'''''Assassin's Creed''''' is a [[wikipedia:video game|video game]] being developed by [[wikipedia:Ubisoft Montreal|Ubisoft Montreal]] and published by [[wikipedia:Ubisoft|Ubisoft]]. Various sources have stated for a worldwide November 9, 2007 release; as of yet, only the month has been confirmed.
{{Youmay|the first video game in the series|[[Assassin's Creed (series)]]}}
{{Quote|Jerusalem, the twelfth century. Amidst the chaos of the Third Crusade, a Brotherhood of warriors rose to power. Shrouded in secrecy, feared for their ruthlessness, they alone would save the Holy Land, or destroy it. They were the Assassins.|''Assassin's Creed'' 2006 trailer voiceover|:File:Assassin's Creed - Pre-E3 2006 Trailer}}
'''''Assassin's Creed''''' is a {{Wiki|Open world|sandbox style}} action-adventure-stealth video game developed by Ubisoft Montreal and published by [[Ubisoft]]. The game was released for the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 in November 2007 and for PC in April 2008.
The game takes place during the [[wikipedia:Third Crusade|Third Crusade]], in the year 1191. The player assumes the role of [[wikipedia:Altaïr (character)|Altaïr|]] (الطائر, Arabic, "The Flyer"), a member of the [[wikipedia:Hashshashin|Hashshashin]] sect (the original "assassins"), whose objective is to slay the nine historical figures who are propagating the [[wikipedia:Crusades|Crusades]]. As the player finds and kills these targets, their conspiracy is unveiled. The player will be able to travel through three cities: [[wikipedia:Jerusalem|Jerusalem]], [[wikipedia:Acre, Israel|Acre|]] and [[wikipedia:Damascus|Damascus]].
The game centers around the use of a machine dubbed the "[[Animus]]", which allows its user to view the [[Genetic memory|genetic memories]] of their ancestors. The protagonist is a bartender named [[Desmond Miles]], who is abducted by the company [[Abstergo Industries]] and forced to relive the memories of his ancestor [[Altaïr Ibn-La'Ahad]], an [[Assassins|Assassin]]. As Desmond explores Altaïr's story in the [[Kingdom|Holy Land]] during the [[Third Crusade]], details of a [[Assassin-Templar War|battle]] between two ancient sects—the [[Templars|Knights Templar]] and the Assassin Order—emerge as both scour for artifacts known only as "[[Piece of Eden|Pieces of Eden]]."
The environment is completely interactive, from the people to the historically accurate cities. These cities are populated by many people, and the way the player controls Altaïr affects how the bystanders around him react to his presence. For example, when going through a crowd, if the player lightly moves someone out of the way, it will not have a significant effect. However, if the player throws someone to the ground and kills them, the crowd may unite against him and he will then have to find a way out. Similarly, if the player shoves a person aside, they may shove him back. If he climbs walls, civilians will gather around, attracting unwanted attention from guards.
''Assassin's Creed'' received primarily positive reviews, for both its story and its gameplay, and received several awards at 2006's E3. In November 2009, a sequel in the form of ''[[Assassin's Creed II]]'' was released, building on the foundation set by ''Assassin's Creed''.
The producers of the game take pride in how ''Assassin's Creed'' is historically accurate. The locations in the game are distinctive models of the cities. All of Altaïr's targets are also historic leaders who died or disappeared in the year [[wikipedia:1191|1191]] (though not necessarily assassinated).
==Gameplay==
[[File:AltaïrCloseup.jpg|thumb|250px|left|Altaïr Ibn-La'Ahad, one of the game's protagonists]]
''Assassin's Creed'' is a non-linear action-adventure video game, during which the player controls the 12th-century [[Levantine Brotherhood of Assassins|Levantine Assassin]] Altaïr Ibn-La'Ahad, whose life during the Third Crusade is experienced through the Animus by his 21st century descendant, Desmond Miles. The game's overall goal is to rise through the Assassins' [[Assassin rank|ranks]] by carrying out [[Hunt for the Nine|a series]] of [[assassination]]s given by the Order's leader, [[Al Mualim]]. In doing so, Altaïr travels from [[Masyaf]] to cities in the Holy Land, specifically, [[Jerusalem]], [[Acre]], and [[Damascus]].
Upon arrival in any of the cities, Altaïr must locate an [[Assassin bureau]] and discuss his tasks with the local [[rafiq]], a Brotherhood agent, gaining basic knowledge of his target. From there, it is up to Altaïr to perform additional reconnaissance via [[eavesdropping]], [[interrogation]]s, meeting with [[informer]]s, and [[Pickpocketing|gathering important items]]. It is only after Altaïr has gathered enough information that he can carry out the assassination. After successfully completing an assassination, Altaïr returns to Masyaf to debrief with Al Mualim, and is subsequently rewarded with better equipment, before he is given the names of his next targets.
[[File:AC1 Altair Viewpoint Damascus.png|thumb|250px|High vantage points allow the player to map out portions of the city]]
Between main memories, Desmond must direct Altaïr to [[Viewpoints|high points]] in the city to further [[Synchronization|synchronize]] his surroundings and map out the city that Altaïr is currently located in. Other side memories include tracking and killing [[Templars]], collecting [[flag]]s, and [[Save Citizen|saving]] [[civilian]]s who are being threatened by city [[guards]].
Accompanying this, Altaïr needs to carry out most of his actions without being noticed by officials. The game uses a meter dependent on [[social stealth]] to inform the player of how noticeable Altaïr is to surrounding individuals, including the guards, by changing the color and shape of the Abstergo logo; performing certain actions at certain times may or may not raise the local area's awareness level.
If an area is on high alert, indicated by the logo becoming red and the entire synchronization interface earning a red tinge and background, guards will be always vigilant and citizens will scatter in various directions in the event that the guards chase and attempt to bring down Altaïr. To reduce his notoriety, Altaïr must break the guards' line of sight and then find a [[Hiding spots|hiding place]], [[Blending|blend]] in with wandering scholars, or join citizens sitting on benches.
==Gameplay==
[[File:Altair free-run.jpg|250px|thumb|left|Altaïr's freerunning abilities allow for greater exploration]]
The player will be able to grab onto and climb almost any aspect of the environment, which means exploration will be possible to a greater degree than in most other games. Ubisoft boasts that any object that stands out more than two inches will be interactive.
To conduct many of the assassinations and various other tasks, Altaïr is capable of both high and low profile commands, both of which affect the alertness level. Low profile commands will allow Altaïr to blend into crowds, hide, and use Altaïr's [[Hidden Blade]] to attempt quiet and low profile assassinations. High profile commands increase alertness at a greater level and include [[freerunning]], attacking foes, and high profile assassination attempts. In the event that the player finds themself faced with multiple enemies, one can utilize Altaïr's sword-fighting abilities to combat guards.
The control scheme in ''Assassin's Creed'' will be significantly different from that of the typical game. Rather than explicitly specifying what actions Altaïr will take, the player presses buttons corresponding to his various body parts and the game attempts to figure out what action should be taken. For example, running toward a wall and pressing the "legs" button will cause Altaïr to jump over a wall, while pressing the "arms without weapons" button will cause him to vault it.
