Assassin’s Creed Shadows introduces a range of novel ideas to the well-established series formula, but one element stands out as especially promising for a more intriguing execution in the upcoming Assassin’s Creed: Codename Hexe. Ubisoft first unveiled Hexe back in September 2022, alongside its project title and logo, hinting at new directions for the franchise concurrently with the announcements of Mirage and Shadows (initially named Codename Red).
Ubisoft has kept details about Hexe sparse, leading to a flurry of speculation fueled by leaks and rumors. These insights suggest that Hexe will diverge significantly from recent entries. The title alone implies a deeper exploration of occult themes, perhaps steering the franchise toward a darker, more sinister narrative. Notably, the name ‘Shadows’ hints at the innovative light-based stealth mechanics it introduces—an exciting prospect for Hexe’s gameplay design.
Assassin’s Creed Hexe: A Potential Horror Spin
Exploring a Darker Perspective in the Series
According to rumors, Assassin’s Creed Hexe promises a narrative steeped in horror elements—a notion bolstered by the tone and style of the launch teaser. With ‘Hexe’ translating to ‘witch’ in German, it hints at a backdrop centered on the witch trials that unfolded in 17th-century Germany.
Apart from Hexe, Ubisoft has announced other titles in the Assassin’s Creed lineup, including the mobile game Jade, a standalone multiplayer experience known as Invictus, and a Netflix project.
This thematic exploration in Hexe makes strategic sense for the series, as it has yet to set a game within Germany. The 17th century also represents a notable gap in the game’s timeline. While the Ezio trilogy encompasses the late 15th and early 16th centuries, Shadows ventures into the late 16th, with other significant entries such as Black Flag, Rogue, and Unity situated in the 18th century. Thus, the activities of the Assassin Brotherhood during the 17th century have remained largely unexplored in the main titles.
Reports from Insider Gaming indicate that early footage of Hexe features a protagonist named Elsa, who utilizes witchcraft while navigating shadowy city streets, echoing elements from the fear system introduced in Assassin’s Creed Syndicate’s Jack The Ripper DLC—one of the franchise’s most compelling expansions.
The Role of Shadow-Based Stealth in Hexe
Illuminating the Horror Aspect of Stealth
This setup hints at an even greater emphasis on leveraging light and shadow for stealth in Assassin’s Creed Hexe compared to Shadows. Personally, I have thoroughly enjoyed using the night cover and strategically extinguishing lights in Shadows, which fits its shinobi theme. However, the game’s core is not primarily centered around night and shadow. While environmental factors like fog and rain add layers of complexity, I’ve also infiltrated numerous castles during broad daylight by expertly avoiding sight lines.
With a horror-infused narrative in 17th-century Germany, Hexe could redefine the focus on shadows as a central gameplay element. Historically, supernatural media has relied heavily on the interplay of light and shadow; for instance, Dracula’s aversion to sunlight and the high-contrast visuals found in classic German expressionist films communicate timeless themes of fear and darkness.
If Assassin’s Creed Hexe opts for a more contained storytelling approach, it could feature discreet nighttime segments instead of flowing seamlessly through time like Shadows does. In a game set within “dark and gloomy” environments, navigating through cobbled streets could be more advantageous than traditional elements like tall grass or rooftop running.
Exciting Prospects for Hexe with Uncertain Outcomes
The Future Is Still Uncertain
Assuming that Elsa indeed possesses witch-like abilities, the influence of moonlight on witchcraft could introduce intriguing gameplay dynamics. It would be fascinating to see the game tackle the trade-offs between shadow’s cover and the powerful aspects associated with moonlight, allowing players to toggle between a stealthy approach and a more risky engagement with power.
While it remains unclear if future Assassin’s Creed games will adopt the innovative stealth mechanics showcased in Shadows, the creative director of Shadows, Charles Benoit, indicated in an interview with Screen Rant that he intends to incorporate these elements if he leads another Assassin’s Creed title. Even though Hexe is under the development of a different team at Ubisoft Montreal, I am optimistic that some advancements from Assassin’s Creed Shadows will find their way into Hexe, particularly the light-based stealth mechanics that I’m eager to see in action.
Source: Insider Gaming