The First Rebellion: How Prince of Persia Gave Birth to Assassin’s Creed

-


Forget everything you think you know about Adam and Eve. This story is different.

Imagine being part of the first generation of humans — not born, but created. Engineered by an ancient race of godlike beings called the Isu, who ruled the Earth long before human history began. But they didn’t create us out of curiosity or love. We were made to serve, to obey.

The Isu controlled humanity through strange, powerful artifacts called Pieces of Eden. These devices could manipulate our minds, emotions, and even our free will. Most humans couldn’t resist. They didn’t even know they were being controlled.

But you? You were different.

Your blood was special. You weren’t just human. You carried something rare: the genetic immunity that made you immune to their control. So when you picked up the Apple of Eden, the most powerful of these artifacts, you didn’t fall under its spell. You saw through it.

That’s when the truth hit: this world wasn’t a paradise. It was a cage.

And you didn’t run. You didn’t bow.
You stole the Apple. Not for power, but out of defiance.
Not for control, but to free your people.

That single, simple act sparked the first rebellion in human history.

But there’s more.
A deeper force was watching. Not Isu. Not human.
A shadowy group, obsessed with order, obedience, and control. They twisted history, branded rebels like you as villains, and sought the Apple for themselves.

Not to destroy it.
But to use it.
To silence choice. Forever.

And that’s how the war between freedom and control began.


The Prince of Persia Connection: The Roots of Assassin’s Creed

While this is the foundational lore of Assassin’s Creed, the series actually traces its origins to another Ubisoft title: Prince of Persia. Released before Assassin’s Creed, Prince of Persia laid the groundwork for many of the mechanics and storytelling elements that would define the Assassin’s Creed franchise.

A Forgotten Legacy: Prince of Persia

Before the Assassins came into the picture, Ubisoft was known for its Prince of Persia franchise — a series set in the ancient lands of Persia (modern-day Iran and Afghanistan). The game was built around mystical storylines, time manipulation, and a highly fluid parkour system.

Though it was beloved by fans, Prince of Persia struggled to evolve. Poor mechanics and lackluster optimization for newer consoles led to a decline in sales, and ultimately, the series was put on hiatus.

But Ubisoft wasn’t ready to let go of its core ideas.

They combined the best elements of Prince of Persia — acrobatics, stealth, and mystery — into a brand-new formula. This led to the creation of the Assassin’s Creed series.


The Birth of Assassin’s Creed (2007)

The first Assassin’s Creed game, released in 2007, wasn’t just a game — it was a revolution in gameplay and narrative. Set during the Third Crusade in the Holy Land, players controlled Altair Ibn-La'Ahad, a member of the Assassin Brotherhood tasked with bringing down Templar leaders.

The game introduced players to

  • Open-world exploration with sprawling cities

  • Free-running and parkour mechanics, allowing players to climb and move like never before

  • A complex storyline blending historical figures and fiction

This wasn’t just about stealth and action. It was about a war — between the Assassins, who fought for freedom, and the Templars, who sought control.

But what really set the game apart was the lore. The ancient conflict between these two factions wasn’t just about power struggles; it delved into philosophical questions about free will and destiny.

This game didn’t just set the foundation for its own story; it laid the groundwork for a franchise that would continue to explore freedom versus control through various time periods and characters.


Ezio Auditore: The Iconic Assassin

Assassin’s Creed II (2009) became a massive success, but what really propelled the series into the hearts of millions was Ezio Auditore da Firenze. Introduced as a young, ambitious nobleman in Renaissance Italy, Ezio’s character arc transformed him from a naive boy into a legendary Assassin.

Ezio’s journey through loss, betrayal, vengeance, and redemption struck a chord with players. His story would continue in Assassin’s Creed Brotherhood (2010) and Assassin’s Creed Revelations (2011), and these three games would come to be known as the Ezio Trilogy.

Ezio became a cultural icon in gaming — representing the heart and soul of Assassin’s Creed.


The Modern Evolution: The Rise and Fall of the Franchise

Despite its success, Assassin’s Creed was not immune to problems. As the series expanded, Ubisoft faced several challenges in keeping the gameplay fresh and exciting. The later games became increasingly repetitive, with many players feeling that the missions were growing stale. Players often found themselves assassinating high-ranking leaders in different settings but with the same formula.

From my experience, I still admire how the games are written — the storylines are rich, and the lore is full of depth. The character arcs, the conflict between Assassins and Templars, and the hidden pieces of Eden all create a compelling narrative. But, as much as I loved the lore, the gameplay mechanics began to feel dated in some of the later titles. The thrill of parkour and stealth was still there, but it started to lose its edge.

The repetitive mission structure became tiresome. It felt like the game needed a fresh approach — a boost that went beyond the same old formula. The missions became too predictable, and that wore on the experience. While the open-world mechanics kept evolving, the formula became all too familiar.

That said, Assassin’s Creed isn’t entirely on the decline. There’s a loyal fanbase that still supports the franchise, and Ubisoft is responding to this demand. Assassin’s Creed Mirage, a fresh take on the series, promises to return to the franchise's roots with more stealth-based gameplay, intricate storylines, and grounded mechanics.


