolina who joined TOWCB's Writing Team in 2020 during the Covid-19 Pandemic, writing articles on all things Assassin's Creed Valhalla. He left the group to focus on studies, joining our Alumni program, but triumphantly returned with fresh ideas in 2024 to pick up where he left off, only this time covering Assassin's Creed Shadows. In 2025, Hayden took on the position of Team Leader for TOWCB's Writing Team, overseeing article releases, assisting with recruitment and providing assistance with internal operations. Hayden Bird

This Week in Assassin’s Creed Virtual Photography: 31st to 6th August Community Share 8 Aug 2023 Written By: Edited By: Aaron Young Back To Database Welcome to the weekly virtual photography roundup hosted by Aaron Young from The AC Partnership Program. Every week I will be picking our top 5 favourite Assassin’s Creed shots and showcasing them on The Ones Who Came Before website, in order to promote virtual photography and talented content creators within the community. Aaron is a keen virtual photographer and loves to post his journeys through Assassin’s Creed on Twitter. Keep an eye on the site as more weekly shots are added, we are looking for captures across all Assassin’s Creed games. Tag your photos to the #TOWCBWeeklyCapture for a chance to be featured. This week’s theme: Assassin’s Creed Let’s Dive In Game: Assassin’s Creed Valhalla VP Artist: @ISAchan_97 “To perform the leap of faith, you must give yourself over to something greater” To serve the light is a great questline in Assassin’s Creed Valhalla and exists to teach Eivor the ways of the brotherhood. As a Viking all the skulking around in the shadows seems alien. I like that Hytham and Eivor have a connection through the bureau in Ravensthorpe. This epic shot encapsulates Eivor attempting a leap of faith after Hytham’s teachings. The timing here is excellent with Eivor’s arms spread wide like an eagle. Fantastic choice of outfit too, it’s a shame this set did not become Eivor’s classic ‘Assassin’ robes. Phobos Game: Assassin’s Creed Odyssey VP Artist: @WallyDaGreat66 “You’ve chosen the great Phobos. He’s never let me down” Phobos is Kassandra’s horse of choice in Assassin’s Creed Odyssey. He accompanies Kassandra all across Greece after being gifted to her by Markos early in the story. There were so many skins for Phobos depending on your chosen style he could look as grounded or extreme as you wanted. Fun fact is Phobos means fear in Greek. This capture of your trusty steed is so striking, I love the lighting and how it is amplifying the stunning details of the horse. The facial position is perfect and the depth of field adds to the beauty. Warrior of the North Game: Assassin’s Creed Valhalla VP Artist: @artschoolglasses “I do not seek battles. Battle just seem to seek me” Scotland was always out of reach for Eivor, apart from the Isle of Skye DLC which was such a nice surprise. It is a shame we don’t get to venture beyond the wall but then again it is never a wise thing to do. Many a Viking failed in their attempts to take Scotland. For me this shot of Eivor Varinsdottir surveying the snowy landscapes of the north gracefully sums up Assassin’s Creed Valhalla. She came from snowy Norway to battle through England and arrive back in the north. I adore the position of this capture with the mountains spectacularly on view in the background. I also love the snowy tree tops and for me the best armour set in the game, what more could I ask for. Northman Game: Assassin’s Creed Valhalla VP Artist: @theonlyjess_vp “Basim fills your head with twisted prophecies” Eivor and Sigurd are so close, but as time goes on Sigurd becomes brain washed by Basim and the brothers bond becomes frail. This is mostly down to Sigurd seeking higher glory and forgetting that he is a Viking at heart. Eivor in this capture embodies the role of both Northman and Odin outstandingly well. I love this portrait and everything about it, the depth of field and colour tones are on point. The hair and beard combo works so well and the Raven tattoo heeds the connection to Odin. Got to love that raven skin with the bone armour, such a nice touch to put the wayfinder symbol on the headpieces. Footprints in the Sand Game: Assassin’s Creed Origins VP Artist: @KaiVirtualPhoto “We must sacrifice our personal lives for the greater good” One thing that really impressed most people when playing Origins is the minimalistic beauty of the desert. The way Ubisoft built the Origins world is nothing short of excellence. Bayek often finds himself wandering the desert in search of his next target. This capture has the wow factor, partly because shots with the minimalist vibe are hard to pull off. I applaud the saturation of the sand and the footprints left behind by Bayek, excellent little details that bring this shot alive. It just leaves you wondering where Bayek is going? The Ones Who Came Before Photo of the Week Judge: @TuridTorkil This