GAMERS DECIDE - assassin's creed

[Top 10] Best Assassin's Creed Games to Play First

SwaZee — Tue, 11 Jul 2023 10:31:40 +0000

As a series, Assassin’s Creed is one of the most iconic ever made and is even considered to be a staple in the video game industry. The massive success of this series paved the way for many more properties under the same name to be a thing, due to which we have AC themed movies, comic books, novels etc. This is a great thing for the overall story that they are telling!

So, naturally, this shows us which games are in the proper order to be played. For example, we must start with the very first release in the series, 2007’s Assassin’s Creed, and just follow on from there by numbered and consecutive releases until Black Flag, which is the last numbered game in the series. However, moving on from there is just as simple as you just have to go by release year.

However, this series does have a fair bit of diversity in terms of whatever each game tends to focus on. So, in this list, we will take a look at which game to play first depending on what you are looking for, so let’s take a look!

1. For Story: Assassin’s Creed 1 - 2007 (PC, Playstation 3, Xbox 360)

Trailer: Assassin's Creed 1

The no-brainer answer for the story continuity is to start with the very first game in the series, Assassin’s Creed 1. Though it feels very dated compared to when it was released back in 2007, it was the game that introduced us to this compelling universe and is also the one that starts off the secondary modern day storyline.

This modern day storyline is what connected the main AC releases from AC1 up until AC4 as it all dealt with an apocalyptic event which Desmond had to stop. All games after this direct series were loosely connected and served to be more like standalone games, so it is best to play starting from AC1 to get the best and most connected modern day story.

2. For the best standalone story: Assassin’s Creed 2 - 2009 (PC, Playstation 3, Xbox 360)

Trailer: Assassin's Creed 2

Naturally, people expect the sequels of any game to be better than the previous one and while this isn’t always the case, it’s natural for us to assume that the sequels can take what they learnt from the last game and make it even better. People expected this from AC2 but no one really had an idea just how much better it would truly be than its predecessor.

AC2 introduced us to Ezio, the best character that Ubisoft has ever made, and showed him to be a fun and extremely lovable character that has many flaws, which made him super relatable as well. They also show him experiencing unimaginable loss but never letting that get the better of him. The story is tragic, beautiful and deeply personal, and one that everyone should experience.

3. For Strategy: Assassin’s Creed Brotherhood - 2010 (PC, Playstation 3, Xbox 360)

Trailer: Assassin's Creed Brotherhood

AC Brotherhood is the second game where we play as Ezio and in this, we see him slightly older and further along in his journey of becoming the legendary assassin that we would later know him as. The reason why this game is the best one in the series for those who love strategy is because of the fact that it, more than the others, makes us feel like the head of the Order.

This is done by introducing new mechanics that let us choose many new assassin disciples and assign them roles and things to do, as well as targets to take out. This is a feature that was very loved and greatly missed in some later games that made the player feel like the Master Assassin which was the head of the Order.

4. For Secrets and Mystery: Assassin’s Creed Revelations - 2011 (PC, Playstation 3, Xbox 360)

Trailer: Assassin's Creed Revelations

Revelations is the final AC featuring our beloved Ezio as it sees him finally capping off his story and retiring. However, while this may sound all calm and peaceful, Constantinople is quite the match for our dear hero. Not only does it house many terrifying foes, but also secrets and mysteries relating to the Brotherhood, history and most importantly, to Altaïr.

Ezio’s journey here sees him coming across many secrets and uncovering many truths behind the nature of the Assassin v Templar conflict, as well as some knowledge about the first civilization and the upcoming apocalypse. The game also features Altaïr for the first time since AC1 and the way we get to him is a mystery in and of itself so definitely check Revelations out.

5. For Freedom: Assassin’s Creed Black Flag - 2013 (PC, Playstation 3, Xbox 360)

Trailer: Assassin's Creed Black Flag

Freedom is perhaps the biggest and most obvious thing you can expect from a pirate themed video game, and Black Flag does not disappoint on this front. Since the game starts off as one that is very pirate heavy with the assassins only playing a part later on, you have your own ship and the entire ocean to travel at your disposal.

This aspect never really goes away, even after the introduction of the Brotherhood. Black Flag gives you a gorgeous and massive open world to explore on your ship or on land, and the sense of scale and freedom is just astounding.

6. For Stealth: Assassin’s Creed Unity - 2014 (PC, Playstation 4, Xbox One, Stadia)

Trailer: Assassin's Creed Unity

For all the criticism that Unity got upon its messy release back in 2014, it remains now one of the best and purest Assassin’s Creed games. Much of the reason for this is because of the entire overhaul they did to all the animations and mechanics of the game. This also serves as the best game to play if you want to feel most like an actual assassin.

Arno was the protagonist for Unity and was marketed as the deadliest assassin that we have seen yet in terms of stealth and skill, and this is perfectly replicated in the gameplay as it also contained the most gadgets and different avenues to kill your targets so far as well as the incredible Black Box missions. All these things, coupled with the most fluid parkour, movement and animations made this the single best AC game for all stealth lovers!

7. For Tools: Assassin’s Creed Syndicate - 2015 (PC, Playstation 4, Xbox One, Stadia, Nintendo Switch)

Trailer: Assassin's Creed Syndicate

AC Syndicate was the direct follow up to AC Unity and was a fun game set in 18th Century London. Due to it being the most recent game in terms of setting and timeline, Syndicate showed the natural evolution of the Brotherhood in terms of the tools that they used for traversal, combat, stealth etc. Being a globe spanning secret society with many resources, it makes perfect sense for the Brotherhood to have evolved their methods with time.

Some of this equipment included a grappling hook, which made traversal and the scaling of buildings far quicker and easier, as well as a mobile Assassin Headquarters, which was on a moving train which would always be running around on a private track around London, which made great sense seeing as how the assassins need to be anywhere at any time.

8. For RPG Mechanics: Assassin’s Creed Origins - 2017 (PC, Playstation 4, Xbox One, Stadia, Nintendo Switch)

Trailer: Assassin's Creed Origins

Origins was the first game of the Ancient Trilogy made by Ubisoft after the release of Syndicate and not only did this mark a change to go even further back in history, but also a change in gameplay. For the first time ever, AC had gone full RPG and it was definitely done best in Origins as compared to the ones that followed.

A reason for this was mainly because this was the first game to do so, making the entire new gameplay loop fresh and way more engaging, something that just overstayed its welcome in the following 2 entries in the series. Ancient Egypt was awesome and also packed to the brim with secrets, and was the perfect RPG for the series.

9. For a Beautiful World: Assassin’s Creed Odyssey - 2018 (PC, Playstation 4, Xbox One, Stadia, Nintendo Switch)

Trailer: Assassin's Creed Odyssey

Odyssey was the game that marked the decision of Ubisoft to completely throw away and abandon the identity of the AC series of stealth action and fully embrace the action RPG genre. This meant that Odyssey was only really tied to the AC series by name and nothing else. Despite being an absolutely terrible AC game, Odyssey was a solid RPG game on its own.

The story is pretty awful, but the world is magical. Set in a mythological Ancient Greece, Odyssey makes sure that every single vista is memorable and makes it absolutely gorgeous. This is a very close second to Black Flag in the sense of freedom but definitely at the top of the pack when it comes to beauty.

10. For Combat: Assassin’s Creed Valhalla - 2020 (PC, Playstation 4, Playstation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S)

Trailer: Assassin's Creed Valhalla

Following the trend of Odyssey, Valhalla is yet another awful AC game, but a painfully average video game. It is bloated, boring and endless, with a main story that refuses to end and when it does, it ends in the most contrived and anti-climatic way possible.

Even this game doesn’t put much focus on stealth, but where it differs is the fact that the combat is fairly good. Unlike the button counter combat mechanics of the first few games, this takes what Origins and Odyssey did and expands on it greatly, making the player actually feel as if they are a viking.

You may also be interested in:

Main Image caption:

Chillin' with the boys

Sale Tags:

More on this topic:

Share this Article:

[Top 10] Best Assassins from the Assassin's Creed Series

SwaZee — Tue, 11 Jul 2023 08:16:06 +0000

Assassin’s Creed quickly cemented itself as one of the most iconic video game franchises ever since the first installment released all the way back in 2007. From then, we have visited many different historical periods and have adventured as many cool hooded Assassins, completely taking in and enjoying the brilliance of the worlds.

However, despite these massive and brilliant sprawling worlds, one of the biggest reasons why most of these games are so amazing and memorable is because of many of the protagonists that they made. These are legendary Assassins whose names have survived for centuries and are some of the most memorable characters in gaming. So, let’s take a look at 10 of the best Assassins from the series!

10. Adewalé (Assassin’s Creed: Freedom Cry)

The best quartermaster you could ask for

Link: Adewalé in Black Flag

Adewalé is a fan favorite character that first appeared in Assassin’s Creed 4, but at that stage, was one that we as the player had no idea of the significance of. In Assassin’s Creed Rogue, Haytham and Shay had to hunt him down and kill him, all the while telling us that he is a legendary Assassin and one that knew Haytham’s father.

Adewalé was first introduced to us as a former slave that Edward had taken aboard his ship and made his quartermaster, which led to a long and amazing friendship between the 2 of them, with Adewalé being very stern and providing the best contrast to Edward’s fun personality.

9. Arno Dorian (Assassin’s Creed Unity)

Monsieur Baguette

Link: Arno Victor Dorian, France's biggest whimp

Now this may be a controversial pick for many, and I can understand why. When Unity initially came out in 2014, it was pretty clear to see Arno for what he was and what Ubisoft was trying to do in terms of character development; they were essentially trying to make another version of Ezio but they couldn’t.

Arno in the main game was not a compelling character, always out to settle his own little revenge plot while the country of France was literally tearing itself apart. Though he was the stealthiest and most deadly Assassin we had seen at that stage in the game, he just wasn’t compelling enough. However, in the Dead Kings DLC, we saw Arno after the events of the main game where he is reeling with the death of his love and is moving on with his life. It shows great growth for him and makes him into a character we can all get behind.

8. Jacob Frye (Assassin’s Creed Syndicate)

The annoying twin

Link: Jacob's annoying but I like him

Assassin’s Creed Syndicate was the first game in the series to feature 2 playable protagonists, the Frye twins Jacob and Evie. They are both very different and unique characters that each have their own strengths, weaknesses and goals, as well as different ways of achieving them, with Jacob being the louder and brash one.

Jacob’s approach to things was always to be abrasive and he never really cared much for stealth. Despite this, he was easily the more annoying of the twins, always being loud and setting out to do things his own way instead of the way he should have and always making jokes and quips about things. This made him pretty annoying, but also gave a lighthearted and comedic side to the game.

7. Connor Kenway (Assassin’s Creed 3)

The resident tank of the Assassin Order

Link: Imagine this guy running towards you

Connor is definitely in the running for the absolute coolest Assassin ever, with his ferocity, unmatched strength and incredible fashion. Though despite being a great Assassin, Connor as a character was simply ‘okay’. He didn’t have much depth beyond his revenge storyline and was always super stoic so we couldn’t really sympathize with him all that much.

However, the reason he beats the other Assassins below him is mainly due to how much fun he is to play. Connor is the one member of the order that could beat absolutely every single other assassin in history in a 1v1 fight and when you play as him, it is very clear to see why.

6. Evie Frye (Assassin’s Creed Syndicate)

The better twin

Link: The more likable sibling

Evie is the other twin that the player is introduced to in Syndicate, and she makes up for all the faults and weaknesses that her brother Jacob has. Evie is a charming, inquisitive and very skilled Assassin who is way more ‘by the book’ than her brother and one that is infinitely more likable. Plus, she is one of the stealthiest and deadliest Assassin’s ever introduced in the series, keeping true with the identity of the games!

Evie is also very funny, but unlike Jacob, most of her scenes aren’t littered with useless comedic quips that take away from the seriousness of the situation. She always has her head in the game and just has a much more likable aura and personality, never compromising the tenets of the Creed to suit her own ambitions and goals. To be honest, Syndicate probably would have been way better if it was just Evie as the main character!

5. Shay Cormac (Assassin’s Creed Rogue)

Me on my way to decide my own fate

Link: Shay makes his own destiny

While not strictly an Assassin by the time we play as him, Shay Patrick Cormac was once an initiate in the Brotherhood and a very promising one at that. However, after being greatly disillusioned by the Assassin Brotherhood after a mission goes horribly wrong, Shay defects to the Templars and turns the entire nature of the conflict on its head for the player.

Shay is a great character as, despite us knowing that he is undoubtedly working for the evil side, he is a deeply nuanced character who was right to call the Assassin’s Order out on their faults. He showed us a never before seen side to the story of the conflict and that the Assassins and Templars are 2 sides of the same coin. Just because we are more familiar with one side of the conflict doesn’t mean that side is always right.

4. Altaïr Ibn-La’Ahad (Assassins Creed)

The OG

Link: Altaïr the GOAT

The greatest Assassin of all time. The reason why Altaïr is still remembered and celebrated today both in lore and in real life is because of the fact that he has the greatest legacy of all the Assassins in the lore. Altaïr was a character that inspired all the protagonists of the series after him in one way or the other as they all have at least 1 aspect of him.

In every subsequent game that they have made, Ubisoft makes it a point to talk about just how important Altaïr was to the overall story. Though he wasn’t the most compelling character in the series upon release and was more fleshed out after AC Revelations, he was one that completely destroyed the Order and remade it from the ground up. Legend doesn’t even begin to describe him.

3. Edward Kenway (Assassin Creed Black Flag)

Ya'rr Matey

Link: It's a pirate's life for Edward

The reason why Edward is this high on the list for me is because he is relatable. His story sees him being a pirate that has been thrust into the life of an Assassin completely unwillingly and while he initially doesn’t care much for it, he eventually gives his entire life to the Brotherhood, becoming one of the greatest pirates and Assassins in history.

Edward is like many of us, completely aloof and carefree in the face of responsibility but stepping up to the position when he has to. He is absolutely hilarious as well, but unlike Jacob, he doesn’t make everything into a joke. His more serious moments deliver him to be one of the most poignant and best protagonists in gaming.

2. Bayek of Siwa (Assassin’s Creed Origins)

The Founder

Link: The father of the Brotherhood

Bayek was the founder of the entire Assassin’s Order and was the protagonist of the first of the RPG Assassin’s Creed games. While these games have very greatly overstayed their welcome, Origins was very fresh for the series when it came out, due to which it remains the best of the ancient RPG trilogy. And Bayek is definitely the biggest reason for this.

Bayek is one of the most lovable and charming characters in the entire series, as he is one that has suffered tremendous loss in his life but he never lets that get in the way of how he treats others that aren’t guilty. After losing his son, you can still see how much he loves children and how nice he is to everyone, always being warm, charming and kind to the civilians. Plus, Abubakr Salim’s performance as Bayek is probably the greatest thing I’ve ever seen.

