Map
Maps were devices used in order to help the members of the Assassin Order navigate around the cities, and plan assassinations or investigations. They acted as a compromise and visualization of Altaïr's, Ezio's, Haytham's, and Ratonhnhaké:ton's memories of the cities layouts, as well as giving a sense of direction for Desmond Miles within the Animus. More areas appeared on the Animus map after every successful climb and synchronization with a view-point. These virtual maps also marked certain key areas that could be recognized by a unique symbol.
Animus maps
High Middle Ages
While viewing the memories of Altaïr Ibn-La'Ahad in the Animus 1.28, the symbols indicated the Assassin's Bureau, investigation missions (eavesdropping, interrogation, pick-pocketing and Assassin informants), exits to the Kingdom, and the locations of citizens that could be saved, or had been saved, from soldiers. Additionally, it displayed the icon for Altaïr's assassination targets upon being granted the assassination by the city's bureau leader.[1]
Renaissance
While viewing the memories of Ezio Auditore da Firenze in the Animus 2.0, symbols were displayed to mark key memories, side memories (such as races or courier assignments), shops (art merchants, Doctors, blacksmiths, tailors, and Travel Stations), treasure chests and Assassins' tombs. The mini-map's frame color also indicated his social status.[2] In Rome, along with the previous symbols, several new ones had been added. These included unique icons for the four guilds (Assassins Guild, Courtesans Guild, Mercenaries Guild and Thieves Guild), the Borgia towers, and Cristina repressed memories. Additionally, there was an option to change the view of the map to show the division of districts, the percentage of completion in each district, and the completion percentage of having freed Rome itself from the Borgia grasp.[3] In the Animus 2.03, the appearance of the map was similar to the map of Animus 1.28 and 2.0 with the same icons just like the previous Animus 2.0 with some minor differences.[4]
American Revolution
While viewing the memories of Haytham Kenway and Ratonhnhaké:ton during the American Revolutionary War , Desmond could still use view-points to fill his map, but walking through the city could reveal locations as well. The higher the viewpoint the ancestor was, more information would be revealed around them. The Animus 3.0's map system was revamped to enable fast travel to any designated point, such as tunnel entrances, ports or captured forts. The map also logged any tasks or challenges Desmond had not completed.[5]
Gallery
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Map of Rome of the Brotherhood Limited Codex Edition
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A map of the Multiplayer location, San Donato -
A map of Venice in Assassin's Creed II
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A map of Damascus in Assassin's Creed
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A map of the Boston Underground Tunnel in Assassin's Creed III
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A map of Florence in Assassin's Creed II
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A map showing the West Indies in Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag
Trivia
- In Revelations, the compass directions have been rotated approximately 90º, with the Masyaf castle now in the East, rather than the North, as it was in Assassin's Creed.