Hello Assassins,
Considering the discourse surrounding the series lately and the positivity after the amazing reveal of Black Flag Resynced, I would really like to better understand why so many have such strong views on what this series is and what it is not supposed to be.
I have recently started a mini replay marathon of the Desmond games leading up to the launch of Resynced. I finished Brotherhood a few days ago and I am moving on to Revelations soon. What has really struck me thus far is the massive change in gameplay design and narrative tone from AC1 to AC2, and the sharp decline in writing quality in Brotherhood. Let me explain.
AC1's core gameplay loop consists of the investigation missions, discovering information about the targets and planning your attack based on the clues you have gathered. While the investigations are painfully repetitive, the main assassination missions in my opinion have very good, if not great, level design, and they reward the player for using the information he has uncovered from the investigations. In this way, AC1 offers the player freedom in how he approaches each target, and in essence is the first and only attempt at "black box" mission design before Unity. With regards to the writing, AC1 takes a very philosophical and contemplative, even literary approach. Altair is challenged in every step he takes, the targets have strong convictions and the conflict of freedom versus order is at the forefront. Altair's growth is evident as he talks to the bureau leaders and Al Mualim throughout the game.
In AC2 and Brotherhood, while the core mechanics are carried over and expanded from AC1, the gameplay shifts to a much more action movie-like style. There is a greater reliance on set pieces (e.g. the cart ride in the mountains with Leonardo, the flying machine mission, the carnival etc) and the assassination missions usually have a clear path laid out for the player. Though the mission design is for the most part excellent in AC2 and Brotherhood, it is nonetheless very different from AC1. As far as writing is concerned, Ezio gets good development in AC2 as he grows from a vengeful youth into a more sophisticated and competent man. Furthermore, the side characters are generally very charming and fun. However, the ideological conflict is almost non existent in AC2. Ezio's beliefs are never challenged by anyone, and the Templars are little more than power-hungry cartoon villains. Now, Ezio not being challenged in AC2 is to an extent excusable, as he is still in the process of growing, but it is much less acceptable in Brotherhood. The Borgias are portrayed as even greater caricatures than the targets of AC2, and apart from a vague "power to the people" narrative from Ezio, nothing else is discussed. Machiavelli's skepticism during the beginning of the game is never brought up again, as Ezio proceeds to build up the Brotherhood and assassinate the Borgias through missions with very little narrative substance. In conclusion, I believe there is a drastic change in gameplay and narrative from AC1 to AC2 and Brotherhood.
Given everything I have discussed, I cannot help but wonder why it is that almost no one laments this change, especially when so many are eager to claim that the identity of the series has been killed by the RPG games. Is it because AC2 and Brotherhood were led by Patrice Desilets, the original creative director? Is it because the games are extraordinarily fun and well designed? Or is it something else which is slipping my mind?
What even is the identity of the series to you? Is it merely a matter of iconography, guys with robes and hoods, parkouring and stabbing their enemies? Is it mostly a matter of gameplay, where the focus should be on stealth and assassinations? If so, why is it okay for AC2 and Brotherhood to have a much larger focus on set pieces? Is narrative and thematic cohesion equally important? If the ideological conflict of freedom versus order or the Isu lore are cornerstones, why are AC2, Brotherhood or Unity not scrutinized more for their shortcomings, while Valhalla or even Black Flag are considered improper AC titles by many? Or, lastly, is it a mix of all those aspects?
I am genuinely interested in hearing other people's opinions on the matter, so I would be very grateful for any contributions to this discussion.