1. Ezio Auditore (Assassin’s Creed 2, Brotherhood, Revelations)

The GOAT

Link: Ezio Auditore Di Firenze

Were you expecting someone else to take the top spot? Ezio is not only the greatest character that Ubisoft has ever come up with, he is one of the greatest protagonists in gaming, period. Sure, much of this could be because of the fact that Ezio was the protagonist for 3 consecutive games, but to be honest, I don’t think any other character could even warrant 3 games like Ezio.

This is because Ezio hits all the beats of what make a perfect main character and much like Bayek, he sees one of the most horrifying things someone could imagine but he never lets that change who he is as a person. Ezio, despite only being the second main character they’ve ever made, is the culmination of everything that makes these games so great in the first place and we essentially see his entire life play out over the course of 3 games, so when we see him for the last time, we aren’t just saying goodbye to a great video game character, we are saying goodbye to a friend.

You may also be interested in:

Main Image caption:

The whole squad

Sale Tags:

More on this topic:

Share this Article:

[Top 5] AC Valhalla Best Cloaks (And How To Get Them)

Wilnelsen — Wed, 05 Oct 2022 20:39:00 +0000

Elevate your play style with a cloak whose strengths give you an edge. Selecting something beyond the Raven Clan Cloak, will increase your speed or armor. For certain play styles, you will want more armor or more speed. In this article, you will find a breakdown of the best cloaks in the game and how to get them.

5. Raven Clan Cloak

Eivor is riding a lion to siege an outpost using the protection of his Raven Clan Cloak.

Be the fastest lad in the war party by dressing in the Raven Clan Cloak. With the highest evasion in early-game armor, the Raven Clan cloak is excellent for light weapon attacks, dodging, and playing dynamically. This is the easiest cloak you can get in the game. You get this cloak by default. The damage resistance isn’t far off from other armors in the game, making this a great build throughout the game. It doesn’t give bonuses to a particular play style, like Thegn’s Cloak or the Mentor’s Cloak. Once you figure out your preferred play style, I suggest switching to another cloak on this list.

Raven Clan Cloak Review

This is a great cloak if you like to use a variety of play styles. The stats of this cloak are good for heavy, light, and ranged players. This cloak has good armor and attack resistance without sacrificing evasion or weight. If you want a cloak for a specific play style, look elsewhere.
If you enjoy light or ranged weapons, then this is a great cloak with its high evasion and low weight. There are better light cloaks on this list. This cloak will keep you safe throughout the game, no matter your play style. It is really easy to get because it is your default armor.
This is a good cloak for people who don’t want to stray from the story while still surviving the great battles ahead. This cloak will take you through the end game without putting in the effort to search for it. You will get the cloak by completing the story in Norway. If you upgrade the cloak, the stats will be competitive when compared to other cloaks.

Raven Clan Cloak Stats (Mythic Base):

Armor: 34
Light Resistance: 40
Heavy Resistance: 36
Evasion: 23
Weight: 12

How To Get the Raven Clan Cloak:

The Raven Clan Cloak is the easiest armor to get in the game. You get the cloak after killing Rikiwulf and freeing your crew members in Avaldsnes.

4. Brigandine Cape

Is this medieval England or a fashion show?

The Brigandine Cape will fill you with lust for jumping into hordes of enemies to cut them down. This is for the warriors who crave the chaos of the battle’s storm. Feel your heart rage. This cape is a good choice for heavy melee players who prefer combat to stealth. It has a high armor stat, moderate light resistance, and high heavy resistance. These stats make it perfect for a heavy weapon play style. With its low evasion, it’s not a great choice for light weapons, light bows, or stealth players.

Brigandine Cape Review

For heavy weapons players who love to jump into combat, this is a great choice. It has high armor and heavy damage resistance, but low evasion.
With careful evading of powerful enemies, you can get this armor right when you first land in England. This cape will give you an edge in the early game because it starts off as superior quality, which is better than the base quality of your current armor.
The cape has a subtle design that isn’t dramatic or distracting from the Viking theme of the game.

Brigandine Cape stats (Mythic Base):

Armor: 41
Light Resistance: 36
Heavy Resistance: 41
Evasion: 16
Weight: 17

How to get the Brigandine Cape:

The cape is located in Quatford, Sciropescire in a cave behind a destructible stone wall. Use your Incendiary Arrow ability to destroy the wall and open the chest.

3. Thegn's Cloak

Eivor decimates an outpost using Thegn's Cloak paired with an ax and shield; a potent combination.

Better than the Brigandine armor and more Knightly than Viking, Thegn’s Cloak is the best melee cloak in the game. If you like the metal-clad look of knights and Templar, then you will love this cloak. This cloak has a higher evasion and light resistance than the Brigandine cloak. Although the heavy resistance is less, it is fully balanced with light resistance, unlike the other cloak.

Thegn's Cloak Review

This is the best melee armor because it has high damage resistance. The damage resistance is equal between light and heavy categories. You will find those stats useful when fighting enemies in large groups. Large groups of enemies are often mixed with light and heavy opponents.
For heavy weapon players, you will love this cloak more than the Brigandine set. Heavy weapons are typically slow, but they benefit most from armor with high armor stats. This cloak provides high armor stats and has a remarkable evasion statistic, which makes your heavy weapon attacks faster.
Some people prefer to use heavy weapons and prefer dodging to blocking. The way the armor and damage resistance are balanced against its weight and evasion make it good for the heavy-weapons play style.

Thegn's Cloak stats (Mythic Base):

Armor: 40
Light Resistance: 38
Heavy Resistance: 38
Evasion: 17
Weight: 16

How to get Thegn's Cloak:

Thegn’s Cloak is found in a chest in Bishop’s Residence, Wincestre. It’s on the second floor behind a barred door.

2. Hidden Ones' Hood

Eivor is perched high, making a stealth kill. Will he need to rely on the protection of his Hidden Ones' Hood?

Some things are powerful once it’s grown on you. No, I’m not talking about the mole on my butt. I’m talking about the Hidden Ones’ Hood. Despite low baseline stats, the Hidden Ones’ Hood grows to become one of the best cloaks in the game, second to the Mentor’s Cloak. With a low weight and high all-around defense, this is a powerful cloak once it’s fully upgraded. The design of the cloak reminds me of the original Assassin’s Creed style.

Hidden Ones' Hood Review

Despite its low armor stat, the mythical Hidden Ones’ Hood has 2 points more evasion and 3 points less weight than Thegn’s Cloak. This is better for a light weapon and stealth play style because it favors speed.
The Hidden Ones’ Hood is the best at blending the original Assassin’s Creed character style and the historical Viking’s style. While you can wear the original Assassin’s Creed outfits, you stick out in comparison to the character models of Assassin’s Creed Valhalla.
When fighting heavy opponents that you can’t stealth kill, this is a great choice of a cloak. This cloak favors defenses against heavy damage. You receive more heavy damage when fighting heavy opponents. Match this with dual daggers, then you will be swift and deadly.

Hidden Ones' Hood stats (Mythic Base):

Armor: 32
Light Resistance: 35
Heavy Resistance: 41
Evasion: 25
Weight: 10

How to get Hidden Ones' Hood:

To get the armor, you have to earn it by finding codex pages and the lost Hidden One Bureaus. Then, you get the armor when you return the lost information to your settlement.

1. Mentor's Cloak

Eivor is using the power of his cloak and spear to liberate his friends from the enemy.

Are you looking for the ultimate cloak to enable your speed and strength? The Mentor’s Cloak will help you dodge or absorb the heavy attack of your opponents. This cloak has the highest heavy damage resistance of all the cloaks on this list. Its evasion is impressive, coming in several points higher than Thegn’s Cloak. This is the best armor for a light weapon, bow, and stealth play styles.

Mentor's Cloak Review

The Mentor’s Cloak has the best balance of armor and damage resistance to evasion and weight. It has a difference of 1 point in evasion and weight compared to the Hidden Ones’ Cloak. It sacrifices those 2 single stat points by having 6 more armor stats than the Hidden Ones’ Hood. This is great for dealing with those opponents that have a lot of health, like bosses and Zealots. With long battles of a single enemy, it’s likely you’ll get hit a few times. Staying alive is vital. Adding the armor will help you while staying very agile for your play style.
The cloak has 2 points more evasion than Thegn’s Cloak, but it has 10 points less armor. This is best for a light weapons play style. Your build can lower your weight and increase your evasion to give you more dodges before running out of stamina.
The Mentor’s Cloak is stronger than Thor’s armor in evasion, damage resistance, and weight. While it isn’t as flashy, nor does it offer as powerful perks. However, the stats of this cloak overwhelms even the most sought-after cloak for players who value dodging and a high rate of damage.

Mentor's Cloak stats (Mythic Base):

Armor: 39
Light Resistance: 35
Heavy Resistance: 41
Evasion: 24
Weight: 11

How to get Mentor's Cloak:

The cloak is found in the Loch Clunbre Hideout in Snotinghamscire inside a hut. There is a barred door that you have to break open.

Also Be Sure To Read:

Main Image caption:

Eivor is staring enviously at the better armor on the list. If only she read this article before taking on Balor from The Wrath Of Druids. Save yourself from Eivor's pain and take a deep dive with me to learn about the top 5 Cloaks in AC Valhalla.

Sale Tags:

More on this topic:

Share this Article:

The Best Assassin’s Creed Games To Start With: All AC Games To Play In Order From First To Last

benji — Sun, 04 Sep 2022 22:49:11 +0000

The Assassin’s Creed franchise is a force in the video game industry

So we got together to discuss each game's merits and help you choose where to begin.

Ubisoft has been putting out these hits for fifteen years. So, where do you start when there are twelve titles to choose from? If you get started with the most recent title, will you miss out?

Well, the answer is yes and no. While a lot of these games are good enough to stand on their own, knowing a bit about AC’s lore makes for an even better experience.

With that in mind, here’s my take on how the games stack up as entry points to the franchise.

Assassin’s Creed (2007)

Windows, Xbox 360, PlayStation 3

Assassin's Creed Cello Trailer

The one that started it all.

In the original Assassin’s Creed, we are introduced to Desmond Miles, a modern member of the Assassins and, maybe more importantly: the animus.

This game, for obvious reasons, is a great place to start the franchise. You begin the game as Desmond but will play the role of an assassin during the crusades for most of the game. You’ll be introduced to the warring “Templar Order” and the “Assassin Brotherhood” and get a sense of what the world of AC is about.

That being said...

This game is just about old enough to get its driver's license. You'll be disappointed if you go into it expecting graphics on par with whatever new release you just played. Still, it could be the perfect place to start if you understand what you’re getting into.

Assassin’s Creed II (2009)

Windows, Xbox 360, Xbox One, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, OS X, Nintendo Switch

Assassin's Creed 2 - Launch Trailer

Enter: Ezio.

Against the backdrop of Renaissance-era Italy, we’re introduced to legendary assassin Ezio Auditore da Firenze and begin his trilogy.

Don’t get me wrong, this game has a lot to enjoy, but Assassins Creed II is, for lack of a better word, old.

If you’re a renaissance history buff, you’ll be in heaven. I mean, you get to hang out with Leonardo DeVinci! But there just isn’t a good reason to make Assassins Creed II your starting point in the series.

Assassin’s Creed: Brotherhood (2010)

Windows, Xbox 360, Xbox One, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, OS X, Nintendo Switch

Assassin's Creed Brotherhood: E3 Premiere | Trailer | Ubisoft [NA]

Ezio's second chapter.

Continuing Ezio’s trilogy, we get another solid entry in the Assassin’s Creed series. Here we are introduced to “apprentices” within the assassin brotherhood and enjoy the city of Rome.

Like its predecessor, old graphics make this a harder game to devote hundreds of hours to. Though a fine game, there’s not a good reason to begin your journey here.

Assassin’s Creed: Revelations (2011)

Windows, Xbox 360, Xbox One, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, OS X, Nintendo Switch

Assassin's Creed Revelations: E3 Trailer Extended Cut | Ubisoft [NA]

Are you scared of heights?

Here marks the last time we see the legendary assassin Ezio as his trilogy comes to an end. If you’re playing for the story, this one isn’t bad at all; We follow Ezio on a journey to Constantinople to unlock a vault built by the protagonist of the original Assassin’s Creed.

Starting at this point wouldn’t be a bad choice, per se, but if you want to start with an Ezio story, Assassin’s Creed II is the better option.

Assassin’s Creed III (2012)

Windows, Xbox 360, Xbox One, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, OS X, Nintendo Switch, Wii U, Stadia

Assassin's Creed 3 - E3 Official Trailer [UK]

There's a patriot in all of us.

Full disclosure, this is the first installment of Assassin’s Creed that I, the writer of this article, have ever played.

Should it be the one you start with? Maybe, but probably not.

Assassins Creed III has one of the most interesting protagonists. The setting of revolutionary war era America is probably its best selling point. Still, nothing makes Assassin's Creed III stick out as “the one” to play.

Assassin’s Creed: Black Flag (2013)

Windows, Xbox 360, Xbox One, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, OS X, Nintendo Switch, Wii U, Stadia

Assassin's Creed IV Black Flag: World Premiere | Trailer | Ubisoft [NA]

Everybody wanted to be a pirate at some point in their life.

Our next entry, Assassin’s Creed: Black Flag, follows Edward Kenway as he and his shipmates search the Caribbean for loot.

Black Flag is an essential step in the franchise, being the first to offer a true “open world” experience. It is a beautifully made environment to explore.

It looks and plays pretty well, considering its release date. If you don’t mind the drawback of playing a slightly older game, Black Flag is one of the better entry points into this AC universe.

Assassin’s Creed: Rogue (2014)

Windows, Xbox 360, Xbox One, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, OS X, Nintendo Switch, Stadia

Assassin’s Creed Rogue: Launch Trailer | Ubisoft [NA]

Ever wanted to walk a mile in a Templar’s shoes?

In a surprising twist for the Assasin’s Creed series, Assasin’s Creed: Rogue follows Shay Patrick Cormac, an assassin who betrays the brotherhood and joins up with the Templars.

If there’s one thing that makes this whole series great, it’s historical immersion, and Rogue’s setting of America during the French-Indian war is no exception. I always enjoy playing the ones that are set within driving distance from me, as I can really feel myself there.

All in all, Rogue is a great game, and while I can’t think of a reason to start here, I can’t think of any not to either.

Assassin’s Creed: Unity (2014)

Windows, Xbox One, PlayStation 4, Stadia

Assassin's Creed Unity E3 2014 World Premiere Cinematic Trailer [EUROPE]

Bring out the guillotine!

