Best products from r/assassinscreed

First of all, AC3 DLC: Only one story-related DLC called The Tyranny of King Washington. It's set in a "What if" scenario which is called into existence by a certain event... IMO it's probably the darkest AC story ever told, it's pretty awesome.
Secondly, comics. I can really recommend AC: The Fall and the sequel AC: The Chain. While they both tell a completely original story, they are part of the main canon and you can actually see elements of those comics play into AC3, so my advice would be to read those before playing AC3. You can pick them up at Ubiworkshop, they are actually bundled now as AC: Subject 4.
Also, there's another comic called AC: Brahman which I haven't read yet, but from what I've heard it's also really worthwhile.
And lastly, short movies. One called AC: Lineage, which is set before the events of AC2. Kind of campy from time to time, but still cool to watch since it's live-action and it expands on Ezio's background. Then there's AC: Ascendance, which is set between AC2 and Brotherhood. Nicely sets the tone for Brotherhood, otherwise not really an essential watch, plus you have to buy it on PSN/Xbox Live/Amazon Instant Watch (unless you get it from "other sources"...). And finally AC: Embers, which is set after the events of Revelations. This one is simply perfect, make sure you watch it after completing Revelations.

So yeah, next to the games and the DLC the others have already mentioned here, that should cover it. Best wishes for your recovery and welcome to the brotherhood!

Hey man! Welcome aboard, first of all -- you're in for an awesome ride. :)

There ARE a couple of bundles I'm aware of, that you could certainly look into.

• Here's a really nice affordable one, called the "Ezio Trilogy", that comes with games #2, 3, and 4 ($20. Absolute steal!)
  
  
• Another one called "The Heritage Collection", which comes with the first five games. It's a little more expensive, near $60, but it DOES covers pretty much most of the series so far! And they're all such awesome experiences; I can't imagine myself reaching the end of all that and just being like... "well yeah, that was probably a complete waste of money". Haha -- you've got like 50 hours of story and hundreds of hours of side activities in there!
  
  
• A third option, called "The Americas Collection". This one contains games 5, 6, and a sort of side-game called Liberations HD that's been remastered for consoles. Around $30, and completion of game 6 will basically mean you're caught up! Congratulations, fratello mio!
  
  Hope this helps a bit. :)

Here's my suggestion:

Buy Brotherhood for cheap. For $15, it's definitely worth it. When finished with brotherhood, buy the Da Vinci Disappearance. I say it's worth the money, but if you're really tight on funds, just watch the walkthrough on Youtube (but only if you're tight on funds).

Revelations is pretty cheap too. It really fleshes out the story and fills the holes left unfilled in AC2 and Brotherhood, bringing the Ezio/Altair stories to a (in my opinion, satisfying) close. Don't bother buying DLC for this one, just watch a walkthrough for "The Lost Archive" on Youtube (preferably with no commentary). Be sure to do so promptly after playing the game, in a dark room, on a large television.

Also, be damn sure to play all the side missions in brotherhood before moving on to revelations (in fact, if you haven't finished all the side missions/dlc in AC2, do so now. And be sure to actually read the codex). Likewise, when you have AC: revelations, definitely complete the "Desmond's Journey" side-story, and do your best to complete the side missions on this one, although it isn't absolutely necessary.

After this, you should have a much better understanding of the AC universe, as well as more anticipation for the upcoming game. Have fun!

Graphic novels:

• Assassin's Creed Subject Four - It combines the 2 graphic novels "The Fall" and "The Chain" in one and is basically the prequel to the present day story in the games. It's the oldest comic and quite hard to find a physical edition nowadays. If you can't find it, look for "The Fall" and "The Chain" seperately.
  
  
• Assassin's Creed Brahman - A comic from 2013 and quite hard to find physically, similarly to Subject 4.
  
  There are also newer comics published by Titan:
  
  
• Assassin's Creed - Has 14 issues, split in 3 volumes.
  
  Vol. 1 - "Trial By Fire"
  
  Vol. 2 - "Setting Sun"
  
  Vol. 3 - Homecoming
  
  
• Assassin's Creed: Templars - 9 issues, split in two volumes.
  
  Vol. 1 - "Black Cross"
  
  Vol. 2 - "Cross of War"
  
  
• Assassin's Creed: Last Descendants – Locus - A standalone miniseries, but it takes place between the first and second "Last Descendants" novel. It features some familiar characters from Syndicate, but it's only worth the read if you're reading the novels it's named after.
  
  
• Assassin's Creed Uprising - the final major arc from the comics. "Assassin's Creed" and "Templars" must be read first, read "Uprising" after that as it continues the stories and features characters from both previously mentioned series. It finishes a major present day storyline from the games, so it's definitely worth the read despite the issues of the format it's presented in. Has 12 issues, collected in 3 volumes.
  
