"Assassin's Creed: 10 Historical Twists"

Ubisoft has once again activated the Animus, this time transporting us to Japan's Sengoku Period with Assassin's Creed Shadows. This latest installment features historical figures from 1579, including Fujibayashi Nagato, Akechi Mitsuhide, and the intriguing Yasuke, the African samurai who served under Oda Nobunaga. As with previous games in the series, these characters are seamlessly woven into a narrative that blends fact with fiction, exploring themes of revenge, betrayal, and murder. While the storyline includes some playful exaggerations, like Yasuke's fictional quest for XP to wield a gold-tier weapon, the game remains true to the series' tradition of historical fiction.

Assassin's Creed is renowned for its historical fiction, crafting narratives around a secret society's quest for world domination through the mystical powers of a pre-human civilization. Ubisoft's commitment to creating immersive, open-world playgrounds rooted in history is evident, yet it's crucial to remember that these games are not history lessons. The developers creatively alter historical facts to enhance the storytelling, resulting in numerous "historical inaccuracies" that add to the game's charm. Here are ten memorable instances where Assassin's Creed has playfully rewritten history:

The Assassins vs Templars War

Let's address the elephant in the room first: there's no historical evidence that the Order of Assassins and the Knights Templar were ever at war. This conflict is entirely fictional, drawing inspiration from conspiracy theories about the Templars. The Assassins were established in 1090 AD, and the Templars in 1118, with both orders disbanding around 1312. The notion of a centuries-long feud between them is pure fantasy, as their only shared historical context is the Crusades.

The Borgias and their Superpowered Pope

In Assassin's Creed 2 and Brotherhood, the focus is on Ezio's battle against the Borgia family. The game portrays Cardinal Rodrigo Borgia as the Grand Master of the Templar Order, who becomes Pope Alexander VI. However, the Templars were not active during this period, and the idea of a Borgia plot to use the magical Apple of Eden to control humanity is purely fictional. The games also paint the Borgias as more villainous than historical records suggest, with Cesare Borgia depicted as an incestuous psychopath, despite the lack of historical evidence.

Machiavelli, Enemy of the Borgias

In the same games, Niccolò Machiavelli is portrayed as Ezio's ally and leader of the Italian Assassin's Bureau. Historically, Machiavelli's philosophy of strong authority contradicts the Assassin's Creed, and he had a more favorable view of the Borgias. He served as a diplomat in Cesare Borgia's court and admired his leadership, which starkly contrasts with the game's depiction.

The Incredible Leonardo da Vinci and his Flying Machine

Assassin's Creed 2 showcases a strong friendship between Ezio and Leonardo da Vinci, capturing his wit and charisma accurately. However, the game alters da Vinci's timeline, moving him from Florence to Venice in 1481 to align with Ezio's story. While da Vinci's designs for a machine gun and tank are realized in the game, there's no evidence they were ever built. The most fantastical element is Ezio's use of da Vinci's flying machine, which, despite being inspired by his designs, never actually flew.

The Bloody Boston Tea Party

In Assassin's Creed 3, the Boston Tea Party is dramatically altered. Historically a non-violent protest, the game turns it into a violent confrontation with Connor, a Mohawk protagonist, killing British guards while disguised in Native American clothing. The game also suggests Samuel Adams orchestrated the event, despite historical ambiguity about his involvement.

The Lone Mohawk

Connor's alignment with the Patriots in Assassin's Creed 3 contradicts historical records, as the Mohawk people were allied with the British during the Revolutionary War. This scenario, while unlikely, explores a "what if?" narrative, inspired by figures like Louis Cook, a Mohawk who fought against the British.

The Templar Revolution

Assassin's Creed Unity's depiction of the French Revolution as a Templar conspiracy is a significant departure from history. The game suggests the Templars manufactured a food crisis, whereas the actual famine resulted from natural causes. The game also focuses heavily on the Reign of Terror, overlooking the broader context of the revolution.

The Controversial Killing of King Louis 16

In Assassin's Creed Unity, the execution of King Louis 16 is portrayed as a close vote influenced by a Templar conspirator. In reality, the vote for his execution was a clear majority, and the game downplays the King's treasonous attempt to flee France, which contributed to his downfall.

Jack the Assassin

Assassin's Creed Syndicate reimagines Jack the Ripper as a rogue Assassin attempting to take over the London Brotherhood. This narrative twist adds a unique spin to the infamous serial killer, portraying him as a former trainee of Jacob Frye who turns against the Brotherhood.

The Assassination of the Tyrant Julius Caesar

Assassin's Creed Origins reinterprets the assassination of Julius Caesar as a battle against a proto-Templar leader. The game's depiction of Caesar as a tyrant and his assassination as a victory for the people contradicts historical records, which show Caesar as a popular leader who implemented reforms for the poor.

The Assassin's Creed series meticulously crafts its worlds with historical elements, but these are often more for ambiance than accuracy. As historical fiction, the games delight in bending the truth to tell compelling stories. What are your favorite examples of Assassin's Creed's creative liberties? Share them in the comments below.