Summary
After the divisiveness thatAssassin’s Creed Shadowshas seemed to effortlessly cause over the last few months, it feels hard to believe that the franchise’s next big game, currently referred to asAssassin’s Creed Hexe, could have any chance of turning things around. TheAssassin’s Creedseries has already been met with controversy for several years now due to its new formula gradually divorcing its roots, so everything that is currently coming againstAssassin’s Creed Shadowsis just icing on the cake. Nevertheless,Assassin’s Creed Hexeis already looking like the boldestAssassin’s Creedtitle to date, and if it can pull off its rumored premise, it may be a solid new direction for the franchise.
Solely according to rumors and speculation,Assassin’s Creed Hexemay take place during the 16th-century German witch hunts and feature a witch as its protagonist. TheAssassin’s Creedseries has made some pretty daring moves in the past, butAssassin’s Creed Hexe’s supposed premise is entirely unlike anything it has ever done. While this could ultimately be its downfall, it could also be its ticket to success. In fact,Assassin’s Creed Hexe’s rumored premiseopens the door for the series to explore a genre it has never dipped a single toe into, and if it can pull it off, it could be its saving grace.
Assassin’s Creed Hexe Could Lean Into Horror
Horror Would Fit Right in With Assassin’s Creed Hexe’s Rumored Setting and Protagonist
Assuming the rumors and speculations are true aboutAssassin’s Creed Hexe’s setting and protagonist, it could afford to lean into horror a bit. It already seems like it will be the darkestAssassin’s Creedtitle ever made, both thematically and environmentally, so it would likely make a good candidate for the horror genre. There have also been leaks and rumors surrounding its protagonist using magic, which, although it has proven to be a divisive topic amongAssassin’s Creedfans in the past, would pave the way for horror elements.
From a setting standpoint, the16th-century German witch huntsare horrific enough thatAssassin’s Creed Hexeleaning into horror on account of that would make sense. It’s hard to believe that Ubisoft would be able to make a game likeAssassin’s Creed Hexewithout a mature rating, considering the historical event involves the killing of tens of thousands of individuals who were accused and convicted of witchcraft. As such, horror may be the most sensible route forAssassin’s Creed Hexeto take. That being said, horror is a touchy genre, as it requires modesty and a world able to meet its unique demands.
As it is with anything attempting to wet its feet in the horror genre,Assassin’s Creed Hexewill need to tread lightly with it to pull it off. Firstly, it is possible to go too far with horror to the point that everything becomes more ridiculous than scary. The horror genre is also less about jump scares and more about atmosphere and tension, so that would need to be considered. Furthermore, sinceAssassin’s Creedis already a well-established franchise,Assassin’s Creed Hexewould need to ensure it doesn’t lean into horror too much that it loses its identity as anAssassin’s Creedgame. The moderate use of magic is something that would need to be considered here, as magic goes against the realism that theAssassin’s Creedfranchise has always relied on.
Assassin’s Creed Hexe should lean into horror but not overdo it to avoid losing its identity!
IfAssassin’s Creed Hexewere to cut its teeth on horror, it would undoubtedly be a bold new direction for the franchise. The series could use a considerable shakeup that still honors its roots, but it would need to tread lightly because it could easily take it too far. Only time will tell whatAssassin’s Creed Hexehas in store, but it might be the biggest move the series has ever made.
Assassin’s Creed: Mirage
WHERE TO PLAY
Play as a cunning young street thief seeking answers in this majestic Middle Eastern open world. Experience the home of the original Assassins in this exciting new narrative-driven, open world adventure. 15 years since the first Assassin’s Creed redefined adventure, experience the franchises' trademark parkour and stealth like never before - in Assasin’s Creed Mirage. In this smaller scale, back to basics Assassin’s caper, you play Basim, a young street thief seeking answers. Roam the richly-detailed, reactive and vibrant streets of 9th century Baghdad, uncovering the mysteries of the past as you fight to secure your future. Stalk the shadows. Become the ultimate assassin.
