Top 3 AC games to Try Apart from Assassin’s Creed Shadows

“We are the shadows, that serve the light!”

Eeeeeeek!

It’s been a few weeks since the release of Assassin’s Creed Shadows, and it’s been the talk of the entire gaming community. Though initially scheduled to be released on November 15, 2024, waiting for this game to be released has been one of the highlights of the gaming and VP community! And now that it is finally here, we can breathe a lot easier!

Set in the captivating world of feudal Japan, Assassin’s Creed Shadows immerses players in the late Sengoku period (16th Century), a time of political intrigue and warfare. You step into the shoes of Naoe, a skilled and stealth-focused shinobi Assassin from Iga Province, and Yasuke, a legendary combat-heavy African samurai, as they navigate their intertwined destinies amidst the chaos of their era.

So far, here are some of the features we are enjoying in this game and its photomode:

• The dynamic seasons: Cherry blossoms in spring, autumn foliage, snow-covered landscapes.

• Lighting Control: This expands on Valhalla’s manual time-of-day adjustments with seasonal lighting (e.g., soft spring sun vs. harsh winter light).

• Character Poses: stealthy crouches for Naoe, battle stances for Yasuke.

• Cultural Filters: Japanese art-inspired filters (e.g., ukiyo-e woodblock prints, ink wash paintings).

• Environmental Effects: We love that particles like falling cherry blossoms, rain, or snowflakes could be toggleable.

However, if you are yet to get into playing Assassin’s Creed Shadows, or you’ve played it too much and need a break from it, we have 3 AC recommendations we know will keep your interest alive!

1. Assassin's Creed Origins (Released 2017 - Ancient Egypt)

Assassin's Creed Origins takes you to Ancient Egypt, where you explore the origins of the Assassin Brotherhood through the eyes of Bayek and Aya. The game features a stunning open world filled with rich history, vibrant landscapes, and a compelling narrative.

• Setting: Vast deserts, pyramids, bustling cities like Alexandria, and lush Nile valleys. The environment emphasizes stark contrasts between sunlit dunes and starry nights.

• Photo Mode Features: Introduced the series' first photo mode with basic tools: filters, brightness/contrast adjustments, depth of field control, and a free-moving camera. Limited character-posing options, focusing more on environmental storytelling.

• Unique Aspect: It leverages Egypt’s dramatic lighting for striking silhouettes and historical grandeur. Ideal for capturing sweeping landscapes and ancient architecture.

2. Assassin's Creed Odyssey (Released 2018 - Ancient Greece)

Assassin's Creed Odyssey shifts the focus to Ancient Greece, allowing players to choose between two characters, Alexios or Kassandra. Here, you’ll engage in epic battles, develop relationships, and make choices that shape your journey in a beautifully rendered world full of myths and legends.

• Setting: Vibrant Greek islands, azure seas, and classical cities like Athens. Rich colors and dynamic weather enhance visual diversity.

• Photo Mode Features: Expanded on Origins with added filters, character poses (e.g., facial expressions, action stances), and effects like vignettes. There is "Mercenary Mode" for chaotic battle shots.

• Unique Aspect: Focus on vibrant, postcard-like scenes—sunset over the Aegean, naval battles, and mythological creatures. This game also encourages dynamic, character-driven compositions.

3. Assassin's Creed Valhalla (Released 2020 - Viking-era England)

Assassin's Creed Valhalla brings you to the Viking Age, where you play as Eivor, a fierce Norse raider. The game emphasizes exploration, settlement building, and diplomacy while showcasing the stunning landscapes of England and Norway.

• Setting: Moody English countryside, snowy fjords, and Norse settlements. Features diverse weather (rain, fog) and seasonal changes.

• Photo Mode Features: Most advanced, with manual time-of-day adjustment, weather toggling, and enhanced poses (including NPC interactions). There are added effects, like raindrops on the lens and improved depth of field.

• Unique Aspect: Emphasizes atmospheric storytelling—stormy raids, cozy settlement life, and mystical Norse realms. There are tools for you to take cinematic, mood-driven shots.

Whether you like it or not, the Assassin’s Creed franchise will continue to redefine what immersive storytelling is all about!

So whether you choose to capture the elegance of Egypt’s pyramids, the golden glow of Greece’s sunsets, the haunting mists of Viking England, or even the cherry blossom serenity of Japan, each of these games invites you to become historians, artists, fighters and storytellers. Shadows honors this legacy, offering you not just a game but a canvas where light, shadow, and seasons collide to create unforgettable moments.

If you are seeking adventure, these four titles are more than escapism—they’re gateways to eras past, carefully and masterfully crafted to make you curious and creative. With Shadows, get ready to wield the blade and brush of a shinobi-samurai duo or revisit the classics to rediscover the Brotherhood’s roots.

With the AC franchise, history is your playground. What will you capture next?