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Assassin's Creed Syndicate

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Assassin's Creed Syndicate
Item: Assassin's Creed Syndicate
Author: Critik Editorial Team

2015

GenresAdventure, Action, Third Person Perspective, Open World, Stealth, Single Player

AvailableOct 23, 2015

PlatformPC, Xbox One, PlayStation 4

DeveloperUbisoft Quebec

Overview

London, 1868. The Industrial Revolution unleashes an incredible age of invention, transforming the lives of millions with technologies once thought impossible. Opportunities created during this period have people rushing to London to engage in this new world, a world no longer controlled by kings, emperors, politicians, or religion, but by a new common denominator: money. Not everyone is able to enjoy the benefits of this boom, however. Despite fueling the engine of the British Empire, workers’ lives are little more than legalized slavery while the top few percent profit from their labor. Living poor and dying young, the lower class unite in protest as a new kind of family, gangs, who turn to a life in the underworld in their struggle to survive. A struggle, until watchful Assassins come to their side and re-ignite an age-old conflict involving London’s leaders that will echo throughout modern history, from the underground up. Introducing Jacob Frye, who with the help of his twin sister Evie, will change the fate of millions in Assassin’s Creed Syndicate. Rise to rally and lead the underworld to break the corrupt stranglehold on London in a visceral adventure filled with action, intrigue, and brutal combat.

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Game analysis

Critik Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive (80-100)

59%

Mixed (50-79)

41%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The opinions of the critics regarding the story of Assassin's Creed Syndicate are generally positive. Many critics praise the game for its captivating and immersive storyline set in Victorian London during the Industrial Revolution. Critics such as Brash Games and Gameplanet highlight the well-fleshed-out characters and the exploration of themes such as change and revolution. The Digital Spy also commends the compelling characters and the pulpy Assassins vs Templars tale. The story is described as straightforward but adds direction to the experience, which has been missing in recent entries, according to Gameplanet. The characters, especially the Frye twins, are superbly written and wonderfully acted, as mentioned by Gamestyle. The engaging and amusing story, particularly the well-written sibling relationship between the protagonists, is also praised by X-ONE Magazine UK. However, there are some criticisms regarding the story of Assassin's Creed Syndicate. Some critics, like Push Square and Polygon, mention that the story struggles to establish itself and the characters are not as interesting as in previous games. The narrative closure for all characters is also considered lacking by Slant Magazine. PlayStation LifeStyle mentions that the storyline isn't as epic as in previous games and feels like a big gang war with throwbacks to older games. Shacknews finds Jacob Frye's character to be at odds with the previous assassin characters and feels that the gang wars and dialogue between Jacob and Evie feel out of place. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that Assassin's Creed Syndicate has a solid and enjoyable storyline, with engaging characters and a well-developed setting. The positive aspects of the story, such as the captivating setting, well-fleshed-out characters, and exploration of themes, are highlighted by multiple critics. However, there are some criticisms regarding the lack of narrative closure, less interesting characters compared to previous games, and a feeling of the story being too focused on gang wars. Despite these criticisms, the overall sentiment is positive, with the majority of critics praising the story of Assassin's Creed Syndicate.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Critics generally love the engaging storyline of Assassin's Creed Syndicate set in Victorian London during the Industrial Revolution, praising its well-fleshed-out characters and exploration of themes like change and revolution. While some criticize the lack of narrative closure and less interesting characters compared to previous games, the majority applaud the captivating setting, well-developed characters, and enjoyable storytelling.

Gameplay Mechanics

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive (80-100)

57%

Mixed (50-79)

