Assassin’s Creed, a popular video game franchise, has been the center of debate among gamers and game developers for its classification as a stealth game. While the series is known for its thrilling combat and parkour-style movement, many argue that its core elements revolve around stealth. This essay will delve into the stealth mechanics of Assassin’s Creed, analyzing the gameplay, level design, and character abilities to determine whether the series can be considered true stealth games.

The Assassin’s Creed Franchise: An Overview

The Origins of Assassin’s Creed

The Birth of a Stealth Game Series

The Assassin’s Creed franchise was first introduced in 2007, developed by Ubisoft Montreal and published by Ubisoft. The game was initially intended to be a historical fiction action-adventure game, but its unique blend of stealth, parkour, and combat mechanics set it apart from other games in the genre.

Historical Settings and Inspirations

The Assassin’s Creed series is known for its intricate depiction of historical settings, with each game set in a different time period and location. The first game, Assassin’s Creed, is set in the year 1191 during the Third Crusade, and features real-life historical figures such as Saladin and Richard the Lionheart. The series has since expanded to include other time periods and locations, including ancient Egypt, colonial America, and Victorian England.

Parkour and Combat Mechanics

The parkour and combat mechanics in Assassin’s Creed were also groundbreaking at the time of the game’s release. Players could climb buildings, run along rooftops, and perform acrobatic feats to navigate the game’s environment. The combat system was also innovative, featuring a unique countering system and a variety of weapons to choose from.

The combination of stealth, parkour, and combat mechanics in Assassin’s Creed created a unique gaming experience that set the stage for the franchise’s future success.

What Makes a Game a Stealth Game?

Defining Stealth Games

• A stealth game is a type of video game in which the player must navigate a environment while avoiding detection by enemies.
• The goal is to complete objectives or missions while remaining undetected, often by using stealth techniques such as hiding, sneaking, and disguising oneself.

The Core Mechanics of Stealth Games

• Stealth games typically involve a combination of exploration, observation, and planning.
• Players must pay close attention to their surroundings, identify potential threats, and make strategic decisions about how to approach and avoid enemies.

The Importance of Player Choice

• Stealth games often give players a range of options for achieving their objectives, allowing them to choose the approach that best suits their playstyle.
• This can include methods such as sneaking past enemies, distracting them, or engaging in combat if necessary.

Assassin’s Creed and Stealth Game Mechanics

Sneaking, Stalking, and Sabotage

• Assassin’s Creed features a variety of stealth mechanics, including sneaking, stalking, and sabotage.
• Players can use these mechanics to take out enemies silently, evade detection, and manipulate the environment to their advantage.

Stealth Kills and Eavesdropping

• Stealth kills are a key element of Assassin’s Creed, allowing players to take out enemies quickly and quietly.
• Eavesdropping is also important, as it allows players to gather information about their environment and plan their next moves.

Assassin’s Creed: A True Stealth Game?

Examining the Stealth Aspects

• Assassin’s Creed features a wide range of stealth mechanics, including parkour, disguises, and crowd blending.
• However, it also includes a significant amount of combat and action, which may lead some to question whether it can truly be considered a stealth game.

Balancing Combat and Stealth

• Assassin’s Creed strikes a balance between combat and stealth, allowing players to choose the approach that best suits their playstyle.
• This can make it a challenging game for players who prefer a more stealth-focused experience, but it also allows for a greater range of options and approaches.

The Impact of Assassin’s Creed on the Stealth Genre

Popularizing Stealth Mechanics

• Assassin’s Creed has had a significant impact on the stealth genre, popularizing many of its mechanics and techniques.
• This has led to a surge in the popularity of stealth games, with many developers incorporating stealth elements into their games.

Open-World Stealth Games

• Assassin’s Creed has also paved the way for open-world stealth games, which offer players a large, expansive environment to explore and navigate.
• These games often include a wide range of stealth mechanics and options, allowing players to choose the approach that best suits their playstyle.

Other Notable Stealth Games

The Stealth Genre: A Brief History

Early Stealth Games

• Metal Gear Series:
  • Debuted in 1987 on the MSX2 computer
  • Developed by Konami and created by Hideo Kojima
  • Featured a blend of stealth, action, and espionage gameplay
  • Known for its complex storyline and cinematic cutscenes
• Thief Series:
  • Released in 1998 by Looking Glass Studios
  • Featured a master thief named Garrett as the main character
  • Emphasized stealth and non-linear gameplay
  • Known for its challenging missions and immersive world-building

Modern Stealth Games

• Hitman Series:
  • Initiated in 2000 by IO Interactive
  • Featured a contract killer named Agent 47 as the main character
  • Combined stealth, assassination, and puzzle-solving gameplay
  • Known for its diverse levels and challenging objectives
• Shadow of Mordor and Shadow of War:
  • Developed by Monolith Productions
  • Released in 2014 and 2017, respectively
  • Combined elements of stealth, action, and role-playing games
  • Focused on the story of Talion and the Ring of Power in Middle-earth
  • Known for their innovative combat and nemesis systems

Comparing Assassin’s Creed to Other Stealth Games

Similarities and Differences

Assassin’s Creed vs. Metal Gear Solid

Metal Gear Solid, developed by Konami, is another well-known stealth game that shares similarities with Assassin’s Creed. Both games emphasize sneaking, evasion, and the use of weapons to eliminate enemies. However, Metal Gear Solid places a greater emphasis on espionage and the use of high-tech gadgets to complete missions.

