Is Far Cry Connected to Assassin’s Creed?
Ubisoft’s popular game series, Far Cry and Assassin’s Creed, have always been considered standalone franchises, each with its own unique setting, storylines, and gameplay mechanics. However, a closer examination of the series reveals a connection between the two. In this article, we will delve into the similarities, differences, and subtle connections that tie the Far Cry series to Assassin’s Creed.
Similarities between the Two Franchises
Before diving into the connection, it’s essential to note some striking similarities between Far Cry and Assassin’s Creed:
• Third-person action-adventure gameplay: Both series are characterized by fast-paced third-person action and adventurous gameplay mechanics, making them appealing to fans of open-world games.
• Focus on storytelling and character development: While not always prominent, storytelling and character development play a significant role in both series, providing players with engaging narratives and memorable protagonists.
• Historical influences and nods: Both series frequently draw inspiration from historical events, mythology, and folklore, often incorporating real-world cultural references into their respective stories.
• Expansive open worlds: The core design philosophy of both series emphasizes expansive open-world exploration, allowing players to immerse themselves in diverse environments and scenarios.
Subtle Connections and Nods
Now, let’s examine the more subtle connections between the two series:
• Common Development Team: Ubisoft, the publisher behind both franchises, employs the same developers for both series, often reassigning staff to different projects between each franchise’s releases. This collaboration may result in shared creative insights, art assets, or coding snippets, blurring the lines between the two.
• Converging Franchises: Ubisoft has demonstrated willingness to blend their properties together. In Assassin’s Creed III, Far Cry-inspired mercenaries appeared, and Far Cry 4 included references to the Assassin’s Creed world, solidifying their connections.
• Leveraged Intellectual Property: Assassin’s Creed has incorporated Far Cry‘s 1940s World War II-era aesthetic in its multiplayer modes (Assassin’s Creed: Black Flag, Far Cry 2-style environment design). In turn, Far Cry has borrowed some visual cues and historical themes from Assassin’s Creed.
• Competition between Franchises: In interviews, developers have spoken about the rivalry between the two teams, acknowledging that they often engage in "franchise-bet-itis," with both series attempting to outdo one another in terms of gameplay mechanics, storyline depth, and overall quality.
Unlikely Common Ground: Historical Parallels
Assassin’s Creed is renowned for its deep dive into historical events, mythology, and legends, whereas Far Cry primarily focuses on action and adventure. Nevertheless, they both touch upon common themes, such as the impact of war on people, the power struggle between governments and terrorist organizations, and the importance of historical legacy:
| Shared Historical Parallels | Far Cry | Assassin’s Creed |
|---|---|---|
| World War I/II influence | World War 2-inspired Far Cry 5, French resistance-style gameplay in Far Cry 6 | Assassin’s Creed I-V, primarily focusing on European conflicts and secret societies. |
| Colonial and post-colonial strife | Far Cry 2-4 : various conflict settings, such as Vietnam War and Burmese struggles. | Assassin’s Creed I, Mediterranean conflict, and Ottoman Empire rise and fall. |
The Bottom Line
In conclusion, while not as overtly connected as, for example, Tom Clancy’s The Division and Rainbow Six: Siege, the Far Cry series and Assassin’s Creed franchise do share some undeniable ties:
- Shared creative team and art direction
- Leverage of each other’s intellectual properties
- Competing frachises
- Similar historical influences
While this may not indicate an inherent narrative continuity, these subtle connections acknowledge the close creative and developer overlap between the two series, reinforcing the bond between them.