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2015 installment in the very popular adventure franchise

2015 installment in the very popular adventure franchise

Vote: (4 votes)

Program license: Paid

Developer: Ubisoft

Works under: Windows

Vote:

Program license

(4 votes)

Paid

Developer

Ubisoft

Works under:

Windows

Pros

  • Dual protagonists offer diverse gameplay styles
  • Rich encounters with historical characters
  • Graphical prowess with an expansive map of London
  • Upgraded combat system and the introduction of the grappling hook
  • Strong single-player narrative focus

Cons

  • Formulaic mission structure can feel repetitive
  • Minor graphical and performance bugs are present
  • Lack of a multiplayer mode might disappoint some fans

Immerse Yourself in Victorian London with Assassin's Creed Syndicate

Embarking on a Historic Duo's Quest

Assassin's Creed Syndicate takes us to the heart of Victorian England, where innovation meets longstanding traditions. The game allows players to explore the bustling city of London during the Industrial Revolution, a period of profound social and technological change. In this installment, Ubisoft introduces us to the brother and sister pair, Jacob and Evie Frye, who bring a dual perspective to the narrative as they tackle their Templar adversaries and seek to liberate London from their hold.

Dual Protagonists, Divergent Playstyles

A notable twist in Syndicate is its dual-protagonist gameplay. As you progress, you can switch between the impulsive and brawler-like Jacob and his stealthy, strategic sister, Evie. This feature changes the gameplay experience significantly; players can approach missions with brute force or take a more calculated, silent route. Jacob's storyline focuses on gang formation and street-level influence, presenting more direct combat and territory control. Conversely, Evie's quest revolves around the traditional Assassin's interests, primary of which is locating the Apple of Eden, providing a gameplay experience heavy on stealth and subterfuge.

Rich Historical Encounters and Side Missions

Beyond the main story, Assassin's Creed Syndicate is sprinkled with a diverse range of side missions. The game features interactions with historical figures such as Queen Victoria and Charles Dickens, which not only adds depth to the gameplay but also provides context and educational value. The missions follow the familiar Assassin’s Creed formula, with the core enjoyment remaining in the stealth maneuvers and combat sequences.

Gangs and Gear Progression

Taking a leaf from the Brotherhood-era features, Syndicate incorporates a gang system, albeit less central than its character development and equipment upgrades. The RPG elements seen in Unity are more pronounced here, with a greater emphasis on advancing the protagonists’ abilities and ensuring their gear is up to par for the skirmishes and stealth scenarios they find themselves in.

Enhanced Gameplay Mechanics

The series' hallmark gameplay maintains its presence while integrating polished elements, especially in combat. Syndicate’s hand-to-hand conflicts are instinctive yet verging on the finesse found in other notable action-adventure games. An exciting addition to Syndicate is the grappling hook, which allows for swift traversal between buildings and adds a new dynamic to both navigation and combat.

Stealth and Assassinations

Stealth mechanics have evolved from AC Unity, granting players a myriad of options for executing missions unnoticed. However, striding into the fray with weapons drawn remains a viable and thrilling option.

A Visual Treat with Improved Stability

Graphically, Assassin's Creed Syndicate stands tall, following Unity's footsteps in delivering stunning urban environments. London is rendered with meticulous care, and while there are a few graphical and performance inconsistencies, they are minor compared to its predecessor and do not greatly detract from the overall experience. The game boasts the largest map in the series, inviting players to get lost in its expanse and detail.

A Solitary Adventure

Notably lacking is a multiplayer component, but Syndicate more than compensates with its rich narrative and abundant content. The single-player experience is so engrossing and expansive that the absence of a multiplayer mode goes largely unfelt.

Conclusion: A Return to Form

While Assassin's Creed Syndicate does not reinvent the wheel, it represents a solid return to what players love about the franchise after the less favorable reception of Unity. Syndicate is a refreshingly enjoyable title that may reignite players' affection for the series.

Pros

  • Dual protagonists offer diverse gameplay styles
  • Rich encounters with historical characters
  • Graphical prowess with an expansive map of London
  • Upgraded combat system and the introduction of the grappling hook
  • Strong single-player narrative focus

Cons

  • Formulaic mission structure can feel repetitive
  • Minor graphical and performance bugs are present
  • Lack of a multiplayer mode might disappoint some fans