Health in ''Assassin's Creed'' is measured as the level of synchronization between Desmond and Altaïr's memories. Whenever Altaïr is injured, it is experienced as a deviation from the actual memory that occurred and synchronization decreases. If there is complete desynchronization, the current memory that Desmond is experiencing dematerializes and restarts at the last stable checkpoint.
A major selling point is "social stealth" - the ability to blend in with a crowd, as opposed to simply hiding in shadows.
Because Altaïr's memories are rendered by the Animus software, "[[glitch]]es" may often be experienced with nucleotides and error messages appearing. These glitches can be used to help identify targets and if the player reacts quickly enough, may be used to provide other vantage points during cut-scenes.
It also appears that the player will be able to battle many historical figures, including the legendary Order of the [[wikipedia:Knights Templar|Knights Templar]].
==Synopsis==
=== Setting ===
[[Desmond Miles]], a seemingly ordinary bartender, is kidnapped by the company [[Abstergo Industries]] for use as a [[Animus Project|test subject]] in the [[Animus]], a device that can simulate [[genetic memory]]. Abstergo intends to put Desmond in the device to relive the memories of his ancestor [[Altaïr Ibn-La'Ahad]], a member of the [[Assassins|Assassin Brotherhood]] who lived during the [[Third Crusade]] in the [[Kingdom|Holy Land]]. Initially, Desmond has trouble adjusting to the device, but eventually relives Altaïr's exploits over the next several days. The game then primarily changes to Altaïr's point-of-view, with occasional transitions to Desmond, due to problems with the Animus or onset of the [[Bleeding Effect]].
News has also circulated about a "[[wikipedia:sci-fi|sci-fi]] twist", due to information from developer interviews, and some effects visible in trailers of the game. It is theorized that the historical setting may be a simulation, or perhaps some sort of genetic memory, for purposes of training or other gain, being undertaken by an unknown group in the present or near future. During a trailer shown at E3, the screen would glitch and go fuzzy at times, and at one point where Altaïr is killed, the screen fades to black and then shows a head's up display with the words "computer offline" with a woman in a labcoat behind the display. Trailers shown at E3 07 reveal further evidence of this, such as a futuristic looking health bar, effects resembling readouts surrounding locked-on enemies and a rather lengthy conversation with a dying enemy surrounded by a white background. Ubisoft has confirmed that ''Assassin's Creed'' will be part of a trilogy, and has also stated that one or both of the sequels may have a futuristic setting.
===Plot===
[[File:AssassinsCreed Vidic Animus.png|thumb|250px|Warren Vidic of Abstergo Industries overlooks Desmond inside the Animus]]
The game opens with Desmond entering Altaïr's memory, but he soon faces [[synchronization]] problems. On this, [[Lucy Stillman]] and [[Warren Vidic]]'s voices can be heard, arguing over Desmond's safety within the Animus. After experiencing a few problems, Desmond exits the virtual machine and Vidic briefs him about the Animus' inner workings, before initializing the machine's tutorial program. After Desmond is done with the tutorial, he enters Altaïr's closest memory that he can synchronize with; Lucy adds that Desmond has to relive key moments of Altaïr's life to increase his synchronization, before reaching the final memory which holds the information that Abstergo is seeking.
On September 28, 2006, in an interview with IGN, producer [[wikipedia:Jade Raymond|Jade Raymond]] confirmed that Altaïr is "a medieval hitman with a mysterious past" and that he is not a time traveler.
In 1191, Altaïr attempts to retrieve one of a series of artifacts known as the "[[Piece of Eden|Pieces of Eden]]" from [[Solomon's Temple]] alongside two fellow Assassins, [[Malik Al-Sayf]] and his brother [[Kadar Al-Sayf|Kadar]]. However, the trio are beaten to the treasure by [[Robert de Sablé]], [[Grand Master of the Templar Order|Grand Master of the Knights Templar]] and the Assassins' sworn enemy. While attempting to recover the treasure from the [[Templars]] and kill Robert, Altaïr, blinded by arrogance, breaks all three tenets of the [[The Creed|Assassins' Creed]] and is forced to escape empty-handed after being overpowered by Robert. In the following battle, Kadar is killed and Malik's left arm is crippled and later amputated. When Altaïr returns to the Assassins' stronghold at [[Masyaf]] with apologies, Malik, who survived the Templars' attack, comes back with the artifact and disparages Altaïr because of his arrogance.
This is consistent with this particular design team, as in [[wikipedia:Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time|Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time]], death was interpreted as a mistake in the [[wikipedia:Prince (Prince of Persia)|Prince of Persia|]]'s recounting of his story to [[wikipedia:Allies from the Prince of Persia series#Princess Farah|Farah|]]. In an [[wikipedia:Xbox 360|Xbox 360]] gameplay demo at [[wikipedia:X06|X06]], a screen appears with the words "memories /01" in the center with "hard drive" on the left and "options" on the right after the character dies. Above "memories" it says "animus", Latin for "soul/life/spirit" (and where the word "animate" comes from) and under it are the words "access your genetic memory". The word "shutdown" can be seen in the lower right-hand corner, and the outline of a person can be seen past the words, almost as if the person was standing over someone on their back, and the player can also see on the right-hand side a light bulb and a grate on the ceiling. Also, in the upper-left hand corner on the screenshot, it reads "in progress" so this maybe something involved in the development.
[[File:Glory 5.png|thumb|left|250px|Altaïr, Rauf and another Assassin performing the Leap of Faith]]
After narrowly defeating a [[Defense of Masyaf|retaliatory attack]] by the Templars, the Assassins' leader [[Al Mualim]] demotes Altaïr to a [[novice]] but gives him another chance to rise through the Brotherhood's [[Assassin rank|ranks]]. Al Mualim assigns Altaïr the task of assassinating nine key figures across the Holy Land in [[Jerusalem]], [[Acre]], and [[Damascus]], aiming to bring peace between the [[Crusaders|Crusader]] and [[Saracens|Saracen]] forces. Each target is based on an actual historical figure from the Third Crusade.
On December 13, 2006, in an interview with [[wikipedia:IGN|IGN]], [[wikipedia:Kristen Bell|Kristen Bell]] (who will have her voice and likeness lent to the game) talked about the plot. According to the interview, the plot centers on [[wikipedia:genetic memory|genetic memory]] and a corporation looking for descendants of an assassin.
Altaïr completes each task, learning how each target is connected to Robert and the Templars, and how they all aim to end the Crusades and place the Holy Land under [[New World Order|their own control]]. With men on both sides killed, he discovers that Robert's last plot is to attempt to unite the Christian and Muslim forces against their new common enemy, the Assassins themselves. Altaïr eventually slays Robert before King [[Richard I of England|Richard I]] of [[England]], ending the Templars' plans but failing to convince the King that an end to the war would be welcome to both sides. From a dying Robert, Altaïr learns that Al Mualim had helped the Templars locate the Piece of Eden in Solomon's Temple but eventually betrayed them, just as he had the Assassins, in order to keep the artifact for himself.
