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The Bright Future of Assassin's Creed Analysis Share 18 Apr 2025 Written By: Edited By: Hayden Bird Colum Blackett Back To Database After the very successful launch of the highly anticipated Assassin’s Creed Shadows last month, Ubisoft has renewed serious momentum in the franchise, and has potential to take the series in several different directions. First, it is obvious Ubisoft is currently focused on post-launch content for Shadows and consistently updating the game so that it remains in the great technical state it is today. Ubisoft still has a lot of potential to explore in Shadows itself, but there's no doubt after the positive fan feedback, they may have their eyes set on the horizon as well. For what we currently know of confirmed projects in the Assassin’s Creed universe, the obvious ones are the upcoming game known only as “ Codename Hexe ”. which aside from a brief teaser trailer and logo reveal, not much information is out about this title, which is good news for Ubisoft as they can develop the game properly without the issue of countering potential leaks that could impact development and the way the game is made. The secrecy is exactly what Ubisoft wants, and there's no doubt they will use it to their advantage. Other projects announced or rumored is an upcoming multiplayer adventure in the Assassin’s Creed franchise. Having the option to play with friends or other gamers around the world has been a welcome addition to the games that fans have loved, but there has been a major lack of such features since 2014’s Assassin’s Creed Unity , which still marks the last time Ubisoft implemented online play in any Assassin’s Creed game. This game is simply known also as a codename, and its title is “ Codename Invictus ”. There have been other rumored projects such as remakes of older games, but only time will tell if these games are truly in development. Aside from confirmed or rumored projects for the franchise, there is plenty of potential for fans to request and hope for after such a big and successful launch Shadows has received thus far. Ubisoft seemingly has endless potential for the series after proof fans still love and care about this long-running and iconic franchise of games. The outpour of success that has engulfed Shadows is the only proof needed to see such a high demand even if the franchise is well over 15 years old now. Some things the developers at Ubisoft could explore are the idea of continuing remakes of older classic games, as remakes and remasters are all the rage in today's era of gaming. There is potential to build off the hype remakes can bring, and the Assassin’s Creed series dates back all the way to 2007, a time with consoles a lot less powerful than what we have available now. Using this updated and advanced technology to recreate classic and beloved games that made the Assassin’s Creed series what it is today could be a solid move from Ubisoft. Ubisoft can also find other ways to expand the future of the Assassin’s Creed series by branching out of just the realm of video games and into film and television, an aspect of media that Ubisoft has already ventured into when they released the Assassin’s Creed movie in 2016. Ubisoft announced a partnership with Netflix back in 2020 which would turn the series into a live-action show and animated projects in development as well. News and updates on this partnership has mostly stalled over the last five years, but assuming these shows are still in development, it offers the Assassin’s Creed series a chance to reach a whole new audience who may not be big gamers but love film and television. This could not only satisfy the non-gamers, but also has the potential to reach an audience that could be swayed to try the games if they enjoy the series. It offers a lot of options for Ubisoft to grow their fanbase and even draw new fans to the series who may have overlooked it in the past. After several years of struggles and release disappointments from Ubisoft, they completely doubled-down on the Assassin’s Creed franchise knowing this is their guaranteed money making machine, and dedicating to their top IP that is sure to make an impact for both sales and reviews, whereas Ubisoft may admit they spent a lot of time and effort on projects that were risky and lesser known, which lead to financial difficulties and ultimately lead Ubisoft to seek assistance from the Chinese media giant Tencent to help the company remain stable despite the sales disappointments that had plagued Ubisoft for the last few years. This strategy of putting their all into Assassin’s Creed really shows their dedication to the brand, but also smart business plans to please audiences when they know if they can create a solid game, it will certainly draw fans for both sales and reviews like we have just witnessed with the recent launch of Assassin’s Creed Shadows . If there is one thing fans can be certain of, is that the Assassin’s Creed series we all know and love is not going away anytime soon. It rather, in fact, has found new life under this dedicated strategy Ubisoft has put forth to prioritize its demand for the franchise and bank in on all the positive reception and money it will inevitably make. There is so much potential in this series even well over 15 years past its creation. Fans have proven that Assassin’s Creed remains a gaming giant that even after all these years, will still deliver and provide a brilliant adventure into any time period they choose. The series is not slowing down by any means, instead it has gained new life and a beyond profitable future even years and years into its existence. The massively successful launch of Shadows has truly been the proof Ubisoft needed to be certain their last-grasp strategy will work out. 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: 20th - 26th August 2022 Community Share 27 Aug 2022 Written By: Edited By: Aaron Young Ashlea Blackett 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 capture across all Assassin’s Creed games. Tag your photos to the #TOWCBWeeklyCapture for a chance to be featured. 1) Kassandra & Ikaros Game: Assassin’s Creed Odyssey This week’s first capture comes from @ thewolfkissedVP a member of our Assassin’s Creed VP Twitter Community. First up we have a delightful shot of Kassandra and Ikaros having an intimate moment. The timing to achieve such a capture is impeccable. This has to be up there with one of my favourite photos from Assassin's Creed Odyssey. I have to mention the use of colour, it really is done to perfection. The photo looks almost painting like in how it is presented. I think Kevin has really captured the bond between Kassandra and Ikaros, beautiful work. 2) Scenic Game: Assassin’s Creed Valhalla Photo number two comes from @ Huldera1 a member of our Assassin’s Creed VP Twitter Community. Next up we have a wonderful shot of the sun reflecting off the water in Assassin’s Creed Valhalla. At first glance this photo could be mistaken for real life. The details and ambiance are so magnificently captured. I really like the person out on the boat, and the snow topped mountains in the distance. It is worth checking out the full set using the link below. These are some of the best atmospheric shots I have seen. Link to set 3) Brotherhood Game: Assassin’s Creed Brotherhood This week’s third shot comes from @ FrameHoldPhotos a member of our Assassin’s Creed VP Twitter Community. It is Assassin’s Creed Brotherhood week for the AC15 celebration, and it felt wrong not to include a shot from that game. Lucky for me we have someone who is great at capturing moments in the older games. What I love about this shot is how it represents playing the game. We are in the perspective of the player and that is something not often seen in the newer games. The deep colours in this shot are splendid and the red of Ezio’s outfit really stands out. A classical capture from a legendary game. 4) Altair Game: Assassin’s Creed VP number four comes from @ Subject_72 a member of our Assassin’s Creed VP Twitter Community. Photo number four continues the themes of the previous shot. Traditional in style, we see the Assassin who started it all. This is a beautifully constructed shot that amplifies a game that is 15 years old. You can see why a remake is so sort after. The colours here are fantastic and I love how Altar stands out amongst the crowd. It is great to see lots of captures from the older games, I hope it continues after the celebrations come to an end. 5) Ice Cold Game: Assassin’s Creed Valhalla The final capture of the week comes from @ Spiggy_Smalls over on Twitter. The final shot appeared on my feed this week and I could not help but admire it. There is so much to like about this photo. Obviously the positioning of this shot is the standout with the camera looking through the trees. However that is not the only thing I love about this capture. I really like that Eivor’s sat on the horse atop a rock, looking out over the lands. The church in the distance, masked by the fog is a fantastic addition. What a stunning photo, worthy of being on a canvas. 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

Cracking the Isu Code: Part 1 Analysis Share 30 Dec 2021 Written By: Edited By: Preston Carbonaro Colum Blackett Back To Database Assassin's Creed fans are working hard to crack messages written in the secret language of the highly advanced precursor race known as the Isu, and in the process, decode multiple hidden messages We here at TOWCB have joined the community efforts to try our hands at decoding these messages which are scattered around throughout the game; in Standing Stone puzzles, on Layla’s laptop, and even promotional content. We sincerely hope that none of you experience the Bleeding Effect during the decoding process … Finding the Isu Writing on the Isle of Skye (AC Valhalla) To find the message written by Brendan of Clonfert, players must head to Fairy Glen Standing Stones on the Isle of Skye, and search the area for a note. During the Valhalla crossover, Kassandra and Eivor will visit the area together in an effort to locate the mysterious artefact causing nightmares on the island. At the bottom of the message written by Clonfert, we can see the mysterious Isu writing that has appeared throughout Valhalla. Decoding Brendan of Clonfert’s passage on the Isle of Skye (AC Valhalla) Here’s a step-by-step guide of how a segment in the precursor language was translated by fellow codebreakers, and the methods we used to decipher it. Here are two extracts from the mysterious note. After careful analysis of the text, we can safely assume that the short passage and Isu writings are one and the same. The Isu text in the red boxes are verbs in their past participle tense, which are identified by the Isu letters ‘t’ and ‘o’ (underlined in blue). Therefore, these must be the words “Born”, “Cleansed” and “Wrapped” that Clonfert wrote. Another interesting observation is the above Isu symbol which has a ‘h’ sound, and is usually an adverb. However, it can also represent the instrumental case - a grammatical case used to indicate that a noun is the instrument or means by or with which the subject achieves or accomplishes an action. Using this method, the first two words in the second line are translated to “in cold waters” (or using the instrumental case: with cold waters). The third word in the third line translates to “in the shroud” (or using the instrumental case: by using a shroud). Conclusion Assassin's Creed Valhalla is a game that is filled with hidden secrets, which we aim to uncover in this new series dedicated to deciphering the mysterious language of the Isu. If you have a flair for codebreaking, get in touch with the admin team for writing opportunities. Also, if you discover any more of the secret language in the game, send it over to the team @ ACFirstCiv on Twitter to analyse! Click here for an Access The Animus video for a more in-depth explanation of the Isu language translations: 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