If you’ve been feeling like a revolutionary lately, consider skipping that rally and participating in the French Revolution instead!

This game got a mixed reception, to put it nicely. Unity's gameplay and visuals were strong, but fans felt divided by the plot. While Unity isn’t a game to write off completely, other installments are more worth your time.

Assassin’s Creed: Syndicate (2015)

Windows, Xbox One, PlayStation 4, Stadia

Assassin’s Creed Syndicate E3 Cinematic Trailer [EUROPE]

It's "chewsday", innit?

Syndicate, Ubisoft’s entry into the franchise from 2015, feels a bit like their other franchise, Watchdogs.

Assassin’s Creed: Syndicate features the most recent setting out of all the games in the franchise in Victorian-era London. This could be a plus for gamers who don’t have a huge interest in ancient history and would rather scale an apartment building than the great pyramids. It also means that gamers coming from more modern action games will get to play with weapons they are more accustomed to.

Would this be the first Assassin’s Creed game I play?

No.

But if you have an aversion to the old world, this is the one for you.

Assassin’s Creed: Origins (2017)

Windows, Xbox One, PlayStation 4, Stadia

Assassin's Creed Origins: E3 2017 Official World Premiere Gameplay Trailer [4K] | Ubisoft [NA]

A prequel that doesn't suck!

Origins, everything has one, Darth Vader, Bilbo Baggins, and even the Assassin Brotherhood.

If you hadn’t guessed by now, Assassins Creed: Origins is a prequel to all of the other games in the series. The game goes into the beginnings of the brotherhood and the Templars (back then known as the hidden ones and the order of the ancients) in ancient Egypt.

Origins is a natural starting point for the series, as it literally is the starting point. I would personally prefer to start elsewhere and come back for the origin story (wink wink), but I must emphasize that there’s nothing wrong with starting here.

Assassin’s Creed: Odyssey

Windows, Xbox One, PlayStation 4, Stadia, Nintendo Switch

Assassin's Creed Odyssey: E3 2018 Official World Premiere Trailer | Ubisoft [NA]

Coming in at number two, we have Assassin’s Creed: Odyssey. Set against the gorgeous backdrop of ancient Greece, Assassin’s Creed: Odyssey follows your choice of either Kassandra or Alexios as they discover their identities during the Peloponnesian war.

While the graphics aren’t on par with Valhalla, the story and the world are hard to beat. Just kick back and enjoy a Mediterranean cruise sprinkled with a cyclops encounter here and there.

Assassin’s Creed: Valhalla (2020)

Windows, Xbox One, PlayStation 4, Stadia, Xbox Series S/X, PlayStation 5

Assassin’s Creed Valhalla: Cinematic World Premiere Trailer | Ubisoft [NA]

Two axes are better than one.

In the twelfth installation of the Assassin’s Creed series, Assassin’s Creed: Valhalla follows Eivor as she makes a name for herself by conquering England in the middle ages.

This game delves into the fascinating history of Norse mythology and spiritualism, the concepts of loyalty and revenge, and is an absolute blast to play. While a bit overwhelming at first, the open world is breathtaking and truly impressive; the immersion into this world makes it my favorite game of the series.

I’m a console gamer (I acknowledge the PC master race, but I’m set in my ways!), so the ability to play at 60 FPS is big for me; I also believe that playing the most recent installment with the best graphics is the best way to start your journey into this behemoth of a franchise.

[Top 15] Best Mythology Games That Are Excellent

rebeccas — Wed, 16 Mar 2022 02:06:01 +0000

The awesomeness of these games is no myth.

Legends and folklore have captivated humans for as long as we've been around — the present day is no exception! It's no surprise that a fair share of video games have taken on mythology as a central theme.

Greek and Norse, Japanese and Indian, Egyptian and Native American — this list has a bit of everything, to scratch whatever mythology itch you may have. Get ready to be introduced to (or reminded of) fifteen of the best mythology games ever!

15. Age of Mythology

Age of Mythology Gameplay

Age of Mythology is a spin-off of the Age of Empires series but based on mythology rather than historical events. In this real-time strategy game, you play as one of three civilizations: Greek, Egyptian, or Norse, each with their major god.

As you grow your civilization and make technological advancements, you advance from the Archaic Age all the way to the Mythic Age. The end goal? Annihilate your enemy civilizations.

Age of Mythology has only one campaign but it's a lengthy one. You play as Arkantos, an Atlantean soldier traveling through each civilization as he hunts down a cyclops.

Released in 2002, Age of Mythology still has an avid fanbase; as evidenced by an expansion pack being released in 2016! It added the Chinese civilization, after a 2003 expansion pack added the Atlantean one.

The three major gods of each civilization in Age of Mythology are Zeus, Ra, and Odin.

14. Shadow of the Tomb Raider

Shadow of the Tomb Raider E3 Gameplay Trailer

Lara Croft has unleashed a Mayan apocalypse onto the world, and now she must traverse Central and South America to find the lost city of Paititi. At the same time, she has to deal with Trinity, a paramilitary group working against her.

Shadow of the Tomb Raider is the sequel of Rise of the Tomb Raider, and the final entry in a trilogy telling Lara Croft's origin story. It's based on Aztec, Mayan, and Incan mythology. Developers of the game worked alongside historians and archeologists to make sure Paititi and the characters around it were accurate.

In this action-adventure game, gameplay consists of exploring the semi-open world, raiding tombs, and fighting enemies. The game's focus on the tombs and their associated puzzles was especially praised by critics.

Shadow of the Tomb Raider is one of the most expensive games ever made; it cost $110-135 million!

13. Raji: An Ancient Epic

Raji: An Ancient Epic Official Trailer

On the day of the Hindu festival Raksha Bandhan, demons attack the carnival where the orphan Raji and her little brother, Golu, work. Within the chaos and panic, Golu gets abducted by three of the demons!

With the guidance of the Goddess Durga and Lord Vishnu, Raji goes on a quest to save her brother and the other abductees, and put a stop to the havoc the demons are causing. On her journey, she uncovers memories from her childhood and encounters beings from traditional folklore.

Raji: An Ancient Epic is a 2020 action-adventure game based on Indian (mostly Hindu) mythology. It takes inspiration from Indian epics such as the Ramayana. The visuals have a hand-drawn feel and are based on the Pahari art style from the 17-19th centuries in India.

Raji: An Ancient Epic was developed by a team of thirteen based in the city Pune in India.

12. Assassin's Creed Valhalla

Assassin's creed Valhalla Gameplay Overview Trailer

It's the 870s AD, and there's an invasion of the Vikings into Britain. The Viking Eivor is just trying to establish a clan in England but he finds himself in the midst of the conflict between the Assassin Brotherhood and the Templar Order.

Assassin's Creed Valhalla is the twelfth mainline entry of the Assassin's Creed series. Like the previous two games, part of the story takes place in the modern day. In the 21st century, Layla Hassan relives Eivor's memories as she tries to stop impending world destruction.

Valhalla is an action RPG that takes inspiration from Norse mythology. In the game's open world, you take on main storyline quests and optional side quests as well. There's more stealth involved than the past few games and the "social stealth" mechanic that many fans missed returned!

In Assassin's Creed Valhalla, you can choose whether to make Eivor male or female.

11. Darksiders

Darksiders Gameplay Trailer

The first of the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse, War has been tricked into bringing about the end of the world too early. He's stripped of his powers by the council that sits between Heaven and Hell and given a single chance to prove his innocence. So War returns to a now-ravaged Earth to search for and punish those responsible, and clear his own name.

Darksiders was released in 2010 and is the first entry of the Darksiders series. Based on Biblical mythology, you play as one of the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse — War, Death, Strife, and Fury — in each installment. These vary from the actual Biblical Horsemen but, let's be real, "Famine" and "Pestilence" aren't very cool names!

Darksiders is a hack and slash adventure game, revolving around exploration and combat. War's main weapon is a two-handed sword called the Chaoseater.

A remastered edition, "Darksiders: Warmastered Edition," was released in 2016.

10. Apotheon

Apotheon Action Trailer

The Gods of Olympus have cast mankind aside, allowing evil free reign on the mortal world. The young warrior Nikandreos may just be humanity's last hope. With the help of the goddess Hera, guide Nikandreos throughout Mount Olympus as you battle the divine powers!

Apotheon is a 2D platformer based on Ancient Greek mythology. The narrative is original but, at its core, it stays true to familiar gods, creatures, and events. The game takes place in an open world, set in Mount Olympus, with locations based on different gods.

Along with mythology, Apotheon is an homage to Greek art, too. The art style is inspired by Ancient Greek black-figure pottery, and a lot of the visuals are based on Greece during the bronze age.

Apotheon features fully-voiced legendary characters from Greek mythology.

9. Titan Quest

Titan Quest Gameplay Trailer

Before the reign of the Olympian gods, Titans ruled the world in darkness. Imprisoned for ages, a trio of lesser Titans have somehow managed to wreak havoc on the mortal world. Your protagonist travels from Greece to Egypt, all the way across the Silk Road to China in pursuit of the lesser Titans in order to restore peace to humanity.

Titan Quest is a tile-based action RPG, with hack and slash combat. Along with main quests, there are side quests you can complete to gain experience and equipment. At release, gameplay was often compared to the Diablo series, which was a defining game of the action RPG genre at the time.

Titan Quest was released in 2006 and still has a loyal fanbase. It receives pretty frequent updates, too. The game has four expansion packs, the most recent of which was released in 2021!

Titan Quest was conceived by Brian Sullivan, who was a developer for Age of Empires.

8. God of War III

God of War III Launch Trailer

Vengeance is the name of the game in God of War III. Son of Zeus and ex-God of War, Kratos, seeks to exact revenge on his father after being betrayed by him. Guided by Athena, he rises from the depths of the underworld and makes his way to the peaks of Mount Olympus.

God of War III is the fifth entry in the God of War franchise. Narrative-wise, it's the final one in the series' Greek era. The game is set in Ancient Greece and is loosely based on Greek mythology.

Like previous games in the series, God of War III is a hack and slash action-adventure game. Kratos' main weapons are the Blades of Exile, which are used in the combo-based combat. The game also features quick time events, as well as platform and puzzle elements.

God of War III was awarded "Most Anticipated Game of 2010" at the Spike Video Game Awards.

7. Assassin's Creed Origins

Assassin's Creed Origins E3 Gameplay Trailer

The Assassin's Brotherhood and the Templar Order have been in conflict for millennia. In Assassin's Creed Origins, we learn the story behind their legendary feud. The protagonist who finds himself involved in this is Bayek, a Medjay who protects the Egyptian people.

Assassin's Creed Origins is set in Egypt in 49–43 BC and is inspired by Ancient Egyptian mythology. The game features an open world with many ways to explore, with an emphasis on stealth.

Gameplay is fairly open-ended as well, and there's tons of optional stuff to do aside from the main storyline. You can explore pyramids, raid bandit bases, and solve puzzles to get rare items. Origins also features a revitalized combat system, different from previous entries in the series.

Assassin's Creed Origins is the first game in the series to feature Layla Hassan.

6. Nioh 2

Nioh 2 Overview Trailer

The Sengoku period was riddled with civil war, social unrest, and — in Nioh 2 — hordes of yōkai! The player character is Hide, a customizable half-yōkai (AKA "Shiftling") who must battle spirits from folklore in brutal combat. Hide's past is shrouded in mystery, even for the player, and you learn more about it as you play.

Nioh 2 is set in the late 1500s in Japan and is based on Japanese mythology, especially yōkai. Available weapons include traditional weapons used during the Sengoku period, as well as weapons from mythology.

Storywise, Nioh 2 is both a prequel and sequel to Nioh. Like its predecessor, Nioh 2 is a masocore action RPG; its level of difficulty is specifically designed to make you rage!

Nioh 2 is primarily single-player but also has a three-player multiplayer mode.

5. God of War (2018)

God of War PC Announce Trailer

Kratos has left his life struggling against the Olympians behind and now resides in Midgard, in the realm of the Norse gods. A first for the series, God of War (2018) features two protagonists, Kratos and his son, Atreus. The pair are on a journey throughout Scandinavia, in the pre-Viking era.

Kratos just can't catch a break, though! He finds himself in conflict with Norse gods and monsters but he can't fight as recklessly as usual when he has a son to protect.

God of War (2018) is the eighth entry in the God of War series and the first to diverge from Greek mythology. The game received immense praise for how well it revitalized the story, design, and gameplay of the previous games, as well as how it approached the father-son dynamic of Kratos and Atreus.

God of War (2018) is tied with the first God of War (2005) for the highest-rated game in the series!

4. Never Alone

Never Alone Launch Trailer

Never Alone is based on Native American mythology, specifically that of the Iñupiaq people of Alaska. The two player characters are a little girl Nuna and her pet, Fox. The main plotline is based on a traditional Iñupiaq tale; it sees Nuna and Fox search for the source of an endless blizzard that ravaged their village.

Smaller side stories involve other Iñupiaq legends such as that of the Blizzard Man and the Rolling Heads. The main theme of the game is generational wisdom and it includes documentary-style cutscenes of Iñupiaq elders sharing their stories.

Never Alone is a puzzle platformer described as "atmospheric." You control Nuna and Fox alternately throughout eight levels (or "chapters") of puzzles. A sequel was announced in February 2022.

Never Alone's Iñupiaq title is "Kisima Inŋitchuŋa" which means "I am not alone."

3. Valheim

Valheim Gameplay Trailer

"Valheim" is a fictional tenth world within the world tree of Norse mythology It is here that slain Vikings must prove that they deserve to go to the paradise of Valhalla. How do they do this? By defeating five bosses based on Norse mythology.

You'd be wrong to think you can just go straight to them! You must gather resources and hone your skills while surviving the wilderness of Valheim, whether alone or in co-op.

Valheim is a survival sandbox game that was released in early access in February 2021. You might not even realize it though, as the game already feels quite polished! Valheim was an unexpected smash hit, selling five million copies within the first month after release. The five-person team behind the game even admitted that they didn't expect it to be so successful.

In the first month of its release, Valheim was one of the most-played games on Steam.

2. Hades

Hades Official Animated Trailer

Zagreus, the son of Hades, wants nothing more than to escape the Underworld. He's helped by various gods and goddesses, such as his adoptive mother Nyx, his mentor Achilles, and the ferryman Charon. The Olympian Gods are on his side too, giving him Boons that endow him with special abilities.

Not everything is going Zagreus' way, though. Hades isn't about to go easy on his son — he'll unleash the Underworld's residents (including a Hydra and a Fury) just to stop him!

Hades is a roguelike dungeon crawler, set in random rooms filled with enemies and rewards. The game is set up in a way that requires multiple runs, with each run revealing a bit more of the storyline. Treasures you find carry over to your subsequent runs, too! The combat system is hack and slash using a mixture of attack types.

