Assassin’s Creed: Origins

Assassin’s Creed is a popular action-adventure video game franchise that first launched in 2007. The franchise is known for its unique blend of historical fiction, science fiction, and open-world exploration gameplay. Assassin’s Creed Origins, released in 2017, was a significant installment in the series, marking a departure from the traditional formula and introducing new mechanics and features.

As one of the most popular action-adventure game franchises in the world, Assassin’s Creed has been capturing the hearts and minds of gamers for over a decade. And with the release of Assassin’s Creed Origins, the franchise has once again managed to take the gaming world by storm. But what makes Assassin’s Creed Origins so special, and why should you invest your time and money in this game? In this comprehensive review, we’ll take a deep dive into the world of Assassin’s Creed Origins and explore everything that makes this game a must-play.

This article will provide a comprehensive guide to Assassin’s Creed Origins, covering its setting, story, gameplay, graphics, reception, and impact on the franchise. We will also explore the DLCs and expansions, the future of the franchise, the historical accuracy, philosophy and ethics, Easter eggs and secrets, mods and community, merchandise and collectibles, cultural impact, analysis and critique, and the legacy of Assassin’s Creed Origins. By the end of this guide, readers will have a thorough understanding of the game and its place in the franchise’s history.

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Assassin’s Creed: Origins

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Assassin’s Creed Origins is an action-adventure video game developed by Ubisoft Montreal and released in 2017. It is the tenth major installment in the Assassin’s Creed series and serves as a prequel to the entire franchise. The game is set in Ancient Egypt during the Ptolemaic period and follows the story of Bayek, a Medjay warrior, as he seeks revenge for the death of his son while also uncovering a larger conspiracy involving the Brotherhood of Assassins and their enemies, the Order of the Ancients. Origins features an open-world environment, RPG elements, and a revamped combat system, and has received critical acclaim for its story, gameplay, and historical accuracy. It has also spawned several DLCs and expansions, as well as a Discovery Tour mode for educational purposes.

PC Specs

The Setting

Assassin’s Creed Origins is set in Ancient Egypt during the Ptolemaic period, specifically between 49-47 BCE. This period was marked by political upheaval and conflict, including the power struggle between Cleopatra VII and her brother, Ptolemy XIII. The game’s story is set against this backdrop, with players taking on the role of Bayek, a Medjay and member of the Assassin Brotherhood.

The game’s recreation of Ancient Egypt is stunningly accurate, with great attention paid to detail in the environments, architecture, and landmarks. Players can explore famous locations such as the Great Pyramids of Giza, the Sphinx, and the city of Alexandria. The game also includes a vast open-world that includes deserts, oases, and towns, all of which are populated by non-playable characters that add to the game’s immersive experience.

The setting of Assassin’s Creed Origins has a significant impact on both the gameplay and story. The game’s story explores the themes of power, politics, and the struggle for control of the region. The game’s environment also affects gameplay, with players having to contend with environmental hazards such as sandstorms and dangerous wildlife. The game’s setting also allows for new gameplay mechanics, such as the use of boats to navigate the Nile River, and the ability to climb structures like the Great Pyramid.

Overall, Assassin’s Creed Origins’ setting is a key factor in the game’s success, as it provides an immersive and engaging experience for players. The game’s attention to detail and historical accuracy add to the game’s appeal, making it a must-play for fans of the franchise and history enthusiasts alike.

The Story

Assassin’s Creed Origins’ story follows Bayek, a Medjay and member of the Assassin Brotherhood, as he seeks to avenge the death of his son, Khemu. The story takes place in Ancient Egypt during the Ptolemaic period, a time of political upheaval and conflict.

The game’s story is structured in a traditional narrative arc, with the player taking on the role of Bayek and following him on his quest for revenge. As players progress through the story, they encounter various characters, each with their own unique personalities and motivations. The game’s cast includes historical figures such as Cleopatra VII, Julius Caesar, and Ptolemy XIII.

The characters in Assassin’s Creed Origins are well-developed, with complex personalities and motivations that add depth to the game’s story. Bayek, in particular, is a compelling character, driven by his desire for revenge but also guided by his sense of duty to protect his people. The game’s story also explores the themes of power, politics, and the struggle for control, as well as the ethics and morality of the Assassin Brotherhood.

Overall, Assassin’s Creed Origins’ story is a strong component of the game, with well-developed characters, an engaging narrative structure, and themes that add depth and meaning to the game’s experience. The game’s story is a must-play for fans of the franchise and anyone interested in compelling storytelling in video games.