37%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

In analyzing the opinions of multiple videogame reviewers regarding the gameplay of Assassin's Creed Syndicate, it is evident that there are both positive and negative aspects to consider. On the positive side, many critics praised the improvements made in the gameplay compared to previous entries in the series. The introduction of new mechanics, such as the rope launcher and grappling hook, added a new dimension to the traversal mechanics, making free-running and climbing buildings more enjoyable (Gameplanet, Game Revolution). The combat system was also commended for its refinement and variety, with different playstyles available for the twin assassins, Jacob and Evie Frye (Game Revolution, Gamestyle). The inclusion of a stealth system and creative problem-solving possibilities further enhanced the gaming experience (Cheat Code Central). Additionally, the ability to recruit gang members and participate in gang wars added depth to the gameplay (Game Revolution). The variety of missions and activities, as well as the introduction of new tools, were also mentioned as positives (Xbox Achievements). However, there were also negative aspects mentioned by critics. Some reviewers expressed disappointment with the parkour system, stating that it was still finicky and frustrating (Critical Hit, Shacknews). The controls were criticized for being imprecise and unsatisfying, making it difficult to perform actions accurately (Guardian). The stealth mechanics were described as flawed and restrictive in certain missions (Digital Spy), and the combat was deemed repetitive and lacking finesse (Guardian). Some critics also mentioned that the gameplay followed a familiar formula without much innovation (GamePro Germany), and that certain aspects, such as the AI and mission flow, felt outdated and clunky (VideoGamer, The Digital Fix). Overall, the consensus among critics is that Assassin's Creed Syndicate offers a solid gameplay experience with improvements compared to previous entries in the series. The introduction of new mechanics, such as the rope launcher and grappling hook, added depth and variety to the traversal mechanics, while the combat system provided different playstyles for the twin assassins. The ability to recruit gang members and participate in gang wars, as well as the inclusion of side missions and activities, were also mentioned as enjoyable aspects. However, there were criticisms regarding the parkour system, controls, stealth mechanics, and lack of innovation. Despite these negatives, the overall sentiment is that the gameplay in Assassin's Creed Syndicate is solid and offers a satisfying experience for fans of the series.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Assassin's Creed Syndicate's gameplay received mixed reviews from critics. The game was praised for improvements like new traversal mechanics and refined combat, but criticized for issues with parkour, controls, and lack of innovation. Overall, while offering a solid experience with enjoyable elements like recruiting gang members and diverse missions, some flaws hold it back from reaching its full potential.

Graphics and Visual Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive (80-100)

88%

Mixed (50-79)

13%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The opinions of the critics regarding the Graphics and Visual Design of Assassin's Creed Syndicate are overwhelmingly positive. Many critics praise the game for its stunning visuals and attention to detail in recreating 19th century London. The graphics are described as impressive, with sharp textures and vibrant environments that bring the city to life. Critics like Cheat Code Central and Gamestyle specifically mention the immersive and authentic depiction of Victorian London, with diverse and recognizable areas that feel alive. The presence of iconic landmarks, such as Big Ben and St Paul's, is also highlighted as a visually arresting feature by critics like VideoGamer and GameCrate. The graphics are commended for capturing the atmosphere of Victorian London and making the world feel familiar and immersive, as noted by critics like ActionTrip and Guardian. However, there are a few criticisms regarding the graphics and visual design of Assassin's Creed Syndicate. GamePro Germany mentions that the game looks worse than its predecessor, Assassin's Creed Unity, with inconsistent lighting effects and overblown glares. The review also notes the presence of visual bugs and long loading times. Game Rant and Gaming Age mention that while the visuals are not mind-blowing and not as sharp as Unity, the world design and setting of 19th century London are still praised. PlayStation LifeStyle mentions that while the graphics are impressive, the open city feels less lived-in compared to other games. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the graphics and visual design of Assassin's Creed Syndicate are very good. The majority of the critics praise the game for its stunning visuals, attention to detail, and immersive depiction of Victorian London. The game captures the atmosphere of the era well, with distinct districts, recognizable landmarks, and a sense of authenticity. The graphics are commended for making the world feel alive and for maximizing the feeling of being an unstoppable assassin. While there are some criticisms regarding lighting effects, visual bugs, and the lived-in feel of the open city, these are minor compared to the overall positive reception of the graphics and visual design. Critics like VideoGamer, GameCrate, and The Digital Fix specifically mention the extraordinary detail and stunning scenery of the city, further supporting the consensus of the positive reception.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Critics overwhelmingly praise Assassin's Creed Syndicate for its stunning visuals and attention to detail in recreating 19th century London. The game's graphics are described as impressive, capturing the atmosphere of Victorian London with vibrant environments and iconic landmarks. While some critics note minor issues like inconsistent lighting and visual bugs, the overall consensus is highly positive, with the majority applauding the game for its immersive depiction of the era and making the world feel alive.

