Summary
- Assassin's Creed Hexe rumored to be a bold new direction featuring a witch protagonist set in 16th-century German witch hunts.
- Horror elements could complement Assassin's Creed Hexe's dark theme and magical protagonist if executed with moderation and atmosphere.
- Assassin's Creed Hexe treading lightly into horror genre without losing its identity, balancing realism with the dark new direction.
After the divisiveness that Assassin's Creed Shadows has seemed to effortlessly cause over the last few months, it feels hard to believe that the franchise's next big game, currently referred to as Assassin's Creed Hexe, could have any chance of turning things around. The Assassin's Creed series has already been met with controversy for several years now due to its new formula gradually divorcing its roots, so everything that is currently coming against Assassin's Creed Shadows is just icing on the cake. Nevertheless, Assassin's Creed Hexe is already looking like the boldest Assassin's Creed title to date, and if it can pull off its rumored premise, it may be a solid new direction for the franchise.
Solely according to rumors and speculation, Assassin's Creed Hexe may take place during the 16th-century German witch hunts and feature a witch as its protagonist. The Assassin's Creed series has made some pretty daring moves in the past, but Assassin's Creed Hexe's supposed premise is entirely unlike anything it has ever done. While this could ultimately be its downfall, it could also be its ticket to success. In fact, Assassin's Creed Hexe's rumored premise opens the door for the series to explore a genre it has never dipped a single toe into, and if it can pull it off, it could be its saving grace.
Assassin's Creed Hexe Could Lean Into Horror
Horror Would Fit Right in With Assassin's Creed Hexe's Rumored Setting and Protagonist
Assuming the rumors and speculations are true about Assassin's Creed Hexe's setting and protagonist, it could afford to lean into horror a bit. It already seems like it will be the darkest Assassin's Creed title ever made, both thematically and environmentally, so it would likely make a good candidate for the horror genre. There have also been leaks and rumors surrounding its protagonist using magic, which, although it has proven to be a divisive topic among Assassin's Creed fans in the past, would pave the way for horror elements.
From a setting standpoint, the 16th-century German witch hunts are horrific enough that Assassin's Creed Hexe leaning into horror on account of that would make sense. It's hard to believe that Ubisoft would be able to make a game like Assassin's Creed Hexe without a mature rating, considering the historical event involves the killing of tens of thousands of individuals who were accused and convicted of witchcraft. As such, horror may be the most sensible route for Assassin's Creed Hexe to take. That being said, horror is a touchy genre, as it requires modesty and a world able to meet its unique demands.
Assassin's Creed Hexe Would Need to Be Tread Lightly With Horror
As it is with anything attempting to wet its feet in the horror genre, Assassin's Creed Hexe will need to tread lightly with it to pull it off. Firstly, it is possible to go too far with horror to the point that everything becomes more ridiculous than scary. The horror genre is also less about jump scares and more about atmosphere and tension, so that would need to be considered. Furthermore, since Assassin's Creed is already a well-established franchise, Assassin's Creed Hexe would need to ensure it doesn't lean into horror too much that it loses its identity as an Assassin's Creed game. The moderate use of magic is something that would need to be considered here, as magic goes against the realism that the Assassin's Creed franchise has always relied on.
Assassin's Creed Hexe should lean into horror but not overdo it to avoid losing its identity!
If Assassin's Creed Hexe were to cut its teeth on horror, it would undoubtedly be a bold new direction for the franchise. The series could use a considerable shakeup that still honors its roots, but it would need to tread lightly because it could easily take it too far. Only time will tell what Assassin's Creed Hexe has in store, but it might be the biggest move the series has ever made.
Assassin's Creed: Mirage
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OpenCritic Reviews
- Top Critic Avg: 76 /100 Critics Rec: 73%
- Released
- October 12, 2023
- ESRB
- m
- Developer(s)
- Ubisoft Bordeaux
- Publisher(s)
- Ubisoft
- Engine
- havok, anvilnext
- Franchise
- Assassin's Creed
WHERE TO PLAY
Play as a cunning young street thief seeking answers in this majestic Middle Eastern open world. Experience the home of the original Assassins in this exciting new narrative-driven, open world adventure. 15 years since the first Assassin's Creed redefined adventure, experience the franchises' trademark parkour and stealth like never before - in Assasin's Creed Mirage. In this smaller scale, back to basics Assassin's caper, you play Basim, a young street thief seeking answers. Roam the richly-detailed, reactive and vibrant streets of 9th century Baghdad, uncovering the mysteries of the past as you fight to secure your future. Stalk the shadows. Become the ultimate assassin.
- Platform(s)
- PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S
- Genre(s)
- Action-Adventure
- How Long To Beat
- 12 Hours
- PS Plus Availability
- N/A
