Assassin's Creed Chronicles

Assassin's Creed Chronicles is an Assassin's Creed spin-off series of 2.5D side-scrolling video games released for Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One. Three installments focusing on Shao Jun, Arbaaz Mir, and Nikolai Orelov have been released. The first entry, China, was released on 21 April 2015; the second entry, India, was released on 12 January 2016; and the last game, Russia, was released on 9 February 2016.

Gameplay

The games are 2.5D side scrolling platformers. Many of the same weapons from the series return, like Shao Jun's Hidden Foot Blade, rope darts, and throwing knives. While controlling either Shao Jun, Arbaaz Mir, or Nikolai Orelov, players can use stealth tactics such as hiding from enemies in shadows and can climb areas that are highlighted with more color.

Plot

China

Main article: Assassin's Creed Chronicles: China

The game follows Shao Jun, who is the last remaining Assassin of the Chinese Brotherhood, during her return to China in 1526, two years after the events of the short film Assassin's Creed: Embers. As the Ming dynasty starts to crumble, Shao Juin, strengthened by her meeting with the Italian Assassin Ezio Auditore and armed with her stealth and combat skills, goes on a quest for vengeance against the Eight Tigers to restore her fallen Brotherhood.

India

Main article: Assassin's Creed Chronicles: India

The game follows Arbaaz Mir in 1841, two years after the events of the graphic novel Assassin's Creed: Brahman. Amidst growing tensions between the Sikh Empire and the East India Company, Arbaaz is tasked to recover the famed Koh-i-Noor diamond, a powerful Piece of Eden that used to belong to the Indian Assassins, from the newly-arrived Master Templar William Sleeman. While doing so, he must also protect his Mentor Hamid and his lover, Princess Pyara Kaur.

Russia

Main article: Assassin's Creed Chronicles: Russia

The game follows Nikolai Orelov in Russia in 1918, taking place between the comics Assassin's Creed: The Fall and Assassin's Creed: The Chain. Amidst the chaos of the Russian Revolution, Nikolai tries to leave the country with his family, but accepts a final assignment from the Russian Assassins. He is tasked to steal an artifact from Tsar Nicholas II's family, only to witness the Bolsheviks' murder of most of Nicholas' children. Nikolai is able to save Grand Duchess Anastasia and must protect both her and the artifact from the Russian Templars.

Development

Assassin's Creed Chronicles: China was first announced in September 2014 to be included in the season pass for Assassin's Creed: Unity. Ubisoft later announced that China would be the first part in the Chronicles trilogy, followed by games in India and Russia. China was then released on 21 April 2015 for Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One, and was the first in the series to utilize Epic Games' Unreal Engine 3.