Music and Sound Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive (80-100)

63%

Mixed (50-79)

38%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The opinions of the critics regarding the sound design and music of Assassin's Creed Syndicate are largely positive. Cheat Code Central praises the audio work, mentioning the variety of British accents and tunes that add to the immersive experience. They also appreciate the colorful slang and variety of music, which enhance the atmosphere of the game. The Digital Fix also finds the sound design and music enjoyable, specifically mentioning the main villain's peculiar quirk of liking music. GameCrate highlights the splendid voice acting, with the voice actors for Jacob and Evie Frye putting on a show. They also commend the musical score by Austin Wintory, describing it as a perfect fit with the London motif and enhancing the overall experience. Xbox Achievements mentions the mournful score by Austin Wintory as sublime and praises the strong voice acting, along with the well-done atmospheric aural landscape of old London. However, there are a few negative aspects mentioned by some critics. PlayStation LifeStyle feels that the audio is more geared towards the player's actions, but finds the background characters too soft. This suggests a possible imbalance in the audio mix, where the focus on the player's actions may overshadow the presence of other characters in the game. God is a Geek simply mentions that the sound design is great, but only notes the presence of lots of violins without providing further context or elaboration. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the sound design and music of Assassin's Creed Syndicate are strong. The positive aspects highlighted by Cheat Code Central, The Digital Fix, GameCrate, and Xbox Achievements, such as the variety of British accents, immersive atmosphere, enjoyable sound design, splendid voice acting, and fitting musical score, indicate a well-crafted audio experience. The negative aspects mentioned by PlayStation LifeStyle and the lack of elaboration from God is a Geek do not significantly detract from the overall positive sentiment expressed by the majority of the critics.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Critics praise Assassin's Creed Syndicate's sound design and music, highlighting the immersive British accents, enjoyable atmosphere, splendid voice acting, and fitting musical score. Some critics note minor issues like imbalanced audio focus on player actions and lack of context on violins. Overall, critics agree that the game offers a strong audio experience.

Voice Acting

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive (80-100)

92%

Mixed (50-79)

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the voice acting.

The overall sentiment towards the voice acting in Assassin's Creed Syndicate is overwhelmingly positive. Many critics praised the performances of the voice actors, particularly for the main characters Jacob and Evie Frye. Cheat Code Central commends the voice acting for adding nuance and personality to the characters, while Game Revolution describes the twins' voices as well-done and complementing their robust personalities. The Guardian also highlights the game's excellent dialogue and the narrative dynamism created by the Frye twins. The distinct personalities and well-developed characters, especially Jacob and Evie, are consistently praised by multiple critics, including IGN Spain and Polygon. The voice acting is credited with bringing the characters to life and enhancing the overall immersion and enjoyment of the game. While the majority of critics had positive opinions about the voice acting in Assassin's Creed Syndicate, there were a few minor criticisms. GamePro Germany mentions that the German voice acting is well done but often not lip-synced properly, which could potentially affect the overall immersion for players. However, this critique seems to be specific to the German version of the game and may not apply to other language options. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the voice acting in Assassin's Creed Syndicate is strong and enhances the overall experience of the game. The performances of the voice actors, particularly for the main characters Jacob and Evie Frye, are consistently praised for bringing the characters to life and adding depth to their personalities. The well-written dialogue and distinct personalities of the characters contribute to the narrative dynamism and immersion of the game. The positive opinions of critics such as God is a Geek, Gamestyle, and X-ONE Magazine UK further support the overall consensus that the voice acting in Assassin's Creed Syndicate is well-done and effective.

TL;DR

voice acting

Assassin's Creed Syndicate's voice acting shines with praise for bringing characters like Jacob and Evie Frye to life and enhancing the game's immersion, despite minor lip-sync issues in the German version. Critics laud the performances for adding depth and personality, with well-written dialogue and distinct personalities elevating the overall experience.