  Vol. 1 - "Common Ground"
  
  Vol. 2 - "Inflection Point"
  
  Vol. 3 - "Finale"
  
  
• Assassin's Creed: Reflections - standalone mini-series, portraying a short adventure for each of the following assassins: Altair, Ezio, Connor and Edward. Should be read after "Assassin's Creed" and "Templars", but before "Uprising", but it doesn't really matter for the overall plot. It's more of a fun little adventures for each of these beloved characters and has an interesting reveal or two in there, but nothing major.
  
  
• Assassin's Creed Origins - another standalone mini-series. It's 4 issues follow the story of Aya after the events in the game Origins, so you should definitely finish it first before you read this one.
  
  And finally - Assassin's Creed Conspiracies. Originally a two-part comic in French, it has now been translated to English. Collected edition should be out on December 18th, 2018.

Jason has connections all over the gaming industry. He even wrote a book about a few game developments: https://www.amazon.com.br/Blood-Sweat-Pixels-Triumphant-Turbulent/dp/0062651234

He keeps posting on troubled development stories on Kotaku too (the Anthem and BO4 articles, for example). He earned my trust in regards for info in the game industry.

>"Italy is very similar to Greece in terms of climate and terrain (with some important differences), and classical Roman architecture took a lot of cues from Greek styles (again, with important differenes). Point being, they could re-use - if not the models - a lot of the same textures from Odyssey, cutting down on the amount of work they would have to do.
>
>It fits within the same era. AC games seem to usually run in series based on time period; you had the Ezio trilogy which hearkened back in Revelations to the first game; you had ACIII and Black Flag in similar eras (Edward was Connor's grandfather), and those plus AC:Unity, AC:Rogue, and AC:Syndicate are all within about a hundred and fifty years of each other (from 1715 at the start of IV to 1868 for Syndicate). Since they've been working in the ancient period with Odyssey and Origins, if they're going to do another game set in that era, it would make sense to do it immediately afterwards - and I don't think they're stupid enough to never make an AC game set in the Roman Empire."

I agree with your points. But at the same time, if we look at their situation right now....they surely will want a game that will be playable on old and new gen next year. So Montreal has 3 years to release it, right?

They surely will not want a brand new era/assets in a game that will have to release in both systems. In that case, they needed something that could use what they have in Origins/Odyssey. Of course, this would give points to Rome, which was something that even I was believing some time ago.

But then, Jason reports puts a wrench into the situation. And when you think about it...Vikings can fit very well (conquests battles, naval system, mercenaries, huge natural landscapes, etc) and also show a more medieval vibe after the 1 year gap, helping to fight series´s fatigue

And yes, I agree that the Roman EMpire would be fantastic. I was believing on AC: Legion a few months ago (at least we got the tittle in another franchise). Is it trully gone? Now that is another question. It would not be impossible to happen after Vikings. We had Odyssey and Black Flag happen right after 3 and Origins, so it would not be that weird for a prequel after a sequel.

The schedule is interesting if they do follow the current formula:

2013 - Black Flag (Montreal)
2015 - SYndicate (Quebec)

2017 - Origins (Montreal) - 4 years of development
2018 - Odyssey (Quebec) - 3 years of development

2020 - Kingdom (Montreal) - 3 years of development
202? - ??? (Quebec) - ? years of development

Will they skip 2021 and then have 4 years for their next gen title? Or only after 2021 will they skip a year and then having their first new era? That is up in the air for now. I think Ubi would give a lot of time for their next gen title and really nail it.

If you can afford it, you can get the Ezio Trilogy for a good bundled price. It has 3 great, if not the best, AC games that follow a single badass protagonist. Keep in mind that the new remastered version is coming out soon, although it hasn't been officially announced.





AC1 is the introduction to the game (the one game before the games in this bundle) so you will miss the introduction to the Creed/Modern Day characters. However the game is (to me) a pretty bad way to be introduced to the game, so I think it's better to fall in love with ACII then go back to relive ACI. Just read/watch a video on the modern day story of ACI if you want to have a better understanding of the going-ons in ACII.




Also, I wouldn't recommend Chronicles, they're a spin-off of the original games (Not to diss them though!). But I think AC: China may be available for free with XBone gold this month so maybe you could look for yourself. Hope this helped

Recently I see Unity rightfully get a lot of praise on this sub for things such as its superior graphics, beautiful and detailed setting, character customization, fulfilling stealth gameplay, variety in parkour and combat animations etc. But at the same time I see a lot of people discount Unity for its story.

As someone who actually liked Unity's story, let me just say a few things:

• The tie-in between Rogue and Unity is a graceful storytelling move. If you have played Rogue, the most natural step would be to continue to Unity. Rogue ends exactly where Unity begins.
  