The World of Assassin’s Creed Origins

Assassin’s Creed Origins is set in a massive open-world environment that is both breathtakingly beautiful and incredibly detailed. From the bustling streets of Alexandria to the vast deserts of Egypt, every location in the game is richly detailed and meticulously crafted. The world of Assassin’s Creed Origins is also filled with side quests and activities, giving players plenty to do outside of the main story. Whether you’re exploring ancient tombs, hunting down dangerous animals, or just soaking in the beauty of ancient Egypt, Assassin’s Creed Origins has something for everyone.

The Protagonist

Bayek is the protagonist of Assassin’s Creed Origins, and his story is the central focus of the game. Bayek is a Medjay, a protector of the people of Egypt, and a member of the Assassin Brotherhood. He is also driven by a desire for revenge, following the death of his son Khemu at the hands of a group known as the Order of the Ancients.

One of the key features of Assassin’s Creed Origins is the introduction of RPG elements to the franchise. This includes the ability to level up Bayek and customize his abilities, weapons, and gear. This new system adds depth and replayability to the game, allowing players to tailor their playstyle to their preferences.

Bayek’s combat abilities and weapons are an essential part of the game’s experience. Bayek is a skilled fighter, with access to a variety of weapons such as swords, bows, and spears. Players can also upgrade and modify their weapons, adding various perks and bonuses to enhance their combat effectiveness.

Bayek’s combat abilities are also influenced by his skill tree, which allows players to specialize in different combat styles such as warrior, hunter, and stealth. The game’s combat system is fast-paced and visceral, with a focus on player skill and timing.

Overall, Bayek is a compelling protagonist, with a well-developed backstory and motivations that drive the game’s story. The introduction of RPG elements adds depth to the game, while Bayek’s combat abilities and weapons are a key component of the game’s gameplay experience.

The Gameplay

Assassin’s Creed Origins introduces several new gameplay mechanics to the franchise, adding depth and variety to the game’s experience. One of the most significant changes is the new exploration and combat mechanics. Players can now use Bayek’s eagle companion, Senu, to scout the environment and mark targets. This adds a new level of strategy to the game, allowing players to plan their approach and execute stealthy takedowns.

Combat in Assassin’s Creed Origins is also overhauled, with a greater emphasis on player skill and timing. The game’s new hitbox system requires players to aim and time their attacks carefully, while enemy AI is improved, providing a greater challenge. The game also includes a variety of new weapons and abilities that players can use to customize their playstyle.

In addition to the main story, Assassin’s Creed Origins features a variety of side quests and activities that players can engage in. These include hunting and gathering, tomb raiding, and helping NPCs with their problems. These side activities add depth to the game’s world and provide additional opportunities for players to earn experience and rewards.

Another new feature in Assassin’s Creed Origins is the inclusion of naval combat. Players can use boats to navigate the Nile River and engage in naval battles with enemy ships. The inclusion of naval combat adds a new dimension to the game, providing players with new challenges and opportunities for loot and rewards.

Assassin’s Creed Origins takes the core gameplay mechanics of the franchise and improves upon them in significant ways. The combat system has been overhauled, making it more challenging and rewarding than ever before. The stealth mechanics have also been improved, giving players more options when it comes to taking down their enemies. The game also introduces a new loot system, allowing players to collect and upgrade weapons and armor throughout the game. Overall, the gameplay of Assassin’s Creed Origins is a perfect blend of action, exploration, and strategy, making it an incredibly satisfying experience.

Overall, Assassin’s Creed Origins’ gameplay is an excellent combination of new and familiar elements, with new exploration and combat mechanics, engaging side quests and activities, and the addition of naval combat. These features make the game an immersive and enjoyable experience for fans of the franchise and newcomers alike.

The Soundtrack

The soundtrack for Assassin’s Creed Origins is an essential element of the game’s immersive atmosphere. The game’s music is created by composer Sarah Schachner, who has also worked on other popular video games such as Call of Duty and Anthem.

Schachner’s approach to creating the soundtrack for Assassin’s Creed Origins was to incorporate traditional Egyptian instruments and melodies. The game’s music includes the use of the oud, ney, and various percussion instruments, which add an authentic Egyptian sound to the game.

The music also reflects the game’s different environments, with the soundtrack changing depending on where the player is in the game world. For example, the music in the desert areas is sparse and atmospheric, while the music in cities is more lively and bustling.

