Gaming News Contemplates: The Unwritten History of a Post Civil War Assassin’s Creed: A Missed Opportunity in the 1980s?
The Untapped Potential: A Hypothetical 1980s Assassin’s Creed Setting
We, at Gaming News, often find ourselves lost in the “what ifs” of gaming history. Today, we delve into a tantalizing prospect: what if a post Civil War Assassin’s Creed game had materialized, not in the modern era, but during the vibrant, culturally charged landscape of the 1980s? The notion, while purely speculative, sparks a fascinating exploration of historical possibilities and creative gameplay dynamics. Imagine the raw emotion, the lingering societal wounds, and the burgeoning technological advancements that would define such a setting. A game set after the Civil War, even without the involvement of the Templars and Assassins, holds immense potential for storytelling. But what if it did involve them? And what if the development team was immersed in the creative zeitgeist of the 1980s? Let’s peel back the layers of this intriguing hypothetical.
The Historical Backdrop: A Nation in Reconstruction
The period following the American Civil War, often referred to as Reconstruction, offers a rich tapestry of conflict, resilience, and transformation. The Assassins and Templars, always seeking influence, would likely have been deeply embedded in the power struggles of the era.
Key Historical Elements Shaping the Narrative
The Aftermath of Slavery: The abolishment of slavery, though a monumental victory, ushered in a period of intense struggle for African Americans. The promise of freedom was quickly met with systemic oppression through Jim Crow laws, economic exploitation, and the rise of white supremacist organizations. This creates a powerful narrative backdrop rife with potential for themes of justice, freedom, and the fight against ingrained prejudice. Imagine the Assassins aiding freed slaves in establishing communities, while the Templars use their influence to perpetuate the system of oppression.
Political Corruption and Reconstruction Governments: Reconstruction governments, designed to rebuild the South, were plagued by corruption, political infighting, and the constant threat of violence. Both sides of the eternal war could have found ample space to navigate the complex world of politics, seeking influence and wielding power.
Economic Transformation: The industrial revolution was in full swing, creating new opportunities and new forms of exploitation. The rise of robber barons and the increasing wealth disparity could be fertile ground for the Templars’ quest for control and the Assassins’ dedication to fighting for equality.
The Wild West and the Expansion Westward: The American West represented a new frontier, full of both opportunities and dangers. The Assassins and Templars could find themselves involved in conflicts related to land ownership, Native American displacement, and the expansion of the railroad.
The 1980s: A Creative Incubator for Gameplay and Style
The 1980s, a decade of technological leaps, cultural shifts, and artistic innovation, offers a unique lens through which to envision an Assassin’s Creed title.
Technological Opportunities
Early Computing and Surveillance: The burgeoning field of personal computing, early network systems, and the rise of surveillance technologies would enable a fascinating blend of historical stealth and the incorporation of early hacking elements, such as those seen in Watch Dogs. Perhaps the Assassins could leverage these technologies to gather intelligence, disrupt Templar operations, or even plant false information.
The Development of Early Weapons and Vehicles: The period witnessed the development of new firearms, explosives, and rudimentary vehicles. The Assassins could utilize these advancements for combat and traversal, while the Templars exploit them for control.
Cultural Influences and Aesthetic Direction
Cinema and Action Heroes: The 1980s were dominated by iconic action films, such as the Die Hard films, Terminator, and RoboCop. These films could inspire character design, combat styles, and the overall tone of the game, including the addition of some stealth techniques. Imagine an Assassin resembling a gritty, determined action hero, taking down targets with calculated precision.
Music and Atmosphere: The decade’s diverse music scene, from synth-pop and new wave to the rising sounds of hip-hop and the early emergence of house music, provides a rich sonic landscape. The game’s score could effectively blend historical themes with 1980s musical styles to amplify the atmosphere.
Fashion and Design: The distinctive fashions and design trends of the 1980s would translate into an interesting visual aesthetic. From hairstyles to clothing styles and interior designs, the game could use the era’s unique elements to create a distinctive visual identity.
Gameplay Mechanics and Narrative Possibilities
A post-Civil War Assassin’s Creed game set in the 1980s could provide fresh gameplay experiences.
