Assassin’s Creed

Assassin’s Creed, computer and console video game created and distributed in 2007 by the French game developer Ubisoft Entertainment. Assassin’s Creed became one of the premier titles in the third-person stealth genre, praised for its stunning visuals and original storyline, and it spawned a game and media franchise.

In Assassin’s Creed, players take the role of modern-day bartender Desmond Miles, who has been captured and forced to test a machine that allows people to relive their ancestors’ memories through their own DNA. Miles journeys back to 1191 and takes the role of a Crusades-era Muslim Assassin who does battle with the Knights Templar and uncovers the mystery of sacred artifacts and ancient organizations. The story is periodically interrupted by modern-day interludes as Miles deals with the side effects of the memories. Vladimir Bartol’s novel Alamut (1938) was an inspiration for the game.

Play in Assassin’s Creed is centered on avoiding confrontation rather than seeking it out. A meter tracks a character’s visibility and the environment status as play progresses; character commands allow a player to blend in with crowds, keeping a low profile to avoid detection. Eagle vision, a unique ability, allows players to see allies and enemies in different colors, making it easier to avoid harm and to find friends.

Assassin’s Creed was a surprise hit for Ubisoft, achieving both commercial and critical success. It was followed by numerous game sequels and spin-offs as well as graphic novels and a 2016 movie.