Rally the Creed returns! News Share 22 Jul 2025 Written By: Edited By: TOWCB Team Colum Blackett Back To Database We are thrilled to announce to the Assassin's Creed community that Rally the Creed is returning, but with a twist! Originally known as the AC Community podcast with host rotation, demonstrating different branches of the community around the world, RTC will now also include weekly TikTok livestreams hosted by TOWCB Team Leader Col_96! We hope that the weekly streams will also act as a hangout for community members to discuss the franchise at the end of the week, and join the admin team for discussions about the franchise. Look out for Q &A opportunities, special guests and more as we look to establish an active social hangout to bring community members together! Rally the Creed Live #1 is available now! New episodes air Sundays at 10pm BST 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

Unboxing TITAN Evo 2022 Assassin's Creed Edition Gaming Chair by Secretlab Merchandise Share 22 Jul 2022 Written By: Edited By: Colum Blackett (Col_96) Ashlea Blackett Back To Database We are pleased to reveal our unboxing video of the upcoming TITAN Evo 2022 Assassin's Creed Edition Gaming Chair, kindly sent to The Ones Who Came Before Headquarters by Secretlab! Keep an eye on our social media channels (below) throughout Summer 2022, as we continue our coverage of this stunning Animus-inspired Gaming Chair and the ongoing Assassin's Creed 15th Anniversary celebrations. We here at TOWCB will also soon be collaborating with Secretlab, so stay vigilant Assassins, as all will be revealed very soon. We hope that you enjoy our exclusive first look video! Secretlab Press Release Inspired by the Animus and the characteristic colours of the assassin's robe, the Secretlab TITAN Evo 2022 Assassin's Creed Edition is upholstered in Secretlab Neo Hybrid Leatherette and features a tonal red checkered pattern and futuristic Animus detailing on the side wings. The sigils of the Assassin's Creed series are embroidered on the backrest as a timeless ode to its legacy, designed specially for fans who have followed the series since 2007. Built on the award-winning Secretlab TITAN Evo 2022 series and available in sizes Regular and Xl, fans can enjoy world-class comfort as they revisit their favourite elements of Assassin's Creed or take a deeper dive into the lore of the highly-acclaimed series with the ongoing 15th Anniversary celebrations. Available for Pre-order now Discover the Assassin's Creed Collection at Secretlab.co.uk , releasing September 2022. TITAN Evo 2022 Assassin's Creed Edition Gaming Chair, Secretlab MAGPAD Desk Mat Assassin's Creed Edition. Secretlab MAGNUS Cable Management Bundle Assassin's Creed Edition. 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)

Deciphering the Secrets of the Assassin’s Creed Shadows Community Challenge and Mystery Box Breakdown Share 1 Jan 2023 Written By: Edited By: TOWCB Team Colum Blackett Back To Database During the marketing campaign for Assassin's Creed Shadows, we were thrilled to announce that TOWCB / Isu_network Team Leader Colum Blackett (Col_96) was granted the rank of Veteran Master, and received an Assassin's Creed Shadows Mystery Box from Ubisoft! Straight away we gathered our team of codebreakers and set about trying to crack the secrets of the box. TOWCB Codebreakers: Ashlea_97 FrameHoldPhotos Edenoi ActualSpider-Man TheNerdyArcher We were thrilled to see a community challenge so early on in the AC Marketing campaign, and it provided many twists and turns which kept us guessing right until the very end. The Mission Upon receiving the box, Col was invited to a Discord server with other 'Veteran Masters' (content creators and box-owners). THE EXPERIENCE This Discord experience is separated in two parts: A Community quest that starts on June 3rd. You have 24 hours to solve all the community riddles. A Content Creators quest that starts on June 4th. They will be streaming live. As members of the Assassin's Creed community and thus, Apprentices, you are tasked to solve riddles that will give important information and hints for Content Creators and their dedicated quest. Follow their streams tomorrow to discover the end of the story but also solve their riddles together. In this adventure, you will be referred to as Apprentices, whereas Content Creators will be referred to as Veteran Masters. In the server, bots would provide clues and questions in order to progress further into the deeper layers of the challenge. The Box The box measured 17cm across by 23, and featured Japanese text on the box which translates roughly to '' bravery, honor, respect'', signaling positive virtues. 勇名誉礼思義羊ホ戈仁 The box was also secured using a puzzle lock, which took some time to open. Ash had a great deal of fun figuring it out. Master Komatsu Uchihira (Discord bot) provided a poem to help Veteran Masters to open it. The poem refers to the different levels of security on the lock, which all had to be completed in the correct order. Completing one level would unlock another, and so forth. Also provided was a diagram showing the correct order in which to open the combination. Here is our video showing Ash cracking the combination. Inside the Box: A blood-stained note A scroll detailing the quest A Map of Japan Hidden Blade poster Community Riddles Puzzle #1 : Apprentices were invited to the Discord server and encouraged to work together in order to assist Veteran Masters the following day. Master Komatsu Uchihira (Discord bot) provided a riddle which encouraged apprentices to rewatch the CGI trailer Answer: D.O Master Komatsu Uchihira (Discord bot) congratulates the apprentice and suggests that the letters could be initials that stand for something. Next, Apprentices had to mention the letters to characters (Discord bots) in order to gain more information. Answer is SACHI Puzzle #: Puzzle #: After opening the box, Veteran Masters informed Master Komatsu Uchihira (Discord bot) of their success, who congratulated them on opening the box. Next, Veteran Masters would receive their first instructions. It became clear that it was impossible to progress from this stage without the help of 'apprentices', so for those who opened the box early, like us, it was a waiting game. The event kicked off on the 3rd June 2024 when community members were invited to join the 'Assassin's Creed Shadows: The First Mission' Discord server. Puzzle: Origami? Puzzle: Sign language? The blood-stained note. VIDEO OF INK FADING AWAY 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