The soundtrack’s impact on the game’s atmosphere is significant, adding to the overall immersion and emotional impact of the game. The music enhances the game’s storytelling, with dramatic tracks underscoring critical story moments and emotional beats. The game’s use of music also reinforces the importance of Egyptian culture and history, adding to the game’s overall educational value.

The Graphics

Assassin’s Creed Origins features stunning graphics that immerse players in the game’s ancient Egyptian setting. The game utilizes the AnvilNext engine, which allows for highly detailed environments and character models.

One of the game’s most impressive graphical features is the recreation of ancient landmarks and architecture. The game’s world includes accurate depictions of iconic structures such as the Pyramids of Giza, the Lighthouse of Alexandria, and the Sphinx. These landmarks are incredibly detailed and accurate, providing players with a true sense of the scale and grandeur of these ancient structures.

The game’s attention to detail is also apparent in the visual effects, including lighting, weather, and particle effects. The game’s lighting system creates realistic shadows and reflections, while the weather system includes sandstorms, which can impact visibility and movement. The game’s particle effects, including fire and smoke, add to the game’s visual realism.

Overall, the graphics in Assassin’s Creed Origins are a significant achievement, with the AnvilNext engine allowing for highly detailed environments and character models. The game’s recreation of ancient landmarks and attention to detail in visual effects add to the game’s immersive atmosphere and overall quality.

The Reception

Assassin’s Creed Origins was well-received by both critics and players upon its release in 2017. The game received praise for its immersive setting, engaging story, and improved gameplay mechanics.

Critics praised the game’s attention to detail in recreating ancient Egypt and the excellent voice acting and character development. The game’s revamped combat system and inclusion of RPG elements were also well-received, with many reviewers noting that these changes breathed new life into the franchise.

Players were similarly positive about the game, with many praising the game’s immersive world, excellent storyline, and compelling characters. The game’s improved exploration mechanics and inclusion of side quests and activities also received praise from players.

The impact of Origins on the Assassin’s Creed franchise has been significant, with many players and critics considering it a turning point for the series. The game’s success has led to subsequent entries in the franchise, such as Odyssey and Valhalla, adopting many of the same gameplay mechanics and RPG elements that Origins introduced.

The DLCs and Expansions

Assassin’s Creed Origins received two major DLCs and an expansion pack, each of which added new content and expanded upon the game’s world and mechanics.

The Hidden Ones DLC was released in January 2018 and takes place several years after the events of the main game. It introduces a new storyline in which Bayek travels to the Sinai Peninsula to help the Hidden Ones, a precursor organization to the Assassin Brotherhood, in their fight against the occupying Roman forces. The DLC added new weapons, armor, and abilities, as well as new areas to explore.

The Curse of the Pharaohs DLC was released in March 2018 and added a new storyline in which Bayek travels to the afterlife to investigate a mysterious curse that is affecting the living world. The DLC introduces new enemies, weapons, and abilities, as well as a new map that includes the Valley of the Kings and several new tombs to explore.

In addition to the DLCs, Assassin’s Creed Origins also features a Discovery Tour mode, which was released in February 2018. This mode allows players to explore the game’s world without combat or story elements, instead focusing on educational content about ancient Egypt. The mode includes guided tours and interactive exhibits that provide insight into the culture, history, and daily life of ancient Egyptians.

The Future of the Franchise

Assassin’s Creed Origins was a critical and commercial success, and its impact on the franchise has been significant. With the success of Origins, Ubisoft has continued to develop subsequent entries in the franchise, including Assassin’s Creed Odyssey and Assassin’s Creed Valhalla.

As of now, there is no official information about the next installment in the series. However, rumors and speculation suggest that the game may be set in ancient Rome or Japan. Fans have also been speculating about the potential return of Bayek, given the character’s popularity and the positive reception of his character in Origins.

The direction of the franchise also remains uncertain. With the success of Origins and its focus on RPG elements, it’s possible that future games will continue to follow this trend. However, it’s also possible that Ubisoft may choose to explore new gameplay mechanics or settings in order to keep the franchise fresh.

Overall, while the future of the Assassin’s Creed franchise remains uncertain, it’s clear that Origins has had a significant impact on the series. Fans and players will likely continue to eagerly anticipate future entries in the franchise, hoping for new and exciting gameplay mechanics and engaging stories.