  
• The motivation for Unity's protagonist, Arno Dorian, is unique in the sense that it's internally driven, instead of externally driven. While other protagonists are urged on to complete their goals by external factors like revenge, seeking wealth, and fighting oppression, Arno is motivated entirely by a desire to better himself and make up for past mistakes. That made him the most relatable out of all the protagonists to me, because I've never desired revenge or sought to save humanity, but I understand what it's like to make irreversible mistakes and want to make up for them.
  
  
• The characters in Unity are very subtly portrayed, and a lot of their characteristics and traits aren't immediately obvious unless you really explore the game world. For example, interacting with bookshelves in the de la Serre estate reveals that Arno and Elise were avid readers, something that's not obvious in direct gameplay. If you really want to get to know the characters beyond surface level, don't rush through the game and take the time to listen to ambient conversations, interact with the environment, and, for the love of all that's holy, read Elise's letters to Arno.
  
  
• Ubisoft made a deliberate narrative decision to make the main questline about Arno's personal story of redemption, and separate the narrative of the French Revolution into the side missions. While a number of the main missions take place during key events of the French Revolution (the Storming of the Bastille, the Storming of the Tuileries, the execution of King Louis XVI, etc), they served only as a backdrop to Arno's personal story, which was happening in the forefront. If you really want to feel like you are part of the Revolution and are making history, play the co-op missions and the Paris Stories.
  
  
• The ending might feel a little hollow. No spoilers, but it can get a bit depressing with no satisfactory sense of closure. The DLC, 'Dead Kings' (which is absolutely free), is a direct sequel after the story of the main game, and helps with this. Play Dead Kings after completing the main missions in Unity, and it might help give a sense of closure.
  
  
• There are minimal Modern Day elements in Unity, which is something that upsets those invested in the MD narrative. But Unity supplements the "Phoenix Project" story arc that begun in Black Flag, and sets up Abstergo's motivations in the Modern Day.
  
  
• The 'Abstergo Employee Handbook' is great supplementary reading material for Unity. It details what's happening in the Modern Day during the events of Unity, and offers way more insight into Arno's character.

Comixology is a good site to buy/read comics online :)

I'd also recommend checking out the volumes when they come out, since it's generally cheaper than buying single issues and cover a whole arc so you don't have to wait a month between.

Well, we do know that Anne Bonney wasn't hanged. At least, no record shows she was, and there are records showing she was pardoned (along with Mary Read) for being being pregnant.

Mary ended up dying from infections while imprisoned. And Anne disappears from the records. It's presumed she was whisked away by her father (a lawyer/merchant) back to Ireland or the American Colonies.

I am happy we have a trailer with more of her in; she is an impressive historical figure considering the time's bias against women (though she was from a somewhat well to do stock). And she supports the notion that pirates were writing their own codes against ruling monarchies of the time.

Interestingly enough, both Anne and Mary had major reasons in their development from even a young age to start dressing like men and functioning as them. Anne was a bastard daughter and her father raised her in secret as a young boy training to be a lawyer. Mary was raised poorly, and could get work passing as a sailor (male only at the time).

This cross-dressing is not unheard of. Lafayette was so eager to fight in the American Revolution he dressed and acted as a woman to cross the Atlantic in order to fight (something French soldiers from France were not permitted to do).

Somethings to consider for our modern age biases.

Most of my knowledge on this is from "Under the Black Flag" which I have been reading in excitement for this game.

A reading suggestion for you:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/015603462X/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_bJFPybWCFVJKR

I liked to think of the characters as represented from Black Flag as I read through it. I highly recommend.

I've said it before and I'll probably say it again: anyone who is excited for AC IV and interested in the history should buy this book. It's about the exact years the game takes place and it's a damn good read.

Here is a list of books that is related to each of the games:

AC1 - http://www.amazon.co.uk/Assassins-Creed-The-Secret-Crusade/dp/0241951720

AC2 - http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/0141046309/ref=pd_lpo_sbs_dp_ss_1?pf_rd_p=479289247&pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=0241951720&pf_rd_m=A3P5ROKL5A1OLE&pf_rd_r=0Q100EX5Y51XDHN8MHNP

ACB - http://www.amazon.co.uk/Assassins-Creed-Brotherhood-Oliver-Bowden/dp/0241951712/ref=pd_bxgy_b_img_y

ACR - http://www.amazon.co.uk/Assassins-Creed-Revelations-Oliver-Bowden/dp/0241951739/ref=pd_sim_b_2?ie=UTF8&refRID=0ZN91NC9WH4FBDHG1NVH

AC3 - http://www.amazon.co.uk/Assassins-Creed-Forsaken-Oliver-Bowden/dp/0718193687/ref=pd_sim_b_3?ie=UTF8&refRID=1GTK29PXNBDC5056NCR8

AC4 - http://www.amazon.co.uk/Assassins-Creed-Black-Oliver-Bowden/dp/071819375X/ref=pd_sim_b_2?ie=UTF8&refRID=1GX9GPTFGB4T0C8BG0Y2

ACU - http://www.amazon.co.uk/Assassins-Creed-Unity-Oliver-Bowden/dp/1405918845/ref=pd_sim_b_6?ie=UTF8&refRID=0N6AMK5TMF7K17B81BXG

As far as I'm aware there isn't a book for Rogue. I'm guessing he's still writing it. Hope this helps.