Black Flag: The original RPG Assassin’s Creed Analysis Share 20 Sept 2025 Written By: Edited By: James Davis (TopChef1288) Colum Blackett Back To Database ''Black Flag was both a culmination of the franchise’s past and a blueprint for its future.'' When conversations turn to the “RPG era” of Assassin’s Creed, games like Origins, Odyssey & Valhalla often take center stage in this debate. Their sprawling worlds, layered progression systems, coupled with an emphasis on player freedom; are all seen as a drastic shift from the series “stealth” driven beginnings. Promo image for Assassin's Creed IV Black Flag But if you trace these mechanics back through the franchise’s history. Their roots don't begin in Greece or Egypt, or even England. They begin on the high seas, in the Caribbean with Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag. Black Flag introduced systems that would become the cornerstones of the “RPG era” identity. Ship upgrades that mirrored RPG-style progression, resource gathering that demanded grinding. A vast open world that gave the player masses of freedom, that sometimes came at the cost of narrative focus. For many, this blend of mechanics was exhilarating and cemented the game’s reputation as a fan favorite. Yet for me, it has always marked the beginning of a shift that I wasn't fully ready to embrace. In this article, I want to explore how Black Flag laid the foundation for the “RPG era” of Assassin’s Creed. Why those design choices resonated with some players but alienated others; and how my own frustration with Black Flag shaped the way I viewed the series’ evolution. Map Size & the Open World Part of the map in Assassin's Creed IV Black Flag One of the striking features of Black Flag was the sheer scale of its world. In numbers alone, it's the second largest map at a whopping 235 kilometers squared; making it around 167 times larger than the largest pre-Black Flag Assassin's Creed title, Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood. It feels massive in comparison to previous titles in the franchise, not just in map size but also in player freedom. For the first time in the series, players were not confined to a single city or a tightly controlled landscape. Instead they could sail in any direction, uncover any island, even dive into ship wrecks and stumble upon secrets scattered around the Caribbean. This scale was groundbreaking at the time but it also came at a cost. The trade offs that would become more apparent in the “RPG era” Earlier entries like Assassin’s Creed II or Brotherhood used tightly designed cities to create density and focus, but Black Flag stretched its content out across an open ocean. Exploration was a massive thrill at first but long stretches of empty water & repetitive encounters often diluted the pace of the game. The same issue has now defined the debate around the RPG titles, like Valhalla & Odyssey. They are all undeniably vast but the size of their maps often comes at the expense of the narrative, urgency or variety. In this sense, Black Flag can be seen as the prototype for Ubisoft’s later obsession with this huge scale. The series shift towards enormous, open maps didn't start with Origins. It started the moment players first hoisted the sails of the Jackdaw. Combat Promo image for Assassin's Creed IV Black Flag Combat in Black Flag also marked the turning point in the series. Earlier entries, particularly the Ezio trilogy, emphasized counters, timing and the Assassin tools of stealth. By contrast, Black Flag leaned more into the cinematic, action orientated approach. Edward’s dual cutlass & pistols made open conflict more viable than ever before. Naval combat also became a central gameplay focus, pushing combat even further into the grand spectacle. This shift away from stealth first design, mirrors the trajectory of the “RPG era” in the RPG three, stealth remains an option but the systems in place increasingly reward direct confrontation. Through leveling, skill trees and loot driven combat upgrades. What was once a series defined by patience and subtlety, gradually transformed into one where combat is not only encouraged but often required to progress. For players who prefer the Assassin fantasy of striking unseen, this shift can feel like a loss of identity. Black Flag may not have had damage numbers popping up above enemies heads, but it was already moving into the same direction; away from the intimate, surgical strikes of an assassin & towards the broad, action heavy systems that would define and dominate more of the “RPG era” Modern Day Concept art for the Abstergo Facility in Assassin's Creed IV Black Flag If the early games were built on two parallel stories, the historical adventure and the ongoing modern day conflict. Black Flag is that balance which begins to unravel. In previous entries, particularly the Desmond saga, tied the modern day narrative directly into the core of the experience. Players weren’t just reliving history, they were part of something much larger; a contemporary struggle that gave weight to the Animus sequence. In Black Flag however, the modern day storyline was pushed to the background. The player becomes a faceless Abstergo employee wandering around an office building, with most the modern day relegated to scattered notes, email or optional interactions. While some found this approach refreshing or less obtrusive, it signalled again a larger shift in the balance of Assassin’s Creed. The modern day was no longer an essential part of the narrative. The sidelining only deepened in the “RPG era” where modern day narrative often feels fragmented or secondary compared to the sheer scale of the historical sandbox. Just as Black Flag made open world the star of the show, later RPG entries doubled down on the idea that history itself was the primary draw, while overarching Assassin vs Templar conflict faded into the background. For fans who valued the duality of the series, this was a significant turning point in the franchise. Levelling and Stats through Outfits Mayan outfit in AC IV Black Flag. Image source: SVG Progression in Black Flag also hinted at the RPG elements that would later define the series. Whilst the game didn't have formal levelling systems or skill trees, it quietly introduced the idea of character stats being tied to gear. Edward could unlock new outfits that provided tangible bonuses for him. Outfits like the Mayan armor grants a bullet-deflecting effect, the Stealth outfit reduces his detection rate, and the Hunter outfit decreases his detection range by animals. These weren’t just cosmetic, they added a layer of progression that nudged the player towards thinking in terms of builds and stat advantages. In retrospect, Black Flag’s outfits system feels like a prototype. A small test to whether the player would embrace progression through gear. By the time the “RPG era” arrived, that experiment had evolved into the series' core identity; with loot, rarity tiers & detailed stat management becoming central to the players experience. For players who prefer the simplicity of the earlier titles, this shift can feel bloated, but the roots of that design philosophy were already present in Edward’s wardrobe. Ship Upgrades Promo image for The Jackdaw in Assassin's Creed IV Black Flag If there's one system that Black Flag clearly foreshadows in the “RPG era” it has to be the Jackdaw. The ship wasn't just a vehicle, it was a character in itself.one that needed to be upgraded, reinforced and customised in order to take out stronger enemies. Players had to gather resources, invest in improvements and grind for the materials necessary to survive late in the game’s naval battles. This loop at its core is an RPG progression system. The Jackdaw acted as Edward’s “character level” with each upgrade unlocking new possibilities in exploration and combat. Just as later RPG titles would gate certain areas or enemies behind level requirements, Black Flag tied access to tougher ships, legendary encounters and hidden rewards to how much time players had invested in the upgrading of the Jackdaw. For many fans, this system was the highlight of the game, an addictive cycle of risk and reward; that gave this vast open world a sense of purpose. Yet for many others, it introduced a reliance on grinding that would become a major criticism for the RPG titles. What felt fresh in Black Flag became a formula in Origins, Valhalla & Odyssey; progression tied less to narrative achievements and more to how much you were willing to repeat tasks in order to grow stronger. Conclusion Promo image for Assassin's Creed IV Black Flag via Ubisoft Looking back, it's clear that Black Flag was more than a pirate game, it was the testing ground for the mechanics that would become the defining elements of the “RPG era” of the franchise. Its vastly expansive open world, action orientated combat, gear based progression & ship upgrades. They all foreshadowed the design model of the RPG games. At the time, these changes felt thrilling to most; offering unprecedented freedom and depth. Yet the same elements that drew players in also introduced the very frustrations that players voice now about the new era of Assassin’s Creed. Sprawling maps that sometimes feel empty, combat that is prioritised over stealth. And never ending progression loops that encourage over story. In this sense Black Flag was both a culmination of the franchise’s past and a blueprint for its future. Whether you love or dislike the RPG titles, it's impossible to ignore the legacy of Edward’s Caribbean adventure. Black Flag wasn't just a high seas odyssey, it was the prototype that quietly reshaped Assassin’s Creed before our very eyes; charting a course that would follow for years to come. Clip from Rally the Creed Live #2 , which explores the topic further comments debug Comments Write a comment Write a comment Share Your Thoughts Be the first to write a comment. About the Author James is a video creator based in the UK who joined TOWCB's Video Content Creation Team in June 2025. James was brought onboard to help TOWCB with news coverage on TikTok, and creating a consistent Twitch streaming schedule. He is a big fan of the Assassin's Creed series who will be helping TOWCB grow in late 2025, with a particular focus on TikTok, Youtube and Instagram. By joining the partnership program, we aim to provide James with opportunities to grow and further his relationship with the AC Community and Ubisoft. James Davis (TopChef1288)

Assassin’s Creed Mirage: Valley of Memory DLC Release Date, Setting, and Story Details News Share 7 Oct 2025 Written By: Edited By: Zephryss Colum Blackett Back To Database Ubisoft has finally revealed the much-awaited Assassin's Creed Mirage DLC, titled Valley of Memory, set in the AlUla region of Saudi Arabia, on the eve of the game's 2nd anniversary. This new DLC will be released on November 18, 2025, and it will be completely free for everyone. Here’s everything you need to know about it. This Assassin’s Creed Mirage DLC is a major chapter in Basim’s coming-of-age story. The new story arc is called Valley of Memory, where Basim explores a new setting in search of answers about his past, particularly about his father. It’s a meaningful chapter that unfolds just before the final events of Mirage. The storyline takes place in the Valley of AlUla, a location filled with history and echoes of the past. Assassin's Creed Mirage Valley of Memory DLC is jointly developed by Ubisoft Bordeaux and Ubisoft Paris. There are more than 6 hours of gameplay in the new DLC. There will be a History of AlUla codex available in the world for players to collect and read during their journey in the Valley of Memory DLC for Assassin's Creed Mirage. Each region in the Valley of Memory has its own unique atmosphere: The southern region features an urban area overlooked by the ancient Musa-ibn-Nusayr Fort, with dense streets and vibrant spice markets. Near the city lies the Valley's Oasis, a beautiful and lively area filled with camels and rich in agricultural history. AlUla’s wealth attracts robbers both within the city and in the wilderness. A gang of robbers terrorizes the region, led by their fearless leader. The farther you travel from the Oasis, the higher the risk of ambush. The Incense Road, stretching from south to north, is one of the most iconic yet most dangerous routes in the region. Basim can even play the oud now at certain locations once you successfully track down music sheets through parkour challenges. The map is divided into two parts: the northern Land of the Dead, centered around the necropolises of Hegra, and the southern area, full of life and human activity. Landmarks include Elephant Rock and the al-Farid Tomb, among many others. New gameplay features include tool upgrades up to level 3, improved parkour with manual jumps and free ejects, and a new control preset allowing parkour to be mapped to the right trigger for smoother navigation. Basim will also face new challenges from the Robber faction, a more cunning and unpredictable enemy type. Classic Black Box missions return with added twists, along with the ability to replay completed missions and contracts through the new Animus Sequences system. You can replay challenges like “Do not use Eagle Vision” or “Do not be detected” reward players with new outfits, weapons. Quality-of-life improvements include new customizable difficulty options (including new Medium+ and Very Hard modes), and a flexible “à la carte” experience letting players tweak parameters freely. Beyond the main story, Valley of Memory includes contracts, events, Folktales that explore local culture, and Stolen Goods missions tied to the Robber faction. The update adds a wide range of activities, making Mirage more complete than ever. The developers challenge players to complete all missions and challenges under strict time limits and share their most skillful gameplay moments with the community. Assassin’s Creed Mirage is also receiving a massive free update, expanding both Baghdad and the AlUla region. The update includes: New rewards for replaying the main game. Improved parkour mechanics with new moves like Free Jump. New tool upgrades. In-game filters from AC Origins and AC Odyssey, now usable in Mirage. Assassin's Creed Mirage Valley of Memory DLC Teaser Full Breakdown: In the first scene, we see Darvis, a side character in Assassin’s Creed Mirage, walking through a narrow gap between two rocky mountains. He places his hand on the left rock and looks toward a figure dressed in a black outfit. In the distance, we can see Basim wearing his new outfit. In the next scene, Enkidu, Basim’s eagle, enters and flies across them, giving us a clear look at Basim’s new outfit. Basim smiles as he watches Enkidu flying in the sky. Then we see Basim and Darvis standing together. Enkidu lands briefly on Basim’s hand before taking off again, as both of them look ahead. In the distance stands Qasr al-Farid, a monumental rock-cut tomb located within the ancient Nabataean city of Hegra (also known as Mada’in Saleh) in AlUla, Saudi Arabia. Some people are traveling on camels in front of the monument, surrounded by many small and medium-sized rocky mountains in the area. Ubisoft has shared two new promotional images for the upcoming Assassin's Creed Mirage Valley of Memory expansion. Assassin’s Creed Mirage Valley of Memory DLC launches November 18th as a completely free update. Whether you’re a returning player or exploring Baghdad for the first time, this is the most complete way to experience Assassin's Creed Mirage. What do you think about this new Valley of Memory DLC for Assassin’s Creed Mirage? 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

