Eight years in and Assassin's Creed Syndicate could have gone one of two ways. There are the games in the series that have failed to impress, which Syndicate could have easily joined the ranks of, or those which are extremely good videogames - the path which Ubisoft would obviously prefer. Fortunately, it's the latter journey Syndicate delves down, delivering an enticing story set in Victorian London.
Putting less impact on filler missions and instead inviting the player to flit between lead characters - twin brother and sister Jacob and Evie - through a series of assassination missions, the gameplay feels familiar and warm, despite the bloody subject matter. Fans of the way in which these games are usually played will be happy to see the return of present-day Assassins explroing the past for information and secrets to help aid their fight against the Templars.
Gamers have a new addition to their Assassin belt with the arrival of the zipline, making it extremely easy to scale immediately from one building to another, or from one highpoint to the next without accidently tripping into the streets or on top of an enemy who decides to chase you until you find cover. If you do still manage to find yourself in a sticky situation however, the zipline can become the perfect tool for you to make your big mistake.
London 1868 is the setting for the bulk of the game, and the graphics allow for the gamer to fully immerse and envelop themselves within the Victorian landscape. Polished and gorgeous with engaging colours and scenery, this is perhaps the best an AC title has looked.
Austin Wintory's soundtrack only adds to that, with a beautiful score hypnotising you and lifting you through the many hours of gameplay.
A talented writing team add real heart to the story, which tugs on emotions through the use of children and the less fortunate. Players can expect to experience an in-your-face look at poverty and those forced to work themselves ragged for the rich to get by. Oddly, recognisable as what happens to many in the modern-day.
Promising season pass content means that the experience is only going to elevate, with the Jack The Ripper expansion high on our to-do list. When released, we'll be able to hunt down Jack after joining forces with Scotland Yard's own Inspector Frederick Abberline.
There seems to be a lot of divided opinion about the latest entry into the Assassin's Creed franchise, with it almost seeming trendy to dislike the title. If we're to review the game for everything it offers, then it's a smooth and genuinely thrilling experience. At times, gameplay may feel a little dumbed down for those used to the combat, flow and mission types, but these moments and guides are necessary for anyone who wants to jump into the series at any point.
Though the ending is admittedly a little disappointing, it's nothing terrible enough to warrant avoiding the game altogether. Relatable characters, an engaging plot and beautiful shots of London are all just the tip of the iceberg in what's great about Assassin's Creed: Syndicate.
Assassin's Creed: Syndicate is available now on Xbox One, PS4 and PC.
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