Technical Performance

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive (80-100)

27%

Mixed (50-79)

64%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

In terms of the technical performance of Assassin's Creed Syndicate on PC, Critical Hit praises the game for being the most stable entry in the franchise in years, with only a handful of crashes and minimal bugs reported. This positive feedback suggests that the PC version provides a smooth and glitch-free experience for players. Moving on to the PS4 version, opinions are more mixed. While Cheat Code Central and Digital Spy mention that the game is playable with minimal bugs and offers a stable experience, there are occasional oddities, wobbly moments, and the possibility of missions bugging out. Game Revolution highlights two major bugs, including an invisible enemy, which can be frustrating. The Guardian points out frequent slowdown and texture pop-in, especially when traveling in a horse and cart. However, Push Square and PlayStation LifeStyle both note improved performance and fewer technical hiccups compared to previous games. For the Xbox One version, GameCrate praises Assassin's Creed Syndicate for being mostly glitch-free, with only minor glitches mentioned. Gaming Age describes the game as technically sound. However, Shacknews mentions save issues and immersion-breaking bugs, such as characters sitting inside objects they just interacted with. The Digital Fix and X-ONE Magazine UK note the presence of bugs, including missing faces and floating NPCs, although they are not as severe as those in Assassin's Creed Unity. Overall, the critics' opinions on the technical performance of Assassin's Creed Syndicate are varied. While some platforms, such as PC and Xbox One, receive positive feedback for providing stable experiences with minimal bugs, the PS4 version seems to have a more mixed reception. Some reviewers highlight improved stability compared to previous games, while others mention occasional glitches, slowdowns, and texture pop-in. It is important to note that individual experiences may vary, as mentioned by Gamestyle.

TL;DR

technical performance

Assassin's Creed Syndicate shines on PC with stable gameplay and minimal bugs, while the PS4 version has mixed reviews due to occasional oddities and bugs. Xbox One version is mostly glitch-free but may have minor issues. Overall, varied opinions exist on technical performance, with some platforms offering improved stability and others facing occasional glitches and slowdowns. Individual experiences may vary.

Replay Value

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive (80-100)

33%

Mixed (50-79)

67%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

In analyzing the opinions of multiple reviewers regarding the replay value of Assassin's Creed Syndicate, it is evident that there are both positive and negative aspects to consider. Several critics, such as ActionTrip and Cheat Code Central, highlight the game's variety of side missions, activities, and multiple character options as positive factors contributing to its replay value. These elements provide players with creative problem-solving possibilities and the ability to choose between different playstyles and missions, enhancing the overall experience. IGN Spain also emphasizes the game's feature of switching between characters during free roam and completing missions with either character, which adds an additional layer of replayability. On the other hand, critics like Guardian and Push Square express concerns about the repetitive nature of the game's side activities and leveling system. They argue that these aspects diminish the compulsion to continue playing and may make the game feel familiar over time. Shacknews also mentions that a large majority of the content may not be thoroughly enjoyed by casual players, which could potentially limit the replay value for this particular audience. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that Assassin's Creed Syndicate offers a decent amount of replay value. Game Revolution, Game Rant, and The Digital Fix highlight the game's variety of side missions, activities, and collectibles as factors that keep players engaged and wanting to return to the game. NZGamer also mentions the range of different mission options that help keep things fresh. While there are concerns about repetitive elements and limited appeal to casual players, the overall sentiment suggests that the game provides enough content and variety to warrant multiple playthroughs.

TL;DR

replay value

Assassin's Creed Syndicate offers a mix of positives and negatives for replay value. Critics praise the game's diverse side missions and character options but criticize its repetitive activities and leveling system. While some worry about limited appeal to casual players, others highlight the game's variety of missions and activities that keep players engaged. Overall, the consensus is that the game provides enough content and variety to warrant multiple playthroughs.

