It’s been about two weeks since I finished Assassin’s Creed Syndicate, but I decided to let it soak-in, and I started Origins, so I wanted to see how stark the differences were. Potentially giving me a different perspective on it.
So, a couple of weeks since playing it, I had to delete it to make space for Origins. My time with Syndicate is officially done.
I did all of the story missions, cleared all of the districts, got all of the viewpoints and upgraded my gang and my gear as far as I could (needed more money!). Totalling just over 25 hours of game time, I had a blast.
Clearing plenty of side missions, meeting a cast of historical figures from the era. Syndicate was a great swansong for the original series of Assassin’s Creed games.
Finishing up
There’s no need to bang on about Assassin’s Creed Syndicate, anymore than I already have (I’ve written two pieces!).
It is important to sum things up, though and mention a few things that stood out in the final hours of the main story.
Straight out of the gates, I have to talk about Queen Victoria. I have no idea why, but it really took me by surprise to see Jacob and Evie interacting with her (more Evie, initially). It isn’t particularly exciting, nor was it integral to the story itself, but it was a nice little tweak at the end.
There was a bit of a “pay to win” element built in, which is a little gross. You can buy in-game money, with real money. It’s not really necessary, and a bit weird in the middle of a single-player game. I assume some people are so desperate to max stats out, they’re willing to pay for that? Not a positive addition to the game at all, and left it a bit of a sour taste.
The set-up for the final boss fight was lovely. Using both Evie and Jacob to fulfil different roles at the same event. Two perspectives, working together, at the same time. It was really nicely handled.
Being hampered by a big dress, took away all of Evie’s agility and standard movement. Changing the pace a little. Followed by a film-like dance with the devil. At the same time, Jacob is taking out enemy guards and tidying up a stealth invasion of the palace.
What a great way to tie everything-up. High-society London, Queen Victoria, assassin’s. You name it, it had it all.
The boss fight was fine, a little bit of a come-down after such a fun build-up, but it was a satisfying conclusion. Syndicate was just good fun all the way through!
Wrapping it up
Syndicate has plenty to offer, and I had new missions to do, directly for the Queen, after completion of the story. I didn’t take advantage of this though, because, honestly, I didn’t feel the need to take it any further.
The story was fine, restoring the order in a very Templar-run city. Honouring the twins’ father and his history as an assassin. Take out the bad guys, have some stealthy fun, get knighted. It’s all in a days work, isn’t it?
A great cast of characters, some great voice acting. Strong protagonists (Evie was by far the most compelling of the two). The ever-moving train base, grappling hooks, canes with blades.
Assassin’s Creed Syndicate is the culmination of years and years of reiteration of the series. Similar games, different settings and characters. New mechanics, and improvements, year on year. This is what I consider to be the last of the “classic” Assassin’s Creed games, and honestly, it does the series proud.
There’s not a lot more to be said, that I haven’t already covered previously.
Simply put, if you like the Assassin’s Creed series, you’ll love this.
By modern standards, it isn’t one of the best games ever made, nor is it one of the best this generation. It is a great game though, and well worth your time.
I know I got it free from Games with Gold, and I see it cheap all over the place these days. If you have a few quid, and a thirst for assassinating people in Victorian London, you’d do well to spend some time with Syndicate.
Not an all-time great, but a fun time in a universe that I love. Highly recommended here at Ninja Refinery. Highly indeed.
