Is Assassin’s Creed considered an RPG?

Is Assassin’s Creed Considered an RPG?

The Assassin’s Creed series has been a staple in the gaming world for over a decade, and its evolution has been a significant one. From its initial action-adventure roots to the current open-world, action-RPG hybrid, the series has branched out to encompass elements from various genres. In this article, we’ll delve into whether Assassin’s Creed can be considered an RPG, exploring the factors that contribute to this classification.

A Brief History of Assassin’s Creed

Assassin’s Creed was first released in 2007, with a focus on stealth, combat, and exploration. The series followed the story of Desmond Miles, who relived the memories of his ancestors through a device called the Animus. This innovative concept allowed players to experience historical events firsthand, engaging in thrilling battles and solving puzzles to uncover the secrets of the Templar and Assassin factions.

RPG Elements in Assassin’s Creed

As the series progressed, Ubisoft introduced various RPG elements to enhance the gaming experience. Some notable additions include:

• Character Progression: In Assassin’s Creed III, the introduction of a character progression system allowed players to upgrade their assassin’s skills, such as parkour, combat, and stealth.

• Skill Trees: The release of Assassin’s Creed Odyssey introduced a skill tree system, where players could allocate points to unlock new abilities and upgrade existing ones.

• Exploration and Discovery: Many Assassin’s Creed games feature a vast open world, encouraging players to explore, discover new locations, and interact with the environment.

• Storytelling: The series is known for its complex narrative, with multiple protagonists, antagonists, and plot twists, keeping players engaged and invested in the story.

• Role-Playing: Assassin’s Creed games often allow players to create their own character, making choices that impact the story and shaping their assassin’s identity.

Can Assassin’s Creed be Considered an RPG?

Considering the RPG elements listed above, it’s clear that Assassin’s Creed has evolved to incorporate many characteristics of role-playing games. However, some may argue that the series still lacks the depth and complexity typically associated with RPGs.

Arguments For

• Character Progression: Assassin’s Creed games allow players to upgrade their character’s abilities, similar to RPGs like Diablo or World of Warcraft.

• Storytelling: The series is renowned for its engaging narrative, rivaling that of RPGs like The Witcher or Final Fantasy.

• Exploration and Discovery: The open-world environments in Assassin’s Creed offer a sense of discovery, reminiscent of RPGs like The Elder Scrolls or Dragon Age.

Arguments Against

• Limited Character Customization: Assassin’s Creed characters are typically predetermined, with limited options for customization.

• Lack of Branching Storylines: While the series has multiple endings and side quests, the overall story is generally linear, unlike RPGs like Mass Effect or Dragon Age.

Conclusion

Assassin’s Creed can indeed be considered an RPG, thanks to its incorporation of RPG elements such as character progression, storytelling, exploration, and role-playing. While the series may not have the same level of customization or branching storylines as other RPGs, it has developed a unique identity that blends action, adventure, and role-playing. Whether or not Assassin’s Creed meets the traditional definition of an RPG, it has undoubtedly evolved to become a hybrid genre, offering a distinct gaming experience.

Table: Assassin’s Creed RPG Elements

Bullet List: Assassin’s Creed’s Hybrid Genre

• Action-Adventure: Fast-paced combat and stealth mechanics
• Open-World Exploration: Explore vast environments and discover new locations
• RPG Elements: Character progression, skill trees, storytelling, and role-playing

In conclusion, Assassin’s Creed is a hybrid genre that has evolved to incorporate RPG elements, making it a unique and engaging gaming experience. Whether or not it meets the traditional definition of an RPG, it has undoubtedly become a staple in the gaming world, offering something new and exciting for players.