<blockquote>It's actually really interesting to me. It's sort of based on the research that's sort of happening now, about the fact that your genes might be able to hold memory. And you could argue semantics and say it's instinct, but how does a baby bird know to eat a worm, as opposed to a cockroach, if its parents don't show it? And it's about this science company trying to, Matrix-style, go into people's brains and find out an ancestor who used to be an assassin, and sort of locate who that person is.</blockquote>
[[File:AC-AltairMalikMap.png|thumb|250px|Altaïr discovers a map detailing the locations of other Pieces of Eden]]
Altaïr quickly returns to Masyaf and [[Retaking of Masyaf|confronts]] his master, who reveals the truth to him: the Piece of Eden is not a supernatural artifact but rather creates illusions. He denounces religion and other seemingly supernatural events (e.g. the {{Wiki|Plagues of Egypt|Ten Plagues of Egypt}}, the {{Wiki|Crossing the Red Sea|parting of the Red Sea}}, and the presence of the Greek Gods in the [[Trojan War]]) as illusions caused by the Piece, and then states his intention to use the artifact to compel [[human]]ity into a brainwashed state, and in doing so, bringing an end to all conflict. Altaïr is eventually able to see through the deceptions created by the artifact and kill Al Mualim. When Altaïr recovers the artifact, the Piece of Eden activates, showing a holographic view of [[Earth]] with the locations of countless other Pieces of Eden marked across the globe.
Altaïr is voiced by actor [[wikipedia:Philip Shahbaz|Philip Shahbaz]].
When the process is complete, Desmond learns that Abstergo is the Templars' modern-day front and that they are already seeking the Pieces of Eden from the locations identified in Altaïr's memories. Furthermore, he learns that the modern-day Assassins tried to rescue him due to him once being an Assassin himself, but failed. Following this, Desmond is to be killed after an order from the high-ranking Templar [[Alan Rikkin]], but Lucy saves him by convincing Rikkin and the others that Desmond can still be useful to them. Before Lucy leaves with Vidic, she indicates to Desmond that she is an undercover Assassin by tucking her ring finger into her palm, referring to the Assassins' [[Initiation into the Assassin Order|tradition]] of severing their finger in order to join them and operate their signature weapon, the [[Hidden Blade]].
It was mentioned in the UbiDays interview that Altaïr is not religious but rather "spiritual" and is the son of a Christian Mother and Muslim Father.
[[File:Abs Room.png|thumb|250px|left|Clay's blood messages in Desmond's room]]
Though Desmond remains trapped in the [[Animus Project laboratory|Abstergo laboratory]], his experience in the Animus has created a Bleeding Effect of Altaïr's life in his own, allowing Desmond to use Altaïr's [[Eagle Vision]]. In turn, this allows him to see [[Cryptic Messages|strange messages]] painted on the walls of his room and the floor of the lab. The messages deal with various forms of the end of the world from different cultures, including several references to [[Second Disaster|21 December 2012]], the date when Abstergo plans to launch a [[Eye-Abstergo|satellite]] that will "permanently end the war". It is hinted that this method will be similar to how Al Mualim hypnotized Masyaf, but on a larger scale. The game ends with Desmond wondering what the images mean and [[Clay Kaczmarek|who]] could have drawn them.
[[wikipedia:Altair|Altair]] (meaning "flying" in Arabic) is a star in the Northern Sky in the constellation of [[wikipedia:Aquilla|Aquilla]] ("eagle" in Latin); this ties in well with a white eagle seen in the trailer for [[wikipedia:PS3|PS3]] and [[wikipedia:Xbox 360|Xbox 360]] which is shown flying over the city of Acre, and lands on the bell tower Altaïr himself is standing on. To complete the theme the Assassin's clothes consist of white flowing robes.
==Development==
{{Video game requirements
|collapse=collapsed
|useminandrec=yes
|platform1=Microsoft Windows
|os1=Windows XP with Service Pack 2 or Windows Vista
|cpu1=Intel Pentium D 2.4 GHz or AMD Athlon 64 X2 3800+ (Dual Core) processor
|cpu1rec=Intel Core 2 Duo 2.2GHz or better/AMD Athlon 64 X2 4200+ or 4400+
|memory1=512MB (XP), 1GB (Vista)
|memory1rec=2GB
|gpu1=256MB DirectX 9.0c Graphics Card with Shader Model 3.0 or higher.
|gpu1rec=512MB DirectX 10.0–compliant video card.
|sound1=DirectX 9.0 or 10.0–compliant
|sound1rec=5.1 channel surround
|hdspace1=9.0GB}}
After the 2003 release of ''{{Wiki|Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time}}'', creative director [[Patrice Désilets]] developed a spin-off entitled ''Prince of Persia: Assassin'' about an Assassin in Jerusalem protecting a prince with magical powers.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.edge-online.com/features/making-assassins-creed/ |title=The Making Of: Assassin's Creed|author=Edge Staff|publisher=''{{Wiki|Edge}}''|date=27 August 2012|accessdate=27 June 2013|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120829012943/http://www.edge-online.com/features/making-assassins-creed/|archivedate=29 August 2012}}</ref>
It is also stated that in events before the start of the game, there is an initiation where Altaїr's left ring finger is cut off, so that he is no longer a Novice, but an Assassin. Once his finger is cut off, a hidden blade is installed, as noted below in "Weaponry".
The first details on what would become ''Assassin's Creed'' came in mid-September 2005 during the [[Tokyo]] {{Wiki|Tokyo Game Show|Game Show}}, when ''{{Wiki|GameSpot}}'' reported on Ubisoft's trailer for a new game in production with the working title of "Project Assassins".<ref name="Gamespot">{{Cite web|url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/tgs-2005-project-assassins-impressions/1100-6133403/|title=TGS 2005: Project Assassins Impressions|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20211222003901/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/tgs-2005-project-assassins-impressions/1100-6133403/|archivedate=21 December 2021|author=Gerstmann, Jeff|date=16 September 2005|publisher=''{{Wiki|GameSpot}}''|accessdate=21 December 2021}}</ref> No further word was heard until {{Wiki|E3|E3 2006}}, when an updated version of the trailer was shown under the name ''Assassin's Creed''. When ''{{Wiki|GamesRadar}}'' pressed Ubisoft for comment after they previously claimed ''Assassin's Creed'' had never been previewed before, a representative confirmed that "Project Assassins" and ''Assassin's Creed'' were indeed the same.<ref name="GamesRadar">{{Cite web|url=https://www.gamesradar.com/assassins-creed-exposed/|title=Assassin's Creed exposed|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160314144006/https://www.gamesradar.com/assassins-creed-exposed/|archivedate=14 March 2016|author=Richardson, Ben|date=17 May 2006|publisher=''{{Wiki|GamesRadar}}''|accessdate=21 December 2021}}</ref>
==Story==
In a September 2006 interview with ''IGN'', game producer [[Jade Raymond]] described Altaïr as a "medieval hitman with a mysterious past" and definitely not a time traveler.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ps3.ign.com/articles/736/736393p1.html|title=Assassin's Creed Preview|author=Miller, Jonathan|publisher=''{{Wiki|IGN}}''|date=28 September 2006|accessdate=5 May 2024|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20070301172007/http://ps3.ign.com/articles/736/736393p1.html|archivedate=1 March 2007}}</ref> In October 2007, in an ''IGN Australia'' interview, [[Patrice Désilets]] described the lead character's ability to climb and free-run as being designed by the individuals who developed the mechanic for the ''Prince of Persia'' series.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2007/10/22/assassins-creed-au-interview-patrice-desilets|title=Assassin's Creed AU Interview: Patrice Desilets|author=Kolan, Patrick|publisher=''{{Wiki|IGN|IGN Australia}}''|date=22 October 2007|accessdate=5 May 2024|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20141014074942/http://www.ign.com/articles/2007/10/22/assassins-creed-au-interview-patrice-desilets|archivedate=14 October 2014}}</ref>
''Assassin's Creed'' is set in 1191 AD, when the Third Crusade was tearing the Holy Land apart. Shrouded in secrecy and feared for their ruthlessness, the Assassins intend to stop the hostilities by suppressing both sides of the conflict. Players, assuming the role of the main character, will have the power to throw their immediate environment into chaos and to shape events during this pivotal moment in history.