shot is a great combination of timing, lighting and angle. It's minimalistic yet vivid at the same time. I know how tricky it can be to get a proper picture of running characters. I am highly impressed by this capture. And that sums it up for this week’s Assassin’s Creed virtual photography recap list! Thank you for checking out this week’s photo collection. This would not be possible without the virtual photographers out there so a huge thanks to them. Until next week keep those shots coming in! comments debug Comments Write a comment Write a comment Share Your Thoughts Be the first to write a comment. About the Author Aaron is a passionate Assassin's Creed fan who joined our AC Partnership Program as an Online Article Writer back in 2021 after the release of Assassin's Creed Valhalla. After building momentum and interest on TOWCB website for Virtual Photography, Aaron established TOWCB Virtual Photography Team, of which he is now Team Leader. Throughout 2024, TOWCB VP Team will be sharing community captures in dedicated articles, and providing a positive environment on Twitter for gamers to share their shots. Aaron Young

Community Assassin's Creed Mirage Merchandise Guide Share Welcome to our Assassin's Creed Mirage Merchandise Guide! Here we will be logging all of the merchandise we find for Assassin's Creed Mirage! About the Author Col is the Community Admin for The Ones Who Came Before, and one of the Assassin's Creed Community Ambassadors (formerly for The Mentors Guild.) He is also a former Ubisoft Star Player, and has spent the last 8 years working within the Assassin's Creed community on countless projects. Twitter Colum Blackett Article contains ads that support TOWCB. Previous Guides AC Odyssey AC Origins AC Movie AC Rogue Funko Pops Black Flag Valhalla UbiCollectibles Assassin's Creed Mirage Collector Case: The Deluxe Edition of Assassin’s Creed. Master Assassin Basim figurine. Assassin’s Creed Mirage OST. A unique steelbook with design elected by Assassin’s Creed’s fans. A perfect replica of Basim’s brooch and a Baghdad map. Bonus content** with a digital artbook & more! Available for pre-order from Ubisoft Store Micromania EBGames Apparel Assassin's Creed Mirage Announcement T-shirt (Blue) Available from Ubisoft Store Assassin's Creed Mirage Announcement T-shirt (Orange) Available from Ubisoft Store Assassin's Creed Mirage Announcement T-shirt (Black) Available from Ubisoft Store Assassin's Creed Mirage Announcement T-shirt (White) Available from Ubisoft Store Assassin's Creed Mirage Announcement T-shirt (Cream) Available from Ubisoft Store Assassin's Creed Mirage Announcement Hoodie (Black) Available from Ubisoft Store Assassin's Creed Mirage Announcement Cap (Navy) Available from Ubisoft Store Assassin's Creed Mirage Announcement Hoodie (White) Available from Ubisoft Store Assassin's Creed Mirage Announcement Cap (White) Available from Ubisoft Store Transmedia Merchandise

Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag Merchandise Guide 10/3/18 Share To celebrate Edward Kenway's birthday, why not check out the huge range of Assassin's Creed: Black Flag Merchandise available! (Amazon + Ubisoft Store links used due to international shipping) We hope that you find this merchandise guide useful! Edward Kenway: Master of the Seas Figurine Amazon UK (Currently unavailable) Ubisoft Store (Out of stock) Assassin's Creed IV: Pistol Holder: Amazon UK Assassin's Creed IV: The Official Guide Amazon UK Assassins Creed IV Hoodie Amazon UK Edward Kenway Legacy Bust: by UbCollectibles. Amazon UK Ubisoft Store Edward Kenway: The Pirate Assassin Figurine Amazon UK Ubisoft Store Assassin's Creed IV: Pistol Replica Amazon UK Assassin's Creed IV: Pistol Replica Ape Collection Assassin's Creed IV Black Flag: Blackbeard: The Captain's Log Amazon UK Edward Kenway Legacy Hoodie: Ubisoft Store Edward Kenway Vest Ubisoft Store Merchandise Amazon UK (Currently unavailable) Black Flag T-shirt Amazon UK Link Assassin's Creed IV Mug Amazon UK Assassin's Creed IV Wall Scroll: Amazon UK Assassin's Creed IV Baseball Cap: Amazon UK Assassins Creed IV Black Flag Official Mens Grey t-shirt Kenway Stencil Amazon UK : Currently unavailable Assassin's Creed IV Wall Scroll: Amazon UK Loot Gaming Crate Assassins Creed IV Black Flag Edward Kenway Figure Amazon UK Assassin's Creed IV Black Flag Play Arts Kai Edward Kenway Reduced on Amazon to £125 Amazon UK Ah Tabai Figure by McFarlane Toys Amazon UK AC IV Keychain Amazon UK Black Flag Mug by ABYStyle Amazon UK (Currently unavailable) AC IV Poster Amazon UK Ubisoft Assassins Creed Black Flag Multicoloured Coin & Card Bi-Fold Wallet Amazon UK

