Listing Assassin's Creed games with the best combat gameplay isn't an easy task, as Ubisoft has produced impressive combat mechanics across almost all games in the series. In some titles, unique weapons and their mechanics take center stage, while others excel in sheer brutality and combat versatility.
In this article, we mention five Assassin's Creed games with the best combat gameplay. From Ezio's dual hidden blades to pirate antics with cutlasses and flintlocks - the most unique combat elements have been taken into account in this list.
Note: This article is subjective and solely reflects the writer's opinions.
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Top Assassin's Creed games with the best combat gameplay
Spanning through various timelines, this list contains five Assassin's Creed games with the best combat gameplay:
1) Assassin's Creed 4: Black Flag
While the Assassin's Creed series is known for its fluid parkour and assassination mechanics, Black Flag brought in a new flavor of pirate action with Edward Kenway, the protagonist. Using a combination of Assassin and pirate weapons, Black Flag allows dynamic combat options with unique kill variations and counters.
The inclusion of naval combat added another layer of depth to the combat, where you need to command your ship, its cannons, and swivel guns. The perfect blend of battle on the open seas, gunplay, and Assassin elements makes Black Flag's combat one of the most unique in the entire franchise.
2) Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood
Not mentioning Brotherhood while talking about Assassin's Creed games with the best combat gameplay would be an act of crime against the franchise. In this game, Ezio's arsenal expands with the dual hidden blades, enabling the double-assassination mechanic for stealthy takedowns.
The overall combat is an exceptional harmony between extreme, gory offense and calculated defense, with the counter mechanic to make short of enemies rather easily. Paired with the satisfying flashy animations, Brotherhood's combat gameplay is definitely a highlight in the entire series.
3) Assassin's Creed Odyssey
Odyssey makes a strong case for being included in this list of Assassin's Creed games with the best combat gameplay for a few reasons. Combat in this game improves on what was laid down by AC Origins, but it introduces the new adrenaline system which allows you to unleash devastating attacks by filling a special meter during combat (like an ultimate ability, somewhat).
The combat style itself is extremely dynamic, with a skill tree that has branches for an Assassin, warrior, or a hybrid style gameplay. You can invest skill points in your preferred style to tailor the gameplay experience. With a vast array of weapons and combos, and the addition of special moves like the Spartan Kick, Odyssey provides a combat experience like no other.
4) Assassin's Creed Unity
Assassin's Creed Unity's claim to fame was its smooth parkour, and that translates to the combat gameplay as well. The title allowed seamless transitions between parkour and fighting, using the environment as an added layer for a more refined dynamic option. Leaping from rooftops, using the height advantage, and constantly using the environment in visually stunning fights was a treat to the eyes.
Unity's combat focused on a more tactical and realistic approach, where parrying and counters were not only effective but also crucial for survival in large mob fights. Additionally, the title's brutal and unforgiving fights also made each kill feel satisfying and rewarding.
5) Assassin's Creed Syndicate
Syndicate breathed a fresh life into the combat mechanics in the Assassin's Creed franchise. Unlike most other entries focused on weaponry, Syndicate embraces a brawling, fisticuffs style. And with the dual protagonists, the game allows you to explore two prominent combat options - Jacob emphasizes on aggressive brawling, while Evie leans towards stealthier takedowns.
You unleash vicious combos with brass knuckles and knives while using your environment for parkour takedowns. The addition of a grappling hook provides a fun twist, allowing you to yoink enemies off rooftops or zip into a fight.
For the dual protagonist system, the game lets you switch between Evie and Jacob on the go, allowing you to use discretion on when to brawl and when to opt for stealth. The game also introduced horse-carriage combat with the option to jump carriages and brawl as well, making Syndicate stand out as one of the Assassin's Creed games with the best combat gameplay.
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