I purchased Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag on Uplay and found it to be an excellent title.
I purchased Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag on Uplay and found it to be an excellent title.
From what I observed of upcoming titles, their visual style impressed me, though the gameplay felt fairly unexciting. Still, IV Black Flag remains impressive even today on modern platforms, with some texture issues but outstanding water effects, artwork, and overall quality. Would you really want to invest in later Creed releases?
Be sure to keep an eye on the Steam Autumn Sale, and if prices aren’t great then expect them to rise in the Winter Sale. I remember they were around $2.99 or even lower during the Summer Sale. I actually received AC II for free through UPlay during one of their promotions. UPlay regularly distributes their older AC titles. Over the past couple of years, I’ve picked up AC II, AC III, AC Black Flag, and AC Unity by claiming them when UPlay ran giveaways. There are a few PC-focused YouTube channels—CultOfMush and SantiagoSantiago—that I follow and they often send out alerts about free games you can claim.
I purchased Origins a couple of weeks ago during a Steam discount, since I hadn't completed it on PS4. I have to say, I'm really impressed by the depth, scope, and ancient Egyptian lore—it's an excellent game. Although it doesn't always resemble a typical Assassin's Creed title, it offers so much value that it's worth the investment. Unity and Syndicate both perform well, and Odyssey has received mixed feedback, but as a full retail AAA title, it's worth the price if you're genuinely interested.
AC4 truly stands out as an exceptional title. Among its peers, I consider it one of the finest, not limited to the AC lineup. If you're seeking a similar vibe after Black Flag, AC Rogue delivers well and is arguably the most comparable entry in the series. AC3 proves its worth once its updates arrive; it fits naturally within the trilogy sequence that follows AC4, Rogue, then AC3. Though not crafted as a unified story, these three games together weave the Kenway legend around Edward Kenway and his lineage. They don’t form a complete arc, since each character offers a distinct viewpoint across time, but collectively they embody the saga. Outside this narrative, newer releases like Unity and Syndicate fall short, offering little originality and repetitive settings. Then there are Origins, Odyssey, and Valhalla—each lacking the depth of Assassin’s Creed. I haven’t played Valhalla yet, but Origins and Odyssey feel overly generic, devoid of the unique flair that made AC memorable. In discussions among true AC enthusiasts, Valhalla is seen as a step back, possibly thanks to Darby’s return as a writer, though it still falls short of being a true entry in the series. I’m certain I’ll try Valhalla someday, but I’d hesitate to support Ubisoft financially, given their reputation for poor development and lack of respect for fans. It feels unfair that I pre-ordered Origins Gold Edition under the assumption it was from Black Flag’s team, only to discover it wasn’t an AC title at all—with a dull story, repetitive missions, and uninspired gameplay. I’m relieved Ashraf Ishamil and Serge Hascoët left Ubisoft; Hascoët’s influence had driven the company toward bland, repetitive experiences. His departure is a hopeful sign that AC might regain its identity, and perhaps Ubisoft will finally prioritize quality over quantity.
It's fascinating we were posting simultaneously with contrasting opinions. Origins offers a visually appealing setting, but it feels repetitive across locations—similar designs everywhere except for layout differences. Like Odyssey, its environment stands out as the strongest feature. Among fans, newer titles are generally ranked from Valhalla to Origins to Odyssey, with Odyssey often criticized for lacking depth and focusing only on generic details, excluding assassins and templars. Most general gaming reviews can be found here: https://www.metacritic.com/game/pc/assas...ed-origins, https://www.metacritic.com/game/pc/assas...ed-odyssey, https://www.metacritic.com/game/pc/assas...d-valhalla
I mentioned Origins doesn't always act like a typical console RPG, and I completely agree with that observation. I understand the repetitive feel of its settings, but I still find it remarkable—especially when compared to earlier titles in the genre. It offered depth, a vast world, plenty of activities, and a solid narrative. Odyssey received much praise as a refined take on Origins, though if you didn’t enjoy Origins, it might just feel like another variation. I haven’t commented on Valhalla yet, but I do appreciate some Viking-themed content... I’ve heard mixed reactions about it. Personally, AC 2 remains my top pick.