Stealth and Combat in the 1980s
Blending into the Environment: While traditional methods like blending into crowds and using parkour would remain, the game could introduce mechanics related to hiding and utilizing the tools and technology of the era. The Assassins could use disguise and false identities.
Combat Styles: Inspired by the action films of the time, combat could be fast-paced and brutal, with a focus on close-quarters encounters and the use of firearms.
Vehicle Usage: The game could allow for the use of vehicles. Imagine chasing targets in the newly built cars of the era or using them as a getaway vehicle.
Narrative Structures and Character Archetypes
Protagonist Possibilities: The protagonist could be an Assassin of African-American descent fighting for civil rights, a former Union soldier disillusioned by the Reconstruction, or even a Native American struggling to protect his people. This offers narrative depth and the potential to address sensitive historical issues.
The Templar’s Motives: The Templars could be seeking to control the economic and political power structures of the era. Perhaps their goal is to control the railroad, or they could try to manipulate the burgeoning financial markets.
Side Missions and Historical Encounters: The game could incorporate a wealth of side missions and historical encounters. Imagine missions centered on the Underground Railroad, battles against the Ku Klux Klan, or the struggle for workers’ rights.
The Assassin’s Creed Franchise: The Evolution of Historical Settings
The Assassin’s Creed series has always thrived on immersing players in richly detailed historical settings. From ancient Egypt to the French Revolution and the American Revolution, the series consistently transports players across time.
The Pillars of Assassin’s Creed Settings
Historical Accuracy and Immersion: The success of Assassin’s Creed heavily depends on a strong sense of historical accuracy. Meticulous research, the inclusion of notable figures, and the accurate recreation of the environment are essential for the game’s immersiveness.
Gameplay Integration: The setting should influence gameplay mechanics. This is evident in games such as Assassin’s Creed: Black Flag, where naval combat and exploration played a significant role.
Narrative Resonance: The setting must provide a compelling backdrop for the ongoing conflict between the Assassins and Templars, allowing for the exploration of universal themes.
Examining Prior Settings and Their Impact
The Renaissance (Italy): The Renaissance setting offered vibrant cities, artistic achievements, and the rise of powerful families. This provided ample opportunity for stealth, parkour, and political intrigue.
The French Revolution (France): The French Revolution was the perfect setting for revolution and rebellion. The chaos and the political upheaval of the era gave the game’s protagonists the chance to influence the course of history.
The American Revolution (United States): The American Revolution game offered colonial landscapes, the spirit of independence, and the struggle for freedom. The Assassins used this setting to fight for liberty.
Freedom: Rebels in the Darkness and Its Influence on Assassin’s Creed
While not an Assassin’s Creed title, Freedom: Rebels in the Darkness, a game about organizing a slave rebellion in 18th-century Martinique, resonates with the thematic concerns relevant to the post-Civil War setting we are exploring.
Muriel Tramis and Strategic Design
Muriel Tramis, the creator of Freedom: Rebels in the Darkness, has a knack for complex strategic design. His strategy game showcases the challenges and complexities of organizing a rebellion. The gameplay focuses on resource management, strategic planning, and understanding the social dynamics of the era.
Relating Freedom to the Hypothetical Setting
Thematic Parallels: Both settings involve struggles for freedom against oppressive regimes, making the games’ thematic concerns very similar.
Tactical Gameplay: A post-Civil War Assassin’s Creed game could incorporate the strategic planning elements seen in Freedom. The Assassin’s actions could involve organizing communities, gathering resources, and influencing political events.
Ethical Considerations: Freedom’s focus on the realities of slavery creates a level of moral depth that could be leveraged within an Assassin’s Creed context. The ethical implications of the choices made would become paramount, adding layers of nuance to the narrative.
Conclusion: A Missed Opportunity Revisited
The idea of a post-Civil War Assassin’s Creed game set in the dynamic landscape of the 1980s is an intriguing notion. It brings together significant historical moments, the technological evolution of the era, and the creative spirit of the time. The combination of these elements could provide a truly unique experience. The gameplay possibilities for stealth, combat, and vehicle usage are extensive. A game set after the Civil War has the chance to highlight stories of justice, freedom, and the fight against oppression. While this remains a purely hypothetical scenario, it is a fascinating one to imagine, reminding us of the endless possibilities of gaming and the stories it can tell.