While the core story of theAssassin’s Creedfranchise may seem simple to those unfamiliar with the deeper intricacies of the games, it is actually extremely complex, spanning over centuries and even different realms of existence. The seemingly ever-shifting nature of the franchise has predictably led to some abrasion amongst the fan base over the years, as certain titles shift the narrative in directions that not every fan enjoys equally.
Within some of the newerAssassin’s Creedtitles, a precursor organization known as the Hidden Ones have played a fairly large role in some of the narratives. Although the story that has been told for the Hidden Ones has been an important and fascinating one, it is high time that Ubisoft moves away from the older faction when moving forward.
RELATED:Assassin’s Creed Infinity Has to Tread Microtransactions Carefully
The Background Of the Hidden Ones
The Hidden Ones were first properly introduced to the franchise with the 2017 release of theEgypt-setAssassin’s Creed Origins. As the name of the title suggests, the game told the story of the humble beginnings of the Assassin Brotherhood, in which the Hidden Ones were absolutely imperative.
After facing the strife caused by corrupt ruling elites firsthand, the Hidden Ones were formed in 47 BC byOriginsprotagonist Bayek of Siwaand his partner Aya. The core tenants of this organization were simply to watch and act from the shadows, protecting the innocent from violations to their free will by any means necessary. As many will know, this ethos is essentially identical to that of the iconic Assassin Brotherhood, which directly sprouted from the Hidden Ones in the year 1090 AD.
WhileOriginsshowed fans the events that led to the conception of the Hidden Ones, the organization is additionally represented in the latest mainline franchise release of the Viking-ledAssassin’s Creed Valhalla.WithValhallabeing set between the years 872 to 878 AD, the appearing characters of Basim Ibn Ishaq andHytham were foreign delegates of the Hidden Ones, who had traveled to England from the Middle East.
Remaining Portrayals Of the Hidden Ones in Assassin’s Creed
The Hidden Ones are supposedly set to feature on their largest scale yet in theheavily rumored upcoming titleAssassin’s Creed Rift. The reportedly smaller-scale title is rumored to have Basim as its protagonist, set prior to the events ofAssassin’s Creed Valhallain the Middle East, primarily within Baghdad, Iraq.
Riftwill not be entirely focused on expanding Hidden Ones lore, however, with the main element of Basim’s character being the split occupation of his body between himself and the Isu Loki, who is the driving force behind Basim leaving for England in pursuit ofValhallaprotagonist Eivor. Despite this, it remains thatAssassin’s Creed Riftwill have massive ties to the Hidden Ones, hopefully providing fans with the most comprehensive view of how the Hidden One’s operated that has been seen to date.
That being said,Riftshould mark the end of a focus on the Hidden Ones and their era of reign before the Assassin Brotherhood was created. Discounting the more standalone factions ofAssassin’s Creed Odyssey’sAncient Greece, the Hidden Ones have essentially been the leading faction portrayed inAssassin’s Creedtitles for the past five years. As a series,Assassin’s Creedhas had to grapple with franchise fatiguefairly consistently, and it risks doing so once more if a Hidden Ones focus extends beyondRift.
RELATED:Assassin’s Creed 15th Anniversary Celebrations Have Been Going Downhill
What Future Assassin’s Creed Titles Should Focus On Instead
IfACgames beyondRiftare to abandon the Hidden Ones to re-invigorate the fanbase, then the question remains of what faction should replace them. The most overt and perhaps most sensible answer is a return to the namesake faction of the franchise, the Assassin Brotherhood. Although the Brotherhood has been the focus of manyAssassin’s Creedtitles, it has always been one that fans thoroughly enjoyed and embraced. The Assassin Brotherhood spans from 1090 AD to the present day, giving a huge variety of practically endless settings and timeframes that can be explored, as many of the earlierACtitles conveyed to great success.
Additionally, it is no secret that more recent titles have created a palpable divide amongst theAssassin’s Creedfan base. Starting withOriginsand continuing withValhalla,Assassin’s Creedhas wildly shifted its identityand core gameplay, turning from more intimate and continuous narratives to much more large-scale open-world RPG elements. Due to their association with these newer titles, the Hidden Ones have almost become tainted by the controversy, and thus a return to the Brotherhood could be healthy forAC.
Fans have also been vocal in their desire for areturn to the Assassin versus Templar narrativeof older games, and this is an aspect that cannot be revisited in a Hidden Ones setting. The Hidden Ones were a part ofAssassin’s Creedhistory that needed to be explored, but ifRiftfocuses on the organization in the way it is rumored to, then the faction should not take up any more narrative real estate within the franchise for now.
MORE:All the Assassin’s Creed Games Available on PS Plus Extra So Far