In Assassin’s Creed, players control a trained assassin who uses stealth, parkour, and combat skills to eliminate enemies. Metal Gear Solid, on the other hand, features a special forces operative who relies on stealth, hacking, and high-tech weaponry to complete missions. While both games share some similarities, the differences in their core gameplay mechanics make them distinct from one another.

Assassin’s Creed vs. Thief

Thief, developed by Eidos Interactive, is another game that shares similarities with Assassin’s Creed. Both games are set in dark, atmospheric environments where players must use stealth and cunning to avoid detection. However, Thief places a greater emphasis on the use of gadgets and traps to manipulate the environment and eliminate enemies.

In Assassin’s Creed, players can use a variety of weapons and skills to eliminate enemies, but they must also rely on stealth and evasion to avoid detection. Thief, on the other hand, features a master thief who can use a variety of gadgets and traps to disable enemies and overcome obstacles. While both games share some similarities, the differences in their core gameplay mechanics make them distinct from one another.

Assassin’s Creed vs. Hitman

Hitman, developed by IO Interactive, is another game that shares similarities with Assassin’s Creed. Both games are set in large, open environments where players must use stealth and cunning to eliminate enemies. However, Hitman places a greater emphasis on the use of disguises and improvisation to complete missions.

In Assassin’s Creed, players can use a variety of weapons and skills to eliminate enemies, but they must also rely on stealth and evasion to avoid detection. Hitman, on the other hand, features a master assassin who can use a variety of disguises and improvisational skills to complete missions. While both games share some similarities, the differences in their core gameplay mechanics make them distinct from one another.

Assassin’s Creed vs. Shadow of Mordor/War

Shadow of Mordor and Shadow of War, developed by Monolith Productions, are two games that share similarities with Assassin’s Creed. Both games are set in large, open worlds where players must use stealth and combat skills to defeat enemies. However, Shadow of Mordor and Shadow of War place a greater emphasis on combat and the use of special abilities to defeat enemies.

In Assassin’s Creed, players can use a variety of weapons and skills to eliminate enemies, but they must also rely on stealth and evasion to avoid detection. Shadow of Mordor and Shadow of War, on the other hand, feature a powerful ranger who can use a variety of special abilities and weapons to defeat enemies in combat. While both games share some similarities, the differences in their core gameplay mechanics make them distinct from one another.

The Assassin’s Creed Series: A Unique Blend of Action and Stealth

The Enduring Appeal of Assassin’s Creed

Assassin’s Creed is a series of action-adventure games that has captivated players since its debut in 2007. Developed by Ubisoft Montreal, the series has sold over 150 million copies worldwide, making it one of the best-selling video game franchises of all time. The game’s popularity can be attributed to its unique blend of historical fiction, parkour-inspired movement, and stealth mechanics.

The Future of Stealth Games

The future of stealth games looks promising, with new innovations and approaches to the genre. Some developers are exploring new ways to incorporate stealth elements into their games, while others are expanding on existing mechanics. Here are some new directions for the genre:

• Procedural generation: Developers are experimenting with procedural generation to create unique levels and challenges for players. This allows for endless replayability and a more dynamic gaming experience.
• Virtual reality: The advent of virtual reality technology is opening up new possibilities for stealth games. Players can now experience a more immersive and realistic stealth experience, with the ability to move through environments in a more natural way.
• Multiplayer: Stealth games are starting to incorporate multiplayer elements, with players working together to complete objectives and evade enemies. This adds a new layer of complexity and strategy to the genre.
• Expanding on existing mechanics: Some developers are focusing on refining and expanding on existing stealth mechanics. This includes improved AI, more varied enemy behavior, and more realistic physics.

The Legacy of Assassin’s Creed

Assassin’s Creed has had a significant impact on the stealth game genre, inspiring many developers to incorporate similar mechanics into their own games. The series has also helped to popularize parkour-inspired movement and open-world exploration. However, as the genre continues to evolve, it remains to be seen how Assassin’s Creed will adapt and continue to innovate.

FAQs

1. What is Assassin’s Creed?

Assassin’s Creed is a popular action-adventure video game series developed by Ubisoft. The series follows the story of an assassin who is tasked with carrying out various missions across different historical periods.

2. Are Assassin’s Creed games considered stealth games?

Assassin’s Creed games are often classified as stealth games due to their emphasis on stealthy gameplay mechanics. However, the series also includes elements of action and adventure, which sets it apart from other pure stealth games.

3. What are some of the stealth mechanics in Assassin’s Creed?

Assassin’s Creed games feature a variety of stealth mechanics, including parkour movement, disguises, and the ability to blend into the environment. Players can use these mechanics to avoid detection by enemies and carry out their missions undetected.

4. Can players choose to play the game without using stealth?

While stealth is a major gameplay element in Assassin’s Creed, players are not required to use it and can choose to engage in direct combat with enemies. However, doing so may make the game more challenging and increase the risk of detection.

5. Are Assassin’s Creed games easy to play?

Assassin’s Creed games can be challenging, particularly for players who are new to the series or to stealth-based gameplay. However, the games offer a variety of difficulty settings and gameplay options to accommodate players of all skill levels.

6. How does the stealth gameplay in Assassin’s Creed compare to other stealth games?

Assassin’s Creed’s stealth gameplay is unique and sets it apart from other stealth games. While it includes many of the same mechanics, such as disguises and environmental awareness, it also incorporates elements of action and adventure that make it distinct from other pure stealth games.

Re-Ranking EVERY Assassin’s Creed Stealth System