Chronological Order of the Assassin’s Creed Games (Including Spin-offs)

If you want to experience the full cinematic masterpiece in chronological order, here’s a breakdown of the main games in the Assassin's Creed series, including notable spin-offs:

  1. Assassin’s Creed Odyssey (2018)
    Set in ancient Greece during the Peloponnesian War, it follows either Kassandra or Alexios.

  2. Assassin’s Creed Origins (2017)
    Set in Ancient Egypt, it tells the story of Bayek and the formation of the Assassin Brotherhood.

  3. Assassin’s Creed Mirage (2023)
    A return to the franchise’s stealth-based roots, focusing on the Middle East and early Assassins.

  4. Assassin’s Creed Valhalla (2020)
    Set in Viking-era England, players control Eivor, a Norse warrior exploring the Viking invasions of England.

  5. Assassin’s Creed I (2007)
    The first in the series, introducing Altair during the Third Crusade in the Holy Land.

  6. Assassin’s Creed II (2009)
    The story of Ezio Auditore, set in Renaissance Italy.

  7. Assassin’s Creed Brotherhood (2010)
    The continuation of Ezio’s journey, now set in Rome.

  8. Assassin’s Creed Revelations (2011)
    The conclusion of Ezio's story in Constantinople.

  9. Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag (2013)
    Set in the Caribbean, this pirate-themed game follows Edward Kenway.

  10. Assassin’s Creed Rogue (2014)
    Follows Shay Cormac, a former Assassin turned Templar, during the Seven Years’ War.

  11. Assassin’s Creed Unity (2014)
    Set during the French Revolution, it follows Arno Dorian.

  12. Assassin’s Creed Syndicate (2015)
    Set in Victorian London, players control Jacob and Evie Frye.

  13. Assassin’s Creed Chronicles: China (2015)
    A 2.5D side-scroller set in 16th-century China, following Shao Jun.

  14. Assassin’s Creed Chronicles: India (2016)
    Set in 19th-century India, players control Arbaaz Mir.

  15. Assassin’s Creed Chronicles: Russia (2016)
    Set in early 20th-century Russia, it follows Nikolai Orelov.


A Legacy in the Making

The Assassin’s Creed franchise is more than just a game series. It’s a legacy, blending history, myth, and action into a narrative that’s as expansive as the world itself. And while the series has faced its ups and downs, one thing remains clear: the battle between freedom and control is far from over.

The story is still being written. And if you want to be part of it, there’s no better time to dive into the Assassin’s Creed saga.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

The Birth of Something Big.

-
Image
As  a gamer myself, I’ve played countless games, yet there’s still no end to it. Right now, millions—maybe even billions—of games are scattered across the vast corners of the World Wide Web, waiting to be downloaded and explored. And if you think about it, many of these games exist in different versions—some nearly identical, others slightly modified. But what about the classics ? Ever wondered what the first game ever was? Not board games like chess or ancient physical games—those are still being uncovered by historians. I’m talking about video games , the kind that paved the way for everything we play today. You might have played Clash of Clans, Free Fire, Mobile Legends, PUBG Mobile, or Arena Breakout —but have you ever heard of a game called "OXO"? Well, now you do. OXO , created in 1952 by Alexander S. Douglas , was one of the earliest computer games , designed as part of his PhD thesis on human-computer interaction at the University of Cambridge . It was a simple T...
Read more

How Plants vs. Zombies Took Over Our Screens (And Our Hearts)

-
Image
Picture this: It’s 2009, and you're casually scrolling through your computer after a long day. You're not looking for anything special—just a little distraction. Then, a friend mentions Plants vs. Zombies . It sounds... well, odd, doesn’t it? Plants fighting zombies? Who came up with that? But curiosity gets the better of you, and you decide to give it a shot. Fast forward a couple of hours, and here you are—laughing at the zombies in their ridiculous costumes, planting sunflowers, and wondering how you got so hooked on a game that started with just a few plants defending a lawn. You didn’t see it coming, but Plants vs. Zombies quietly took over your free time—and before long, it did the same for millions of others. A Simple Concept With Endless Charm When Plants vs. Zombies first dropped, it didn’t exactly scream “game changer.” It didn’t have the most complex story or cutting-edge graphics. It was, at its core, a tower defense game. You planted sunflowers to gather sunli...
Read more

Grand Theft Auto: A Journey Through Crime, Culture, and Controversy

-
Image
 When we talk about video game franchises that have changed the industry forever, Grand Theft Auto stands tall as one of the most influential. Created by Rockstar Games, the GTA series has evolved from a top-down 2D chaos simulator into a cinematic, open-world masterpiece known worldwide. Its impact goes far beyond just gaming—it’s a cornerstone of modern pop culture, controversy, and innovation.                                   The Humble Beginnings: GTA (1997) and GTA 2 (1999) The journey began in 1997 with the release of the original Grand Theft Auto, developed by DMA Design (now Rockstar North). It featured a bird’s-eye view of fictional cities inspired by American metropolises like New York, Miami, and Los Angeles. Players took on the role of a criminal trying to climb the ranks in a world filled with chaotic freedom. Although the graphics were simple, the game stood out thanks to its open-wo...
Read more