This Week in Assassin’s Creed Virtual Photography: 22nd to 28th May Community Share 30 May 2023 Written By: Edited By: Aaron Young Colum Blackett 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 Paradise Game: Assassin’s Creed IV Black Flag VP Artist: @ TheLordReylus This letter box capture is such a perfect way to kick start this week’s showcase. For a 9 year old game this shot looks great, a testament to the quality of Assassin’s Creed games. On first glance I was sure that this was from Odyssey it looked that good. The colours here are so relaxing and the shot is very peaceful. I adore the sun bouncing off the sea, and the seagulls in the distance. The gem of the shot has to be the ship's sail just poking up on the horizon. The Ancient World Game: Assassin’s Creed Odyssey VP Artist: @ Birgamerinalbu1 We are now off to Odyssey for some truly mesmerising shots of the Greek landscapes. Check the link below for the full set, I picked this particular shot due to the incredibly colourful scenery. That water flowing against the shore is stunning. I also like the palm trees and the beautiful statue in the distance. The mountains and the beach are so picturesque and the whole ambience of this shot is so captivating. Link to set: The Ones Who Came Before Photo of the Week: The Ancient World - Picked by Oliver (Aged 5) ''I like this photo because it is very peacful and calm. I really like the palm tree and the beautiful colours. I would really like to be on this beach having fun.'' Mirage Game: Assassin’s Creed Origins VP Artist: @ missroseplays In the week where we finally saw some gameplay from the much anticipated Assassin’s Creed Mirage, I thought it fitting to feature a shot that looks like it could be straight from Baghdad. This beautifully minimalistic photo captures the essence of a weary traveller crossing the desert in search of his next target. I admire how the shadow line splits the shot with the delightful image of Bayek on his horse just off-centre. A truly wonderful piece of virtual photography. Norse Warrior Game: Assassin’s Creed Valhalla VP Artist: @ reddeadgem This is an awesome portrait of Eivor as he stares into the distance. The depth of field is faultless, allowing Eivor to stand out amongst the scenery. Attention to detail is on point. The hair looks almost real and the tattoos impeccable. This capture would have fit nicely with our tattoo themed week. I really believe Ubisoft did a fantastic job with both character models for Eivor, and they are one of my favourite protagonists to capture for sure. Duo Game: Assassin’s Creed Valhalla VP Artist: @ NIKOOO-WOLF The final shot of the week is spectacular. I cannot believe how good this capture looks. The level of detail on both Sýnin and Eivor is immaculate. The fog-like hue that surrounds them adds so much mystery. Such a well-timed shot with both characters looking in the same direction, I wonder what it is they have seen. A perfect pick for #Thorsday with Synin representing Odin’s eye, even if he is a Falcon here. 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

Cracking the Isu Code: Part 2 Analysis Share 22 Jan 2022 Written By: Edited By: Preston Carbonaro Ashlea Blackett Back To Database Have you read Part 1 of our codebreaking series? Ready for more? Well, good news! We’re back with some brand new Isu codebreaking goodness for you all! 10th March is steadily approaching, and everyone here at TOWCB is gearing up for Ragnarok! ... No, there won’t actually be a catastrophic end-of-the-world event. Don’t worry. We're referring to the upcoming DLC, Dawn of Ragnarok. The much-awaited expansion for Assassin’s Creed Valhalla. In this article we’ll be looking at the Isu text engraved into the stone gate leading to Muspelheim, the realm of fire; home of the fire giants, and guarded by the fierce jötunn Surtr wielding his massive fiery blade. Deciphering the Ragnarok Gate Alongside the Dawn of Ragnarok Cinematic World Trailer, Ubisoft have also been promoting an image of a gate which could lead to another realm. Fans were quick to notice the strange symbols that surround it, which are in fact written in secret language of the highly advanced precursor race known as the Isu. Here is our step by step guide to decoding it! Underlined in blue above is the Isu word for ‘blind’ (wàrh). The character underlined in white denotes that the word is in its singular form. With this information, we can conclude that the word in the yellow box translates to ‘Blind One’ (referring to Havi / Odin), who is missing his left eye after sacrificing it in exchange for newfound wisdom gained by drinking water from Mimir’s well. Note: In Access The Animus’ video, ‘blind’ is replaced with ‘mad’. This is a direct reference to when Loki called Odin the “Mad One” in the game’s Isu era cutscene. As you can see, both words can be used interchangeably without affecting the meaning of the message. The final step, as always, is to form a comprehensible phrase using all of our findings. Thus, the Muspelheim gate message translates to: “Blind One, what did you do?” or “Mad One, what have you done?” But the work doesn’t stop there, as we still have one more symbol left to decode. The one at the very top of the gate. And as most of you could probably tell, this is not in the Isu language. Odin by Mentor Of The Creed Dawn of Ragnarok will be the third story expansion for the game, and is set to be released on 10th March 2022 worldwide on all platforms. The new DLC will further expand upon Norse mythology, and will allow players to travel to the dwarven realm of Svartalfheim where Eivor must step back into the role of Havi (Odin) to rescue his son Baldr from the fire giant Surtr. Link to Access The Animus video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hLyG52L3S1c Link to the free downloadable Codex Transferendum 2.0.1, written by ActualSpider-Man from TOWCB's Writing Team: https://www.docdroid.net/wommaEU/codex-transferendum-201-pdf 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

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

Assassin's Creed Shadows Trailer and Promo Images Unveiled News Share 15 May 2024 Written By: Edited By: Colum Blackett (Col_96) TOWCB Team Back To Database Assassin's Creed Shadows (formerly titled 'Codename Red') was today revealed to the world with the release of a 'World Premiere' Cinematic Trailer, alongside promotional images appearing on retail / video game news sites. Here you will find our round-up of the images and videos that were released to kick-start the promotional campaign. Enjoy! A seriously impressive trailer showing off the dynamic combat system and duel protagonists who come together to fight for what seems to be a newly-formed branch of the Brotherhood. An interesting concept! Ubisoft released an official breakdown of the trailer A new series of the 'Echoes of History' podcast began. Concept Art That concludes our round-up of the media released on day one of the AC Shadows marketing campaign! Stay tuned here at The Ones Who Came Before for all things Assassin's Creed. 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)

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 Memory Corridor: Potential Sequels ft. Irakli Podcast Share 25 Mar 2017 Written By: Edited By: Gustav Poulsen (Gargudon) Back To Database comments debug Comments Write a comment Write a comment Share Your Thoughts Be the first to write a comment. About the Author Gustav / Gargudon is an active community member, who started out in podcast hosting in 2016, but today mostly specialises in video creation, interviews & composing. By joining The Ones Who Came Before in 2019, originally reviving 'The Memory Corridor' podcast, which had been offline for nearly a year, he has had the opportunity to expand his audience and further develop his skills. 

His unique skill set made him the perfect candidate for our team. Among other things, he is known in the community for the Sounds Of History project - an original Assassin’s Creed inspired instrumental music project, featuring five tracks inspired by as many different games - other original fan themes plus covers of iconic AC tracks, as well as video interviews with a number of high profile names in the world of AC, from Roger Craig Smith, Jesper Kyd and more. Fun fact, among his growing colourful tattoo collection, Gustav is the only member of our team to have the TOWCB logo inked. Gustav Poulsen (Gargudon)