Comparisons with Other Assassin’s Creed Games

Assassin’s Creed Origins is the tenth main entry in the Assassin’s Creed franchise, and it represents a significant departure from previous games in the series. Here’s a closer look at how Origins compares to other games in the franchise:

Firstly, when comparing Origins to the original Assassin’s Creed game, it’s clear that Origins has made significant improvements in terms of graphics, gameplay mechanics, and storytelling. While the original game was groundbreaking at the time of its release, Origins has had the benefit of years of refinement and iteration, resulting in a more polished and engaging experience overall.

When comparing Origins to other games in the franchise, there are some similarities and differences. The game’s focus on open-world exploration and stealth-based combat is a hallmark of the franchise, but Origins also introduces new RPG elements, such as a skill tree and loot system, that set it apart from previous entries. Additionally, the game’s setting in ancient Egypt provides a unique backdrop that distinguishes it from other games in the series.

Overall, while there are certainly similarities between Origins and other games in the franchise, it’s clear that the game stands out in terms of its refined mechanics, engaging storytelling, and unique setting. The game’s innovations in terms of RPG elements and attention to historical detail have also made it a standout entry in the franchise.

The Historical Accuracy

Assassin’s Creed Origins is known for its attention to historical detail, and the game’s developers went to great lengths to ensure that the game was as accurate as possible. Here’s a closer look at the historical accuracy of the game:

Firstly, the game’s developers conducted extensive research into Ancient Egypt, consulting with historians and experts in the field. This allowed them to gain a deeper understanding of the time period and ensure that the game’s depiction of Ancient Egypt was as accurate as possible.

In addition to this, the game’s designers also made use of authentic artifacts and details in order to make the game world feel as realistic as possible. For example, the game features accurate depictions of Egyptian hieroglyphics, as well as recreations of famous landmarks such as the Great Pyramids and the Sphinx.

The Philosophy and Ethics

Assassin’s Creed Origins explores several philosophical and ethical concepts, as is common in the franchise. Here’s a closer look at how these themes are present in the game:

Firstly, the game explores the ongoing conflict between the Assassins and the Templars, two factions that have been at odds with each other throughout the series. The game delves deeper into the ideologies and motivations behind these two groups, and the story explores the complexities of their relationship.

In addition to this, the game also includes several philosophical and ethical concepts, such as free will and the morality of violence. The game’s story raises questions about the ethics of assassination and the use of violence in achieving one’s goals.

Overall, the inclusion of these philosophical and ethical concepts adds depth to the game’s story and themes. By exploring these complex ideas, the game encourages players to think critically about the actions of the characters and the implications of the story. The game’s examination of the Assassin-Templar conflict also provides a thought-provoking exploration of the complexities of ideology and the consequences of one’s actions.

The Easter Eggs and Secrets

Assassin’s Creed Origins is full of Easter eggs and secrets that add an extra layer of excitement for players. Here’s a closer look at some of the Easter eggs and secrets present in the game:

Firstly, the game features several references to previous games in the Assassin’s Creed franchise, as well as nods to historical events and figures. For example, players can discover hidden tombs containing the remains of famous historical figures like Alexander the Great and Cleopatra.

In addition to this, the game is full of hidden treasures and locations, including secret caves and hidden chambers. These locations often contain valuable rewards, such as rare weapons and armor.

Finally, the game is also home to several secrets and mysteries that have yet to be fully discovered. For example, players have discovered mysterious glyphs hidden throughout the game that seem to hint at a larger hidden message or secret.

Overall, the inclusion of these Easter eggs and secrets adds an extra layer of excitement to the game, encouraging players to explore the game world and discover all its hidden secrets. The game’s references to previous games and historical events also add to the game’s overall sense of immersion and depth.

The Mods and Community

Assassin’s Creed Origins has a vibrant modding community, with a variety of user-generated content available to players. Here’s a closer look at the impact of mods and the community on the game:

Firstly, the availability of mods and user-generated content adds an extra layer of customization to the game. Players can use mods to change everything from the game’s graphics and gameplay mechanics to the clothes that characters wear. This allows players to tailor the game to their individual preferences and create a more personalized experience.

In addition to this, the community surrounding the game has had a significant impact on the game’s longevity. Through the creation of mods and user-generated content, the community has been able to keep the game fresh and exciting long after its initial release. This has helped to maintain a dedicated fan base and keep players engaged with the game over time.