The story follows Altaïr, a disgraced master Assassin who embarks on an epic quest to restore his status within the Assassin Order. After failing to liquidate the Templar leader Robert de Sable and recover the legendary Templar Treasure, Altaïr is demoted to Uninitiated (the lowest rank in the Assassin Order).
In December 2006, Kristen Bell, who voiced Abstergo researcher and employee Lucy Stillman, gave the first concrete information about the plot, confirming a focus on genetic memory and a corporation's search for descendants of an assassin.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://tv.ign.com/articles/750/750843p3.html|title=IGN Exclusive Interview: Kristen Bell|author=Goldman, Eric|publisher=''{{Wiki|IGN}}''|date=13 December 2006|accessdate=21 January 2010|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20061216054550/http://tv.ign.com/articles/750/750843p3.html|archivedate=16 December 2006}}</ref> Ubisoft also released a 5-part series of "Developer Diaries" videos on the game's website with members of the development team, including creative director Patrice Désilets and producer Jade Raymond, explaining the thought processes behind the various aspects of the game.
But Sinan, leader of the Assassins, offers him an opportunity to redeem himself. Altaïr must venture out into the Holy Land and assassinate men said to be exacerbating and exploiting the hostilities created by the Third Crusade. In doing so, he will stabilise the region, allowing Sinan to usher in an age of peace.
The game initially had a multiplayer mode, though it was cut during development.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/articles/ubisoft-experimented-with-multiplayer-for-first-as/1100-6433342/|title=Ubisoft Experimented With Multiplayer for First Assassin's Creed - Report|first=Eddie|last=Makuch|publisher=''{{Wiki|GameSpot}}''|date=23 December 2015|accessdate=25 December 2015|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20240430125421/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/ubisoft-experimented-with-multiplayer-for-first-as/1100-6433342/|archivedate=30 April 2024}}</ref> In an interview with ''IAMAG Inspiration'' to promote the release of ''[[Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag]]'', [[Raphael Lacoste]], the Art Director and Production Designer of ''Assassin's Creed'', revealed one of the key inspirations for the initial vibe of the series was Orientalist paintings, particularly the lithographs of the Holy Land and Syria by David Roberts.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.iamag.co/assassins-creed-the-origins-of-art-exclusive-interview-with-artistic-director-raphael-lacoste/|title=Assassin’s Creed: The Origins of Art – Exclusive Interview with Artistic Director Raphael Lacoste|publisher=IAMAG.co|accessdate=5 May 2024|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20200812122618/https://www.iamag.co/assassins-creed-the-origins-of-art-exclusive-interview-with-artistic-director-raphael-lacoste/|archivedate=12 August 2020}}</ref>
When the game begins, Richard the Lionheart has just recaptured the port city of Acre from occupying Saracens. With a base of operations established, the Crusaders prepare to march south. Their true target is Jerusalem – which they intend to recapture in the name of the Church. However, Saladin, leader of the Saracen army, currently rules the city. Stinging from his army’s defeat at Acre, he will not allow Richard to humiliate him again. The Saracens are massing at the ruins of Fortress Arsuf, intending to ambush the Crusaders and prevent them from reaching Jerusalem.
==Music==
The [[Assassin's Creed soundtrack|musical score]] for ''Assassin's Creed'' was composed by [[Jesper Kyd]] and the entire soundtrack was developed to "capture the gruesome atmosphere of medieval warfare but also be edgy and contemporary."<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.kotaku.com.au/2007/10/assassins_creed_score_is_bafta/|title=Assassin's Creed Score Is BAFTAstic|first=Michael|last=McWhertor|work={{Wiki|Kotaku}}|date=17 October 2007|accessdate=21 January 2010|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20080708215610/http://kotaku.com/gaming/soundtracks/assassins-creed-score-is-baftastic-311580.php|archivedate=8 July 2008}}</ref> The score was written to contain orchestral music with dark and ominous overtones. Many of the tracks also contain choruses and vocal tracks in Latin to cement the darker elements of the game and the time period of the game's setting. Six tracks were released on the Ubisoft website for those who purchased the game. The soundtrack is also available on iTunes and Amazon.
These war maneuvers have left the rest of the Holy Land wide open. While Richard and Saladin battle one another, the men left to govern in their stead have begun taking advantage of their newfound positions of power. Exploitation, manipulation, and provocation rule the day. It is into this chaotic mess Altaïr now finds himself. He is ordered to eliminate those most active in their exploitation. This is how the Assassin begins his mission.
==Prequels and sequels==
In February 2008, ''[[Assassin's Creed: Altaïr's Chronicles]]'' was released for Nintendo DS as a prequel for ''Assassin's Creed''. A non-canon mobile version developed by [[Gameloft]] was also released for the iPhone and iPod Touch in April 2009.
Along the way, however, he will begin to discover that his targets are bound by more than just a shared interest in personal gain. They share membership in a secret society familiar to the Hashshashin. And they are not simply looking for profit. Their true goal and how they plan to achieve it are secrets to be discovered during the course of the story.
In January 2009, Ubisoft confirmed the production of ''Assassin's Creed II'', which was released for the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 in November 2009. The sequel continued the story started in ''Assassin's Creed'' with a different set of genetic memories created to be explored by the player.
==Weaponry==
At the same time, ''[[Assassin's Creed: Bloodlines]]'' was released for the PSP. It was comprised as another spin-off game in the same vein as ''Assassin's Creed: Altaïr's Chronicles'', where the story of Altaïr continued a month after ''Assassin's Creed''. The style of the graphics and the gameplay also resembled the first game more than its predecessor ''Assassin's Creed: Altaïr's Chronicles''.
Altaïr carries a number of highly specialised weapons for his role as an assassin—weapons noted from the trailers include a sword (Xbox 360 gameplay demo), a small crossbow, which appears to also be able to be used as an axe, although it is unknown if it was designed purposefully this way, or merely an effect created for the trailer, and on his back there are bolts for his crossbow in a small quiver; throwing daggers strapped on his chest, as well as his specialty weapon which is used for his assassinations, it is a concealed mechanical dagger (similar in concept to an OTF blade or "out the front") attached to his left arm, which emerges from under his wrist. This is made to retract so that the assassin remains inconspicuous. Altaïr is also missing his left hand ring finger which was severed as part of an initiation ceremony when he received his mechanical dagger. When the blade is extended and the hand is balled into a fist the blade extends through the space left by the removed ring finger. Jade Raymond has stated that the player will be able to unlock new abilities such as improved boots (better grip for climbing) and climbing gloves and customizations for Altaïr's weaponry. In the newest trailer, Altaïr also carries a knife on his back, in addition to his sword. The players can select the weapon they want to use by pressing the directional buttons, this allows quick switch capability during combat.
