Ubisoft has once again fired up the Animus, transporting us back to Japan’s tumultuous Sengoku Period with Assassin’s Creed Shadows. Set in 1579, the game introduces us to historical figures like Fujibayashi Nagato, Akechi Mitsuhide, and Yasuke, the African samurai who served under Oda Nobunaga. As with previous entries in the series, these real-life personalities are intricately woven into a narrative that blends fact with fiction, crafting a gripping tale of revenge, betrayal, and murder. And yes, there's even a humorous nod to Yasuke needing to rack up XP to wield a gold-tier weapon.
Assassin’s Creed is renowned for its historical fiction, a genre that thrives on filling historical gaps with imaginative storytelling. Ubisoft's mission has always been to construct an open-world playground grounded in meticulous research, yet it's crucial to remember that these games are not history textbooks. The developers often take creative liberties with historical facts to better serve the narrative, resulting in numerous historical inaccuracies that enhance the game's dramatic flair.
Here are ten standout examples where Assassin’s Creed has boldly rewritten history:
The Assassins vs Templars War
Let's start with the most foundational aspect of the series: the ongoing conflict between the Assassins and the Templars. Historically, there's no evidence to support the existence of a centuries-long war between these two groups. The Order of Assassins was established in 1090 AD, and the Knights Templar in 1118. Both organizations were disbanded by 1312, and their only documented involvement was in the Crusades. The idea of a perpetual ideological battle between them is purely fictional.
The Borgias and their Superpowered Pope
In Assassin’s Creed 2 and its sequel, Brotherhood, Ezio's nemesis is the Borgia family, led by Cardinal Rodrigo Borgia, who becomes Pope Alexander VI. The game portrays him as the Grand Master of the Templar Order, a narrative twist that diverges from historical reality since the Templars were not active during the late 1400s. Moreover, the depiction of the Borgias as Renaissance-era villains oversimplifies their complex legacy, with Cesare Borgia being portrayed as an incestuous psychopath—a claim unsupported by historical evidence.
Machiavelli, Enemy of the Borgias
Assassin’s Creed 2 and Brotherhood cast Niccolò Machiavelli as Ezio’s ally and leader of the Italian Assassin's Bureau. However, Machiavelli's real-life beliefs in strong authority conflict with the Assassin’s Creed, suggesting he would not have been part of their ranks. Additionally, his diplomatic service under Cesare Borgia and his positive view of Rodrigo Borgia's cunning contradict the game's portrayal of him as a staunch opponent of the Borgias.
The Incredible Leonardo da Vinci and his Flying Machine
Assassin’s Creed 2 showcases a strong friendship between Ezio and Leonardo da Vinci, accurately capturing da Vinci's charisma. However, the game alters da Vinci's timeline, placing him in Venice in 1481, rather than Milan, where he actually moved in 1482. While da Vinci's engineering designs, including a machine gun and tank, are brought to life in the game, the iconic flying machine used by Ezio remains a fictionalized dream, as there's no historical record of its construction.
The Bloody Boston Tea Party
The Boston Tea Party, a pivotal moment in the American Revolution, was historically a non-violent protest. In Assassin’s Creed 3, however, protagonist Connor turns it into a violent confrontation, killing British guards while his allies dump tea into the harbor. The game also suggests Samuel Adams masterminded the event, a claim that lacks concrete historical support.
The Lone Mohawk
Assassin’s Creed 3's protagonist, Connor, is a Mohawk who allies with the Patriots, despite the Mohawk tribe historically siding with the British during the Revolutionary War. This narrative choice, while inspired by the rare example of Louis Cook, reflects the series' penchant for "what if?" scenarios, exploring the tensions and conflicts such a choice would entail.
The Templar Revolution
Assassin’s Creed Unity offers a unique perspective on the French Revolution, attributing it to a Templar conspiracy rather than the culmination of social and economic pressures. The game's portrayal of a manufactured food crisis and the simplification of the Revolution to the Reign of Terror overlook the complex, multi-year development of the actual event.
The Controversial Killing of King Louis 16
The execution of King Louis 16 is a central event in Assassin’s Creed Unity, yet the game suggests a close vote swayed by a Templar. In reality, the vote was decisively in favor of execution, reflecting widespread public sentiment against the monarchy. Unity's soft portrayal of the French aristocracy and omission of Louis's attempt to flee France further distort historical context.
Jack the Assassin
Assassin’s Creed Syndicate reimagines Jack the Ripper as a rogue Assassin vying for control of the London Brotherhood. This narrative twist, while fitting the series' style of rewriting history, diverges significantly from the historical enigma surrounding the real Jack the Ripper's identity and motives.
The Assassination of the Tyrant Julius Caesar
Assassin’s Creed Origins reinterprets Julius Caesar's assassination as a battle against a proto-Templar leader, ignoring Caesar's actual reforms aimed at benefiting the common people. The game's portrayal of Caesar's death as a victory against tyranny contradicts historical outcomes, as it led to the fall of the Roman Republic and the rise of the Empire.
The Assassin’s Creed series meticulously crafts immersive worlds filled with historical elements, yet these are often creatively altered for storytelling purposes. As historical fiction, the games excel in blending fact and fiction to create engaging narratives. What are your favorite instances of Assassin’s Creed bending historical truths? Share them in the comments.
