Ubisoft's latest venture into the past, Assassin's Creed Shadows, transports players to Japan's tumultuous Sengoku Period in 1579. This installment features historical figures like Fujibayashi Nagato, Akechi Mitsuhide, and Yasuke, the African samurai who served under Oda Nobunaga. As with previous entries, the game masterfully blends historical accuracy with fictional elements to weave a narrative filled with intrigue, revenge, and betrayal. While the storyline may humorously exaggerate events like Yasuke's fictional quest for XP and gold-tier weapons, it underscores the series' signature style of blending fact with fantasy.
Assassin's Creed is renowned for its historical fiction genre, creating immersive worlds that delve into science fiction conspiracy theories. These stories revolve around a secret society's quest for power, influenced by the mystical artifacts of a pre-human civilization. Ubisoft's commitment to detailed historical research is evident in the game's settings, yet it's crucial to recognize that these games prioritize storytelling over factual accuracy. The developers often alter historical events to better fit the narrative, resulting in numerous historical inaccuracies.
Here are ten notable instances where Assassin's Creed has creatively rewritten history:
The Assassins vs Templars War
The ongoing conflict between the Assassins and Templars is a cornerstone of the series, yet there is no historical evidence to support such a rivalry. Both groups existed in the same era—the Assassins from 1090 AD and the Templars from 1118 AD—but there's no record of ideological opposition or a centuries-long war between them. The only time they might have interacted was during the Crusades, which aligns with the setting of the first Assassin's Creed game.
The Borgias and their Superpowered Pope
In Assassin's Creed 2 and Brotherhood, the Borgia family, led by Rodrigo Borgia, who becomes Pope Alexander VI, is portrayed as central to the Templar Order. However, the Templars were not active during the late 1400s, and the Borgia's quest for the Apple of Eden and a pope with god-like powers is entirely fictional. The games also exaggerate the family's villainy, depicting Cesare Borgia as an incestuous psychopath, contrary to historical records which suggest he was not as malevolent as portrayed.
Machiavelli, Enemy of the Borgias
Niccolò Machiavelli's portrayal in Assassin's Creed 2 and Brotherhood as a key member of the Assassin Brotherhood fighting against the Borgias is historically inaccurate. Machiavelli's political philosophies did not align with the Assassin's Creed's tenets, and he actually held a favorable view of Cesare Borgia, even serving as a diplomat in his court.
The Incredible Leonardo da Vinci and his Flying Machine
While Assassin's Creed 2 accurately captures Leonardo da Vinci's charisma, the game takes creative liberties with his travels and inventions. The timeline of da Vinci's movements is altered to ensure his presence alongside protagonist Ezio. Moreover, the game brings da Vinci's designs to life, including a flying machine, which, despite his interest in human flight, never flew in reality.
The Bloody Boston Tea Party
The Boston Tea Party in Assassin's Creed 3 is far more violent than the historical event. While the actual protest was non-violent, the game turns it into a deadly confrontation with Connor, the protagonist, leading the charge in Native American attire and causing numerous casualties. The game also suggests Samuel Adams orchestrated the event, which is a speculative interpretation of history.
The Lone Mohawk
Assassin's Creed 3 presents protagonist Connor as a Mohawk fighting alongside the Patriots, despite the Mohawk people's historical alliance with the British. While there were rare instances of Mohawks supporting the Patriots, such as Louis Cook, Connor's alignment with the revolutionaries is a significant deviation from historical norms.
The Templar Revolution
Assassin's Creed Unity reimagines the French Revolution as a Templar conspiracy, implying that the monarchy and aristocracy were victims rather than the cause of the people's revolt. The game's depiction of a Templar-induced food crisis and the simplification of the Reign of Terror as the entirety of the revolution starkly contrasts with the complex historical reality.
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, suggesting it was a divisive decision. Historically, the vote was a clear majority in favor of execution, and the game's portrayal softens the image of the French aristocracy, downplaying the reasons behind the revolution.
Jack the Assassin
Assassin's Creed Syndicate reimagines Jack the Ripper as a rogue Assassin attempting to seize control of the London Brotherhood. This narrative diverges significantly from the historical figure, who was a notorious serial killer. The game's backstory of Jack's training under Jacob Frye and his eventual downfall at the hands of Evie Frye adds a fictional layer to an already mysterious historical figure.
The Assassination of the Tyrant Julius Caesar
Assassin's Creed Origins reinterprets the assassination of Julius Caesar as an act against a proto-Templar. The game's depiction of Caesar's political stance and the events leading to his assassination deviate from historical accounts, which highlight Caesar's popularity and reforms aimed at supporting the common people. The game's narrative suggests a victory over tyranny, yet historically, Caesar's death led to the collapse of the Roman Republic and the rise of the Empire.
While Assassin's Creed games meticulously craft historically inspired settings, they are works of historical fiction, not factual representations. The series' creative liberties with history are part of its charm, allowing players to explore "what if" scenarios. What are your favorite instances where Assassin's Creed has bent historical truths? Share your thoughts in the comments.
