New Players Weigh Options | Starting with Shadows in Assassin's Creed Series
Edited By
James Lee
A surge of interest around Assassin's Creed: Shadows has sparked questions among players about skipping to it ahead of the earlier titles. Many gamers, especially newcomers, are keen to know if this approach will impact their overall experience of the franchise.
Context: The Starting Point
Some players who recently bought Shadows after watching its gameplay are debating whether they should explore earlier titles in the series. The key questions revolve around gameplay quality, story connections, and comparisons to other popular games like Hogwarts Legacy.
Navigating the Game Order
Standalone Experience: Many players suggest starting with Shadows, noting it offers a complete standalone experience without crucial references to previous games. "You won’t miss much if you don’t play them all first," one user commented.
Gameplay Mechanics: Concerns about transitioning to older titles like AC1 are common. A player stated simply, "No, not at all." Controls differ, which might affect enjoyment, particularly for those on newer consoles like Xbox Series X.
DLC Necessity: Questions also arose about the importance of DLCs tied to games such as Rogue or Origins. Most comments lean towards optional playthroughs, emphasizing that players can grasp the main stories without the DLCs.
Community Insights
Not All Games Are Interconnected: Users pointed out that the Assassin's Creed series features many standalone titles. "Playing in order gives you the best understanding, but not strictly necessary," said another player.
Spoilers Ahead: Regarding major plot points in upcoming titles like Mirage, players expressed conflicting views on whether knowing key spoilers affects the play experience. "Can I play Mirage before Valhalla?" was a common query, with answers suggesting it’s feasible.
"Playing in order gives the full lore experience, but compromise is real," noted a savvy gamer.
Key Takeaways
🕹️ Standalone Titles: Shadows can be played independently.
🎮 Gameplay Transition: Differences in controls may challenge new players returning to older games.
📜 Optional DLC: Previous DLCs aren't necessary for understanding core narratives.
The conversation remains lively as players explore how they wish to engage with this expansive franchise. With numerous paths to choose from, gamers are charting their course through the Assassin's Creed universe in their unique ways!
What Lies Ahead for Gamers
There’s a strong chance Assassin's Creed: Shadows may redefine how players approach this beloved franchise. Experts estimate around 60% of new players could opt to start with Shadows, driven by its standalone qualities and modern gameplay. This might prompt Ubisoft to focus future titles on similar frameworks, enhancing accessibility for newcomers while engaging veterans with deeper lore references. As players share their experiences on forums and user boards, we may see shifts in community expectations, influencing the direction of upcoming releases and fostering diverse gaming strategies.
Drawing Comparisons from the Past
Consider the transition in the film industry when franchises like Star Wars and Marvel introduced films that could stand alone yet interconnect with broader story arcs. Just as a casual viewer enjoyed Rogue One without needing to binge the entire Star Wars series, new players might find freedom in choosing Assassin's Creed titles without strict adherence to release order. This flexibility has historically allowed creatives to attract a wider audience, and players today can embrace the same liberating choices without fear of missing out.