Fan-favorite Assasins finally have their time to shine
Recently, I got to go hands-on with Assassin’s Creed Chronicles: China. For this downloadable title, Ubisoft redesigned the AC experience to fit within a 2.5D perspective. With China releasing next month, players will finally be able to venture to one of the most requested settings from fans, and Ubisoft doesn’t plan to stop there. Later this year, it will release two more episodes showing off Assassin’s Creed in both India and Russia for the first time within a game.
For those unaware, episode one will take place in 16th-century China with players taking on the role of Shao Jun (from Assassin’s Creed Embers), who must avenge her fallen Assassins during the fall of the Ming Dynasty. Trained by Ezio Auditore, Shao Jun is one of the most skilled and cunning Assassins in history, and uses a whole assortment of gadgets and technique, such as her foot blade, rope darts, and throwable daggers. Those who purchased the Unity season pass will get the China episode on day one.
Each episode features a unique story and design and, given that the characters aren’t from the same time periods and regions, they’ll have access to different arsenals. Moreover, each of them possess abilities and tricks that give them an edge over their counterparts.
In episode two, things switch up to 19th-century India. Playing as Arbaaz Mir in 1841, returning from the graphic novel Assassin’s Creed: Brahman, he must travel across British-occupied India in order to find a powerful Jewel and prevent it from falling into the wrong hands.
For the final episode, Nikolai Orelov from Assassin’s Creed: The Fall takes center stage. Set in 1918 Russia, Nikolai must protect the daughter of the last Tsar during a time of conflict and change. Not only is this first AC game set in the 20th century, but it’s also the first title where you play as an Assassin utilizing more advanced firepower.
Although only Assassin’s Creed Chronicles: China has a concrete release on April 21, India and Russia are planned to arrive this fall. A lot of fans have waiting for the chance to play as these characters in these settings, and with Chronicles they’re finally getting it. This is still a bite-sized downloadable title, but there’s a lot of nuance and depth to found here. If you’ve felt a bit burnt out by the big releases, then the Chronicles trilogy might be just what you need.
For more information on Assassin’s Creed Chronicles: China, check out our hands-on impressions and interview with the developers.