The Merchandise and Collectibles

Assassin’s Creed Origins has proven to be a popular installment in the franchise, and its popularity has extended beyond the game itself. Here’s a closer look at the merchandise and collectibles associated with the game:

The release of official merchandise and collectibles for the game has been a significant aspect of the game’s impact on the franchise. There has been a range of merchandise available, including t-shirts, figurines, posters, and art books. This merchandise has allowed fans to engage with the game and its themes in new ways, and it has helped to solidify the game’s place in the franchise’s canon.

The popularity of the merchandise among fans has been significant. Many fans have eagerly awaited the release of new merchandise, and the demand for the merchandise has been high. This has helped to drive sales and has demonstrated the continued relevance of the game to the franchise’s fanbase.

The Cultural Impact

Assassin’s Creed Origins has had a significant cultural impact, both in terms of its representation of Ancient Egypt in popular culture and its influence on media and entertainment.

The game’s depiction of Ancient Egypt has been praised for its attention to detail and authenticity. By creating a vivid and realistic portrayal of the time period, the game has helped to popularize the study of Ancient Egypt and has inspired many players to learn more about the culture and history of the region.

In terms of its influence on media and entertainment, Assassin’s Creed Origins has set a new standard for historical accuracy and attention to detail in video games. Other games and media have since followed in its footsteps, incorporating similar levels of historical research and detail into their own narratives and settings.

Finally, the game’s educational value cannot be overstated. Through its inclusion of a “Discovery Tour” mode, which allows players to explore Ancient Egypt without combat or other gameplay elements, the game has become a valuable educational tool for students and teachers alike. By providing a fun and interactive way to learn about history, the game has helped to inspire a new generation of learners and has made the study of history more accessible to a wider audience.

The Analysis and Critique

Assassin’s Creed Origins has been the subject of much analysis and critique since its release. While the game has been widely praised for its attention to detail, engaging gameplay, and compelling story, it has also received some criticism for its portrayal of Ancient Egypt and certain aspects of its design.

One area of critique has been the game’s historical accuracy. While the game has been praised for its attention to detail, some critics have argued that the game takes too many liberties with history, particularly in its portrayal of certain characters and events. Others have criticized the game’s portrayal of Ancient Egypt, arguing that it perpetuates certain stereotypes and fails to fully capture the diversity and complexity of the region and its people.

Despite these criticisms, however, Assassin’s Creed Origins remains one of the most influential and successful games in the franchise, and has had a significant impact on the genre and the gaming industry as a whole. Its combination of engaging gameplay, historical accuracy, and compelling storytelling has set a new standard for video game design and has helped to establish the Assassin’s Creed franchise as one of the most popular and enduring in the industry.

The Legacy of Assassin’s Creed Origins

Assassin’s Creed Origins has had a profound impact on the Assassin’s Creed franchise and the gaming industry as a whole. The game is widely regarded as a turning point for the franchise, introducing new gameplay mechanics, a revamped narrative structure, and a deeper commitment to historical accuracy and cultural representation.

Beyond its impact on the franchise, however, Assassin’s Creed Origins has also had a significant influence on the gaming industry and the medium of video games more broadly. The game’s success has helped to establish the viability of the open-world genre, and its focus on historical accuracy and cultural representation has set a new standard for video game storytelling and design.

Moreover, Assassin’s Creed Origins has also had an enduring impact on culture and entertainment. The game’s rich and immersive world has inspired countless works of fan fiction, art, and other creative works, while its representation of Ancient Egypt has helped to spark a renewed interest in the region and its history among players and non-players alike.

Overall, Assassin’s Creed Origins is a game that will be remembered as a landmark achievement in the history of the franchise and the gaming industry as a whole. Its enduring legacy will continue to inspire and influence future generations of game designers, players, and cultural creators for years to come.

Why Assassin’s Creed Origins is Worth Your Time and Money

Assassin’s Creed Origins is a game that manages to improve upon every aspect of the franchise. From the engaging story and immersive world to the satisfying gameplay and stunning graphics, everything about this game is top-notch. Whether you’re a fan of the franchise or a newcomer to the series, Assassin’s Creed Origins is a game that is well worth your time and money. With its engaging story, beautiful world, and satisfying gameplay, it’s hard not to get lost in the world of ancient Egypt.

Verdict

In conclusion, Assassin’s Creed Origins was a significant installment in the franchise, taking players to ancient Egypt and introducing new mechanics and RPG elements to the series. The game received critical acclaim and a positive response from fans, leading to several DLCs and expansions. It was also praised for its historical accuracy, soundtrack, graphics, and exploration of philosophical and ethical concepts. The game’s legacy continues to influence the franchise and the gaming industry as a whole.

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