Overall Verdict

CRITIK

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Critik Score

Positive (80-100)

61%

Mixed (50-79)

37%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

Assassin's Creed Syndicate has received a generally positive reception from the critics. Many reviewers praised the game for its improved stability and performance on PC, with Critical Hit noting that it is a much better attempt at a proper PC port by Ubisoft. ActionTrip highlighted the fun new mechanics, tightened controls, stunning visuals, and fantastic side missions. Gameplanet stated that the game feels like it was built on a solid foundation and could be the beginning of a golden new era for the franchise. Gamestyle described it as a true return to form for the series and the best installment to date, praising the characters, diverse handling, gameplay, and graphics. However, there were also some criticisms raised by the reviewers. Some critics, such as Guardian and VideoGamer, felt that the game failed to keep up with mechanical, technical, and design standards. VideoGamer described it as a beautiful facade on a rotting core, with self-sabotaging flaws that constantly rip the player out of the experience. Push Square mentioned that familiarity and filler lessen the game's appeal, suggesting that it may benefit from a reboot. Despite these criticisms, most reviewers acknowledged that Assassin's Creed Syndicate is a step in the right direction for the series. Gaming Age concluded that it generates much-needed goodwill, while NZGamer praised it as a commendable improvement over previous mediocre offerings in the franchise. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that Assassin's Creed Syndicate is a solid entry in the series. It is praised for its improved gameplay mechanics, engaging story, immersive visuals, and well-developed characters. The setting in Victorian London was also highly regarded. While there were some technical issues and design missteps mentioned by certain reviewers, the majority still found the game enjoyable and entertaining. The positive aspects of the game, such as the improved stability and performance, fun new mechanics, and stunning visuals, outweighed the negatives for most critics. Assassin's Creed Syndicate is seen as a step in the right direction for the franchise, with the potential to revitalize and bring new life to the series.

TL;DR

Assassin's Creed Syndicate impresses critics with improved PC performance and fun new mechanics, earning praise for its solid foundation and potential to rejuvenate the franchise. However, some reviewers feel it falls short in terms of technical and design standards, with issues like familiarity and filler dampening its appeal. Despite mixed feedback, the majority agree that Syndicate is a step in the right direction, offering engaging gameplay, immersive visuals, and a strong setting in Victorian London.

CRITIK

Reviews

159 reviews found

Brash Games

PlayStation 4

Nov 4, 2015

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The game brings a few new things to the old table and gives it a slightly fresher look and appeal. The reviewer gives the game an easy 9/10.

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Gamestyle

PlayStation 4

Nov 3, 2015

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The review states that Assassin's Creed Syndicate is a true return to form for the series and stands alone as the best of the lot to date. It praises the characters, the handling of diverse characters, the gameplay, and the graphics of the game.

God is a Geek

PlayStation 4

Oct 22, 2015

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Assassin's Creed: Syndicate is a fantastic game that surpasses expectations. The gameplay and story are highly praised, and the Victorian London setting is brilliantly realized. The only downside is the artificial grind for resources that encourages microtransactions.

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Cheat Code Central

PlayStation 4

Oct 26, 2015

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Assassin's Creed Syndicate is a strong entry in the series, with an engaging story, improved gameplay mechanics, immersive visuals and audio, and good replay value. Despite some technical issues, it is an enjoyable and entertaining game.

IGN Spain

PlayStation 4

Oct 22, 2015

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Assassin's Creed Syndicate is a redemption for the series after the issues with Unity. It offers an engaging story, enjoyable gameplay, impressive visuals, and well-developed characters. It is a worthy addition to the Assassin's Creed franchise.

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GamePro Germany

PlayStation 4

Oct 22, 2015

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The review gives a high rating to Syndicate, comparing it favorably to Assassin's Creed 2 and Black Flag. Despite not meeting the expectations of long-time fans, the review praises the game for its functioning open world and improvements over Unity.

ActionTrip

PlayStation 4

Oct 22, 2015

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The game is very good, with fun new mechanics, tightened controls, stunning visuals, and fantastic side missions. However, it still has some issues and borrows heavily from past titles.

Polygon

PlayStation 4

Oct 22, 2015

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Assassin's Creed Syndicate pushes back against the accumulated mechanics and lore of the franchise, taking a positive step in the right direction. It doesn't solve all the series' problems, but it is a uniformly positive entry.

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Gameplanet

PlayStation 4

Nov 2, 2015

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The review states that Assassin’s Creed: Syndicate feels like it was built on a solid foundation and could be the beginning of a golden new era for the franchise.

GameCrate

Xbox One

Oct 26, 2015

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The review states that Assassin's Creed Syndicate is enough to save the franchise from the doldrums and praises the gameplay, graphics, sound design, and technical performance. It also mentions some minor glitches but overall describes the experience as grand.