In the great Assassin’s Creed fresco, certain chapters shine more than others. But that of 2015, nestled between Unity and Origins, had almost disappeared from the radar. Today, Assassin’s Creed Syndicate returns in force to the PlayStation Plus Extra and Premium catalogs, available at no additional cost. And to those who would prefer to buy it once and for all, a spectacular reduction of 85% is also in progress.
This unexpected return allows us to rediscover an episode with a particular charm. Direction London in 1868in the midst of the Industrial Revolution. In this foggy and sprawling city, the player embodies a duo as atypical as they are endearing: Jacob and Evie Fryetwin assassins with complementary methods, determined to free the British capital from the embrace of the Templars.
The game’s synopsis sums it up as follows: “London, 1868. Lead your criminal organization in the midst of the industrial revolution to break the grip of corruption on the city in a visceral adventure filled with action, intrigue and brutal combat.”
A Victorian immersion to rediscover, nine years later
When it was released, Syndicate seduced with its atmosphere. Less mystical than its predecessors, more urban and social, it offers a faithful reconstruction of Dickens’s London, between filthy alleys, cabs moving at high speed, and factories with stifling chimneys. The grappling hook, a great new gameplay feature, makes movement dizzying, and the infiltration phases prove to be among the most fluid in the series.
But at the time, it also suffered from comparison with Unity, and from the weariness of a franchise considered too annual. Result: he often remained in the shadows. However, those who return to it today welcome a mastered balance between narration, exploration and action.
Free, but as smooth as ever on PS5
Another good surprise: Syndicate now runs at 60 frames per second on PlayStation 5 thanks to a free update deployed last year. This gain in fluidity transforms the experience, making combat and movement much more enjoyable than at the time on PS4.
And for those who are not subscribed to PS Plus? Good news: the game is currently on sale at just £3.74 (compared to usual £24.99). An ideal opportunity to enrich your game library without depending on a service.
While the latest episodes like Valhalla or Mirage multiply modern cultural and mechanical references, this old-fashioned episode seduces again with its more compact structure and linear narration. A return to basics without frills.