The Road to Trust: A Review of Assassin’s Creed Mirage: Daughter of No One & Interview with Author Maria Lewis Reviews Share 20 Nov 2023 Written By: Edited By: Michael Smith Colum Blackett Back To Database Banner by Thea Marie Rivedal (Moonchildgecko) from TOWCB Art Team. Roshan images provided by Jack (_VirtualTourism), Aaron Young (FalconSwift87), & Dave Rutter (Dpruttz_vp) from TOWCB Virtual Photography Team. Minor Spoilers for Assassin’s Creed Mirage: Daughter of No One. How do you find trust in the help of a stranger? To some, it's as simple as a hopeful view of the world, that good triumphs, and at their core people are genuine in their aid. To others, trust has to be earned and while assistance can be a step towards such a bond, it can sometimes hide one’s true intentions. This is a concept that has been explored on a deeper level in the Assassin’s Creed series. From the Assassin, Altaïr, who had to repair a trust broken with his brotherhood, to the Viking Shieldmaiden, Eivor, who found trust in outsiders that helped her people move to a new home, Assassin’s Creed has consistently asked players to trust in the Brotherhood and those around their key characters. Roshan (image by VirtualTourism) What trust does one have if they are not part of such a fellowship? When isolated or forced to hide from the world so that one can have some resemblance of freedom? How does a person not only gain the trust of strangers, but accept that a person is trustworthy? These are aspects that Roshan bint-La'Ahad (the lead character of the new Aconyte novel, Daughter of No One , written by award-winning screenwriter, and best-selling author, Maria Lewis), is questioning throughout her young life as a street-raised fugitive. A woman forced into a life of solitude after killing the man she was sold to as a young bride, a life before she took the mantle of Mentor to fellow Hidden One, Basim Ibn Ishaq. I have been a big supporter of the transmedia line in the Assassin’s Creed series, and Aconyte Books has released time after time, some of the best stories in the franchise with a variety of genres and stories from centuries of history. Previous titles have touched on European wars, Chinese philosophy and kung-fu, English mythology, and a middle eastern political thriller. * Daughter of No One continues this trend as it shifts between two parallel timelines from the origin of Roshan as a fugitive hiding in The House of Wisdom in 819 to Cairo five years later where Roshan is imprisoned for crimes of her past and is offered her freedom by joining ragtag group of warriors, criminals, and specialists, tasked by the hooded figure to steal a mysterious object from a cultist group called The Martyrs of Agaunum. The Silk Road The Silk Road returns to the Assassin’s Creed franchise for this new adventure with an ensemble of unique characters from around the known world. *Within this cast readers will meet the Welsh swordswoman, Mared; a Roman soldier-turned pirate, Dias; a Persian informant, Azadeh, and her wolf, Onyx; Viking twin brothers Geir and Gud, Wei, the Chinese explosives specialist; Nafanua, the Samoan warrior; the French Christian prophet, Francis; and lastly, Roshan, the intelligence for the group. Failure is not an option and through the pages of Daughter of No One these nine strangers will learn the cost of joining this mission in return for money, family, and for some, their freedom. The cast of Ocean's Eight (image by Warner Brothers) My first thought when I read about the various characters was to the Ocean’s Eleven films where a group of specialists came together to perform a heist against a wealthy target. However, the longer I read, the more I realized that this was more reflective of The Suicide Squad , and I was all in on the story at this point. The detailed action set pieces that filled the chapters of this part of the book made me look at each character as a living being and not as just person A, B, and C. They each had personality and backstory, some of which reference back to previous titles in the Assassin’s Creed universe, tying the transmedia even closer together, and I had emotion towards each member to various degrees and absorbed each piece of intel about them. This group's adventure runs Roshan through similar emotions as she finds both friends and enemies amongst her colleagues, yet is always questioning a person’s true intentions. Roshan (image by AaronYoung//FalconSwift87) Looking back at the earlier points in Roshan’s life, readers learn of a time where she was a prisoner of another kind under the control of a man with multiple wives that he treated more as slaves than people. The origin of the Hidden One mentor is a story of hope and adaptation where Roshan finds a safe haven within the House of Wisdom in Baghdad and a friend and teacher in scholar and inventor, Bakhit. Learning how to read and write in various languages and numbers, how the world works, and how she could have a better life as an assistant to the inventor. From here the story will progress and introduce Roshan to characters who will teach her combat, show here that women can be successful on their own in a world run by men, and how to find the freedom she is fighting for. Comparing Daughter of No One to other titles under the Aconyte Books umbrella, I would say that it would be higher on the list of favorites. With the exception of the Engine of History trilogy (which has been my top series thus far) I would say that DoNO has surpassed the other titles such as Geirmund’s Saga, Sword of the White Horse, and The Golden City . I am a fan of the ensemble cast/character stories as there is so much potential for that story to branch off for additional world building. So when I read the pages of Maria Lewis’ book and saw that was what I was getting into, I was excited for the adventure. Between the various interactions of combos of characters, learning their backstories, and seeing how they responded to the situations set before them was captivating. Plus the forces they faced with the Martyrs of Agaunum added a supernatural component as expected with an Assassin’s Creed story. Trying to determine what Roshan and her team was up against, compared to the mystics of The Ming Storm or Isu artifacts that fans know from the history of this fictional world, kept me on my toes. Wanting to solve the mystery of the box that this group is after, and being surprised and obtaining the satisfaction of twists and “WOW” moments, made this a fun read, and a quick one that I didn’t want to set down. Author Maria Lewis’ writing showcases not only her style as a novelist, but also as a screenwriter, providing easy visualization of the action scenes and moments between, making this book truly come to life. Yet, I will state that my experience playing Assassin’s Creed Mirage and knowing various details of the series already provided me a good understanding of what to expect with the story, but not to the point where I could predict what was going to happen. In the earlier chapters where Roshan sought shelter within the House of Wisdom, I knew what the environment looked like as I had explored the building myself in the parent title game. Regardless of this, her writing gives great scale to the environment to where any reader should have no issue in visualizing scenes similar to how I did as an avid fan of the series. There were moments where I did find myself confused, specifically one of the larger set pieces where Roshan and her companions attacked a large two tier caravan pulled by four camels and surrounded with guards who provided additional defense. In moments of this fight, characters moved on and around the transport and I found myself questioning “how large is this thing?” I think that my imagination was blowing the size out of proportion, but the combat and action was smooth and pushed me forward without fixating on the scale. While I did wish the book was longer as I wanted to read more about Roshan’s life, Daughter of No One is another great example of stories that do not require a lot of time to read, but provide the insight and backstory to characters that deserve more focus in the games, but are unable to obtain due to the focus of such. It would be great to see a sequel to this story from Maria Lewis as there is so much left open to close the forty year gap between this book and Assassin’s Creed Mirage . Author Maria Lewis (photo by Michelle Grace Hunder) Aconyte Books offered an opportunity for me to ask the author, Maria Lewis questions ahead of my review, which I was thankful to do. I wanted to focus on questions about Maria’s history with the series, writing process, influence, and research into her story, Daughter of No One . Having written an origin story for Roshan, a rapidly growing favorite character in the Assassin’s Creed universe, what was your experience with the franchise up until this point and did you believe there was something missing that you wanted to add to your entry in the series? I’ve been a huge fan of Assassin’s Creed since the beginning, well before I got more actively into gaming, because as someone whose job it is to build worlds that was the first thing that hooked me: the world building of Assassin’s Creed. It’s such expansive, interesting storytelling, which feels easy but actually requires so much thought and labour. I’m also a big history nerd, so with each additional instalment in the franchise – whether that was the main games or one of the spin-off media properties like Oliver Bowden’s books – I was very curious about what time period and geographical playground they were in, especially because that shaped how the central story would need to evolve. And look, I’m a woman so selfishly my answer to what I wanted to see more of is always women! Women of different ages, ethnicities, background, sexualities. Because so much of history is written by men, for men, women get pushed to the sidelines or erased altogether. Taking on this project, one of the big appeals for me was colouring the world with all different types of women: not just those who were assassins or physically strong, but those who were devious and strategic and financially intelligent. To survive during that time, you had to be. Aconyte has had multiple authors that have worked on both the Assassin’s Creed series as well as written novels for Marvel. How do you find writing historical fiction vs the superhero genre? Well, outside of my Aconyte work I have ten other best-selling novels that span different genres and time periods, ranging from horror and high fantasy, to paranormal romance and historical fiction. So I’m used to hopping from one category to the other as an author, plus my full-time job is as a screenwriter so within the space of a calendar year you have to bounce from an Indigenous vampire hunters series for AMC to an outback crime drama for Netflix. You have to be nimble and genre diverse in this kind of work, which to be honest is great for me because the only category I don’t really enjoy are melodramas and that doesn’t tend to be the kind of project people approach me for. Although this is my first time working on an Assassin’s Creed title, I had worked with Ubisoft on a gaming project for several years before Daughter Of No One so I felt like I had a head start in terms of understanding how they operate and how extensive they are in terms of universe craft. Similarly with the superhero work, although I hadn’t worked for Marvel on a novel, I had worked with them in the past and also at DC Comics for a project that was killed in the Discovery merger, so I was familiar with what it takes to manage a character that has decades of canon within a legacy brand like that. Do you find writing a novel comparative to screenwriting in your writing process? Is it easier to plan the full story before writing, or do you like to write around set pieces? Did you have a plan for the ensemble story before you began writing Daughter of No One? Screenwriting and novel writing are very different, namely because in the former you have to be economical with your storytelling: whether it’s film or television, a script isn’t that long so anything that ends up on the page has to be absolutely critical to the storytelling. A novel, you have much more real estate. A character like Roshan, for instance, isn’t a big talker so you need to make sure the world is populated with other aspects outside of dialogue and elements for her to interact with so you can continue fleshing out the story whilst keeping the reader engaged. I always have a plan, regardless of what I’m writing, and the detail of that plan shifts depending on the project and who my boss is. For Daughter Of No One, each element of the story needed pre-approval from the Ubisoft team so the plan was extremely detailed and broken down at each stage. By the time I got to physically write the book, I had a very intricate map of where I was going. On the subject of the ensemble story, did you have influence on how you wanted to diversify the cast and build on their personalities? I think to the Ocean’s 11 series, Suicide Squad, and even films like Inglorious Bastards which have a broad cast of characters that can be isolated as a favorite. To that, did you have a favorite character in your story that you liked developing? I’m so glad that you picked up on the team nature of the story, as that was something that I really wanted to lean into with Daughter Of No One and to set it apart from a lot of the other Assassin’s Creed novels, which can lean more solitary. Ronin was a big inspiration for me, the idea of a highly skilled group of dangerous strangers being brought together to achieve a specific task. It’s such a simple premise at its core, yet the longer the story unravels there are betrayals and blindsights within it. The time period of the novel can feel very isolating and foreign to the audience, balancing that with familiar story conventions of your Ocean’s 11, your Suicide Squad’s, your Ronin’s was a handy way to make an old world feel modern. A Tafesilafa’I The character of Nafanua was one that was really important for me to include and develop in the novel, even though she is just a supporting character and member of the core troupe. For me, that’s one of the big oversights of the Assassin’s Creed franchise as a whole: for a property that has spanned so many time periods and countries, there has been almost zero inclusion of Pasifika characters. Nafanua was me pushing my agenda through as a Pasifika woman, with a lot of the elements of her story perhaps not being super obvious outside of the culture – her backstory with her brother or even her namesake the Sāmoan warrior goddess – but I wanted to lay story groundwork so someone else could wield the Tafesilafa’I another day, whether that’s me or a different writer. Lastly, I wanted to ask if you had any research books or materials for your story that you would be willing to share? Being a fan of the series, I have discovered an interest in history and seeing the Silk Road return again to the series (previously seen in Assassin’s Creed: The Silk Road by Mathieu Rivero), I am curious in learning more about the time period represented and what you would have possibly read in preparation for this story. Great question! That was obviously one of the biggest hurdles when writing the novel, as an Assassin’s Creed game has a staff of hundreds to pour over historical documents and architectural plans whereas I have just me. So it was a challenging task to try and get the balance of history and story just right, but one of the books that I found really useful was In Xanadu: A Quest, which is essentially a historical memoir if such a sub-genre can exist. It’s one thing to visit the places where your stories are set, but you can’t visit the time periods themselves so much of it comes down to reading and learning about the feel: the scents, the tastes, the sounds. The author William Dalrymple does an incredible job of that, so would highly recommend in terms of dipping your toe into that time period and setting. Roshan (image by Dpruttz) Do you feel that you could write a sequel to Daughter of No One if you were provided the chance? Is there a period of Roshan’s life that you would like to explore further, or would you have interest in writing a different Assassin’s Creed story? Oh, absolutely! No spoilers obviously, but the novel ends just as Roshan has agreed to join the Brotherhood (or Hidden Ones, in this time period) and although so much of my intent with the novel was to get the audience to this point where they’d understand why she joined, what happens after is hugely interesting to me. But, again – that’s over to Ubisoft and whether they’re keen for Roshan to have more story real estate in their spin-off media and up to the readers in terms of whether they want to spend more time with her as she trains up through the Assassin ranks. In terms of a different Assassin’s Creed story, again, I think Pasifika has been a largely untapped and in-depth story world that I would love to see more of in the franchise. It’s not just one island, it’s thousands with rich mythology and cultures and traditions that interact with pre-existing Assassin’s Creed stories already. I think our legacy as warriors, storytellers and navigators aligns perfectly with the Assassin’s Creed ethos so kind of baffled why that hasn’t happened yet, but … who knows? Assassin’s Creed Mirage: Daughter of No One releases on November 21, 2023 via Aconyte Books on global ebook and US paperback. The UK paperback releases on January 18, 2024. If you have interest in ordering the book, we will provide our Amazon affiliate link below so you can get a copy yourself. We would like to say a big thank you to Maria Lewis for taking the time to talk to us, and to Aconyte for making it happen! comments debug Comments Write a comment Write a comment Share Your Thoughts Be the first to write a comment. About the Author Mike Smith is a collector of all things Assassin's Creed and a major supporter of transmedia who joined TOWCB as a writer from 2021 - 2024 With nearly a full library of Assassin's Creed media, his work explored the universe in order of Genetic Memory. Notably, his Assassin's Creed Timeline became an essential tool for fans of the franchise looking to complete their collection and consume AC media in a particular order. Michael Smith