Several publications named Hades as 2020's game of the year.

1. Okami

Ōkami Gameplay Trailer

Ōkami tells the tale of the sun goddess Amaterasu, who takes the form of a white wolf as she goes on a quest to save the world from darkness. Most humans see her as just a plain wolf; only a few actually recognize her.

Ōkami is inspired by Japanese mythology and set in the classical period of Japan. The art style is based on sumi-e, ink wash paintings that originated in China but became prominent in Japan, too. Gameplay was inspired by The Legend of Zelda, a favorite of director Hideki Kamiya. It's a mix of action, puzzle, and platforming.

Ōkami was one of the last releases on the PlayStation 2 and didn't generate very much sales. It did, however, receive critical acclaim and was even named the 2006 Game of the Year by IGN!

"Ōkami" is a pun; it can mean either "great god" or "wolf," both referring to the main character.

BONUS: Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice

Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice Final Trailer

Senua is a warrior broken by the death of her lover. On a journey to rescue her lover's soul from the goddess Hela, Senua faces fantastical monsters, psychological horrors, and a dark entity that haunts her. In a metaphor for psychosis, she believes her condition to be caused by a curse.

There are two main modes of gameplay in Hellblade, puzzle- and narrative-focused exploration, as well as combat against disfigured foes and bosses.

Though the game's main theme is mental illness, the mythological elements are nothing to be scoffed at! Hellblade is set in a breathtaking world inspired by Celtic culture and Norse mythology.

In making the game, the developers worked alongside neuroscientists and people actually living with psychosis.

You may also be interested in:

Main Image caption:

"Legendary" doesn't even begin to describe these games!

Image Gallery:

Sale Tags:

More on this topic:

Share this Article:

[Top 10] Sandbox Games With Good Story

rebeccas — Sat, 12 Mar 2022 21:11:14 +0000

You don't have to choose; these games offer both.

The charm of the sandbox genre is in its limitlessness but, when paired with a good story, that freedom tastes even sweeter. If you're someone who craves the best of both worlds, this list is for you! Whether you’re looking for an introduction or a trip down memory lane, take a look at these 10 sandbox games that we think have killer storylines.

10. Raft

Raft Launch Trailer

Raft was a smash hit of 2018, and for good reason. Though it’s still in early access, it’s an incredibly successful title in both the survival and sandbox genres.

You begin your journey stranded on a raft in the middle of the ocean with no recollection of who you are or where you came from. Gameplay involves exploring deserted islands, crafting tools, and upgrading your raft in an open world.

Unlike other entries in the list, Raft’s storyline has to be unlocked. You do so by crafting a two-way radio with materials scavenged on the various islands you find. Unraveling the plot isn't a linear ordeal and can be a bit confusing but if you’re into those kinds of storylines, then you’ll love it.

Raft started out as a free download on itch.io; you can still find it there!

9. Fallout 4

Fallout 4 Gameplay

The year is 2287 and you are the sole survivor of a cryogenesis experiment, having been frozen for 200 years. You had a family who were once frozen alongside you and, now, you must search the vast wasteland of “The Commonwealth” (AKA post-apocalyptic Boston) for your missing son.

Released in 2015 by the powerhouse Bethesda studios, Fallout 4 is an amazing blend of shooter, RPG, and sandbox elements. Though it is a direct sequel to Fallout 3, you can enjoy it even if you’ve never played its predecessor.

Fallout 4 features a plot that is at times wacky and at other times solemn and bleak. Along with its fully-developed storyline, this game offers an open world, character customization, and an intricate crafting system, as well the ability to form and manage settlements.

Animals lovers rejoice: the dog doesn't die! Fallout 4's furry friend is essentially immortal.

8. Red Dead Redemption 2

Red Dead Redemption 2 Launch Trailer

Despite its name, RDR2 is the third installment of the Red Dead series, and is a prequel to Red Dead Redemption. Widely marketed and highly anticipated, RDR2 has become one of the best-selling video games in history since its release in 2018.

Set in Western and Southern USA in 1899, Red Dead Redemption 2 follows a story of an outlaw struggling against the government, rival gangs, and the slow death of the Wild West. Heists, hunts, and shootouts ensue as you explore this fictional world. In the epilogue, you play as the protagonist of the first Red Dead Redemption, John Marston.

If you like the way Grand Theft Auto’s wanted system works, you’ll enjoy RDR2’s take on it: a bounty system. Also, if you love co-op. you’ll be happy to know that there’s an online multiplayer mode!

Red Dead Redemption 2 is one of the most expensive video games to ever be made.

7. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt Launch Trailer

Wild Hunt is the third and final entry in the The Witcher series and it definitely goes out with a bang. It’s got an overwhelmingly positive rating on Steam and has received a crazy amount of "game of the year" awards.

Wild Hunt is an immersive and story-driven RPG rooted in Slavic mythology. You play as the monster slayer Geralt of Rivia, AKA The Witcher, on a quest to search for his daughter. Complete quests, explore the world, interact with NPCs, and experience one of three story endings depending on your actions in-game.

Wild Hunt’s plot is engaging while still managing to give you an open world and plenty of choice. Side quests don’t feel boring or tedious and are instead well-developed and add greatly to the storyline.

CD Projekt’s in-house game engine, REDengine 3, is what lets The Witcher run smoothly.

6. Mafia II (Classic)

Mafia II Trailer

There are two versions to choose from when buying Mafia II: Classic and Definitive Edition. I’ll be honest — I wholeheartedly recommend the Classic version. It maintains a much better rating on Steam, as well as being more favored in the game’s community. Though Definitive Edition (a 2020 remaster of the original 2010 game) has better visuals, it also has worse physics, as well as bugs that aren’t even in the Classic version.

In Mafia II, you play in the fictional Empire Bay, a city divided by race, industrialization, and the mafia in the 1940s and 50s. You play as an Italian immigrant to the United States, in his escapades with and against the various mafia organizations of Empire Bay.

Mafia II is very story-driven and does its best to remain true to its setting, while still giving the player the ability to decide how to do things themselves!

Mafia II includes music that is actually from the 1940s and 50s.

5. Assassin’s Creed Origins

Assassin's Creed Origins E3 Gameplay Trailer

Assassin’s Creed Origins was released in 2017 and is the tenth entry of the main Assassin’s Creed franchise. The game is lauded for its plot, historical accuracy, world design, and voice acting. It features an expansive open world and is a well-balanced mix of sandbox, action, and RPG.

Origins features a few scenes in the 21st century but is primarily set in roughly 50–40 BC, in Egypt. The main character you play is Bayek, a Medjay who is tasked with keeping the settlement of Siwa Oasis safe by — you guessed it! — assassinating targets.

As you might expect from the name, Assassin’s Creed Origins explores the history and organizations that led to the Assassin Brotherhood of the other games in the series.

The development team worked closely with actual Egyptologists to ensure historical accuracy.

4. Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain

Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain Gameplay Trailer

Even if you’ve never played Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain, you probably know the iconic meme that came from it: “Why are we still here? Just to suffer?”

Honestly, the plot of the Metal Gear Solid series is weird and jumps around a lot but remains an enjoyable storyline nonetheless. The Phantom Pain is no exception, with a few unresolved plot points. Despite this, it’s received amazing reviews for its sandbox level of freedom, its emotional story, and well-developed gameplay mechanics.

The Phantom Pain picks up where its prologue, Metal Gear Solid V: Ground Zeroes, left off. You play as a mercenary with the codename “Venom Snake”, as you hunt down whoever’s responsible for destroying a military organization from the previous game.

The Phantom Pain is the ninth major entry in the Metal Gear series.

3. Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim

Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Gameplay Trailer

Commonly known simply as Skyrim, this game is one of the most iconic titles of the 2010s. You truly get the best of both worlds with Skyrim: a fleshed-out, engaging storyline that you can choose to ignore completely if you want to.

You play in a frosty mountainous land of Norsemen, elves, and monsters. You, yourself, are the Dragonborn, destined to defeat a dragon who will destroy the world. The lore of Skyrim — and The Elder Scrolls franchise as a whole — is incredibly deep and easy to get sucked into.

The best part? Despite its fleshed-out, engaging storyline, you can choose to ignore or postpone it, if you’d rather explore the open world and create your own adventure. Sandbox lovers rejoice!

Skyrim is set 200 years after The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion.

2. Hitman 2

Hitman 2 Gameplay Launch Trailer

Hitman 2 is the second installment of the World of Assasination trilogy within the larger Hitman franchise. All three titles follow a story arc but there’s nothing stopping you from playing any one as a standalone. Typical for the series, you play as Agent 47, a genetically-engineered assassin who takes on quests to assassinate targets whilst the story unfolds.

Your main goal as Agent 47 is to find the elusive “Shadow Client” who is causing panic across the globe. This mission takes you to 6 locations around the world, from Miami to Mumbai. In each location, you get quite considerable free reign to explore, plot, and carry out your mission as you see fit.

The best part about the Hitman games is being able to choose how to assassinate your targets — whether with subtlety and caution or with wild abandon. I feel obligated to also mention that you can slap a man with a fish if you want, which I think is a hard sell!

Hitman 2 is more playful in tone than its prequel and sequel.

1. Grand Theft Auto V

Grand Theft Auto V First-Person Experience Trailer

When a game is the second best-selling title of all time, you know it’s got to be outstanding. That's Grand Theft Auto V for you, the game that earned $1 billion (yes, $1 billion) in just three days after release. It remains one of the most popular games in the world, and is a monumental addition to the GTA series.

Grand Theft Auto V takes players to the fictional town of Los Santos in San Andreas. The storyline involves three playable main characters: a former bank robber, a drug dealer, and a gangster, as they get into heists.

These heists are central to the plot, and the protagonists’ lives eventually spin out of control. As you take on the storyline, you get to freely explore the open world of Los Santos and its surrounding areas.

Upon its release, GTA V became the fastest-selling video game in history.

More on this topic:

Share this Article:

[Top 15] Best 3rd Person Fantasy Games

JulianF — Wed, 30 Jun 2021 20:05:56 +0000

Let's sing the song of our people!

From The Lord of the Rings saga to World of Warcraft, the fantasy genre has always teased us with the opportunity to shake off our shackles of steel and concrete and don our finest robes, delve into forgotten caves and mysterious forests and enjoy the company of our closest pals, be they man, elf, dwarf, or woodland nymph. Along come video games, allowing us to be the very characters we've read about (and cosplayed as) and quest to our hearts' content. Join us as we explore the best that the fantasy genre has to offer, from a third-person perspective that allows us to see that dragon burn that village down from a nice safe distance. They don't call it fantasy for nothing, right?

15. Genshin Impact (PS5/PS4/PC/Nintendo Switch/Android/iOS)

First up is the free-to-play phenomenon, Genshin Impact.

Genshin Impact is a free-to-play open-world fantasy action RPG that takes place in the fictional world of Teyvat. You play as the Traveler, one half of a twin that travels throughout the stars and visits different worlds. Upon arrival at Teyvat, your sibling is captured by a mysterious entity that also seals you away and places you into a deep sleep for five hundred years. Therefore, upon awakening, you journey the world of Teyvat in search of your missing twin and beat up the one responsible (because there’s no way this is all sorted out by just talking).

The fantasy world of Teyvat consists of several countries, each of whom worships a particular god that is associated with a natural element (kinda like Pokémon, huh?). The game progresses as you explore the world, meet new characters, and complete missions with the aim of leveling up and furthering the plot. You can switch control between the Traveler and three other players during battle, allowing you to play to each character’s strengths and execute powerful combo attacks. In addition, you have access to twenty-three playable characters that you can rotate in and out of your main party.

Traversal involves running, climbing, swimming, and gliding through the air, and in some cases, the terrain can be adapted by a character’s ability to make getting around easier (freezing lakes to make bridges and creating air currents to reach high places). The extent to which you can travel is determined by your stamina bar which when depleted causes you to freefall (or drown).

Genshin Impact Gameplay

14. Dragon Quest XI: Echoes of an Elusive Age (PS4/Xbox One/PC/Nintendo Switch/3DS/Stadia)

It's an industry favorite up next: Dragon Quest 11 coming in at number 14.

Dragon Quest seems to be the gift that just keeps on giving. In this latest iteration of the hit Japanese RPG series you play as the Luminary, another “chosen one” heroic figure sent to save the world from evil. The world, in this case, is Erdrea and the evil is the sorcerer Mordegon (he has an evil-sounding name too!), who seeks to plunge the world into an age of darkness. The world of Dragon Quest XI is largely a medieval one with characters being ripped straight out of a classic high fantasy romp. You’ve got dragons, magic swords, the aforementioned sorcerors, and good ole monsters (ogres, giant spiders, weird plant thingies, etc.).

Gameplay in Dragon Quest XI follows the typical JRPG style of turn-based combat that gives you the option to attack, defend or use items. Throughout the game, you gain access to the seven playable characters that form your party, each of whom has distinct abilities that aid in battle and traversal. World design is exemplary and features picturesque mountain scenery, lush forests, and gorgeous blue seas (and the occasional dark and foreboding cave).

Enemy encounters in Dragon Quest XI do not follow the time-honored tradition of random battles but are rather more deliberate. You can see monsters’ sprites clearly as you travel and have the option of avoiding those monsters or engaging in battle by running into those sprites (preferably sword-first). It’s a smart, RPG fantasy game that is faithful to the genre’s roots while doing just enough to innovate and keep you engrossed in its fictional world.

Dragon Quest XI Gameplay

13. Kingdom Hearts 3 (PS4/Xbox One/PC)

The long-awaited Kingdom Hearts 3 is up next at number 13.

Kingdom Hearts 3 was a long time coming, wasn’t it? This third-person blockbuster Disney escapade features a young boy named Sora who wields the legendary Keyblade (it looks EXACTLY as it sounds) and his Disney trademarked friends as they battle various enemies and Disney villains to banish the darkness from their lands. Some of the Disney titles featured include Mickey Mouse and his friends, Big Hero 6, Winnie the Pooh, Hercules, Toy Story, and more.

Kingdom Hearts is an RPG that uses a hack and slash combat system that requires deft skill in chaining dazzling combos, using special projectile and magic abilities, and coordinating the many skills of your lovable companions. In the name of exploration, you travel to the multiple worlds of these Disney franchises and in each world, you utilize a mode of transport that is unique to that world (eg. Sailing in the Pirates of the Caribbean world, sledding in Frozen, etc.). In addition, several mini-games are available in Kingdom Hearts 3 that add extra hours of gameplay and often involve light-hearted activities such as puzzle-solving and cooking.

