By Sapna 
Assassin’s Creed Syndicate is the ninth major installment in the critically acclaimed Assassin’s Creed series, developed by Ubisoft and released in 2015. Set in the late 19th century, during the height of the Industrial Revolution, the game allows players to explore the bustling streets of Victorian London. Featuring an engaging narrative, new gameplay mechanics, and a deeper focus on family dynamics, Syndicate stands out as one of the most beloved entries in the franchise.
Setting: Victorian London
One of the major attractions of Assassin’s Creed Syndicate is its detailed recreation of Victorian London, which serves as both the playground and the battleground for the game. The city is filled with historical landmarks like Big Ben, the Tower of London, and Buckingham Palace, alongside a vibrant mix of rich and poor districts, industrial landscapes, and crowded streets. The game’s world is expansive and immersive, with players able to freely explore the city on foot, by horse-drawn carriage, or by the rooftops, a signature feature of the series.
The dynamic representation of London during the Industrial Revolution provides a backdrop to the conflict between the Assassin Brotherhood and the Templar Order. Players can experience the transformation of society during this period, where the rise of factories, child labor, and technological advancements shape the social and political atmosphere of the time.
The Protagonists: Jacob and Evie Frye
Unlike previous Assassin’s Creed titles, Syndicate introduces not one, but two protagonists: Jacob Frye and his twin sister Evie Frye. Players can control either character, with Jacob representing the more impulsive and action-oriented side, while Evie is the stealthy and meticulous one. Their personalities and skill sets complement each other, offering varied gameplay styles.
Jacob is a charismatic and rebellious character, seeking to liberate London’s underprivileged citizens from the oppressive rule of the Templars. His journey is driven by ambition and a desire to establish his own criminal empire in the city. Evie, on the other hand, is focused on the ancient artifacts that the Assassins seek to protect. Her reserved nature contrasts with Jacob’s brashness, and her skills in stealth and strategy make her a formidable force in the fight against the Templars.
Gameplay Mechanics: New and Improved Features
Syndicate brought several new features to the Assassin’s Creed formula, including:
- Dual Protagonists: Players can switch between Jacob and Evie at any time, each offering a unique approach to combat and exploration.
- Carriages: One of the most notable additions to the game is the introduction of horse-drawn carriages. These serve as a faster mode of transportation, and players can engage in carriage combat, adding a new layer of excitement to chases and battles.
- Improved Combat System: The combat mechanics were refined to be more fluid and dynamic. The game introduced new weapons like the cane sword, knuckle dusters, and the revolver, giving players more variety in their approach to combat.
- The Rope Launcher: A new tool that allows players to zip across buildings or quickly scale structures, making vertical exploration faster and more fluid.
- Skill Trees: The game introduces a comprehensive skill tree system for both protagonists, allowing players to customize their abilities according to their playstyle.
Story and Themes
The main narrative of Assassin’s Creed Syndicate revolves around the Frye twins as they battle the Templar-controlled Blighters gang, led by Crawford Starrick, who seeks to control the entirety of London’s criminal activities. As Jacob and Evie work to dismantle Starrick’s influence, they also uncover hidden conspiracies, historical figures, and artifacts related to the ongoing war between Assassins and Templars.
The game delves into themes such as the power of family, class struggles, and the effects of industrialization. The Frye twins’ relationship is central to the story, with both characters balancing their personal goals with their loyalty to the Assassin cause. Their different approaches to achieving their objectives reflect the tension between individual ambition and collective responsibility, a core theme that resonates throughout the series.
Historical Characters and Side Missions
Syndicate also features a number of famous historical figures, such as Charles Dickens, Queen Victoria, and Alexander Graham Bell, who all play pivotal roles in the storyline. The game integrates these characters seamlessly into the narrative, creating opportunities for players to engage in side missions that tie into the history of the time.
These side quests allow players to experience additional layers of Victorian London, from working with Charles Dickens to expose the plight of the poor, to assisting Alexander Graham Bell in his invention of the telephone. The blend of historical fiction and real events gives the game a unique flavor, allowing players to engage with the past in a meaningful way.
Critical Reception
Upon release, Assassin’s Creed Syndicate received generally positive reviews for its engaging gameplay, beautiful world design, and improved mechanics. Critics praised the portrayal of London, the twin protagonists, and the innovative use of carriages and the rope launcher. However, some criticisms were aimed at the game’s pacing and the reliance on side missions.
The game also benefited from its refined combat system and the balance between stealth and action, which resonated with long-time fans of the series. In comparison to previous titles, Syndicate felt fresher and more focused, with fewer repetitive elements and a stronger emphasis on storytelling.
Conclusion
Assassin’s Creed Syndicate stands as one of the most enjoyable and visually stunning entries in the Assassin’s Creed franchise. With its rich historical setting, innovative gameplay mechanics, and a gripping story centered around two dynamic protagonists, it captured the hearts of both new players and long-time fans of the series. Whether it’s racing through the streets of Victorian London in a carriage, climbing the rooftops of the city, or uncovering historical secrets, Syndicate offers an unforgettable experience for action-adventure enthusiasts.