Assassin’s Creed Virtual Photography: 2nd to 13th December Community Share 9 Jan 2025 Written By: Edited By: Aaron Young Renzo 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 by the TOWCB VP team. We have been monitoring the hashtag and the community hub to see all your wonderful shots. 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: Holiday Sub-Zero Game: Assassin’s Creed Valhalla VP Artist: @ FrameHoldPhotos The Ones Who Came Before Photo of the Week Judge: @ Falconswift87 There has never been a better time to fire up Assassin’s Creed Valhalla and take a trip to the North. The winter season is upon us and Eivor is well equipped to deal with the icy winds. This capture from Frame Hold is quite exquisite. The composition elevates the photo, drawing your eye to the snowy tundra. Furthermore, I love how Eivor is framed by the branches as she strolls through the forest. There is definitely a wow factor to the snow and how it looks and feels in the game, you can see this in the trail Eivor leaves in the snow. I adore the choice of outfit too and it fits with the chilly feel of this perfect winter capture. Winter Wonderland Game: Assassin’s Creed Valhalla VP Artist: @ UVioletra The world of Assassin’s Creed is rife with opportunity for breath-taking landscape virtual photography. When it comes to winter shots Valhalla is your game. Bianca excels in this department too, with her wonderful talent for capturing stunning vistas. There is so much beauty in this photo, thanks to the excellent composition. The rays from the sun add a touch of warmth to an otherwise wintery feel. The river snaking through the land is captivating, as is the beautiful snow-covered hills. Overall, it’s the colours that draw me in, with that purply/blue hue adding a magical feel to the photo. Snow Capped Game: Assassin’s Creed Valhalla VP Artist: @ vgshutter For me Norway is a visual masterpiece in Assassin’s Creed Valhalla. The sheer scale of the mountains and the crisp white of the snow really transports you back to the Viking days. This photo pays homage to the wonderful game design and reinforces why we love to explore regions in Assassin’s Creed. When I look at this shot it reminds me of the art cards you often get with collector’s editions. I think the white boarder helps to elevate that feel. The sun creeping out behind the tip of the mountain is clever and the Raven gliding towards it is a nice touch. What I love is the fortress/settlement below, those log buildings are giving off real wintery vibes. Daybreak Game: Assassin’s Creed Valhalla VP Artist: @ TheAncientGame4 I am not surprised to see Norway featured predominantly for this theme. Once again, I find myself reminiscing back to the launch in 2020 and the absolute joy of entering the world of Assassin’s Creed Valhalla. What we have here is a panorama of great scale, showcased through the excellent composition and the smart use of light. The line of golden sun piercing the cold water is magnificent and the way its glow reflects off the snow adds a sense of warmth to a very chilly shot. I really like how the body of water sits encased by the mountain ranges. So much effort was put into creating these vast areas that are essentially empty in terms of gameplay but full of opportunity for photography. Frozen Lands Game: Assassin’s Creed Valhalla VP Artist: @JadedVortex Assassin’s Creed Valhalla leans into the mythology both in the main story and the Dawn of Ragnarok DLC. With Gods like Odin and Thor who are so well known in pop culture it would have been a shame not to feature them. In Norse mythology the cold of Niflheim is often depicted in the manner of this shot. The cold barren lands are well represented here with some nice blue tones really adding to that freezing atmosphere. The dragon skin is the nice touch too as it has importance to Norse culture thanks to Níðhögg who was said to reside at the roots of Yggdrasil. This capture is exactly what I think of when recalling my time in the snowy mountains of Norway. 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

