After leaning into action-RPG gameplay for recent entries, Ubisoft is showing signs of embracing new genres and styles for theAssassin’s Creedseries, and the upcomingAssassin’s CreedHexeis poised to be one of the biggest shake-ups yet. With the first teaser trailer indicating thatAssassin’s Creed Hexeis going to be a much darker game than previous titles, both visually and thematically, Ubisoft has the potential to create an entirely new sort of experience for fans. One way it could do this is by bringing back an underappreciated mechanic from previousAssassin’s Creedgames, finally placing it in the spotlight.
While nearly every entry in theAssassin’s Creedfranchise has introduced some new mechanics to the franchise, not all of these have proved popular with fans. One mechanic that became particularly contentious with some players was theco-op inAssassin’s Creed Unity, which allowed up to four players to team up to take on “Brotherhood” missions online. While this ambitious mode fell flat with many players thanks to questionable gameplay decisions, introducing a revamped and refocused co-op mode toAssassin’s Creed Hexecould help the game stand out while fitting in perfectly its potentially supernatural setting.
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A Witch Coven is the Perfect Setup for Bringing Co-Op Back to Assassin’s Creed
With the teaser trailer and early rumors suggesting that Assassin’s CreedHexecould have a coven of witches at the center of its story, Ubisoft has a perfect way to bring co-op back to the franchise in a way that makes sense thematically and from a gameplay perspective. Unlike the series’ traditionally solo protagonists, the reportedly witchy assassins ofHexewould benefit from safety in numbers as they face off against what could bethe most powerful version of the Templars yet.
Working with a coven to stealthily dispatch foes could easily be accomplished with NPC allies in a solo campaign, but letting fans get together with friends to unleash magical mayhem on the Templars would be a far more interesting and bold choice. Instead of limiting co-op missions to stories separate from the main narrative and randomized heists like inUnity,Hexecould make co-op a central element of the experience. With it looking likehorror will be a big part ofAssassin’s Creed Hexe, players would probably appreciate having friends by their side as they creep through the darkness.
Assassin’s Creed Hexe Could Reward Group Play
Although makingAssassin’s Creed Hexea pure co-op affair would likely turn some players away, particularly at a time whenplayers are growing tired of live-service games, that doesn’t mean Ubisoft can’t incentivize players to team up with friends. Players who choose to tackle the game’s story with friends by their side could be rewarded with unique cosmetics or even gain access to powerful special attacks and abilities that can only be pulled off when working with a full coven.
Another way thatAssassin’s Creed Hexecould expand onUnity’s co-op mechanics is by giving players more freedom to customize their character. WhileUnityforced each player to take on a different version of protagonist Arno,Hexe’s co-op mode could let each person play as a different member of the coven with a distinct look and abilities. This would introduce a whole new level ofcharacter customization forAssassin’s Creedgames, giving players the ability to create an avatar that is truly unique to them rather than just throwing a different outfit on the same base model.
While the series’ earlier forays into co-op were met with mixed reviews,Assassin’s Creed Hexeis the perfect opportunity to bring this feature back to the franchise and give it the polish it truly deserves. Well-implemented coven co-op would not only provide a thrilling new way to experienceAssassin’s Creed, but also be a perfect complement toHexe’s undeniably creepy concept.