==Other media==
In November 2010, ''[[Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood]]'' was released. It continued the story of [[Ezio Auditore da Firenze]] from ''Assassin's Creed II'' and the modern day Assassins' story. It is also the first full game in the series to feature a [[multiplayer]] mode.
Pocket Books has announced it will novelise ''Assassin’s Creed''. The title of the first book will be ''Assassin’s Creed Book One: The Invisible Imam'' and is due to be published in October of 2007. The publisher plans to print a trilogy of novels based on Ubisoft’s upcoming game. The first title in the novel series will detail events leading up to the beginning of the game.
According to xbox.com there have been some discussions between five major studios and Ubisoft, concerning making a film adaptation of ''Assassin's Creed''. However the identities of the film companies have not been revealed and neither has Ubisoft's response.
In November 2011, ''[[Assassin's Creed: Revelations]]'' was released. The story of Ezio came to a close when he traveled to [[Constantinople]] to find [[Masyaf Keys|the five keys]] to [[Library of Altaïr Ibn-La'Ahad|Altaïr's library]] under Masyaf's castle. The keys also allowed Ezio to see memories of Altaïr's life preceding and following the events of the first game. This also allows the player to once again play as Altaïr.
Ubisoft and The Independent Film Channel [[wikipedia:IFC|IFC]] will hold a contest for short films based on ''Assassin's Creed''.
In October 2012, ''[[Assassin's Creed III]]'' was released. Although having almost nothing about Altaïr, it continued Desmond's story in the form of [[Ratonhnhaké:ton]]. However, Altaïr's outfit was available when Desmond completed each main story mission with full synchronization.
==E3 2007==
In October 2013, ''[[Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag]]'' was released. The game told the story of [[Edward Kenway]], the father of [[Haytham Kenway]] and grandfather of Ratonhnhaké:ton from ''Assassin's Creed III''.
On July 10th 2007 during the [[wikipedia:Microsoft|Microsoft]] [[wikipedia:E3|E3]] Press Conference [[wikipedia:Jade Raymond|Jade Raymond]] appeared to demo the game and show off a previously unseen city, [[wikipedia:Jerusalem|Jerusalem]].
Features that were demonstrated included improved crowd mechanics, the "chase" system (chasing after a target trying to flee), as well as deeper aspects of free running.
In November 2014, ''[[Assassin's Creed: Unity]]'' and ''[[Assassin's Creed: Rogue]]'' were released. ''Unity'' followed the [[Parisian Brotherhood of Assassins|French Assassin]] [[Arno Dorian]] on his path for redemption during the [[French Revolution]], while ''Rogue'' took place during the [[Seven Years' War]] and told the tale of the Assassin [[Shay Cormac]] who turned to the Templars after being betrayed by his former comrades.
It is worthy to note that this was the first time where [[wikipedia:Altaïr|Altaïr]] could be heard speaking.
In October 2015, ''[[Assassin's Creed: Syndicate]]'' was released. Set in the [[Victorian era]], ''Syndicate'' was the first game to feature two playable protagonists, the twins [[Jacob Frye|Jacob]] and [[Evie Frye]].
Assassin's Creed was showcased again for a near 20-minute interview with [[wikipedia:Jade Raymond|Jade Raymond]] on Wednesday, July 11th. The video showed an extended version of the [[wikipedia:E3|E3]] demo, and included the chase scene after the assassination of Talal. Several aspects of the game were discussed, such as the physics system and further detail on the Leap of Faith.
In October 2017, ''[[Assassin's Creed: Origins]]'' was released. Set in [[Ptolemaic dynasty|Ptolemaic]] [[Egypt]], the player follows the story of [[Bayek]] of [[Siwa]] and the birth of the Assassins.
Many fans tracking the progress of the game expressed disappointment on gaming sites with the flawed crash detection physics, appearance of many "clones" in the game, and Altaïr's uncharacteristic voice. In an interview with [[wikipedia:G4|G4]] on July 11th, [[wikipedia:Jade Raymond|Jade Raymond]] acknowledged that many bugs seen at E3 (eg: floating dead body, little to no crowd reaction) were being worked on and that they have entered the debugging phase.
In October 2018, ''[[Assassin's Creed: Odyssey]]'' was released. Set during the [[Peloponnesian War]], players follow the story of the ''[[Mercenary|misthios]]'' [[Kassandra]].
==Trivia==
In November 2020, ''[[Assassin's Creed: Valhalla]]'' was released. Set during the [[Viking expansion]] into Europe, players follow the story of the [[Vikings|Viking]] [[Eivor Varinsdottir]].
*The popular phrase used to describe Assassin's Creed's gameplay, "Nothing is true. Everything is permitted."<ref name="qa">{{cite web|url=http://www.gamepro.com/news.cfm?article_id=85121 | title=Exclusive Assassin's Creed Q&A | date = 11-06-2006 | publisher=Gamepro.com}}</ref> is in fact a quote generally attributed to the founder of the Hashshashin, [[wikipedia:Hasan bin Sabbah|Hasan bin Sabbah]].
==Awards==
In October 2023, ''[[Assassin's Creed: Mirage]]'' was released. Set during the [[Islamic Golden Age]] in the [[Abbasid Caliphate]], players follow the story of a younger [[Basim ibn Ishaq]], a major side character first introduced in ''Valhalla''.
The following awards were won at [[wikipedia:E3|E3]] 2006:
In March 2025, ''[[Assassin's Creed: Shadows]]'' was released. Set in [[Sengoku period]] [[Japan]], it reused ''Syndicate''{{'}}s feature of dual protagonists and followed the ''[[Ninja|shinobi]]'' [[Fujibayashi Naoe]] and [[samurai]] [[Yasuke]].
*Best Action/Adventure Game.