Kingdom Hearts 3 Gameplay

12. Dragon Age: Inquisition (PS4/PS3/Xbox One/Xbox 360/PC)

Dragon Age: Inquisition is our number 12 entry, giving us heaps of the fantasy genre's apex predator: dragons.

BioWare’s Dragon Age: Inquisition is a third-person action RPG set in the fantasy land of Thedas. Your customizable, blank-slate of a protagonist is tasked with ending the civil war and closing the “Breach”, a portal in the sky that spews demons onto a world already rife with conflict. In true high fantasy style, Dragon Age: Inquisition features some of the usual fabled races: elves, dwarves, and in the Dragon Age mythos, the Qunari.

Dragon Age: Inquisition has an open-world structure that allows for free exploration but does not use level-scaling so be careful not to wander down the wrong back alley. World traversal involves using mounts, traveling on foot and also features the ability to fast travel to previously visited locations. Missions comprise your usual story missions as well as side missions, fetch quests and mini-games that involve puzzle-solving.

Interacting with the multitudes of characters in the game is varied and complex, especially in the realm of dialogue where you have some influence over how conversations and events play out. Combat conforms to traditional fantasy RPG tropes by having you pick between three classes: warrior (all big swords and heavy armor), mage (powerful magic but can’t grant wishes for some reason), and rogue (swift and agile fighter but check your pockets). You can have a maximum of up to nine companions who journey with you and battle enemies using magic, melee weapon, and bows and arrows. Slaying these enemies rewards you and your party members with experience points which can then be used to upgrade skills, health, and stats.

Finally, Dragon Age: Inquisition includes a multiplayer mode that allows players to challenge dungeons that progress in difficulty. This can be completed in groups of four and any progress in multiplayer mode does not affect the single-player campaign mode (so no grinding through tough areas with your friends).

Dragon Age: Inquisition Gameplay

11. World of Warcraft (PC/macOS)

Hey buddy, it's freaking World of Warcraft! Need we say any more?

A legendary game beloved by millions the world over? Check. Beautiful graphics and immersive gameplay that still holds up sixteen years later? Check. A diverse world that incorporates elements of high fantasy, science fiction, and the supernatural? Check. Welcome to the world of Azeroth (aka Warcraft) where your personally designed player character is tasked with completing quests, winning battles, and of course, defeating great evil (in the form of Ragnaros, the elemental lord).

World of Warcraft is an MMORPG that allows you to explore the world of Azeroth, fight various monsters, and interact with your friends online. There is an emphasis on PVP combat as well as PVE adventuring, both of which result in your character earning experience points that can be used to make your character stronger. The expansive world of Azeroth can be traversed on foot, by boat, by zeppelin, or via portals and contains gorgeous views of towns, cities, mountains, forests, and oceans.

World of Warcraft also provides you and your friends with seasonal events which mirror real-world holidays or notable days such as Christmas, Halloween, and Easter. These events provide you with unique, limited-time-only rewards and experience points that carry over into the regular game. Finally, the game has two separate multiplayer modes: Normal Mode which focuses on PVP battles and completing quests, and a Roleplay Mode which emphasizes in-person roleplay.

World of Warcraft Gameplay

10. Middle-Earth: Shadow of War (PS4/Xbox One/PC)

Want Tolkien magic with a twist? Look no further than Middle-Earth: Shadow of War.

Middle-Earth: Shadow of War plunges us back into one of the most renowned fantasy worlds ever created: the world of the Lord of the Rings. You control the ranger Arago- I mean, Talion, and his ghostly parasite friend Celebrimbor, the elf lord who forged the Rings of Power, as they aim to create a new Ring of Power that will allow them to defeat and supplant Sauron. You already know what this means: we get to go on a perilous quest that has us fighting orcs, wild beasts, Nazgûl, and even a Balrog (Talion the White doesn’t have the same ring to it though)!

Gameplay in Middle-Earth: Shadow of War is displayed using a third-person perspective with RPG gameplay elements that allow you to learn new skills and craft your playstyle. Talion normally gets around by walking, running climbing, using his trusty steed, and can also fast travel at specific points by using his map. Combat allows you to use both the human physical abilities of Talion and the magical, spectral abilities of Celebrimbor to great effect, weaving spells and unleashing combos across the battlefield like a whirlwind.

Speaking of battlefields, Shadow of War’s Nemesis System allows you to build and manage your army and raid forts ruled by Sauron’s faithful orcs. Your army consists of former enemies that you recruited to your side by the power of friendship (not really, it’s totally torture) and if you die to an enemy during a raid, that enemy is eventually promoted for killing you (ahhh sweet sweet meritocracy!). On the positive side, the Nemesis System also allows your own soldiers to level up from killing enemies (and each other…hey they’re still orcs!).

Finally, multiplayer in Middle-Earth: Shadow of War allows you to challenge other players’ fortresses in either a Friendly mode or in Ranked Mode. Friendly Mode lets you challenge your friends’ fortresses with no consequences to your army as dead soldiers respawned after the raid. In Ranked Mode, however, followers who die are lost permanently, both in multiplayer mode and in the single-player campaign. So be sure to take out an insurance policy on those bad boys!

Middle-Earth: Shadow of War Gameplay

9. Monster Hunter: World (PS4/Xbox One/PC)

Pure and simple monster-hunting, just like mother used to make. It's Monster Hunter World at number 9.

Monster Hunter: World is one of those games that by its name alone tells you what it’s about. In Monster Hunter: World, you play as a Hunter tasked with hunting monsters (who knew?) in the New World, which is a previously undiscovered continent in this fictional world. The central premise of this fantasy third-person adventure RPG is to hunt monsters and harvest material from their corpses, which you then use to craft better armor and weapons which enables you to then hunt even stronger monsters and harvest their corpses for even stronger materials to make even stronger weapons and armor, ad infinitum.

Monster Hunter: World arms you with basic weapons and armor at the start, which challenges you to comb through the world to find something you can kill to rise through the ranks of Hunters. The world is laid out in several zones which are interconnected and can be accessed either on foot or via fast travel. Combat features the use of fourteen different weapon types, each with its pros and cons depending on the monster you choose to face. These weapons include bows, axes, swords, lances, and guns. Missions take the form of quests that usually involve hunting down some monster for the resources it provides.

Monster Hunter: World has a cooperative online multiplayer mode that allows up to four players to a party. Parties go on quests to hunt monsters collaboratively in the game’s story mode as there are no separate missions available or a separate character progression mechanic for multiplayer mode. Lastly, developers, Capcom released the Iceborne DLC which added to the base game in the way of additional story missions, new monsters, and extra combat moves and weapons.

Monster Hunter: World Gameplay

8. Final Fantasy XV (PS4/Xbox One/PC/Stadia)

Heavy is the head that wears the crown in Final Fantasy XV.

This entry is a pretty obvious and expected one for this list. I mean, it’s even got the word ‘fantasy’ in the name, right? Final Fantasy XV stars the young prince Noctis and his band of bodyguards/friends (friendiguards?) as they fight the kingdom of Niflheim. Noctis, Ignis, Prompto, and Gladio journey through the land in a slick convertible and battle monsters, divine beings, and soldiers of Niflheim, all in an effort to defeat Niflheim and restore the sacred crystal revered by their kingdom of Lucis, which had been stolen during Niflheim’s invasion of their capital.

The fictional world of Eos serves as the setting for Final Fantasy XV and gameplay is presented in a third-person, open-world RPG format. Traversal is done mainly by foot, by driving that sweet convertible, or by riding Chocobos, the series’ recurring ostrich-like birds. While on the road, you can pick up side missions that usually involve hunting monsters, performing fetch quests, defeating soldiers, and much more.

Combat is real-time and occurs within the same environment where enemies are located, giving it that real-world feel that had been absent from the earlier games in the series. Each member of the party specializes in a particular type of weapon (eg. swords and magic for Noctis, spears and twin daggers for Ignis, etc.) and battle includes four basic actions: attacking, defending, using items, and Wait Mode which allows you to use character special skills. Some other recurring combat elements are the use of magic and the ability to summon elemental deities such as Titan, Shiva, or Ramuh (for Noctis only because, elitism). After each battle, your party earns experience points and AP which allows you to purchase and upgrade abilities.

The final component of Final Fantasy XV is its DLC which added layers of new story content and skins to the base game. These DLC represent stories that center around Noctis’ friends and their individual struggles and also include a chapter dedicated to antagonist Ardyn’s backstory (how fair of you Square Enix). DLC additional chapters are known as ‘Episodes’ and as such we have an Episode Ignis, Episode Prompto, Episode Gladio, etc.

Final Fantasy XV Gameplay

7. Valheim

Valheim is definitely one to keep your eye on at number 7.

The Norse fantasy world of Valheim is a work in progress (the game is still in Early Access) but has already made waves by being a complex survival fantasy game. Valheim takes place in an open-world environment that exists as a purgatory created by Odin to test prospective entrants to the Norse afterlife, Valhalla. Valheim’s graphics aren’t the flashiest yet they do create enough ambiance to make you believe that this world is worth exploring and engaging with. This is even more pronounced with the use of a third-person camera view that allows you to take in both your player character and the world around him or her.

Gameplay for Valheim follows a simple survival game schematic that tasks you with hunting for materials from animals and the landscape, fighting monsters using weapons crafted from aforementioned materials, and feeding and clothing your character appropriately. Combat is straightforward with simple attacking and blocking done via swords, axes, spears, hammers, and shields. In addition, you can use bows and arrows to pick off enemies from a distance (good old medieval bullets).

Another key aspect of gameplay is its resource management mechanics. You’ll be tasked with farming, hunting, foraging, mining, and building your own house to maintain your character’s long-term health. This also means having a balanced diet as well, which allows you to benefit from a range of buffs to various stats and in turn increases your chances of survival. As you perform various actions, your character improves their skill in these activities which then allows them to perform those actions with greater efficiency. The more you attack using a sword, the better you get at swordplay. The more you swim, the better you get at swimming, and so on.

Last, but not least, Valheim supports cooperative online multiplayer for up to ten persons as well as some PVP elements that are thrown into the mix. However, much of the game’s enjoyment comes from collaborating with friends to defeat trolls, harvesting resources, and exploring this procedurally generated world together. Not bad for an early access game is it?

Valheim Gameplay

6. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt (PS5/PS4/Xbox Series X/S/Nintendo Switch/PC)

Geralt is back with more monster-slaying, third-person antics in The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt.

The world of The Witcher has never been one to pull any punches with its modern and realistic take on the fantasy genre and The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is no different. Delve into this vibrant fantasy world of monsters and magic, soldiers, wars, and foul-mouthed peasants and play as Geralt of Rivia, the monster-slaying wisecrack at the heart of it all. As a witcher, Geralt is a superhuman mutant, bred and trained to hunt and slay monsters on humanity’s behalf (not that they ever appreciate him for it). The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt sees Geralt and a band of his closest allies do battle with the titular Wild Hunt, a group of spectral warriors from another dimension, to save his adopted daughter Ciri and prevent the apocalypse.

Geralt, witcher extraordinaire, can fight monsters, humans, and the occasional stray animal using a combination of sword attacks, magic spells called Signs, bombs, and crossbows. In addition to that impressive arsenal, Geralt can also brew potions and oils designed to give him an extra edge in battle, depending on the circumstance. Giant, venomous insects got you down? Brew some Golden Oriole that nullifies poison. Vampires wanna take a bite out of you? Imbibe some Black Blood that’ll give even the most ravenous vampire the runs. Geralt’s weapons and armor are also upgradable and can be found throughout the various regions he visits.

Traversal in The Witcher 3 boils down to three elements: walking/sprinting, horseback, and via boat. All of these three options allow you to go from town to town selling your skills to the highest bidder. They also allow you to progress the story and side missions as quickly as possible and explore some of the contrasting regions of the game. From the city slums of Novigrad to the impoverished countryside of Velen, from the Skellige Isles to the mountainous stronghold of Kaer Morhen, The Witcher 3 offers an expansive and diverse fantasy setting that keeps you engaged for hours.

Finally, although this expansive game features no multiplayer component, developers CD Projekt Red have included a simple, yet addictive mini-game called Gwent, a card game that demands the use of strategy (and a fair bit of luck) to prevail against your opponents. It became so successful that a standalone version of the game was released on PC, PS4, and Xbox One (though it was eventually taken down from the latter two). Two DLC was released for The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt (Blood and Wine and Hearts of Stone), both of which add extra hours of gameplay, narrative, and overall content to the base game.

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt Gameplay

5. Elder Scrolls Online (PS5/PS4/Xbox X/S/Xbox One/Stadia/PC/OS X)

Welcome back to Tamriel, legendary warrior! Get lost in the colossal MMORPG that is The Elder Scrolls Online.

The world of The Elder Scrolls is yet another that is deeply steeped in traditional high fantasy lore. The continent of Tamriel serves as the setting for the series and is a complex web of political intrigue and war populated by races of humans, elves, and bipedal bestial beings (a quick nod to all you furries out there). These races hail from nine different provinces in Tamriel, with the most politically powerful races being the High Elves of the Summerset Isles and the humans residing in Cyrodiil. Tamriel is also highly influenced by interdimensional beings referred to as “daedric princes” who are acknowledged as gods, each with their own sphere of influence. As such, most of the conflict in The Elder Scrolls Online, and indeed the entire series, stems from political sources or from the influence of a daedric prince, most of whom try to take over the mortal plane by various means.

In The Elder Scrolls Online, you build your own character by choosing a race from ten available races and begin two main quests. The first main quest is to retrieve your soul, which had been stolen by the daedric prince Molag Bal (or by that one ex) during his attempt to merge the mortal plane with his own plane and by so doing, rule the world. The second is to become the next Imperial Ruler of Tamriel, thus ensuring that you have both a soul and unchecked political power.

Gameplay in The Elder Scrolls Online is a third-person multiplayer affair (don’t need to tell you that it’s online, right?) that is packed with many optional side quests, random events and also allows you to freely roam the open world in search of random stuff to do. Depending on the race you chose, you’ll be given various passive effects and buffs and also will have different base skill levels, which ties into the affinities for particular skills that each race possesses. These skills include combat skills such as One-Handed (which governs your ability to use one-handed blades like swords effectively), Two-Handed (for greatswords and battleaxes), and Destruction Staff (for destructive magic spells). Other skills govern more passive aspects of gameplay such as alchemy, woodworking, and smithing.

You’ll also be able to choose for different classes in addition to selecting a race. These classes are akin to jobs and focus on either the use of physical abilities or the use of magic (sometimes a blend of both). From these classes, you gain skills unique to that class that you can then level up as you progress. Finally, traveling through Tamriel sometimes involves the use of mounts which may either be horses or mythological beasts such as kagouti (a reptilian-fire elemental hybrid) as well as on foot or via fast travel points.

