“Assassin’s Creed Syndicate,” released in 2015, marked the ninth installment in the popular Assassin’s Creed franchise. Set in Victorian London, it introduced twin protagonists, Jacob and Evie Frye, as they battled the Templars and sought to liberate the city from their control. Despite its intriguing premise and unique setting, Syndicate didn’t receive the same level of acclaim as some other entries in the series. Let’s explore why.
1. Familiarity Breeds Contempt
One reason for the lukewarm reception was the franchise’s own success. Preceded by titles like “Assassin’s Creed II” and “Black Flag,” Syndicate had big shoes to fill. Fans had grown accustomed to rich narratives, complex characters, and innovative gameplay mechanics. When Syndicate followed a similar formula without significant breakthroughs, it felt less exciting.
2. A Familiar Storyline
The story in Syndicate is relatively straightforward: Assassins versus Templars, with a dash of sibling rivalry. While the historical backdrop of Victorian London was captivating, the narrative lacked the depth and emotional resonance seen in Ezio Auditore’s saga. Jacob and Evie were likable, but their arcs didn’t resonate as powerfully as those of previous protagonists.
3. Missed Opportunities
Syndicate introduced some promising features, such as the Rook system (upgrading your gang) and special assassinations. However, these mechanics didn’t fully capitalize on their potential. The Rook system felt underutilized, and the special assassinations, while cool, didn’t significantly impact gameplay. Gamers expected more innovation, especially after the ambitious “Unity.”
4. Combat and Stealth
Combat in Syndicate was serviceable but lacked the finesse of earlier titles. After the refined combat system in “Black Flag” and “Unity,” Syndicate’s combat felt like a step backward. Additionally, the grappling hook, while convenient for scaling tall buildings, diminished the challenge of parkour and stealth. Some players missed the intricate parkour puzzles of earlier games.
5. Comparison to Unity
Syndicate suffered from being compared to its predecessor, “Assassin’s Creed Unity.” Unity had its share of issues (notably technical glitches), but it also pushed boundaries with its detailed recreation of Paris during the French Revolution. Syndicate, while more polished, felt like a safer choice. Gamers couldn’t help but contrast the two.
Conclusion
In hindsight, “Assassin’s Creed Syndicate” was a solid entry in the series. Its Victorian London setting, dynamic twins, and historical context provided an enjoyable experience. However, it lacked the wow factor that some other titles delivered. Perhaps it was a victim of its own success, caught between the nostalgia of Ezio’s adventures and the anticipation of future innovations. Regardless, Syndicate remains a part of the Assassin’s Creed legacy, appreciated by some and overlooked by others.
What are your thoughts on “Assassin’s Creed Syndicate”? Did you love it or find it lacking? Let us know in the comments below!