Full Breakdown of the Launch Trailer for Assassin’s Creed Mirage Valley of Memory DLC Analysis Share 15 Nov 2025 Written By: Edited By: Zephryss Hayden Bird Back To Database The launch trailer for Assassin's Creed Mirage: Valley of Memory has finally arrived, giving us our best look yet at the story, characters, locations, and new features coming with this highly anticipated DLC. Here’s a complete breakdown of everything shown in the trailer. First of all, a big thanks to Ubisoft and the Assassin's Creed community team for providing us early access to the launch trailer. A Deadly Chase in AlUla The trailer opens with an intense scene set in AlUla, where Basim is seen chasing down a member of a new enemy faction known as the Robbers. He quickly catches the target and eliminates him with his hidden blade in an action-packed start to the adventure. How the DLC Begins We then jump to a moment that takes place before the DLC story starts. Players must visit Dervis in his shop in Baghdad to begin the new quest titled “A Call from the Past.” Interestingly, the DLC is also accessible in two ways: It unlocks naturally when players begin the Head of the Snake mission in the base game. OR it can be started immediately from the main menu when launching a new game. Arriving in AlUla Next, we see Basim finally arriving in AlUla with some beautiful shots of the region, including a cinematic moment of him riding a camel through Hegra. The region looks stunning and packed with exploration potential. Basim’s Personal Journey We then see Basim and Dervis resting at a campfire during their journey. Basim holds a brooch crafted from a blue ceramic tile, taken from the home where he once lived with his father. This is a strong emotional anchor for the story. Basim reveals that he has come to AlUla to seek out his father, who he hasn’t seen in many years. New Faces and Rising Tensions A new character appears in the trailer, telling Basim that lawlessness has plagued the AlUla region for a long time. This reinforces just how dangerous the area has become. Basim later infiltrates a fortified location in search of his father. By this point, he has already learned that the Robbers are involved in his father’s disappearance, leading to several tense confrontations. Landmarks & Parkour Moments The trailer then highlights several iconic locations and dynamic shots: Basim standing before Elephant Rock after defeating a group of enemies. A great parkour sequence near Musa ibn Nusayr Fort. These visuals suggest that AlUla will be one of Mirage’s most visually unique regions. Fears and Hopes In a small camp outside the town, Basim tells Dervis that he is unsure what scares him more, finding his father’s resting place, or finding nothing at all. Dervis reassures him that there is still hope. Captured on Purpose? In the following scene, we see another new character who warns Basim that the men he seeks are very dangerous. In the next moment, Basim is surrounded and captured by enemies. It appears Basim intentionally allowed himself to be captured to reach the leader of this new enemy faction. Meet the Robbers' Leader: ‘Abis We then get our first official look at the Robbers’ leader, ‘Abis, who threatens Basim. Basim asks him why he was involved with his father, saying the conflict was only with him. Somehow, Basim escapes from the prison and attempts to attack ‘Abis, but ‘Abis anticipates Basim’s moves and counters his attacks. New Features & Improvements The trailer also showcases several updates coming to Assassin’s Creed Mirage , including: Enhanced parkour mechanics New Animus Sequence missions Additional gameplay improvements New Outfits and Weapons Next, we get a look at the three new outfits, three new dagger skins, and two new sword skins that will be available in the upcoming updates. The third purple outfit could be a reward from the Animus Sequences. It looks really cool and now it's actually a Hidden One outfit, so we can’t see Basim’s face, haha. A Final, Mysterious Tease In the final scene, we see Basim walking toward a mysterious cave. Inside, there is an Assassin’s Creed insignia banner. It could be an Isu cave or a new Hidden One bureau in AlUla. We’ll have to wait until November 18 to find out. Assassin's Creed Mirage: Valley of Memory launches on November 18 and adds more than six hours of new content to Assassin's Creed Mirage, and it will be free for all players. What do you think about the new launch trailer, and how excited are you for the Assassin's Creed Mirage: Valley of Memory DLC? Share your thoughts below. comments debug Comments Write a comment Write a comment Share Your Thoughts Be the first to write a comment. About the Author Zephryss is a passionate social media manager based in India who joined TOWCB's Social Media Team in Summer 2024 to help the team prepare for coverage of Assassin's Creed Shadows news and updates. Recently, he completed his Masters degree in Electrical Engineering and is now preparing to take on a PhD. He loves video games very much, and since childhood has enjoyed playing various types of games in different genres He also has 3 gaming channels (Zephryss, Assassin Zephryss & Spider Zephryss) where he uploads gameplay videos regularly. Zephryss