The Elder Scrolls Online Gameplay

4. Dark Souls 3 (PS4/Xbox One/PC)

Finally, put an end to the cycle of life and death (or not) in Dark Souls 3.

Dark Souls 3 brings us back to that unique feeling of From Software crafted foreboding with a continued emphasis on grueling gameplay and grim environments. This time you play as the Ashen One, the result of continuous feeble attempts to maintain the Age of Fire created by Lord Gwyn, one of the old lords revered as gods. These continued attempts have left the world of Lothric and its surrounding lands in a state of gradual decay, similar to ashes smoldering slowly as fire fades. The Ashen One is tasked once again with the Linking of the Fire, the sacrifice that is performed by a chosen being that ensures the continued existence of the Age of Fire. However, after repeated attempts in every era to prolong this Age, the inhabitants of Lothric have become understandably tired of the cycle of darkness and light and have opted to allow the fire to fade. As such, you have the choice to either keep a feeble flame going or allow it to fade entirely.

Gameplay in Dark Souls 3 follows the pattern of its predecessors by being tough as nails and unforgiving (again, like that one ex). You do battle using the traditional methods of magic and might with swords, lances, axes, shields, and bows in addition to three types of magic: pyromancy (fire magic), miracles (light magic), and spells (magic magic? I don’t know it’s blue, alright?). In addition, you have access to various items that may also do damage in a pinch such as throwing knives and bombs as well as restorative items like herbs and the series’ regular, Estus Flask.

Traversal is done on foot and fast travel is once again possible via the Bonfires placed throughout the world. The now-legendary Dark Souls bosses are once again a highlight of the game as well as the return of the Covenant system that adds a faction and rewards-based structure to the game’s online multiplayer features. DLC has also been added to the base game (Ashes of Ariandel and The Ringed City) which provides additional story content, weapons and magic, a covenant, and two new levels.

Dark Souls 3 Gameplay

3. Assassin’s Creed Odyssey (PS4/Xbox One/Nintendo Switch/PC/Stadia)

Assassin's Creed Odyssey is that old dog that's been taught a few new tricks.

Assassin’s Creed Odyssey takes the series in an even more fantastical turn than previous entries by featuring mythological creatures as part of its narrative. Assassin Creed Odyssey gives you the option of choosing from two main protagonists, Alexios and Kassandra, as they embark on a journey to find their missing family. Odyssey takes place in Ancient Greece and features a fictionalized depiction of a war between Greek city-states, Athens and Sparta.

The world of Assassin’s Creed Odyssey is expansive, with one of the biggest maps ever presented in the series and gameplay follows an open world, third-person perspective. You traverse the world on foot, on horseback, or via a warship. Warships also allow for the return of naval battles that you can engage in using a crew you recruit from various missions. Land combat features a continuation of Assassin’s Creed Origin’s hitbox system that focuses on using powerful finishing moves and chaining together combos. Combat also includes elements of stealth that allow you to silently dispatch unsuspecting enemies and survey an area using the eagle, Ikaros.

What stands out in Assassin’s Creed Odyssey is the inclusion of actual Greek monsters of myth including Medusa, the Minotaur, and the Cyclops. This combined with additional content that tells the tale of the fabled city of Atlantis and introduces Greek gods Hermes, Persephone, and Poseidon as part of the narrative as well as some more monsters makes Assassin’s Creed Odyssey one of the most ambitious games of the series.

Assassin's Creed Odyssey Gameplay

2. Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice (PS4/Xbox One/PC/Stadia)

Live, die, and live again with entry number 2, Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice.

Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice brings the world of deep Japanese fantasy to life with the epic tale of a mutilated and dishonored shinobi who must protect his young master from those who wish to use the young lord’s power for themselves. You play as Sekiro, a name which means the “one-armed wolf” as you fight legendary warriors, corrupted creatures, and in many cases, beings revered by the people of Ashina as gods. To this end, the game borrows from several elements of Japanese myth such as centipede demons, celestial dragons, and mystical carp.

Gameplay follows the traditional From Software style of being challenging but changes the mechanics to place a greater emphasis on properly timed parries and counterattacks. Sekiro also has the use of a prosthetic arm that doubles as a powerful and versatile weapon. This arm can change forms and become a heavy axe for breaking shields, a flamethrower, a spear, and even a poisoned blade. Another departure from the traditional Dark Souls style is the ability to jump and use a grappling hook via Sekiro’s prosthetic arm that enables you to reach rooftops to scout your surroundings. In addition, stealth is introduced with the ability to one-shot enemies being a crucial part of gameplay.

Given its uniquely Japanese feel, Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice represents a thematic shift as well, with players no longer grappling with the fate of the entire world or with the conflict between light and dark or gods and humanity. This time, the conflict is more personal and this results in the game playing out as a quest for redemption that promotes the values of loyalty: to those you love and most importantly, to yourself. Failure to do so may very well reveal that the true demons were within you all along.

Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice Gameplay

1. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild (Nintendo Switch/Wii U)

The world is yours to explore in our final entry, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild.

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild was a breath of fresh air when it rolled out for Nintendo platforms in March 2017. Its expansive world, gorgeously animated graphics, and easy-to-learn gameplay mechanics made it a smash (giggle) success for all ages. Enter Link (again, because who else would it be?), and this time he’s an ancient warrior who had been sealed away to be healed after falling in the final battle against the series antagonist, Ganon (this time, Calamity Ganon). He is reawakened ten thousand years later by Princess Zelda, to save the kingdom of Hyrule from Calamity Ganon who has corrupted the kingdom of Hyrule with his foul magic.

Gameplay is done from a third-person perspective and gives you the grand open world of Hyrule to roam and explore. You can choose to further the main story immediately or decide to smell the roses along the way. To this end, Link can do battle using melee weapons like swords, clubs, and spears and can hurl the usual Zelda projectiles such as bombs or heavy rocks. Traversal can be done on foot, horseback, by swimming, or by the use of a paraglider provided that you can use get up to a high place or use rising air currents created by fires. All of these methods draw upon Link’s stamina gauge (except horseback) and when the gauge is depleted, he goes into a state of exhaustion and needs to momentarily rest to regain stamina.

As you explore the world, you can also hunt animals and forage for food sources which can then be cooked using the game’s cooking mechanic. Proper recipes can be created which provide the best results in terms of health and stamina replenishment and an assortment of buffs. Exploration truly does reward you in Breath of the Wild, as you can often find powerful weapons and abilities not usually acquired on the beaten track. Story progression eventually allows Link to discover new abilities such as being able to set remote bombs, use magnetism to move metal objects, and even freeze time.

Lastly, the land of Hyrule is not some homogenous forested area but includes areas of extreme heat as well as extreme cold. You are often required to drink potions that provide protection from these elements or risk losing all those precious hearts. Even in the stable wilds of Hyrule, thunderstorms often present themselves and if you find yourself in a high place or wearing metal armor, you run the risk of getting on a first name basis with Zeus. This highlights one of the most entertaining aspects of Breath of the Wild: its environment is not only rich in graphic design but is also a living environment where random things can happen. You can impact, and also be impacted by, the land of Hyrule and its monsters, weather, and characters.

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild Gameplay

Main Image caption:

Here, kitty kitty kitty!

Image Gallery:

Sale Tags:

More on this topic:

Share this Article:

[Top 15] Best 3rd Person Games for PC

JulianF — Wed, 30 Jun 2021 02:33:19 +0000

It's all a matter of perspective.

Ahhh the third-person, and I don’t mean that weird friend that insists on following you and your significant other everywhere. I mean that oh, so helpful perspective that makes our problems seem small and insignificant. In the third person, things just don’t seem so…..well, personal. Sometimes this is a good thing, especially when done in video games. It gives us a better view of our surroundings, lets us see our main character as a real person other than just a representation of ourselves, and kinda makes us feel like gods sometimes, to be honest. Here are some of the best games that give us that sweet third-person perspective while still making us feel every bit as involved in the story as their first-person counterparts.

15. Heavy Rain

Bringing up the rear is the emotionally gripping, narrative-driven gameplay of Heavy Rain.

Heavy Rain is an excellent third-person interactive drama game that tells the story of a hunt for a serial killer known as the Origami Killer. The game features multiple endings which depend on the decisions you make while in control of four protagonists (Ethan, Scott, Norman, and Madison). These endings can range from being relatively satisfying to downright depressing (it is a game about a serial killer - what did you expect, a musical number?)

The gameplay also includes quick-time events, a grim, tense atmosphere, and realistic characters. Dive into Heavy Rain, the award-winning dramatic masterpiece by developer Quantic Dream which promises to thrill and chill and every turn.

Heavy Rain Gameplay

14. Mortal Shell

Persistence is key for entry number 14, Mortal Shell.

Mortal Shell is a Souls-inspired (yay!) third-person action-adventure game that pits you against savage warriors and creatures in a post-apocalyptic world whose inhabitants are a shell of their former selves. You control a player character that exists as a specter that can inhabit the ''shells' of dead warriors. Each warrior shell conforms to various playstyles (knight, rogue, warrior, etc.) and is upgradable as you progress.

In addition to upgradable shells, the weapons you find in-game can also be upgraded and conform to each shell’s specific build (you can be a rogue wielding a war-hammer, but I wouldn’t recommend it). Upon the death of your shell, your shade is ejected and forced to find another available shell to inhabit.

Featuring challenging boss battles and unique gameplay mechanics, Mortal Shell is a great Souls-like game that balances inspiration from the Dark Souls series with some innovation of its own.

Mortal Shell Gameplay

13. Yakuza: Like A Dragon

Show 'em who's boss with entry number 13, Yakuza: Like A Dragon.

The Yakuza series is a cult favorite that has captured the hearts and minds of its fans with its silly, yet moving narrative, over-the-top characters, and intense beat-’em-up style combat. Yakuza: Like A Dragon, continues in the same thematic vein yet changes the gameplay to a more turn-based, RPG style. Another major change for all Yakuza fans is the introduction of a new protagonist to the series, Ichiban Kasuga, as he seeks vengeance against the man who betrayed him and his family.

Yakuza’s unique third-person RPG style allows you to assume different classes known as Jobs, each with its perks and drawbacks, to fight rogue members of the Tojo Clan (Ichiban’s yakuza family) and reclaim their honor. A major staple of the eclectic combat that is a part of the Yakuza series is the ability to use street signs, lampposts, bikes, and umbrellas (pretty much anything not nailed down….and some things that are!) to beat down your enemies. Not at all things that I wish I could do in real life! In addition to a dramatic story accompanied by unique side-quests, Yakuza: Like A Dragon is packed with enough content to keep you hooked for weeks.

Yakuza: Like A Dragon Gameplay

12. Warframe

Get lost in the futuristic world of Warframe, a titan of the free-to-play shooter genre.

Warframe is a free, third-person shooter MMORPG that takes place on a futuristic Earth where several warring factions jostle for control over the Solar system. You play as a member of the Tenno, an ancient race of sleeping warriors, who awaken from Cryosleep with very little recollection of events from their era.

Gameplay involves your playable character occupying mechanical combat units called Warframes and completing missions with a four-person squad. To this end, there are both story mode missions as well as regularly scheduled missions that rotate from time to time and do not impact the story. In addition, there are PVP modes that pit you against the Solar system’s finest, and several co-operative modes with varying victory conditions (defend a particular point for some time, defeat a certain number of enemies, etc.) which add much variety to the gameplay.

Warframe Gameplay

11. Mount and Blade 2: Bannerlord

Control massive armies, dictate battlefield tactics and hardly ever bathe in Mount and Blade 2: Bannerlord.

Mount and Blade 2: Bannerlord is a medieval third-person strategy game where you play as the leader of your very own army and do what armies do best - make war! It’s an interesting blend between a third-person single-player action RPG and a complex military strategy romp that allows you to micromanage your character, your army, and even the cities you conquer (or plan to conquer). You inhabit the fictional continent of Caladria and play as a member of six fictional factions who often mirror the characteristics of real-world former empires such as the Romans, Mongols, Celts, and Rus.

Mount and Blade 2: Bannerlord is a prequel to Mount and Blade: Warband and uses a single-player sandbox campaign with no set missions to complete in any particular order (so just let fly that arrow wildly and see where it lands!). There is also a multiplayer mode that allows you to connect and skirmish with players from all over the world. In addition, there is a great emphasis on customizability; you can tweak the game to serve your own needs thereby setting the field to your advantage. If you’re a fan of third-person RPGs and strategy games, this hybrid is a great choice!

Mount and Blade 2: Bannerlord Gameplay

10. Fortnite

Build, shoot, lose to a teenager, and do it all over again in the hit battle royale shooter, Fortnite.

This game needs no introduction so I won’t bother with one. Fortnite has been a pop culture sensation of a game ever since 2018 and has garnered the attention of politicians, celebrities, and us, regular schmegular folks with its cartoonish art style and battle royale gameplay. Fortnite’s gameplay is unique even among the battle royale genre (which it helped popularise) in that it features its famous building and shooting mechanic where characters can build elaborate structures to defend themselves and confound enemies while also blasting them in the face with wacky guns. If you’ve been living under a rock and haven’t heard of Epic Games’ free online third-person shooter, then go ahead and give it a try today.

Fortnite Gameplay

9. Detroit: Become Human

Become a real boy in entry number 9, Detroit: Become Human, the popular interactive game by developers Quantic Dream.

Our second interactive game on this list is Detroit: Become Human by developers Quantic Dream (they’re pretty much specialists at this by now).

Detroit: Become Human is a thought-provoking drama that explores the boundaries between humans and machines in a futuristic world. The plot follows three androids who struggle with their sentience and the existential questions that follow as they make their way through a world in which androids are subservient to humans.

Continuing with the same third-person interactive style as Heavy Rain, Detroit: Become Human features quick-time events, dialogue choices and multiple endings depending on said choices. Characters may also die as the story progresses, depending on the decisions you make. These deaths cannot be reversed, once again giving weight to every choice.

Detroit: Become Human Gameplay

8. The Division 2

The Division 2 takes the number 8 spot with its thrilling cover-shooting gameplay and compelling narrative.

This sequel to Massive Entertainment’s massively successful third-person shooter, The Division, hits all the targets of its predecessor and then some with improved loot distribution and side mission quests that keep you occupied for days upon days. The Division 2’s story picks up right after the events of The Division where a new team of Division sleeper agents tries to find a cure for the series’ pandemic (art mirrors reality, huh?), Green Poison while fighting off waves of bandits.

The game follows an open-world format that encourages exploration, along with a Story Mode and three PVP areas known as Dark Zones where you can defeat tough enemies for awesome loot. However, be wary because your loot can be stolen by other players until you’re extracted from the area so, you know, get it insured or something.

The Division 2 Gameplay

7. Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order

Hmmm play one of the best Star Wars games ever made, you must!

Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order is what happens when you subject Star Wars characters and lore to a Dark Souls universe. This third-person action-adventure game follows the story of a young Jedi padawan as he tries to complete his training while being pursued by a Galactic Empire death squad. Events are set in a post-Hayden Christensen world after the fall of the Jedi Order and feature Imperial stormtroopers, droids, and Force-wielding enemies as well as wild beasts from various planets.

As you progress through the story, you can upgrade aspects of your protagonist, Cal Kestis, such as his abilities, lightsaber, outfits, and ship. The game also features a Souls-inspired game mechanic (“meditation circles”) that allows you to save your progress at the expense of respawning all your enemies. Several puzzle-solving scenarios require you to use the Force by unlocking abilities you can only find through exploration and progression through the game’s main areas. With this fresh new take on Star Wars combat and exploration, Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order stands as one of the best third-person games on the market.

Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order Gameplay

6. Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot

Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot is the fan service every DBZ fan had been dreaming of, all wrapped up in a nice bow.

Welcome back to the ongoing saga of one of the world’s most famous deadbeat dads with Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot, the latest third-person action RPG set in the Dragon Ball universe. Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot follows the canon Dragon Ball Z (DBZ) story by taking players through different sagas in the franchise in chronological order. Throughout the game, you do battle against iconic villains such as Freiza, Cell, Majin Buu, and many others as some of our favorite Z-Fighters.

Play as Goku, Vegeta, Gohan, Piccolo, and even Yamcha (just kidding!) as you lovingly recreate some of your favorite battles from the anime series. Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot also features RPG elements that allow you to traverse the world when not in battle and engage in activities that often take the form of mini-games (most notably, fishing), and sometimes take the form of extra training (most notably, fisticuffs). As a great homage to the anime series, Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot holds up spectacularly and serves up nostalgia and fun on a well-designed plate.

DBZ: Kakarot Gameplay

5. Resident Evil 3 (2020)

Resident Evil 3's faithful remake ratchets up the horror at number 5.

Resident Evil 3’s remake is an example of a remake that hits the right notes by breathing new life into a widely-acclaimed classic horror game. Resident Evil 3 revisits the story of Jill Valentine as she tries to escape the zombie-infested Raccoon City and the dogged pursuit of Nemesis, the seemingly indestructible intelligent bioweapon developed by series’ antagonists, the Umbrella Corporation.

Resident Evil 3 features a third-person, over-the-shoulder perspective and requires you to collect and store items, solve puzzles, and fight monsters that aim to eat your fleshy parts. Combat involves defending yourself against said monsters using various weapons including guns, knives, grenades, and even rocket launchers! Updated graphics lend an appealing new gloss to gameplay and a new 4vs1 multiplayer mode allows you and your friends to hunt an iconic villain (i.e., one of your friends) from the series.

So give in to nostalgia and emotional masochism by revisiting Resident Evil 3, one of the most successful survival horror games ever made.

Resident Evil 3 Gameplay

4. Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End

Get ready for the high-flying adventure and non-stop action of Uncharted 4: A Thief's End.

Nathan Drake’s last ride signs us out of the series with a bang with exciting set-pieces, exhilarating gunplay, and clever dialogue. Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End is a third-person action-adventure game that continues the story of Nathan Drake, explorer extraordinaire, as he once again searches for long-lost treasure. The game incorporates elements of stealth, puzzle-solving, hand-to-hand combat, and shooting that give you the high of being a daring adventurer à la Indiana Jones (without all the quicksand and snake ropes).

Traversal in the game involves free-climbing to hard-to-reach areas, Drake’s signature parkour and grappling hook style, and some underwater terrain that requires him to swim and dive to discover clues and key items. Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End also includes an online multiplayer mode that has you go toe to toe with other players in five different game modes as you each compete to be the Drakiest Drake.

In light of the release of the Uncharted movie, there truly is no better time to sink your teeth into the series’ swan song.

Uncharted 4 Gameplay

3. Watch Dogs: Legion

Be everywhere and everyone in Watch Dogs: Legion, a unique stealth-action 3rd person experience.

Watch Dogs: Legion must be what it feels like to be a computer-savvy Varys. In Watch Dogs: Legion, you play as…..well literally anyone you want to. To be precise, you control not just one simple protagonist but rather an entire hacker organization, known as DedSec, as they aim to clear their names from tragic terrorist bombings they didn’t commit. “Somebody paid good money for this frame!” In addition, DedSec’s secondary mission is its ongoing campaign to liberate the citizens of London from the private military group, Albion, who have turned the city into a surveillance state in light of the bombings.

Use the high-tech skills of DedSec, to recruit new members with different skills (driving, shooting, or stealth), spy on and eliminate targets, and generally be a creep. The game uses a third-person perspective and gives you great freedom in terms of how you choose to complete missions and objectives. You can choose to employ stealth to avoid detection, hacking techniques that allow you to take control of various devices to incapacitate targets, or the traditional “guns-blazing” approach. What’s most noteworthy about Watch Dogs: Legion is that you’re able to recruit almost any NPC into DedSec, which gives you even more versatility in completing missions (and kinda makes you feel like a god).

Watch Dogs: Legion Gameplay

2. Grand Theft Auto V

More guns, more car chases, more wacky stories, and even more fun ways to be menace to society in Grand Theft Auto V.

Grand Theft Auto V sees the return of the hit series as well as some of the things that made it famous - wanton violence and wacky stories. GTA V features a third-person perspective (with the option to change to a first-person view) and enough guns to overthrow a small country. Take control of your three criminal protagonists as you commit heists while fighting government officials and other criminal organizations.

GTA V lets you loose in the fictional world of Los Santos and while it does have a linear storyline, does not restrict you from exploring the map and doing side missions. Your characters can get around on foot, swim or commandeer vehicles to get around the sprawling Los Santos map. You can even fly planes and helicopters if that floats your boat (or….lifts your wings?). Combat, be it against criminals or Johnny Law, involves the use of guns, rockets launchers, and good old knuckle sandwiches as you fight to carve out your own place in the criminal underworld.

Some of the same gameplay mechanics from previous Grand Theft Auto games return as well with the famous “Wanted” meter making another appearance. Your characters’ appearances are also customizable allowing you to change haircuts, add tattoos, work out and get ripped, and buy new clothes at your discretion.

So dive into Grand Theft Auto V and live vicariously through a criminal psychopath, an aging bank robber, and a young gangster. What could go wrong?

GTA V Gameplay

1. Assassin’s Creed Valhalla

Raid, reave, and live free with entry number 1, Assassin's Creed: Valhalla.

Assassin’s Creed Valhalla combines the finesse of the iconic Assassins with the brutality of the war-loving Vikings in this latest entry in the Assassin’s Creed series. In this third-person, stealth-based action-adventure game, you play as Eivor Varinsdottir, Viking raider, as you put your Anglo-Saxon enemies to the sword. During this period of history, you and your raiders seek to expand Norse territory across Western Europe while also taking the Assassin’s oath and confronting the series’ antagonists, the Order of the Ancients (aka Templars).

Gameplay in Assassin’s Creed Valhalla centers around the usual stealth elements that allow you to stalk, incapacitate and/or kill targets discreetly. There is also a return to the recently introduced “social stealth” mechanic that allows you to hide in plain sight by blending into crowds and performing everyday activities to avoid arousing suspicion. You can also climb buildings and survey your area using a version of a series staple: the Eagle Vision mechanic.

When engaging in combat, your character can use almost any weapon at their disposal on the battlefield and can now even dual-wield any weapon type, allowing for maximum damage output as well as the ability to look twice as cool. A bevy of optional side missions is also available to complement traditional story missions that progress linearly. As you complete objectives and defeat enemies, you can gain skills and allocate those skills accordingly to complete later objectives and defeat more challenging enemies. Finally, as you grow your Viking army you can create settlements that offer gameplay benefits to your character during combat or exploration (no wonder colonization was such a thing!).

With so much to offer in terms of combat, world-building, exploration, and story depth, Assassin’s Creed Valhalla is a must-play for anyone looking for a recent third-person adventure game to get hooked on.

Assassin's Creed Valhalla Gameplay

Main Image caption:

Yeah, yeah walk it off buddy.

Image Gallery:

Sale Tags:

More on this topic:

Share this Article:

Assassin’s Creed: Odyssey—All Underwater Locations And How To Find Them

Brownk2 — Thu, 24 Jun 2021 15:14:27 +0000

What are the Underwater Locations in Assassin's Creed: Odyssey?

One of the most unique aspects of Assassin’s Creed: Odyssey is the enormous open-world map, which is significantly larger than any other game in the franchise so far. Approximately 50% of this map is water, and so players will spend much of the game travelling on the Adrestia. What many players miss, however, is the fact that the sea in Odyssey isn’t just something to travel over—there are 42 underwater locations in the game to be completed.

If players wish to unlock the Assassin’s Creed: Odyssey ‘Child of Poseidon Trophy and Achievement’, all of these locations must be completed and players that aspire towards the platinum trophy will need to collect this trophy first. These underwater locations can provide the players with loot like new armor sets, weapons, gold, ship designs, crews, and more. Once every location has been completed, the trophy or achievement will pop automatically. These locations do not need to be completed in any particular order, and those that aren’t on Kephallonia become accessible as soon as you unlock the Adrestia in Sequence 2 of the story.

Sail aboard The Adrestia in search of underwater treasures.

Players should use Ikaros to mark the underwater treasures and the sharks that are usually found patrolling the area close by. The best way to clear out these locations is by sailing directly to them and then eliminating the sharks with a bow and arrow before diving in. Fighting the sharks is also possible by melee weapons under the water, but this wastes breath and leaves players vulnerable to attack. Kassandra/Alexios will have breath meters that players ought to keep an eye on, indicated by the blue bar above the health meter. While in the water, you can also lunge forward for a speed burst, but lunging in the water will cause the breath meter to deplete faster.

Below, we have listed out all 42 locations in alphabetical order, accompanied by a video indicating where the treasure is hidden in each location. We have also included the objectives to complete in each, what players will find there in terms of crews and ship designs, and if there is a main or side quest pertaining to that location. If there is anything of interest to note about this location, we have mentioned that, too.

1. Aigisthos Palace

2 Loot Treasure

This particular location in eastern Argolis is extremely deep, and the second treasure chest is not close to the actual palace ruins, making it hard to spot—the above video indicates where you will find it.

2. Alekto Shipwreck

2 Loot Treasure
Lion Figurehead (Figurehead)

The treasure that you are searching for here off the coast of the Isle of Thisvi is not in the shipwreck, but can be found in through the cave entrance next to the sunken ship.

3. Anaphi Shipwreck

1 Loot Treasure

Quest: Catch and Release

This treasure is best collected while on the small island during the ‘Catch and Release’ quest. It is easy to locate as you don’t have to dive underwater—the treasure chest is instead located on the wrecked ship on the beach.

4. Ariabignes Shipwreck

Find Ainigmata Ostraka
2 Loot Treasure
Spartans (Crew Theme)

Quest: Test of Character

This treasure can be acquired while searching for the ‘protective eye’ during the ‘Test of Character’ quest.

5. Cave of Wealth

1 Loot Treasure

Quest: The Pre-Trial of Endurance

This treasure is easy to locate during the quest ‘The Pre-Trial of Endurance’ if you swim inside the underwater cavern as in the video above.

6. Dorion Underwater Cave

1 Loot Treasure
Followers of Ares - Male (Crew Theme), Followers of Ares - Female (Crew Theme).

This treasure found in southern Lakonia is again made more difficult to find due to the dim lighting and the tricky location of the underwater cave entrance, but once Ikaros has located the chest it shouldn’t be too hard to find.

7. Hermit's Dive

1 Loot Treasure
The Prancing Pegasos (Ship Design)

Quest: Blood in the Water

This treasure is located in the Swordfish’s hideout during ‘Blood in the Water’, in the corner of the room, and can be looted once he is dead.

8. Islet of Zeus

1 Loot Treasure
Quest Item: Prokris's Necklace

Quest: Shark the Vagrant

This treasure can be found very early on in the game while still on Kephallonia during the ‘Shark the Vagrant’ quest, and will probably be the first underwater location you will complete.

9. Ketos Shipwreck

2 Loot Treasure

Quest: Crewless

This treasure must be looted during the quest ‘Crewless’ and is easy to locate. Following this quest, Kassandra has the option to recruit Gelon to the Adrestia.

10. Ktesipos's Shipwreck

1 Loot Treasure

This treasure is again easy to locate, and is best done early in the game while still on Kephallonia.

11. Nereides Monument

2 Loot Treasure

This treasure is easy to find, but swimming from the shore out to the ruins takes some time so it would be wise to sail out by boat. This monument is located off the coast of Mount Koryphum in Argolis.

12. Olympic Shipwreck

2 Loot Treasure
Pegasos Figurehead (Figurehead)

This treasure located off the coast of Elis is underneath the deck of the ship, so make sure to resurface for air if it is hard to locate.

13. Palace of Amphitrite

3 Loot Treasure
Cult of Kosmos (Crew Theme), Scions (Crew Theme)

Quest: The Gods of the Aegean Sea

There are three chests to locate in the palace ruins that are found between Thera and Paros, one of which is a hint about a cult member in the quest-line ‘Gods of the Aegean Sea’. It is probably best to come up for air before searching for the third chest.

14. Pavlopetri

2 Loot Treasure
The Hound of Hades (Ship Design)

The second chest containing the Hound of Hades ship design is tricky to locate, underneath the ruins that can be found off the coast of the Dioskouroi Peninsula in Lakonia.

15. Persian Remains

2 Loot Treasure
Persians (Crew Theme)

These chests are easy to locate and find off the coast of Lokris.

16. Phaleron Sunken Harbor

1 Loot Treasure
Athenians (Crew Theme)

This treasure is extremely easy to find in these ruins in Phaleron Sandy Bay, and should pose no issues.

17. Phoibean Lagoon

2 Loot Treasure
The Satyr (Ship Design)

The Phoibean Lagoon at Salamis is another easy location to complete.

18. Polydektes Lagoon

1 Loot Treasure

This treasure off the coast of the Pirate Islands can be found by swimming through the darkened underwater cave, but is not hard to locate.

19. Poseidon's Fury

3 Loot Treasure
Eagle Figurehead (Figurehead)

There are again three chests to locate in these ruins north of Patrai in Achaia, so it is best to come up for hair before searching for the third.

20. Prototype Trireme of Ameinokles

1 Loot Treasure
Elite Spartans (Crew Theme)

With just one chest to find in the Korinthian Gulf, this location is relatively easy to complete.

21. Purrhos the Red

1 Loot Treasure

With just one chest to find in Pandora’s Cove, Malis, this location is relatively easy to complete.

