Exploring the Void: The Absence of Desmond in Assassin’s Creed Shadows
The latest installment in the Assassin’s Creed franchise, Assassin’s Creed Shadows, introduces players to a refreshing narrative and setting while refining the dual protagonist concept showcased in Assassin’s Creed Syndicate. Although this game excels in gameplay mechanics and offers innovative experiences, it curiously omits a significant feature that once defined the series: the modern-day storyline.
Despite facing critiques and controversies, Assassin’s Creed Shadows has achieved remarkable success, becoming the second-largest launch in the franchise’s history, surpassed only by Assassin’s Creed Valhalla. While the franchise seems to thrive without the original elements that once captivated fans, this leaves ample room for enhancement. The exclusion of a modern narrative feels like a substantial missed opportunity, especially as the mechanics in Shadows evolve, including the establishment of hideouts and the recruitment of assassins.
Desmond’s Death: A Premature Conclusion
A Shocking End to the Franchise’s Vital Protagonist
Desmond Miles was a central figure in the Assassin’s Creed narrative, cultivated over a five-year period during the franchise’s formative years. His abrupt fate not only felt prematurely executed but also dismantled the long-term build-up that the series had meticulously crafted. Although his heroic sacrifice to save the world in Assassin’s Creed 3 provided a climactic end, the convoluted nature of this narrative arc left many feeling unsatisfied.
Rather than concluding his journey with a heroic takeover against Abstergo and delivering a final blow against Templar tyranny, the apocalyptic threats and god-like figures detracted from Desmond’s potential as a character. It’s worth noting that Ubisoft recognized his limited appeal compared to his historic ancestors, which led to criticism surrounding the modern-day segments; these often disrupted player immersion.
An interview by Polygon indicated that Desmond’s storyline was becoming excessively complex and convoluted, presenting challenges for players returning after long hiatuses between games. Despite this criticism, Desmond’s fabric of storytelling offered some of the most unique gaming experiences; a decade-spanning narrative was a challenging endeavor, yet not revisiting his character feels like a squandered opportunity.
Desmond as the Apex of Assassin Skills
The Ultimate Assassin: Completing Desmond’s Journey
Desmond’s tragic end not only signifies a downturn in the franchise’s modern storytelling but also highlights the untapped potential within his character. As a descendant of legendary assassins, he gradually acquired their skills and wisdom through each game. By the end of his journey, he was even able to communicate with his heroic ancestors, such as Ezio, while residing within the Animus.
Interestingly, there were plans for a compelling conclusion to Desmond’s arc in which he would leverage his exceptional abilities against Abstergo in a contemporary context, with intentions to escape into a spaceship amid an apocalyptic scenario that ended up transpiring in Assassin’s Creed 3. Although such an outcome may seem far-fetched, it would have provided a memorable closure to his journey, potentially inspiring fresh narratives or prequels in subsequent games.
Unfortunately, it seems Desmond’s fate was sealed before the release of Assassin’s Creed 3. As the series gained immense popularity, a finite narrative would have created a roadblock for future expansions. With Ubisoft’s objectives for annual releases post Assassin’s Creed success, restructuring his overarching plot became an uphill battle, compounded by Desmond’s less favorable reception at the time.
The Modern-Day Narrative Lacks Direction Since Desmond’s Exit
A Landscape of Untapped Storytelling Potential
Even with the initial criticisms of modern-day storylines, the Assassin’s Creed series has not replicated the same narrative depth since Desmond’s departure. Although Assassin’s Creed Black Flag initially stirred hopes with a fresh perspective on Templars mirroring earlier segments, subsequent titles failed to consistently develop this theme. Many narratives have concluded without fully exploring enticing storylines left hanging.
The major flaw in the current approach to modern-day segments is their inability to advance the overarching narrative meaningfully, leaving players with little connection outside individual game narratives. While this allows the historical storylines to shine, an essential facet of the franchise feels neglected.
Charting a New Course for Future Narratives
While Assassin’s Creed Shadows notably omits the modern-day storyline, it introduces the Animus Hub, envisioned as a live-service platform to deepen the lore. Given the fantastical themes and magical artifacts inherent in Assassin’s Creed, there remains a sliver of hope for Desmond’s return in some capacity. An evolution of a modern storyline could reinstate him as an influential force, especially with the franchise preparing for a tighter release schedule in the coming years. Optimistically, one of the upcoming projects may embrace the legacy left by Desmond and the earlier games.