;IGN
*Won: Best Action Game, PS3 Game of the Show, Best PS3 Action Game, Best PS3 Graphics
==Awards==
*Runner-up:, Best Console Game, Best PS3 Artistic Design, PS3 Award for Technological Excellence
{|{{Prettytable}}
*Nominations: Game of the Show, Best Graphics Technology
|-
!Date
!Award
!Category
!Recipient(s)
!Result
|-
|rowspan="3"|2006
|rowspan="4"|{{Wiki|Game Critics Awards}}
|Best Action/Adventure Game
|rowspan="5"|''Assassin's Creed''
|style="text-align: center;"|Won<ref name="IMDB">{{Imdb|title/tt0932936/awards/|Assassin's Creed (2007 Video Game) - Awards}}</ref>
''Assassin's Creed'' was releashed on {{Wiki|Xbox 360}} and {{Wiki|PlayStation 3}} on 13 November 2007, in [[North America]], 16 November in [[Europe]], and 21 November in [[Australia]] and New Zealand.<ref>{{cite web|author=GameSpot Staff|url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/assassins-creed-golden/1100-6181699/|title=Assassin's Creed golden|publisher=''{{Wiki|GameSpot}}''|date=29 October 2007|accessdate=5 May 2024|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20180507003453/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/assassins-creed-golden/1100-6181699/|archivedate=7 May 2018}}</ref> The PC version of Assassin's Creed was released in North America on 8 April 2008 as a ''Director's Cut Edition''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.spong.com/article/14941/Assassins_Creed_PC_New_Investigation_Types?cb=496|title=Assassin's Creed PC: New Investigation Types|author=Beauchemin, Charles|publisher=Spong|date=4 March 2008|accessdate=5 May 2024|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20090102200459/http://news.spong.com/article/14941/Assassins_Creed_PC_New_Investigation_Types?cb=496|archivedate=2 January 2009}}</ref> A DRM-free version was later made possible by GOG Games, a digital distribution service and subsidiary owned by CD Projekt. The game is available on the GOG Games store and GOG Galaxy.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gog.com/en/game/assassins_creed_directors_cut|title=Assassin's Creed: Director's Cut|accessdate=5 May 2024|publisher={{Wiki|GOG.com}}|archivedate=12 March 2022|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20220312140810/https://www.gog.com/en/game/assassins_creed_directors_cut}}</ref>
;GameSpot
''Assassin's Creed'' was later included in the ''[[Assassin's Creed: Anthology]]'', exclusive to PAL regions and released on 29 November 2012, alongside the compiled ''[[Assassin's Creed II]], [[Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood]], [[Assassin's Creed: Revelations]]'', and ''[[Assassin's Creed III]]''.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.eurogamer.net/assassins-creed-anthology-includes-5-games-dlc|title=Assassin's Creed Anthology includes five games, DLC|publisher=''{{Wiki|Eurogamer}}''|author=Phillips, Tom|date=6 November 2012|accessdate=5 May 2024|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20220704231553/https://www.eurogamer.net/assassins-creed-anthology-includes-5-games-dlc|archivedate=4 July 2022}}</ref> The ''[[Assassin's Creed: Heritage Collection|Heritage Collection]]'', a PAL-region exclusive released on 8 November 2013, contained the same as the ''Anthology'' apart from the DLC.<ref>{{Cite web| url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2013/10/04/assassins-creed-heritage-collection-announced-for-europe| title=Assassin's Creed Heritage Collection Announced For Europe| author=Karmali, Luke| work={{Wiki|IGN}}| date=4 October 2013| accessdate=12 May 2024| archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150108080227/https://www.ign.com/articles/2013/10/04/assassins-creed-heritage-collection-announced-for-europe| archivedate=8 January 2015}}</ref>
*Won: Best PS3 game of the show
*Runner-up: Game of the Show, Best Trailer, Best Graphics, Best Action Adventure Game
;Gametrailers
===Editions===
*Won: Best of Show
<tabber>
*Runner-up: Best Trailer, Most Innovative, Best Action/Adventure
|-|Limited Edition=
[[File:AC - limited edition.jpg|right|200px]]
A limited collector's edition of the game was released in North America alongside the standard release. The North American edition contains a collectible three inch Altaïr figurine, a [[Assassin's Creed (webcomic)|Penny Arcade comic]], a mini strategy guide, and a bonus disc. The bonus disc includes behind-the-scenes videos, developer diaries, trailers, production team interviews, and the winners of the ''Assassin's Creed'' short film contest. A European limited edition of the game was also released which includes a 12" Altaïr figurine, art book, and bonus disc. The bonus disc contains several short films and content similar to the North American version.
;1UP:
In addition to the game, a steelbox was released, which holds the [[Assassin's Creed (comic)|''Assassin's Creed'' graphic novel]], a bonus disc, and a certificate of authenticity. It is decorated with the [[Assassin insignia]] and Animus effect symbols, while on its back a picture of Altaïr is displayed. The steelbox provided space to insert the game case of any platform.
*Won: Best PS3 game
|-|Director's Cut Edition (PC Only)=
*Runner-up: Best Visuals, Game of the show
[[File:Acdc.jpg|right|200px]]
The Director's Cut Edition of ''Assassin's Creed'' features four types of PC-exclusive Informer Challenge investigations, named Archer Stealth Assassination, Escort, Merchant Stand Destruction, and Rooftop Race. These investigation missions replace some of the original memories in the console versions to provide a greater variety of gameplay. Modifications have also been made to existing missions based on player feedback.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://store.ubi.com/us/assassins-creed-directors-cut-edition/575ffd8fa3be1633568b4cea.html?lang=en_US|title=Assassin's Creed Directors Cut Edition for PC|publisher=Ubisoft Store|accessdate=31 August 2019|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170703032702/http://store.ubi.com/us/assassins-creed-directors-cut-edition/575ffd8fa3be1633568b4cea.html|archivedate=3 July 2017}}</ref>
*Assistant Art Technical Director: Viken Majoulian
*Characters Technical Director: François Lévesque
*Animation Technical Director: Steeve Ouellet
*Engine Team Lead: Dominique Duvivier
*Engine Team Lead: Stéphane Girard
*Lead Modeler: Patrick Gagné
*Composer: [[Jesper Kyd]]
{{!}}
;Special thanks
*Florence Baccard
*Michael Beadle
*Dan Black
*Jay Cohen
*Andrew Cove
*Jonathan Dankoff
*Christophe Derennes
*Dean Evans
*Mathieu Ferland
*Blake Fisher
*Jean-Marc Geffroy
*Thomas Giroux
*Serge Hascoët
*Sabrina Jacques
*Pauline Jacquey
*Yann Le Tensorer
*Yannis Mallat
*Sébastien Puel
*Francisco Randez
*Lionel Raynaud
*Nicolas Schoener
}}
;Media and interviews
==References==
* [http://www.gametrailers.com/player/21513.html E3 2007 On Stage Demonstration]
{{Reflist}}
* [http://www.xboxgazette.com/interview_assassins_creed_en.php Interview with producer Jade Raymond]
{{AC}}
* [http://download.gametrailers.com/gt_vault/t_assassinscreed_x06_onstagedemo_h264.wmv X06 On Stage Demo (137 MB, .WMV)]
{{ACSeries}}
* [http://www.gamevideos.com/video/id/6492 HD Trailer]
<!--[ar:أساسنز كريد]
* [http://news.filefront.com/new-assassins-creed-trailer-from-ubiday-2007/ Trailer From Ubiday 2007]
[de:Assassin’s Creed]
* [http://www.gamereactor.se/grtv/player/popup.php?cat=Event&id=963 Jade Raymond Q & A session from Ubidays 2007]
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* [http://ds.ign.com/objects/906/906298.html]
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[[Category:Assassin's Creed]]
[[Category:Real world video games]]
[[Category:Assassin's Creed series]]
Latest revision as of 00:11, 11 May 2026
This article is about the first video game in the series. You may be looking for Assassin's Creed (series).
"Jerusalem, the twelfth century. Amidst the chaos of the Third Crusade, a Brotherhood of warriors rose to power. Shrouded in secrecy, feared for their ruthlessness, they alone would save the Holy Land, or destroy it. They were the Assassins."
Assassin's Creed is a sandbox style action-adventure-stealth video game developed by Ubisoft Montreal and published by Ubisoft. The game was released for the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 in November 2007 and for PC in April 2008.
The game centers around the use of a machine dubbed the "Animus", which allows its user to view the genetic memories of their ancestors. The protagonist is a bartender named Desmond Miles, who is abducted by the company Abstergo Industries and forced to relive the memories of his ancestor Altaïr Ibn-La'Ahad, an Assassin. As Desmond explores Altaïr's story in the Holy Land during the Third Crusade, details of a battle between two ancient sects—the Knights Templar and the Assassin Order—emerge as both scour for artifacts known only as "Pieces of Eden."
Assassin's Creed received primarily positive reviews, for both its story and its gameplay, and received several awards at 2006's E3. In November 2009, a sequel in the form of Assassin's Creed II was released, building on the foundation set by Assassin's Creed.
Altaïr Ibn-La'Ahad, one of the game's protagonists
Assassin's Creed is a non-linear action-adventure video game, during which the player controls the 12th-century Levantine Assassin Altaïr Ibn-La'Ahad, whose life during the Third Crusade is experienced through the Animus by his 21st century descendant, Desmond Miles. The game's overall goal is to rise through the Assassins' ranks by carrying out a series of assassinations given by the Order's leader, Al Mualim. In doing so, Altaïr travels from Masyaf to cities in the Holy Land, specifically, Jerusalem, Acre, and Damascus.
Upon arrival in any of the cities, Altaïr must locate an Assassin bureau and discuss his tasks with the local rafiq, a Brotherhood agent, gaining basic knowledge of his target. From there, it is up to Altaïr to perform additional reconnaissance via eavesdropping, interrogations, meeting with informers, and gathering important items. It is only after Altaïr has gathered enough information that he can carry out the assassination. After successfully completing an assassination, Altaïr returns to Masyaf to debrief with Al Mualim, and is subsequently rewarded with better equipment, before he is given the names of his next targets.
High vantage points allow the player to map out portions of the city
Between main memories, Desmond must direct Altaïr to high points in the city to further synchronize his surroundings and map out the city that Altaïr is currently located in. Other side memories include tracking and killing Templars, collecting flags, and savingcivilians who are being threatened by city guards.
Accompanying this, Altaïr needs to carry out most of his actions without being noticed by officials. The game uses a meter dependent on social stealth to inform the player of how noticeable Altaïr is to surrounding individuals, including the guards, by changing the color and shape of the Abstergo logo; performing certain actions at certain times may or may not raise the local area's awareness level.
If an area is on high alert, indicated by the logo becoming red and the entire synchronization interface earning a red tinge and background, guards will be always vigilant and citizens will scatter in various directions in the event that the guards chase and attempt to bring down Altaïr. To reduce his notoriety, Altaïr must break the guards' line of sight and then find a hiding place, blend in with wandering scholars, or join citizens sitting on benches.
Altaïr's freerunning abilities allow for greater exploration
To conduct many of the assassinations and various other tasks, Altaïr is capable of both high and low profile commands, both of which affect the alertness level. Low profile commands will allow Altaïr to blend into crowds, hide, and use Altaïr's Hidden Blade to attempt quiet and low profile assassinations. High profile commands increase alertness at a greater level and include freerunning, attacking foes, and high profile assassination attempts. In the event that the player finds themself faced with multiple enemies, one can utilize Altaïr's sword-fighting abilities to combat guards.
Health in Assassin's Creed is measured as the level of synchronization between Desmond and Altaïr's memories. Whenever Altaïr is injured, it is experienced as a deviation from the actual memory that occurred and synchronization decreases. If there is complete desynchronization, the current memory that Desmond is experiencing dematerializes and restarts at the last stable checkpoint.
Because Altaïr's memories are rendered by the Animus software, "glitches" may often be experienced with nucleotides and error messages appearing. These glitches can be used to help identify targets and if the player reacts quickly enough, may be used to provide other vantage points during cut-scenes.
Desmond Miles, a seemingly ordinary bartender, is kidnapped by the company Abstergo Industries for use as a test subject in the Animus, a device that can simulate genetic memory. Abstergo intends to put Desmond in the device to relive the memories of his ancestor Altaïr Ibn-La'Ahad, a member of the Assassin Brotherhood who lived during the Third Crusade in the Holy Land. Initially, Desmond has trouble adjusting to the device, but eventually relives Altaïr's exploits over the next several days. The game then primarily changes to Altaïr's point-of-view, with occasional transitions to Desmond, due to problems with the Animus or onset of the Bleeding Effect.
Warren Vidic of Abstergo Industries overlooks Desmond inside the Animus
The game opens with Desmond entering Altaïr's memory, but he soon faces synchronization problems. On this, Lucy Stillman and Warren Vidic's voices can be heard, arguing over Desmond's safety within the Animus. After experiencing a few problems, Desmond exits the virtual machine and Vidic briefs him about the Animus' inner workings, before initializing the machine's tutorial program. After Desmond is done with the tutorial, he enters Altaïr's closest memory that he can synchronize with; Lucy adds that Desmond has to relive key moments of Altaïr's life to increase his synchronization, before reaching the final memory which holds the information that Abstergo is seeking.
In 1191, Altaïr attempts to retrieve one of a series of artifacts known as the "Pieces of Eden" from Solomon's Temple alongside two fellow Assassins, Malik Al-Sayf and his brother Kadar. However, the trio are beaten to the treasure by Robert de Sablé, Grand Master of the Knights Templar and the Assassins' sworn enemy. While attempting to recover the treasure from the Templars and kill Robert, Altaïr, blinded by arrogance, breaks all three tenets of the Assassins' Creed and is forced to escape empty-handed after being overpowered by Robert. In the following battle, Kadar is killed and Malik's left arm is crippled and later amputated. When Altaïr returns to the Assassins' stronghold at Masyaf with apologies, Malik, who survived the Templars' attack, comes back with the artifact and disparages Altaïr because of his arrogance.
Altaïr, Rauf and another Assassin performing the Leap of Faith
After narrowly defeating a retaliatory attack by the Templars, the Assassins' leader Al Mualim demotes Altaïr to a novice but gives him another chance to rise through the Brotherhood's ranks. Al Mualim assigns Altaïr the task of assassinating nine key figures across the Holy Land in Jerusalem, Acre, and Damascus, aiming to bring peace between the Crusader and Saracen forces. Each target is based on an actual historical figure from the Third Crusade.
Altaïr completes each task, learning how each target is connected to Robert and the Templars, and how they all aim to end the Crusades and place the Holy Land under their own control. With men on both sides killed, he discovers that Robert's last plot is to attempt to unite the Christian and Muslim forces against their new common enemy, the Assassins themselves. Altaïr eventually slays Robert before King Richard I of England, ending the Templars' plans but failing to convince the King that an end to the war would be welcome to both sides. From a dying Robert, Altaïr learns that Al Mualim had helped the Templars locate the Piece of Eden in Solomon's Temple but eventually betrayed them, just as he had the Assassins, in order to keep the artifact for himself.
Altaïr discovers a map detailing the locations of other Pieces of Eden
Altaïr quickly returns to Masyaf and confronts his master, who reveals the truth to him: the Piece of Eden is not a supernatural artifact but rather creates illusions. He denounces religion and other seemingly supernatural events (e.g. the Ten Plagues of Egypt, the parting of the Red Sea, and the presence of the Greek Gods in the Trojan War) as illusions caused by the Piece, and then states his intention to use the artifact to compel humanity into a brainwashed state, and in doing so, bringing an end to all conflict. Altaïr is eventually able to see through the deceptions created by the artifact and kill Al Mualim. When Altaïr recovers the artifact, the Piece of Eden activates, showing a holographic view of Earth with the locations of countless other Pieces of Eden marked across the globe.
