Assassin’s Creed has put its footprint in the video game industry for recreating the past in all its glory. Each game has had its own style and interpretation, both on the historical aspect as well as the visual. But what happens when these two elements have to be portrayed across three different time periods and locations yet still feel like a set? It comes down to a harmonious aesthetic, unique visual style and a splash of that assassin’s red.
Assassin’s Creed Chronicles broke away from the expansive open world to explore 2.5 D side scrolling. This aesthetic by itself would turn heads. The depth that the 2.5 D can achieve its weight in gold. 3 dimensional characters, game assets and environments are being displayed from one camera angle is rather playful. There are visual opportunities that are highlighted and may not have been otherwise. Having established this, the player can explore a new side to the series that has never been on display before. These three games are not just another Assassin’s Creed but more stylized and playful one.
The harmonious aesthetic is established. Now it’s time to explore the unique visual style of each game.
Assassin’s Creed Chronicles China pays homage to the oriental painting technique. A technique that puts focus on a dark foreground with a fade to an opaque background. Even the textures that are used to accent the buildings and ground have a very brush stroke feel to them. With these visual style choices, there is no mistaking this part of the series is set in China.
Assassin’s Creed Chronicles India sticks out like a sore thumb compared to its counterparts and in the best way possible. The pop of colours throughout the game are extremely refreshing and accurate to the location. Once again, there are subtle textures and patterns that compliment the background and establish the uniqueness that is India.
Assassin’s Creed Chronicles Russia is the gloomiest and harshest of the three though it reflects the time period perfectly. The colour pallette is extreme in its range, from heavy contrast on the white and blacks to the streaks of yellow and red. There is even an old timey film grain that adds so much character to the already unique depiction of Russia.
Assassin’s Creed Chronicles is a hidden gem. The 2.5 D and three individual visual styles bring a breath of fresh air to the franchise. Depicting three stylized locations and having them harmonize together in a series in quite a feat. Not only can the player feel the series as a whole but can also appreciate the individualism on each one.
If you agree with my observations or would like to share your own or would like to make a suggestion for future videos, please leave a comment down below and once again, thank you all for watching and see you next time.