No problem at all, this book Assassin's Creed: The Secret Crusade. It covers most of Altair's life, in fact i bought it because i had never played the PSP game and it covers that too, as well as the Revelations memories in more detail as well as his relationship with Abbas and other parts of his life too. I haven't read it in a while but it's a really interesting read.

According to Amazon listing it's $60 for all 3 games + Lineage and Embers movie, and a bonus movie ticket for the AC movie (depending on local availability)

Defoe

Woodard

Woodard

I'm guessing that these are the books they're using for history reference mainly.

Edit: Cordingly -Also a good resource book.

https://www.amazon.com/Assassins-Creed-Ezio-Collection-PlayStation-4/dp/B01LXHDC8I/ref=sr_1_3_twi_gam_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1473792031&sr=8-3&keywords=Assassin%E2%80%99s+Creed+The+Ezio+Collection


They offer a free ticket for the movie if you buy the collection while suppy lasts.

>Bonus Offer

>Includes free movie ticket to see Assassin’s Creed, opening in theaters December 21, 2016. Offer valid at select retailers. While supplies last.

>Up to $8 toward one admission at participating theaters in the US. Expires 2/28/2017. Limit two per person. Internet access and printer required. See specially marked packaging for full details.

You can find our other free magazines here: http://www.gameonmag.com

There's a GTA one not listed there yet: http://www.gameonmag.com/gta.html

We also have a monthly colour and kindle mags (both UK and US)

Saw one on Amazon. It was in the post with like 600 comments though.

Edit: https://www.amazon.com/Assassins-Creed-Origins-GODS-Collectors-PlayStation/dp/B072JXFG83/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1497221534&sr=8-4&keywords=assassins+creed+origins+collectors

Yep it's on amazon https://www.amazon.com/Assassins-Creed-Origins-GODS-Collectors-PlayStation/dp/B072JXFG83/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1497221534&sr=8-4&keywords=assassins+creed+origins+collectors

I think Google Play doesn't get all the issues and volumes immediately. Anyway, the third volume has recently been released, and it seems to be up on Amazon

I have the The Art of Assassin's Creed Syndicate, Assassin's Creed: The Complete Visual History, and the Assassin's Creed Unity: Abstergo Entertainment: Employee Handbook. The Complete Visual History is probably the best of them, but I believe that it cuts off after Unity.

Its from amazon, here's the Gods/Collectors edition, Deluxe, Gold, the others doesn't have a source.

Or you could buy it from Amazon as a physical copy for $29.99
Much cheaper and you have a digital copy. I prefer to have a physical copies myself

Assassin's Creed The Ezio Collection - PlayStation 4 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01LXHDC8I/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_5NqTyb387MTNB

Collector's edition details are up at amazon

https://www.amazon.com/Assassins-Creed-Origins-GODS-Collectors-PlayStation/dp/B072JXFG83/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1497244726&sr=8-4&keywords=assassins%2Bcreed%2Borigins%2Bcollector%27s%2Bedition&th=1

Here you go: https://www.amazon.com/Assassins-Creed-Origins-GODS-Collectors-PlayStation/dp/B072JXFG83/ref=sr_1_1?th=1

Xbox One and PS4, don't see a PC version yet. It'll probably appear on Ubisoft's page as their store exclusive.

AC:Wiki
Amazon

Colid Woodard - The Republic of Pirates.

https://www.amazon.com/Assassins-Creed-Origins-GODS-Collectors-PlayStation/dp/B072JXFG83/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1497221534&sr=8-4&keywords=assassins+creed+origins+collectors

A General History of the Pyrates
An 18th century account of the life of many pirates of the era.

The Republic of Pirates
Modern history book examining piracy of the era.

Both of these books were apparently used as sources for the game.

You're missing The Republic of Pirates which is some of the source material for AC4BF.

A General History of the Pyrates is a contemporary account of many of the more famous pirates, historically, though much of it is hooplah.

Likewise, the devs have stated directly that they're trying to shy away from the romanticized version of pirates depicted in Hollywood cinema, so both films you have listed are not the best places to go to for reference points.