My Favorite Assassin's Creed Moments
Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag set sail earlier this week and what better way to celebrate the occasion than to reminisce about my favorite moments from the series. This hub covers the main console releases and events are placed in sequential order rather than by favoritism. WARNING: This hub contains major spoilers from the Assassin's Creed games.
The Messages of Subject 16 - Assassin's Creed
By the end of the first Assassin's Creed, Desmond has fully synced Altair's memories and through a bleeding effect gains the Assassin's "Eagle Vision". Activating it in Desmond's room reveals numerous messages and symbols from a variety of cultures and languages scrawled across the wall. These were all carefully laid clues left behind by Subject 16, a fellow Assassin and previous test subject, that served as a warning of events to come. It's a rather eerie and eye-opening moment that provided a glimpse into how large the conspiracy of the series truly is.
The Truth - Assassin's Creed II
The Truth were some of the toughest puzzles I can remember, but for every conundrum conquered you were treated to a brief, enigmatic video clip that were clearly pieces of a whole. Solving them all revealed the entire scene of a man and woman, both nude, fleeing from an unknown pursuer. They leap and bound there way across a highly advanced utopia set in a lush environment that looks very similar to Earth before arriving at a dead end. Fearful, the woman, clutching one of the pieces of Eden, turns to her partner and hopelessly says "Adam" before the video abruptly cuts off. The internet was abuzz with theories about the meaning of this scene, with most agreeing that it portrays Adam and Eve in the AC version of the Garden of Eden.
Minerva's Message - Assassin's Creed II
After defeating the Pope, Ezio uses the Apple of Eden to enter a hidden vault inside the Vatican where he encounters an holographic figure named Minerva. She reveals that she was once part of an advanced civilization that co-existed with the first humans before they were wiped out by a global catastrophe; an event that will soon occur again.
What really makes this moment is when Minerva suddenly shifts her attention from Ezio and speaks to Desmond directly, looking straight into the camera (you), stating that "the rest is up to you". Desmond put it perfectly: "What the f**k?" Other than the insanity of Desmond being openly acknowledged in his ancestor's memory, Minerva basically breaking the fourth wall to warn me about the end of the world genuinely freaked me out at the time. Seeing Ezio and Desmond share the same, confused reaction I had made me feel more personally invested in what was happening and watching this scene today still gives me goosebumps.
Desmond Kills Lucy - Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood
Lucy Stillman was Desmond's closest ally. She broke Desmond out of Abstergo, coached him into becoming a competent Assassin, and was always on hand to provide emotional support that bordered on romance. At the end of Brotherhood, Desmond and the crew descend into a hidden vault beneath the Roman Colosseum and encounter the goddess Juno. After informing Desmond of his lineage she suddenly takes control of his body, forcing him to mortally wound Lucy. This moment comes completely out of nowhere and was as confusing as it was shocking. It wouldn't be until The Lost Archive DLC for AC: Revelations that we'd get some clarity on the matter, as there it's revealed that Lucy had defected to the Templars some time ago and had been acting as a double agent.
Wielding the Apple of Eden - Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood
Players had already witnessed several displays of the Apple of Eden's immense power, but nothing compares to finally wielding it in Brotherhood. Towards the end of the game, Ezio retrieves the apple from the Borgias causing the entire city guard to give chase. Ezio uses the powerful artifact to turn the tide, with a single pulse either killing his foes instantly or driving them insane to the point of attacking one another. Watching civilians cower in fear at the sight of your otherworldly abilities makes it all the more satisfying.
Altair Returns to Maysaf - Assassin's Creed: Revelations
My favorite parts of Revelations was experiencing pivotal memories in the life of the series' original hero, Altair. The best moment comes after fellow Assassin Assad has taken the Apple of Eden for himself and, driven mad by it's influence, ousts Altair from Maysaf. After taking a self-imposed exile, Altair returns 20 years to the Assassin stronghold to reclaim his rightful place as leader. An old man at this point, Altair slowly but defiantly makes his way towards the summit of Maysaf as his followers take out enemies the way. If anyone is unfortunate enough to challenge Altair directly, they're casually cut down. There's something awesome about controlling an elderly Assassin out for retribution and it's made better when you finally face Assad at the top.
Haytham's A What?! - Assassin's Creed III
Assassin's Creed III had a very unexpected start. It's introductory hours were spent in a flashback as the mysterious Haytham Kenway as opposed to protagonist Connor. Though we knew nothing about him, it could only be assumed Haytham was an Assassin since he shared the same abilities and weaponry. Possessing an intoxicating charm and deceptive ruthlessness, Haythem quickly proved to be an incredibly likable character; he was like an 18th century James Bond and I ultimately enjoyed being him more than Connor. So imagine my surprise when Haytham inducts his comrade Charles Lee into the order...only to discover that it's the Templars, not the Assassins. WHAAAAT?! How could someone so ridiculously cool be the leader of the very evil you'd sworn to eradicate? I couldn't believe it and suffered from some serious denial for a while afterwards and I know I wasn't alone. This was a fantastic twist and a much needed reminder that your enemies are not always the heartless monsters they're made out to be.
What are your favorite Assassin's Creed moments? Let me know in the comments below!