Assassin's Creed is my favourite video game franchise of all time, here's why

As I sat in my small London flat, surrounded by stacks of dusty video games and a faint smell of stale pizza, I couldn't help but think about the one franchise that had captured my heart - Assassin's Creed. I was a latecomer to the series, having missed the glory days of Assassin's Creed 2 and the subsequent spin-offs. But it was during the lockdown that I stumbled upon Assassin's Creed Odyssey, and my life was forever changed.

I remember seeing the posters on the Tube - the ones that caught my eye were the ones featuring Kassandra, the female protagonist of Assassin's Creed Odyssey. I had seen the adverts, but it wasn't until I had an unexpected block of time on my hands that I decided to take the plunge. And what a plunge it was. I sunk over 100 hours into the game, and when I finally emerged, I was hooked. The game's stellar graphics and massive open world had me enthralled, and the choices I made as a player actually had an impact on the story. The storytelling was top-notch, serving me twists and gobsmacking consequences that left me breathless.

Kassandra was more than just a protagonist - she was. With her Sparta kick, she could take down enemies with ease, and her no-nonsense attitude had me cheering her on. I loved how the game gave me the flexibility to play to my strengths, whether it was running up to enemies and spamming attacks or using stealth to take them down. And let's not forget the lore - it was deep and rich, with a compelling central story that had me invested in the characters of Bayek and Aya.

Over the years, my love for the Assassin's Creed franchise hasn't wavered. Yes, there have been wobbles, like that terrible film with Michael Fassbender or Assassin's Creed Rogue, which was not one of the best. But on the whole, the series has rewarded the many hours I've sunk into playing it. The remake of Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced is due out this month, and I'm excited to see how it will shape up.

As I look back on my time with the Assassin's Creed franchise, I'm struck by its enduring legacy. It's a series that has captivated gamers for nearly two decades, and it's easy to see why. With its blend of historical action, engaging storytelling, and flexible gameplay, it's a franchise that has something for everyone. And for me, it's a reminder that even the latecomer can find redemption gaming.

As I wait for the remake of Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced, I'm filled with a sense of anticipation and excitement. Will it live up to the standards set by the original?