Assassin's Creed: Origins Review
10 / 10. As usual, a beautiful game featuring an engaging historical storyline, combining the myth and wonder of the ancient Egyptian world *MINOR SPOILER*
Assassin's Creed Origins is a massive open world stealth and action-adventure video game. The tenth instalment in the fabulous Assassin’s Creed series, developed by Ubisoft Montreal and published by Ubisoft.
This time we are transported to Ancient Egypt near the end of the Ptolemaic period in 49 BC, and play as Bayek, a medjay (like a sheriff), and his wife, Aya, as they fight secretive forces to protect their kingdom’s people during a time of widespread change and uncertainty. Their work eventually leads them to become the Hidden Ones, the precursors to the Brotherhood of Assassins, and covers their conflict with The Order of the Ancients—forerunners to the Templars.
As usual with Assassin’s Creed games, Origins features a rich and fully realised world filled with historical places and people, within an embellished secret history of real events, and the Egyptian setting is particularly interesting. Bayek’s personal journey immerses him in historical events with lively, engaging characters including Pharaoh Ptolemy XIII and his sister Cleopatra, which is fun and educational.
Bayek and Aya travel Egyptian deserts, cities and pyramids on foot, horse and camel-back, discovering the myth and wonder of this ancient world. The game utilises the well-known "eagle vision" mode, with Senu, your eagle companion providing this, to scout areas and highlight enemies, etc.
I’m biased as Assassin’s Creed is one of my favourite game series, and some may find some of the MANY side quests and collectibles becoming tedious, but I’m in my element Climbing the pyramids and finding tombs is a highlight.
Origins is an improvement of some recent AC entries. Black Flag and Syndicate weren’t as strong as the earlier games and became a little monotonous. Origins is a favourite now, after Ezio’s installments.
With so much to do it took me two months to complete fully (I don’t game every day, would that I could) and the further DLC content, especially The Curse of the Pharaohs, is excellent. I found this DLC travelling through the underworlds fascinating and addictive, and a worthwhile addition to the game.