Guiding Shadows: A Review of Assassin’s Creed The Golden City (LIGHT SPOILERS) Review Share 16 Jan 2023 Written By: Edited By: Michael Smith Ashlea Blackett Back To Database “They worked in the dark to serve the light, but were they never allowed to exist in it as well?” (AC The Golden City - Chapter 21) LIGHT SPOILER WARNING for story themes and subjects Overview The tenets of the Assassin's br otherhood have been the guidelines for each holder of a hidden blade since before the series began, alongside the maxim and "working in the dark to serve the light". Yet, many Assassins have questioned what they are taught, as have the ones they have protected. Who are the Assassins to decide who lives and who dies? Who are they besides birds of prey that hide where the light is afraid to go? Constantinople (as depicted in Assassin's Creed Revelations) The Golden City is the newest novel from Aconyte Books and is written by Jaleigh Johnson, a New York Times bestseller and chosen author for the ABA Spring Indie Next list. Within this tale is an isolated story following fan-favorite Assassins Hytham and Basim Ibn Ishaq in 867, Constantinople. The young Acolyte Hytham joins Basim to investigate the conspiracy plot of Emperor Basil I to kill his son Leo VI with the assistance of the Order of the Ancients, as well as spy on his mentor for the Brotherhood as they began questioning Basim’s priorities over the Creed. Hytham (as seen in Assassin's Creed Valhalla) Hytham has been a guide to the Assassin’s Creed Valhalla story for some time now. Previously, he was seen in Sword of the White Horse by Elsa Sjunneson, and soon he will return in The World of Assassin's Creed Valhalla: Journey to the North–Logs and Files of a Hidden One by Rick Barba. His character has been expanded upon and revisited multiple times in the Valhalla series, as an anchor to the Brotherhood for multiple mainline characters, but his persona has never been explored before this title; The Golden City . This is a Hytham, post Assassin’s Creed Mirage but pre-AC Valhalla . A Hytham that is unsure if he can trust his mentor and at times, himself. A man who doesn't question his skills, but strives to become more like his experienced mentor. The story opens with a look at the relationship between Hytham and Basim, sparing as the Acolyte admires his mentor's skill and demeanor as he tries to figure out who Basim is as a person and Assassin. Within the first chapter, Hytham sees something in Basim that resembles a man who has “trod the same stretch of earth for decades or longer”. My thoughts immediately turn to the trailer for AC Mirage and the djinn that we as fans have speculated to be the Isu Loki invading the mind of Basim; something that Basim references (the djinn) when discussing the nightmares of the prince later in the story. The story continues with the explanation of the plot, a mission for the “young eagle” to protect Prince Leo in an environment where anyone could be an enemy or pawn of the Order of the Ancients. It is in the palace of the Emperor where he meets Prince Leo and learns of the dangers surrounding the future leader of the city. A child that has experienced multiple accidents that in truth were poor attem pts on his life , hidden by a paranoid father who believes the child to be an illegitimate heir to the throne. Fatherhood is an underlying subject throughout the story with both positive and negative connotations. It is where I find Jaleigh shines the most as she weaves together a bond between a frightened child and the guardian assigned to protect him. A man who never had the chance to have his own family, but knows the sacrifice he must make to be a member of the Assassin Brotherhood. It's a relationship that he sees and questions between himself and Basim as a student and mentor. A journey of the Protector and Ward that echoes other media like Logan and The Last of Us . It is this theme that drives my opening quote as Hytham allows his personal feelings to fuel the mission he was tasked with by the boy’s mother, Empress Eudokia Ingerina. Basim ibn Ishaq The first signs of a tie-in to Assassin's Creed Valhalla can be seen via Basim’s interest in the Viking people as he yearns to learn more about the Eagle Clan, led by the warrior Thyra, head of the Varangian Guard, servants of the Emperor and his family. While it is not explained in detail, the players involved know that Basim is looking for someone specifically within the Vikings. This of course is what leads to the two Assassins seeking out Sigurd Styrbjornsson and his step-sister, Eivor Varinsdottir in AC Valhalla. Review The Golden City has plenty of combat depicted in great detail and can be visualized with ease. This is something I have always enjoyed and looked for in the transmedia of the series. From the sparring between partnering Assassins to close combat melees in the streets, the action is plentiful but not overwhelming. Between the clash of scimitars and precision of knife throws, a balanced conspiracy plot is picked apart with each page turn alongside the caring scenes of Hytham and Leo. Reflecting back on the story a few days after finishing, I found that the conspiracy was a good way to craft this standalone novel as it kept the elements of Hytham's mission contained and easy to keep track of. Looking at games like Valhalla where you have multiple storylines to remember, this book's focus on protecting the prince and investigating Hytham made a relaxing read. Even when the opposition was revealed, I found myself thinking about the surprise reveal, but not needing to double back and try to find missing clues. The same can be said about Basim. I learned multiple personality traits about the Master Assassin, but nothing that felt like an easter egg, or direct reference to another piece of media. Knowing that Hytham and Basim are alive in Valhalla made the potential worry of loosing a character to the Order of the Ancients non-existent. However, I didn't see that as a negative as I still had the full story to explore and fully admire the characters' individual world building and growth. The story is similar to a DLC expansion to the story. I think a lot about Bonfire of the Vanities and Assassin's Creed II, where the story was isolated to a new district with supporting characters that we met previously as Ezio. You have a good story that is tied into the main campaign, or in this case Basim and Hytham's backstories, but if you didn't get a chance to play that DLC (or read this book) you wouldn't be missing out of any key elements. Does the book go into the depth of the two Assassin's relationship? It does, and that may give players of Valhalla a better idea of the thoughts the Assassin's have in the game. Yet on the other side, I could not tell you anything that gives a peak into Mirage outside the mention of Roshan and Basim's mention of the djinn which I noted earlier. It feels like Batman: Year One in many ways where Hytham has been an Assassin for a while, but is still an Acolyte in the story. This leaves a lot of room for more stories and the journal releasing this year with Journey to the North could fill in more of the time between Mirage and Valhalla. Comparing The Golden City to other Aconyte Books titles, I would say this is a good title to be added to their expanding transmedia line of books, and while I would rank it towards the lower half of the releases (6 books including Golden City ) it isn't bad; I still enjoyed it. However where Geirmund's Saga read like the novelization of one of the games, Sword of the White Horse focused on a story based on Arthurian legend, and The Magus Conspiracy was a multi-decade conspiracy thriller, The Golden City feels like a character arc for Hytham, developing him further, but it doesn't hinder the enjoyment of Valhalla or the series in whole. Assassin’s Creed The Golden City is a great book for readers that enjoy drama, action, and stories of relationships without any prior knowledge of the Assassin’s Creed universe. Fans of the series will find a great introspective into the mind of an Assassin and a perfect read to excite for Assassin’s Creed Mirage. The book releases on April 4, 2023, in the United States and Globally as an Ebook. It will be available in paperback on June 22, 2023, in the UK. comments debug Comments Write a comment Write a comment Share Your Thoughts Be the first to write a comment. About the Author Mike Smith is a collector of all things Assassin's Creed and a major supporter of transmedia who joined TOWCB as a writer from 2021 - 2024 With nearly a full library of Assassin's Creed media, his work explored the universe in order of Genetic Memory. Notably, his Assassin's Creed Timeline became an essential tool for fans of the franchise looking to complete their collection and consume AC media in a particular order. Michael Smith

The Memory Corridor Episode #22 Retrospective Look at Black Flag w/ Kyle Marvell Podcast Share 8 Sept 2022 Written By: Edited By: Gustav Poulsen (Gargudon) Back To Database comments debug Comments Write a comment Write a comment Share Your Thoughts Be the first to write a comment. About the Author Gustav / Gargudon is an active community member, who started out in podcast hosting in 2016, but today mostly specialises in video creation, interviews & composing. By joining The Ones Who Came Before in 2019, originally reviving 'The Memory Corridor' podcast, which had been offline for nearly a year, he has had the opportunity to expand his audience and further develop his skills. 

His unique skill set made him the perfect candidate for our team. Among other things, he is known in the community for the Sounds Of History project - an original Assassin’s Creed inspired instrumental music project, featuring five tracks inspired by as many different games - other original fan themes plus covers of iconic AC tracks, as well as video interviews with a number of high profile names in the world of AC, from Roger Craig Smith, Jesper Kyd and more. Fun fact, among his growing colourful tattoo collection, Gustav is the only member of our team to have the TOWCB logo inked. Gustav Poulsen (Gargudon)