22. Ruins of Arne

1 Loot Treasure

Quest: Language of the Ancients

In order to open this chest, which is found in Lake Kopais, Boeotia, players will need to swim forward to the skeleton nearby and loot the key to unlock it. This location is part of the ‘Language of the Ancients’ quest but can be completed before this quest opens up.

23. Ruins of the Sea People

2 Loot Treasure

Skip to 1:37 in the above video to find out where the chests are in between the Silver Islands. One is located underneath some ruins, but they are not hard to locate.

24. Shark Bay

1 Loot Treasure

Quest: The Elixir

This treasure is found during the ‘Elixir’ quest-line. Skip to 2:20 in the above video to locate the chest in Shark Bay.

25. Shipwreck

2 Loot Treasure
Octopus Figurehead (Figurehead)

No location is specified for the shipwreck simply called ‘Shipwreck’, but this particular shipwreck can be located out at sea north west of the Cradle of Myths.

26. Shipwreck Cove

Cultist Clue
3 Loot Treasure

There are four items to locate in Shipwreck Cove—two treasure chests above ground, one treasure chest underwater, and one cultist clue. The cultist clue is located in the nearby rocks and is tricky to find even when close-by.

27. Shipwreck of Ajax

2 Loot Treasure
Quest Item: Thaletas' Helmet

Quest: Thaletas’ Way

This location can be found during the ‘Thaletas’ Way’ questline. You have the option of lying to Thaletas and saying you couldn’t find the helmet so as to keep it for yourself, or returning it. The second chest in this location is found by swimming through a dark cave next to the shipwreck.

28. Shipwreck of Dionysos and the Pirate

2 Loot Treasure
The Stargazer (Ship Design)

These chests off the coast of Naxos are not hard to find.

29. Shipwreck of Nestor

2 Loot Treasure
Serpent Figurehead (Figurehead)

The two chests located beside this shipwreck off the island of Schiza are easy to find.

30. Smuggler's Shipwreck

2 Loot Treasure
The Chimera (Ship Design)
Quest item: Achilles's Dagger

Quest: Blood and Water

This treasure can be found during the Blood and Water quest in Euboea, south of the Forgotten Ruins of Makris.

31. Stormfall Bay

2 Loot Treasure
The Silent Serpent (Ship Design)

These two chests at Stormfall Bay are easy to locate and shouldn’t pose a challenge.

32. Submerged Minoan Palace

1 Loot Treasure

Quest: We're Treasure Hunters

This treasure can only be located during the quest ‘We’re Treasure Hunters’ which opens up directly after ‘We’re not Thieves’. ‘We’re Treasure Hunters’ can end in three different ways—you can lie to Obelia, you can give her the treasure, or you can kill her.

33. Sunken Ruins

1 Loot Treasure

Quest: Say That Again!

This treasure can be found during the small side quest ‘Say That Again!’ on the western side of Messara but can also be located without doing the quest. We recommend doing the quest even if purely for the blacksmith’s reward, as it is extremely easy.

34. Sunken Temple of Aphrodite

1 Loot Treasure

Quest: The Tribute

This treasure is located during the side-quest ‘Tribute’ which opens up at the Site of Iphigenia’s Sacrifice once ‘Chasing Phantoms’ is complete.

35. Sunken Temple of Demeter

1 Loot Treasure

There is only one chest to find here off the coast of Achaia and so it should not pose a challenge.

36. Sunken Temple of Eileithyia

2 Loot Treasure

These two chests are located within the ruins off the coast of Messara and so can prove a little harder to locate.

37. Sunken Wreck of Datis

Find Ainigmata Ostraka
2 Loot Treasure

There are three items to find in this location off the south-western coast of Delos but they are all easy to locate and easily accessible.

38. Underwater Cavern

3 Loot Treasure
Quest Item: Triton's Shell of the Titans

Quest: She Who Controls the Seas

This location is part of the side-quest ‘She Who Controls The Seas’ given to you by Xenia after you complete the mission ‘Sacred Vow’. Xenia gives you two maps, one of which is fake—Triton’s Shell is located in Makedonia, as in the above video. The three chests can be found by accessing the underwater cavern and swimming through.

39. Underwater Cavern

2 Loot Treasure
Barbarians (Crew Theme)

Though no location is specified, this cavern refers to one which is found off the coast of Attika.

40. Underwater Ruins of Dyspontion

2 Loot Treasure

The treasure in these ruins in Elis is very easy to find and shouldn’t pose a challenge.

41. Vouliagmeni Sinkhole

1 Loot Treasure

This treasure in Attika is again easy to find and shouldn’t pose a challenge.

42. Wreckage of the Lost Bandit

1 Loot Treasure

This location on Kephallonia is one that you can complete very early in the game, and as such is quite easy to find.

Conclusion

And so, there we have it. All 42 locations. This is a challenging trophy to obtain, in part because some of the locations are hard to find, hard to clear, or even easy to miss. The best way to clear all 42 locations is to simply do them over the course of the game and not all at once, since most of the locations are on opposing sides of the map. Alternatively, players working towards the “Hermes’ Homie” trophy can do them in conjunction. One important final thing to note is that there is no trophy or achievement that can be obtained for finishing the game on a higher difficulty, and so players can complete the game on Easy Mode without worrying that they might miss out.

Good luck on your quest!

You might also be interested in:

Top 10 Assassin’s Creed: Odyssey Best Weapons and How to Get Them

https://www.gamersdecide.com/articles/assassins-creed-odyssey-best-weapons

Top 5 AC Odyssey Best Armor

https://www.gamersdecide.com/articles/ac-odyssey-best-armor

Top 15 Best Assassin’s Creed Games to Play Today

https://www.gamersdecide.com/articles/best-assassin-games

Main Image caption:

Achieve the 'Child of Poseidon Trophy'.

Image Gallery:

Sale Tags:

More on this topic:

Share this Article:

Assassin’s Creed: Odyssey Best Difficulty—Which to Choose

Brownk2 — Thu, 24 Jun 2021 14:31:15 +0000

What Options Are There?

Compared to other games in the Assassin’s Creed franchise, the sprawling open world of Assassin’s Creed Odyssey is by far the most RPG-heavy—it can be gruelling, especially for fans of the franchise less accustomed to the style of RPGs. Luckily, however, there are ways of adapting the gameplay to suit your preferred style, and at the beginning there are choices to be made that will affect how you experience the game: exploration mode, level scaling, and, of course, difficulty.

This article is not a review of Assassin’s Creed: Odyssey, but an overview of the options regarding the difficulty of the gameplay. These options work together to influence the overall difficulty of the game, and so it is important to match them together in a way that suits your play-style.

Guided or Exploration

Decide how you will explore the massive open world of Odyssey

The first decision to be made is whether you will play in one of two modes, Guided or Exploration:

The Guided mode is your typical open-world style, whereby quest markers are followed upon taking on a new quest. Overall, it is nice, easy to follow, and conventional.
Exploration, on the other hand, requires you to interrogate the NPCs that give you quests, and you must probe them for information in order to figure out where to go next. It makes the game feel a bit more like real life, where there are no markers in the sky informing you as to where random people and places you just found out about are. Exploration mode requires you to think a little harder about what you’re doing rather than just mindlessly heading from location to location.

If you are like me, and directions are not your strong suit—even in a virtual world with an easy-to-follow-map—you’re probably better off simply going with Guided mode, at least for the first play-through.

Level Scaling

Decide what level your opponents will be

The next option is regarding level scaling, which has a much larger impact on how you experience combat in the game. When the game was first released, the most frequent complaint that players had was that the scaling made the game too hard. Enemies constantly scaled to keep things challenging, but all that really meant was that players never got much stronger relative to your enemies, regardless of how much effort players put into building a powerful character.

In 2019 Ubisoft introduced a change to the game by providing alternatives for how players wanted to handle scaling. The Level Scaling option can help you adjust the challenge posed by quests and enemies to better match your personal style of playing, and there are four options:

Default/Normal allows the default, pre-set difficulty to dictate the challenge of the content. This is how the game was played before Ubisoft introduced any options for scaling.
Heavy allows the content to match your current player level.
Medium allows the content to be up to two levels below your current player level.
Light allows the content to be up to four levels below your current player level.

This system doesn’t really need much further explanation, though it is important to note that you can mix and match these levels with different Difficulties; for example, playing on Easy Difficulty Mode with Heavy Level Scaling.

Difficulty Mode

Try your hand against Medusa on Nightmare Level for true nightmare-fuel

Players will finally then select what overall difficulty to play the game at. I found that the difficulty level chosen affects how you enjoy the game more than most other RPGs, and especially when compared to other Assassin’s Creed games.

It is important to note that there are no rewards or trophies for playing the game at harder difficulties, so players don’t have to worry about missing out on any potential achievements if they undertake the game at a lower difficulty.

Having played the game at each of the four difficulty options for different lengths of times, I have concluded about my own thoughts on the best way to play Assassin’s Creed Odyssey, and so here is my review on each level.

Easy Mode

Come face to face with some of the best figures from Greek mythology.

I have encountered two camps of people who have played Odyssey: those who think that Nightmare Mode is too easy, and those who think that Easy Mode is too hard. Of those two camps, I think I come closer to falling into the latter. I don’t think that Odyssey is a simple game , and that is due, mostly, to the overall size and scope of the world. In fact, I would equate ‘Easy’ in Odyssey to ‘Normal’ in Assassin’s Creed: Origins.

There are hundreds of quests to do and so many places to explore, but in order to actually see a large portion of the map without being immediately cut down by someone dozens of levels above you, you need to grind. Grinding is an aspect of almost all open world RPGs, but Ieven on Easy Mode Odyssey takes grinding to the next level. Simply following the story is not an option; in order to level up enough to follow the main story, you’ll still need to complete a lot of side missions, contracts, and bounties in order to earn XP.

It is a turnoff for gamers who want to get through the game as quickly as possible while still fully experiencing Odyssey’s story that you can easily get stuck on one enemy for what feels like hours on end. Even on Easy Mode, I very nearly gave up the game for good while fighting Medusa as it took me countless turns to finally beat her. I felt like I was slowly going insane, carrying out repetitive movements again and again and again and again and dying over and over until I finally, by chance, defeated her. And yet when I replayed the game on Hard Mode, I slew Medusa in one go. Go figure.

For those who simply want to experience the game without too much of a challenge, Easy mode is the obvious choice.

Normal Mode

Some opponents have abilities that make them much harder to defeat, even at your level.

The second difficulty is exactly as it says on the tin—it’s not too hard, not too easy. Normal Mode isn’t that much different from Easy, save for the fact that you’re going to spend a bit longer hacking away at some enemies. That was the only real, discernible difference between the two.

Normal Mode is a nice starting place for players who are familiar with both RPGs and Assassin’s Creed mechanics, but who don’t want to launch themselves into the deep end straight off the mark. Overall, there isn’t that much of a difference when compared to Easy, since the options for level scaling were introduced in 2019. Which of the four scaling options you choose is what really matters with regards to Normal Mode.

Hard Mode

Some of the best fights you will experience will be against the Cult of Kosmos.

Hard Mode was my favorite way to play, out of the four difficulty options. Once I was familiar with the game and its combat style, Hard Mode presented enough of a challenge to engage my interest and ensure each quest felt refreshing and new.

As the game progresses and the world opens up, it becomes more of a simply compelling challenge rather than a sluggish chore to complete quests and spend time on some of the other aspects of the game, such as the Navy Battles and the Conquest Battles. But these aspects also mean that unlike other Assassin’s Creed games, you cannot simply spend all your time concentrating on building up stealth.

I found I did best on Hard Mode when I spent my ability points wisely—on second wind healing, on archery, and on some of the stealth abilities, rather than building up a hulking strong warrior. These abilities and how they affect your fighting style also make the game especially interesting when it comes to fighting certain enemies, especially the Legendary beasts, as you cannot simply attack them and then run away to heal.

There are many reasons why I enjoyed Hard Mode the most. It was gruelling enough that it still felt like an accomplishment to finish the main three storylines, but it was not impossible, once I got the hang of the game.

Speaking of impossible…

Nightmare Mode

Conquest Battles are one of the most enjoyable aspects of Odyssey.

I have encountered plenty of folk in online forums who claimed that Nightmare Mode was just too easy, too repetitive, too boring. I imagine such folk are perhaps professional gamers who have spent thousands upon thousands of hours gliding through every game out there, and now find that nothing is enough of a challenge for them. The best way I can think to describe Nightmare Mode is to describe it as an open-world Dark Souls set in the beautiful islands of ancient Greece, where one light stab is enough to bring about your untimely demise and the only way to avoid dying is to just keep running away.I was easily killed by enemies at the exact same level as me in only a handful of hits, but the enemies were essentially damage sponges.

Slashing a sword at a basic Athenian soldier, much longer than someone like Kassandra/Alexios would, simply wasn’t entertaining or realistic to the game’s lore, and being overwhelmed by more than one enemy meant instant death.

Don’t get me wrong—this mode will definitely appeal to a lot of hardened gamers with the patience to die over and over again; I simply am not one of them. Even so, I do recommend this Mode to anyone looking for a real obstacle to overcome, or anyone who hates Kassandra/Alexios enough to find pleasure in watching them continuously die in increasingly gruesome ways.

Conclusion

Don't be put out if the game seems too hard at first.

Overall, Assassin’s Creed: Odyssey is a game that finds innovative ways to challenge its players while still creating a brilliantly compelling story. This game captures the essence of Classical Greece, with period-accurate architecture, clothing, and weapons that work alongside a brilliant cast of historical and fictional characters, during the real events as recorded by the historian Thucydides. Of course, it should not be mistaken as an historically accurate game, but it still manages to feel like ancient Greece brought to life. The ability to discuss philosophy with Socrates, fight alongside Brasidas, flirt with Alcibiades, plot with Pericles—it is the potential to do these things is what makes the world of Assassin’s Creed: Odyssey so appealing.

The decisions regarding the game’s difficulty will influence your thoughts regarding the game, and if you find it too hard at a particular level I implore you to lower it and not give up, as this game is truly unique, and an enjoyable experience for anyone with interest in the ever-awe-inspiring world of Ancient Greece.

You might also be interested in:

Top 10 Assassin’s Creed: Odyssey Best Weapons and How to Get Them https://www.gamersdecide.com/articles/assassins-creed-odyssey-best-weapons

Top 5 AC Odyssey Best Armor

https://www.gamersdecide.com/articles/ac-odyssey-best-armor

Top 15 Best Assassin’s Creed Games to Play Today

https://www.gamersdecide.com/articles/best-assassin-games

Main Image caption:

The difficulty you choose can significantly impact your gaming experience.

Image Gallery:

Sale Tags:

More on this topic:

Share this Article: