One of the ways in which Ubisoft keeps Assassin's Creed fresh and exciting is by adding a new protagonist to nearly every mainline entry in the franchise. In addition to staying fresh, a new protagonist is added in order to avoid being tied down to a specific period in history which is exactly what happened when Ezio was the main character in three consecutive Assassin's Creed games, all of which needed to take place during the Renaissance.
Most fans really enjoyed spending time playing as Ezio, however, this was not the case for some of Assassin's Creed's protagonists. While most protagonists had at least some aspects that players could relate to and connect with, a select few were a bit of a challenge to actually like.
11 Altaïr Ibn-LaʼAhad Is Kind Of A Jerk
The first playable assassin, Altaïr holds a nostalgic place in many players' hearts since it was him who first introduced everyone to the exciting world of Assassin's Creed. Unfortunately, Altaïr was a bit hard to warm up to. Aside from being unable to swim, Altaïr had several characteristics that made him somewhat unlikeable.
Primarily his arrogance, which landed him in serious trouble at the start of the first Assassin's Creed game, costing Altaïr his rank and the respect of the other assassins. Although Altaïr was punished for his actions, throughout the game he acts arrogantly and treats many of the people he comes across quite rudely, making him no friends.
10 Connor Is Hotheaded
Assassin's Creed III was the first game to bring the franchise to North America's past. This entry saw the main protagonist Connor (whose actual name was Ratonhnhaké:ton in his mother tongue) fight alongside some of the United States' founding fathers in the American Revolution. The idea of fighting in Colonial America as a Mohawk warrior was highly exciting back in 2012, and the game delivered a few new and fun mechanics.
However, Assassin's Creed III had many issues and one significant problem pointed out by many fans and critics was the game's main character. Connor's hotheaded and violent nature made him hard for players to cheer for, leading to him being one of the franchise's less liked protagonists.
9 Shay Is A Bit Boring But Gives Fascinating Insight
2014's Assassin's Creed Rogue was the final entry in the North America trilogy of mainline Assassin's Creed games. Gameplay-wise, Rogue was very similar to the previous year's Black Flag which was perfectly fine because Black Flag is still regarded by many as the best in the series. The premise of Rogue was what made this game different from all the others. For the first time, players saw the world from the eyes of a templar, named Shay Cormac.
While the former assassin fell into some typical character stereotypes, it was easy to feel empathy for Shay. He became fed up with the brotherhood's ways and was understandably completely outraged and ashamed at the Assassins for unapologetically causing the devastating 1755 Lisbon earthquake, killing tens of thousands.
8 Arno Has A Few Too Many Issues
Infamous for being incredibly buggy while looking absolutely stunning, Assassin's Creed Unity was the franchise's first truly next-gen game (with respect to the Xbox One/PS4 console generation.) Players will discover that the game's main protagonist, Arno Dorian, had a rather luxurious upbringing in 18th century France.
Upon witnessing Arno experience the trauma of finding his dead father as a child, gamers will immediately feel sympathy for the young man. Years later, Arno follows in his father's footsteps by becoming an Assassin. Although Arno should be admired for joining a noble cause and helping those in need throughout Paris, he becomes hard to like when constantly pursuing his love interest Élise and getting drunk after being expelled from the Assassin's Brotherhood.
7 Edward's Story Is Beautiful
Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag is still beloved by fans. The ultimate pirate fantasy, Black Flag took players to the Caribbean Sea where they could fight in epic naval battles, explore lost jungle ruins, and experience the story of Edward Kenway. The Welshman had crossed the Atlantic in search of riches and glory but became estranged from his wife in the process.
Throughout Edward's journey to seek fame and fortune, he lost most of his close friends. By the end, Edward realized the foolishness of his desire for wealth and dedicates the rest of his life to the Assassins and his family.
6 Jacob Frye Is Hotheaded But In A Fun Way
A quasi-sequel to Black Flag, 2015's Assassin's Creed Syndicate introduced the concept of two main protagonists to the franchise. Throughout the game, players would play as either Jacob or Evie Frye, twins born into the Assassins. The pair would become leaders of the Rooks, a gang in Victorian London who opposed Templar control.
Jacob's main role within the game was to hunt down and kill templars, slowly eroding away at their control of the city. Although slightly too aggressive, Jacob's charm, enthusiasm, and energy helped make him into a naturally charismatic character.
5 Eivor Grows On You
Most recently, Assassin's Creed brought players to medieval England in Assassin's Creed Valhalla, where the main protagonist, Eivor, sought to help build a new life for their Norse clan. A Viking with a moral code, Eivor raided the monasteries of England helping build up and eventually rule the Raven Clan.
Possessing the wisdom of Odin, Eivor often kept a cool head while still being a capable warrior. They had a respect for the land and its inhabitants and maintained a mastery of language which was often used as a weapon or a deterrent. Along with these qualities, Evior's childhood trauma leaves a lasting impression on players, who grow to like this protagonist more and more as the game progresses.
4 Evie Frye Is Relatable
Sister to Jacob Frye, Evie preferred a stealthy, nonviolent approach to situations where her brother would run in hacking and slashing. Evie's primary role in Assassin's Creed Syndicate was to search for the Shroud of Eden, an Isu artifact known for its healing powers. Unlike her brother who was far more reckless, Evie loved learning the lessons which her father taught her as an assassin in training along with researching the Brotherhood's history and the Pieces of Eden.
Evie's charm and determination combined well with her elegant fighting style to create a fascinating and highly likable protagonist.
3 Alexios/Kassandra Are Both Good-Humored
Similar to Valhalla, Assassin's Creed Odyssey allowed gamers to choose if they wish to play as a female or male. What is unique about Odyssey, is that whichever protagonist the player chooses, the other one will become the game's primary antagonist. Unlike Syndicate, which also had a brother/sister duo, in Odyssey, players are locked into the character they choose at the beginning of the game; Alexios or Kassandra.
Therefore, whichever protagonist is chosen, they both end up being very similar (if not identical) characters. This means that both characters possessed the same honorable and good-humored qualities, regardless of which one is the protagonist. A game set in ancient Greece with many different endings, Assassin's Creed Odyssey's storyline about the protagonists' family was by far the most impactful.
2 Ezio Is Loved By All
Ezio Auditore da Firenze sticks with many fans as the franchise's most iconic character. First introduced in Assassin's Creed II, the Florentine noble quickly captured players' affection with his charisma, innocence, and love for his family. Seeing Ezio go from a naïve young man with no knowledge of the brotherhood at the start of Assassin's Creed II, to the wise, old master assassin in Assassin's Creed Revelations is a highly rewarding experience.
Everybody likes Ezio, and there is no better character suited to play as while exploring the cities of Renaissance Italy and Constantinople. Luckily, Ezio lives on as his theme (titled Ezio's Family) has become the primary overarching musical theme to the whole Assassin's Creed franchise, a rendition of this piece is featured in nearly every entry.
1 Bayek Is A True Assassin
Alongside his wife Aya, the Egyptian Medjay named Bayek of Siwa was a founder of the Hidden Ones, which would later be known as the Assassin Brotherhood. At the beginning of Assassin's Creed Origins, Bayek's main role is to protect the welfare of his people in the remote village of Siwa. However, after their son Khemu is killed by the Order of the Ancients, Bayek and Aya part ways to pursue Khemu's killers.
Eventually, the Hidden Ones are founded and Bayek himself creates their sacred creed which would be carried down by generation after generation of those who would seek to bring peace and freedom to the world. Bayek's journey is one of tragedy, revenge, and betrayal. Yet his unshakeable commitment to the protection of the innocent makes Bayek the most memorable and noble protagonist in all of Assassin's Creed.
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