Assassin's Creed: Heresy Breakdown Breakdown Share 1 Mar 2017 Written By: Edited By: Colum Blackett (Col_96) Ashlea Buckley Back To Database Simon Hathaway, member of the Templar Inner Sanctum, brings a cool head and detached manner to his new role as Head of Abstergo Industry's Historical Research Division. But Simon also has an insatiable curiosity, and is fascinated by the thought of experiencing history first-hand through his ancestor—Gabriel Laxart, who fought alongside the legendary Joan of Arc. When he enters the newly-designed Animus for its initial project, Simon finds himself unprepared for what he discovers: How deep the conflict between the Templars and the Assassins goes. What Gabriel will do for the woman he both loves and reveres. And the most dangerous truth of all: Who is the heretic … and who is the true believer? I was lucky enough to get an early copy of Assassin's Creed: Heresy from Ubisoft. Special thanks to Holly Rawlinson. A n endless conflict. An old wrong. A new revelation. Simon Hathaway, member of the Templar Inner Sanctum, brings a cool head and detached manner to his new role as Head of Abstergo Industry s Historical Research Division. But Simon also has an insatiable curiosity, and is fascinated by the thought of experiencing history first-hand through his ancestor--Gabriel Laxart, who fought alongside the legendary Joan of Arc. When he enters the newly-designed Animus for its initial project, Simon finds himself unprepared for what he discovers: How deep the conflict between the Templars and the Assassins goes. What Gabriel will do for the woman he both loves and reveres. And the most dangerous truth of all: Who is the heretic and who is the true believer. Assassin's Creed: Heresy focusses on Simon Hathaway, the new Head of Abstergo's Historical Research Division. Replacing the late Isabelle Ardant, Simon takes the department in a new direction.Taking his place in the Inner Sanctum, Simon is given clearance by Alan Rikkin to use the new Animus, in a search for knowledge that will benefit the Templar Order. My Thoughts: Assassin's Creed: Heresy is extremely well written, uses an extreme amount of detail to set the scene. Although the book looks at the Historical aspects in great detail, it can sometimes become slightly confusing, as many names and characters hold similarities. I really enjoyed the idea that the Animus could be used to find knowledge that could help the present day characters fix broken Pieces of Eden. Simon's proposal to Rikkin at the start gives us a fresh perspective of the many ways in which the Animus can be used. Recently, we have seen the same formula in Assassin's Creed games. Use the Animus to find a Piece of Eden. It was interesting to see a search for knowledge, rather than a search for another artefact. I was especially impressed with the many links to the Assassin's Creed: Abstergo Employee's Handbook (also written by Christie Golden). To finally learn the truth about Robert Fraser, and the reasons for his termination was truly satisfying. Often I feel that Assassin's Creed leaves a lot of questions unanswered, so it was great to finally know the truth. I also really liked the way Heresy made it clear of the date and location of each and every memory entered by Simon. Sometimes the jump between past and present can be confusing, in transmedia material such as the Titan Comics. Heresy made it very clear, helping the audience to understand where exactly we are focussing on. The fresh concept of an Assassin Queen was also a fantastic move for the franchise. Many times have we seen Templars in positions of power, so it was great to see an Assassin Mentor in such a high ranking position. The references to the Isu Precursor Race were also very interesting. The return of Consus, and the Sword of Eden made this book almost feel like a sequel to the lore provided in Assassin's Creed: Project Legacy and Clay Kaczmarek's Animus Glypths. I really liked the way Heresy expanded on previous lore. It's very clear that everyone involved in the creation of this book put a lot of time and effort into avoiding lore inaccuracies and contradictions. The AC Team and Christie Golden did a great job with this book. I highly recommend Assassin's Creed: Heresy, and rate it 4/5. Lore/Information breakdown Heresy gives us an updated list of members of the Inner Sanctum of the Templar Order (as of 2016. Right) The Animus used by Abstergo in London is version 4.35. No Spinal Tap is required. (pg 29) The Animus used by Abstergo in Seville (AC Movie) is version 4.3, and requires a Spinal Tap. (pg 30) Simon moes into Isabelle Ardant's Office, as seen in Assassin's Creed Syndicate. (Image on slideshow below) The Bleeding Effect apparently had a devestating effect of Subject 14. This is the first known reference to Subject 14. (Pg 24) Simon is a Professor. "Simon hid his annoyance. Although he was technically a professor, he found teaching frustrating" (Pg 25) Simon is also a Master Templar. (Pg 27) Warren Vidic is the decendant of Geoffroy Thérage, the executioner of Joan of Arc Possible reference to the AC Movie: "It looks a bit like something the Inquisition might have used back in the day, doesn't it" (referring to the Animus 4.35) (Pg 28) Joan of Arc could "Glow". Possibly because she had a high concentration of Precursor DNA. "But she looked- like she was glowing." (pg 42)."It's not as if she's a Piece of Eden given human form (pg 45) Reference to the Titan Comics. "There was in fact, a Templar effort right this moment to track down one Charlotte de la Cruz, who is rumored to have merely a tiny bit of the precious DNA" (Pg 43) Robert Fraser's fate revealed (AC Employee Handbook Researcher). "His body was riddled with bullets, and he had died with his eyes and mouth open" (Pg 53) Simon's Ancestor, Gabriel Laxart was trained by the Assassins. "Simon felt physically ill. Gabriel Laxart - his own ancestor - was an Assassin? Impossible! Simon was a Master Templar, a member of the Inner Sanctum. (Pg 88) Simon comes from a Templar family. "More than that, he was what was called a "legacy." Both of his parents were Templars, and his Grandmother had been one as well, working quietly in the background of Winston Churchill's war office. There were several others sprinkled throughout his line" (Pg 88) The first Sword of Eden is hidden behind an altar in Saint Catherine's Church. (Pg 97) "We are to dig behind the altar," he said. "And there, we shall find a sword" Father Michel Gabriel can sense the presence of the Sword of Eden. This ability to sense POE's is rare, and is an ability shared by the Assassin, Giovanni Borgia. This is likely due to a high concentration of Precursor DNA. "He could..... there was no other word...... sense it" (Pg 98) Piece of Eden 25 (Sword of Eden) is the same one that belonged to Jacques de Molay, Thomas Francois Germain and Arno Dorian! It is also the sword that Alan Rikkin has in his office. (Pg 99) Simon believes that Joan of Arc possessed some of the highest percentages of Precursor DNA on record. He also believes that she was influenced by the Precursor Scientist known as Consus (Pg 118) The Templars are using Pins to recognise each other as members of the Templar Order. (Similar to the Badge of Office used in Unity) "There was no secret handshake, pr code word, or anything that Hollywood would salivate over between Templars. The only identifying item by which they would recognise one another was the pin, and was an utterly innocuous replica of it available in the local gift shop. The trained eye could spot a real pin from its counterfeit, but generally one could never tell who was a Templar and who wasn't at Abstergo unless one was specifically informed." (pg 123) The Assassin Mentor was Queen Yolande of Aragon! (Revealed on Page 127) Gabriel uses his Eagle Vision to discover that a camp follower (prostitute) also has traces of Precursor DNA in her blood. He also recognises that she too has the ability to use Eagle Vision. He brings her to Joan, who, after speaking to "the voices", accepts her. She is renamed as "Fleur" (Pg 150) Simon begins to see strange symbols and messages in his sleep. "The teardrop shaped-sun etched into the stone wall of Coudray dungeon" (Pg 163) The "Voices" that talk to Joan correctly predict that she will be injured." Tomorrow, blood will leave my body...... here, perhaps, above my breast........" Joan is shot with an Arrow. (Pg 173) Reference to Sofia Rikkin and the Animus project from the AC Movie. "Rikkin stretched out his legs in the back seat of the Rolls, absently watching London zip past as he spoke on the phone with his daughter, Sofia, who was preparing for his arrival in Madrid in a few days." (Pg 183) Victoria Bibeau's involvement in the Robert Fraser incident revealed: Page 185 explains that she gave Fraser information that was then leaked to the Assassins. She did not know the goals of the Assassins or Templars at the time. Rikkin tells her that she was very close to being terminated, like Aidan St. Claire. Joan had attempted to escape using a Leap of Faith from a tower, but was caught as she landed. This proves that the Assassins must have trained her. (pg 233) Ending (Spoilers) Simon steals Alan Rikkin's Sword of Eden and Abstergo intellectual property, then escapes Abstergo by doing a leap of faith! (249) (247) "You are in possession of Abstergo property. Hand it over and submit to judgement!" Simon escapes Abstergo and sneaks into the Inner Sanctum Meeting! Otso Berg defends Simon right to a fair hearing. Simon discovers that the Sword of Eden needs another piece to work properly. He calls this "The Heart (260) Jacque de Molay had hidden the Heart in Coudray dungeon behind the symbols on the wall. Joan had kept the "Heart" in a pouch around her neck, and it acted as a power source! When Joan was burned, her executioner had thrown the "heart" into the river Seine. Simon managed to find "The Heart" by sensing it's presence at the bottom of the river Seine! By reuniting the Sword of Eden and "The Heart", the Sword once again works properly. Simon completely restores the Sword of Eden, and returns it to Alan Rikkin infront of the Inner Sanctum. (261) Otso Berg calls for all charges against Simon Hathaway to be dropped! (261) The Templars have a secret group called "Omega Team" standing by. Favourite Quotes "I'm a Templar, we don't have Hobbies," but she revealed that she herself enjoyed pottery and running marathons. (Victoria. pg 24) This Animus would not seat it's occupants. It would embrace them. (pg 29)The Animus was not a time travel machine. He was a pasenger, not a pilot, and he, like Gabriel, was here to bear witness (63) "That's because we're descended from beings that came before man ever walked this world. Powerful beings, with great abilities and skills." De Metz (96) "These.... beings, the Ones Who Came Before - They left behind artifacts of great power. We call them Pieces of Eden, and both Assassins and Templars have been trying to find them since the dawn of time" De Metz (97) "Our Brotherhood is not like the Templars. We value individuality, and do our own thinking" De Metz. (110) Thin ice, Rikkin thought. One way or another, we're all skating on it. But the difference was, if Simon Hathaway fell through it, he wouldn't just drown. He'd be eaten alive by what lurked below. (119) Well, well. An Assassin Mentor Queen, came Victoria's voice in Simon's ear. I believe that may be a first. (127) And for pity's sake Simon, be honest with me about how much you can handle. I can't have another Robert Fraser. I won't" (Victoria. Pg 165) Hathaway had been spared the necessity of the more unsavory aspects of Templar business, happily ensconced in his ivory tower while others, such as Berg's Sigma team or even deeper, darker branches of the Templar Order, went about clearing the garden of the world from weeds like Assassins, and turncoats, and heretics who wanted to upend the Order. (pg 186) A solid hand was needed to guide humanity. The hand of the Templar Order. (Rikkin's thoughts. 187) Pieces of Eden were about power. The Precursors weren't exactly the nicest of beings, and most of what they had left behind were definitely weapons. (206) "This is what the Templar Order should be!" Simon cried, joy and certainty surging through his blood. "A weapon when needed, and an inspiration at all times. A light for humanity when it needs it the most." Simon Hathaway (pg 261) 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: Dawn of Ragnarok Promo Event: Life-Sized Ice Sculptures Events Share 18 Jun 2022 Written By: Edited By: Colum Blackett (Col_96) Ashlea Blackett Back To Database During the promotional campaign for Assassin's Creed Valhalla: Dawn of Ragnarok in March 2022, Ubisoft hosted a unique one-day pop-up event outside of the Hoog Catharijne shopping mall in Utrecht, Netherlands. The mall, which is also connected to Utrecht Station Central, hosted two life-sized ice sculptures of Odin and Surtr, and acted as an excellent photo opportunity for both shoppers and travellers alike. Ubisoft also invited a number of social media influencers to promote the event, such as Instagram star Rudi Wijnen and Streamer Joost Bouhof. This event no doubt took a lot of effort to maintain due to the cold temperatures needed to prevent the ice from melting, making it easily one of the most unusual and memorable Assassin's Creed promotional stunts in recent memory, largely due to the difficulties caused by the pandemic. We here at TOWCB noticed that this event slid under the radar for many fans, so we wanted to recognise and highlight the creative efforts of those involved. We hope to see more Assassin's Creed ice sculptures at future events! Here are some images from the event from a variety of sources. Image by Rick Broers https://www.instagram.com/p/Ca6-GCcAYxv/ Photo by officialyarasky https://www.instagram.com/p/Ca7BZsigTjF/ Images by uberquin Photo by officialyarasky https://www.instagram.com/p/Ca7BZsigTjF/ Image via Ubisoft Belgium https://twitter.com/ubisoftbe/status/1501931592570204165 Image via Rudi Wijnen on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/roediementair/ Image via Joost Bouhof https://www.instagram.com/p/Ca60eRxNTw7/ Image via Joost Bouhof https://www.instagram.com/p/Ca60eRxNTw7/ Photo by kayip_c_gaming Source: https://www.instagram.com/p/Ca7B4EMopIH/ Promo event by kayip_c_gaming Source: https://www.instagram.com/p/Ca7B4EMopIH/ Photo by uberquin Sutr the Frost Giant by uberquin https://www.instagram.com/p/Ca6-oMAo4pc/ Photo by uberquin https://www.instagram.com/p/Ca6-oMAo4pc/ Image by gamemeneer Source: https://www.instagram.com/p/Ca61L6pMwR6/ Image by gamemeneer Source: https://www.instagram.com/p/Ca61L6pMwR6/ Image by meesdix Source: https://www.instagram.com/p/Ca69dWGKh4f/ Ice Ice Image by itzseda https://www.instagram.com/p/Cbss6h1In9h/ Ice tease Image via PopUpBrandStores https://www.instagram.com/popupbrandstores/ Here is a promotional video produced by Ubisoft showcasing the event. Source 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)