Assassin’s Creed

Q: Is the gameplay too repetitive?

The mission structure follows a specific loop (Investigation > Assassination > Escape). While some find this repetitive, others appreciate the “ritual” of the hunt. It allows you to become truly proficient in the game’s core mechanics, making the later, more difficult assassinations feel like a true test of your growth.

Q: Can I play this on modern consoles?

Yes, the game is backward compatible on Xbox (with a 4K resolution boost on newer hardware) and available via various streaming services on other platforms. Despite its age, the art direction and lighting hold up surprisingly well on modern displays.

Q: How important is the modern-day story?

In this first game, the modern-day segments are quite brief but set up the overarching mystery of the entire franchise. For the Narrative Seeker, these moments are vital for understanding the high-stakes “conspiracy” that drives the series forward.

Q: How does the combat compare to later games?

It is much slower and more defensive. You cannot simply button-mash your way through a group of guards. You must wait for an opening and use “Counter Kills.” It feels more like a lethal duel than an arcade brawler, which fits the “Resilient” archetype’s preference for tactical execution.

Q: Is there any DLC for the original game?

No, Assassin’s Creed was released before Ubisoft adopted the “Season Pass” model for the series. What you see is what you get—a complete, self-contained experience from start to finish.

Overall Rating: 3.92 • 1996 reviews

The Narrative Seeker The Resilient Player

Nothing is true, everything is permitted. Return to where it all began in Assassin’s Creed, the groundbreaking historical epic that introduced the world to the eternal struggle between Assassins and Templars! Set during the Third Crusade, you follow Altaïr Ibn-La’Ahad on a quest for redemption across the majestic cities of Masyaf, Acre, Jerusalem, and Damascus. This is the destination for those who want to witness the birth of a gaming phenomenon and engage with a story that questions the very nature of free will and authority. Strap on your Hidden Blade and prepare to leap into the past.

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Details

Some of the particulars and information about Assassin’s Creed.

Developer: Ubisoft

Release Date: November 13, 2007

How Long to Beat: 20 hrs

Great for:

The Narrative Seeker The Resilient Player

Ratings

Some of the ratings and scores for Assassin’s Creed.

80 Metacritic

7.5 IGN

-- Our Score

Genres

Action

Adventure

Systems

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ESRB: Mature

Violence

Blood

Strong Language

Overview

Why Play?

How Much Time?

Overview

This landmark delivered a revolution in vertical movement and social stealth, offering an atmospheric journey that demands patience and precision from every player.

A Philosophical Mystery For The Narrative Seeker

The original Assassin’s Creed is far more contemplative and experimental than its successors. For the Narrative Seeker, the draw is the complex dual-narrative: the modern-day mystery of Desmond Miles and the historical redemption of Altaïr. The game’s “Assassination Targets” are not mere villains; they are men who believe they are doing the right thing for the world. The post-assassination “Confessions” are the narrative highlights, offering deep philosophical debates that force you to question your own mission. It is a slow-burn, high-concept story that rewards those who pay close attention to the dialogue and the subtle clues of the Animus.

Methodical Mastery For The Resilient Player

Unlike the faster-paced sequels, this game is a true test of the Resilient Player. The gameplay requires a methodical approach to information gathering, eavesdropping, pickpocketing, and interrogating, before a major strike can be made. The combat is deliberate and punishing, relying heavily on timing and counters. Success requires the patience to observe guard patterns and the tenacity to navigate the city’s rooftops without being spotted. The satisfaction comes from the “Perfect Strike”—the moment where your planning and execution result in a clean assassination and a daring escape across the city’s skyline.

An Unparalleled Atmosphere Of The Holy Land

For a game released in 2007, the atmospheric recreation of 12th-century cities remains remarkably effective. The color grading, blue for Acre, dusty yellow for Damascus, and green for Jerusalem, creates a distinct sense of place. For those seeking a high-quality historical escape, the sound of the bazaar, the calls to prayer, and the sheer scale of the historical landmarks provide a deep sense of immersion. The game’s “Social Stealth” mechanic, where you blend with monks or sit on benches to hide in plain sight, makes you feel like a true predator in a living, breathing world.

Trailer

A Quick Look at Assassin’s Creed

Curious what Assassin’s Creed is all about? The trailer gives you a great first look at the world, the vibe, and the kind of story you're stepping into.

Videos

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Screenshots

Screenshots of Assassin’s Creed

Want to see what Assassin’s Creed actually looks like in-game? These screenshots will hopefully give you a feel for what the world of Assassin’s Creed is like.

Extras

Downloadable Content for Assassin’s Creed

DLC just means more of a good thing. Here are some for Assassin’s Creed

Assassin's Creed: Director's Cut Edition

Enhanced Gameplay and Immersion

Assassin’s Creed: Director’s Cut Edition offers players a refined journey through the historical streets of the Holy Land. This edition builds upon the original game, providing enhanced graphics and improved AI that heighten the suspense and excitement of being an assassin. Players can expect smoother controls and a more immersive experience as they navigate bustling medieval cities, complete with new side quests that deepen the lore and expand upon the richly detailed world. It invites you to step into the past, balancing stealth and action with an enriched narrative that will capture your imagination whether you play for hours or just dive in for quick sessions.

New Missions and Challenges

With the Director’s Cut Edition, players will discover a variety of new missions that add layers to the game’s core storyline. These additional missions offer extra context for Altair’s journey and present new challenges that test your strategic skills and stealth abilities. The new content is thoughtfully integrated so that both seasoned players and newcomers can enjoy the intricate puzzles and satisfyingly sneaky tactics. With these enhancements, each foray into the game feels fresh and rewarding, encouraging multiple playthroughs to experience the full depth of the additional content.

Expanded Replayability and Visual Enhancements

Whether you’re revisiting this beloved classic or venturing into it for the first time, Assassin’s Creed: Director’s Cut Edition provides a visually captivating escape into the heart of the Crusades. The visual upgrades breathe new life into its environments, offering a more vivid and immersive view of ancient landmarks and bustling cityscapes. Enhanced lighting and textures bring realistic sensations to every assassination sequence, adding to the thrill and replay value of the game. This edition is perfect for those looking for a balance of exploration, story, and spectacle, ensuring each session feels rewarding and memorable.

Frequently Asked Questions

Have Questions About Assassin’s Creed?

Is the gameplay too repetitive?

Can I play this on modern consoles?

How important is the modern-day story?

How does the combat compare to later games?

Is there any DLC for the original game?

Franchise

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There's more to Assassin's Creed than Assassin’s Creed. Check out some of the other games in the franchise.

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