Assassins Creed Chronicles - Xbox One

Review of Assassin's Creed Chronicles - Xbox One

Released in 2015, Assassins Creed Chronicles is a departure from the traditional Assassins Creed formula. Unlike the open-world, third-person action of the main series, Chronicles offers a side-scrolling, 2.5D platformer experience, focusing on stealth, strategy, and exploration across three different historical settings. The game was released as a trilogy, with each entry taking place in a different region: China, India, and Russia. While Chronicles offers a fresh perspective on the Assassins Creed universe, it also has its share of strengths and weaknesses, particularly in how it adapts the series core gameplay mechanics into a side-scrolling format.

Strengths

1. Unique Art Style and VisualsOne of the most striking features of Assassins Creed Chronicles is its art direction. Each of the three games features a distinctive visual style that draws from the cultural and historical settings they depict. The 2.5D side-scrolling perspective is paired with a beautiful hand-drawn art style, providing a visually pleasing experience. The game uses a unique blend of watercolor textures, intricate environments, and animated cutscenes that give it a more artistic and stylized look compared to other Assassins Creed entries.

   • China features vibrant, ancient Chinese architecture and lush landscapes.
   • India combines bright, colorful visuals with complex ruins and ornate structures.
   • Russia has a colder, more industrial feel, with wintery environments and Soviet-era elements.

   The art direction does an excellent job of immersing players in the different time periods, while still keeping the Assassins Creed aesthetic intact.

2. Stealth and Strategy-Based GameplayAssassins Creed Chronicles retains the series' signature focus on stealth, but it adapts the gameplay to the 2.5D platformer style. Players must carefully navigate through levels, avoiding detection by guards, using environmental cover, and employing stealth takedowns to silently eliminate threats. The game emphasizes patience, careful planning, and precision, as the enemies patrol patterns are predictable and can be exploited.

   While combat is still an option, its often not the best solution, and players are encouraged to use stealth and agility to avoid confrontation. This change of pace from the typical open-world gameplay of the main series can be refreshing for those seeking a more focused, puzzle-like experience.

3. Varied Environments and Historical SettingsThe game spans three vastly different regions and time periods, which provides a variety of gameplay experiences. The environments in China, India, and Russia are designed to reflect the distinct cultures and historical contexts of each setting. This variety keeps the gameplay feeling fresh as players move through each new chapter, experiencing different obstacles, enemies, and architectural styles. The storylines are loosely tied to the broader Assassins Creed lore, but they provide a unique perspective on the history of the Assassin Brotherhood.

4. Tight and Accessible ControlsThe game uses relatively simple controls, making it easy for players to jump in and start playing, even if theyre unfamiliar with the Assassins Creed series. The controls are designed for smooth platforming and stealth mechanics, with easy-to-learn button layouts for movement, climbing, and performing stealth kills. The simplicity of the controls helps the game remain accessible while still providing enough challenge in its level design.

5. Well-Paced Levels and Storytelling