When the process is complete, Desmond learns that Abstergo is the Templars' modern-day front and that they are already seeking the Pieces of Eden from the locations identified in Altaïr's memories. Furthermore, he learns that the modern-day Assassins tried to rescue him due to him once being an Assassin himself, but failed. Following this, Desmond is to be killed after an order from the high-ranking Templar Alan Rikkin, but Lucy saves him by convincing Rikkin and the others that Desmond can still be useful to them. Before Lucy leaves with Vidic, she indicates to Desmond that she is an undercover Assassin by tucking her ring finger into her palm, referring to the Assassins' tradition of severing their finger in order to join them and operate their signature weapon, the Hidden Blade.
Clay's blood messages in Desmond's room
Though Desmond remains trapped in the Abstergo laboratory, his experience in the Animus has created a Bleeding Effect of Altaïr's life in his own, allowing Desmond to use Altaïr's Eagle Vision. In turn, this allows him to see strange messages painted on the walls of his room and the floor of the lab. The messages deal with various forms of the end of the world from different cultures, including several references to 21 December 2012, the date when Abstergo plans to launch a satellite that will "permanently end the war". It is hinted that this method will be similar to how Al Mualim hypnotized Masyaf, but on a larger scale. The game ends with Desmond wondering what the images mean and who could have drawn them.
Intel Pentium D 2.4 GHz or AMD Athlon 64 X2 3800+ (Dual Core) processor
Intel Core 2 Duo 2.2GHz or better/AMD Athlon 64 X2 4200+ or 4400+
Memory
512MB (XP), 1GB (Vista)
2GB
Hard drive space
9.0GB
Graphics hardware
256MB DirectX 9.0c Graphics Card with Shader Model 3.0 or higher.
512MB DirectX 10.0–compliant video card.
Sound hardware
DirectX 9.0 or 10.0–compliant
5.1 channel surround
After the 2003 release of Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time, creative director Patrice Désilets developed a spin-off entitled Prince of Persia: Assassin about an Assassin in Jerusalem protecting a prince with magical powers.[1]
The first details on what would become Assassin's Creed came in mid-September 2005 during the TokyoGame Show, when GameSpot reported on Ubisoft's trailer for a new game in production with the working title of "Project Assassins".[2] No further word was heard until E3 2006, when an updated version of the trailer was shown under the name Assassin's Creed. When GamesRadar pressed Ubisoft for comment after they previously claimed Assassin's Creed had never been previewed before, a representative confirmed that "Project Assassins" and Assassin's Creed were indeed the same.[3]
In a September 2006 interview with IGN, game producer Jade Raymond described Altaïr as a "medieval hitman with a mysterious past" and definitely not a time traveler.[4] In October 2007, in an IGN Australia interview, Patrice Désilets described the lead character's ability to climb and free-run as being designed by the individuals who developed the mechanic for the Prince of Persia series.[5]
In December 2006, Kristen Bell, who voiced Abstergo researcher and employee Lucy Stillman, gave the first concrete information about the plot, confirming a focus on genetic memory and a corporation's search for descendants of an assassin.[6] Ubisoft also released a 5-part series of "Developer Diaries" videos on the game's website with members of the development team, including creative director Patrice Désilets and producer Jade Raymond, explaining the thought processes behind the various aspects of the game.
The game initially had a multiplayer mode, though it was cut during development.[7] In an interview with IAMAG Inspiration to promote the release of Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag, Raphael Lacoste, the Art Director and Production Designer of Assassin's Creed, revealed one of the key inspirations for the initial vibe of the series was Orientalist paintings, particularly the lithographs of the Holy Land and Syria by David Roberts.[8]
The musical score for Assassin's Creed was composed by Jesper Kyd and the entire soundtrack was developed to "capture the gruesome atmosphere of medieval warfare but also be edgy and contemporary."[9] The score was written to contain orchestral music with dark and ominous overtones. Many of the tracks also contain choruses and vocal tracks in Latin to cement the darker elements of the game and the time period of the game's setting. Six tracks were released on the Ubisoft website for those who purchased the game. The soundtrack is also available on iTunes and Amazon.
In February 2008, Assassin's Creed: Altaïr's Chronicles was released for Nintendo DS as a prequel for Assassin's Creed. A non-canon mobile version developed by Gameloft was also released for the iPhone and iPod Touch in April 2009.
In January 2009, Ubisoft confirmed the production of Assassin's Creed II, which was released for the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 in November 2009. The sequel continued the story started in Assassin's Creed with a different set of genetic memories created to be explored by the player.
At the same time, Assassin's Creed: Bloodlines was released for the PSP. It was comprised as another spin-off game in the same vein as Assassin's Creed: Altaïr's Chronicles, where the story of Altaïr continued a month after Assassin's Creed. The style of the graphics and the gameplay also resembled the first game more than its predecessor Assassin's Creed: Altaïr's Chronicles.
In November 2011, Assassin's Creed: Revelations was released. The story of Ezio came to a close when he traveled to Constantinople to find the five keys to Altaïr's library under Masyaf's castle. The keys also allowed Ezio to see memories of Altaïr's life preceding and following the events of the first game. This also allows the player to once again play as Altaïr.
In October 2012, Assassin's Creed III was released. Although having almost nothing about Altaïr, it continued Desmond's story in the form of Ratonhnhaké:ton. However, Altaïr's outfit was available when Desmond completed each main story mission with full synchronization.
Assassin's Creed was releashed on Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 on 13 November 2007, in North America, 16 November in Europe, and 21 November in Australia and New Zealand.[11] The PC version of Assassin's Creed was released in North America on 8 April 2008 as a Director's Cut Edition.[12] A DRM-free version was later made possible by GOG Games, a digital distribution service and subsidiary owned by CD Projekt. The game is available on the GOG Games store and GOG Galaxy.[13]
A limited collector's edition of the game was released in North America alongside the standard release. The North American edition contains a collectible three inch Altaïr figurine, a Penny Arcade comic, a mini strategy guide, and a bonus disc. The bonus disc includes behind-the-scenes videos, developer diaries, trailers, production team interviews, and the winners of the Assassin's Creed short film contest. A European limited edition of the game was also released which includes a 12" Altaïr figurine, art book, and bonus disc. The bonus disc contains several short films and content similar to the North American version.
In addition to the game, a steelbox was released, which holds the Assassin's Creed graphic novel, a bonus disc, and a certificate of authenticity. It is decorated with the Assassin insignia and Animus effect symbols, while on its back a picture of Altaïr is displayed. The steelbox provided space to insert the game case of any platform.
The Director's Cut Edition of Assassin's Creed features four types of PC-exclusive Informer Challenge investigations, named Archer Stealth Assassination, Escort, Merchant Stand Destruction, and Rooftop Race. These investigation missions replace some of the original memories in the console versions to provide a greater variety of gameplay. Modifications have also been made to existing missions based on player feedback.[16]
