Ubisoft has once again activated the Animus, this time transporting us to Japan's Sengoku Period with Assassin’s Creed Shadows. The game introduces historical figures from 1579, including Fujibayashi Nagato, Akechi Mitsuhide, and Yasuke, the African samurai who served Oda Nobunaga. Like its predecessors, Assassin’s Creed Shadows intertwines fact and fiction to weave a narrative filled with revenge, betrayal, and murder. While the game humorously exaggerates that Yasuke had to kill everyone to gather enough XP for a gold-tier weapon, it underscores the series' playful approach to history.

Assassin’s Creed is renowned for its historical fiction genre, blending meticulously researched historical settings with a science fiction conspiracy narrative about a secret society aiming to control the world using ancient, pre-human technology. Ubisoft’s open-world environments are deeply rooted in history, yet it's crucial to remember that they are not meant to serve as history lessons. The developers frequently adjust historical facts to better fit the game's storyline.

Here are ten instances where Assassin’s Creed has creatively reinterpreted history:

The Assassins vs Templars War

The notion of a centuries-long war between the Order of Assassins and the Knights Templar is a complete fabrication. Historically, there's no evidence that these two groups were ever in direct conflict; their only shared involvement was during the Crusades. The Assassin’s Creed series cleverly uses this fictional rivalry to fuel its narrative.

The Borgias and their Superpowered Pope

Assassin’s Creed 2 and Brotherhood center around Ezio's battle against the Borgia family, with Cardinal Rodrigo Borgia as the Templar Grand Master and later Pope Alexander VI. While the Borgias are often portrayed as villains due to their scandalous reputation, Ubisoft takes liberties with their depiction, turning them into exaggerated antagonists with no basis in historical fact, such as the fictional plot involving the magical Apple of Eden.

Machiavelli, Enemy of the Borgias

In Assassin’s Creed 2 and Brotherhood, Niccolò Machiavelli is portrayed as Ezio's ally and leader of the Italian Assassins. However, historically, Machiavelli's beliefs in strong authority clash with the Assassin’s Creed ideology, and he did not view the Borgias as negatively as the game suggests. He even served as a diplomat in Cesare Borgia's court.

The Incredible Leonardo da Vinci and his Flying Machine

Assassin’s Creed 2 showcases a strong friendship between Ezio and Leonardo da Vinci, accurately capturing da Vinci's wit and charisma. However, the game alters da Vinci’s timeline and location to align with Ezio's journey. The game also brings to life da Vinci's inventive designs, including a flying machine, which, while based on his sketches, were never historically realized.

The Bloody Boston Tea Party

The Boston Tea Party in Assassin’s Creed 3 is far from the peaceful protest it was in reality. The game portrays protagonist Connor turning the event into a violent clash, killing numerous British guards, which starkly contrasts the actual non-violent nature of the protest. Additionally, the game suggests Samuel Adams orchestrated the event, despite historians debating his involvement.

The Lone Mohawk

Assassin’s Creed 3's protagonist, Connor, a Mohawk, fights alongside the Patriots, which is historically unlikely as the Mohawk people were allied with the British. While there were rare instances like Louis Cook, a Mohawk who fought against the British, Connor's allegiance represents a significant deviation from historical alliances.

The Templar Revolution

Assassin’s Creed Unity's portrayal of the French Revolution suggests it was orchestrated by the Templars, downplaying the natural causes of famine and portraying the Reign of Terror as the entirety of the revolution. This narrative simplifies the complex causes of the revolution and shifts blame away from the corrupt monarchy and aristocracy.

The Controversial Killing of King Louis 16

The execution of King Louis 16 in Assassin’s Creed Unity is depicted as a close vote swayed by a Templar, contrasting the historical majority vote for his execution. The game also overlooks the King's attempt to flee to Austria, which further fueled public anger against him.

Jack the Assassin

Assassin’s Creed Syndicate reimagines Jack the Ripper as a rogue Assassin seeking control over the London Brotherhood. This narrative transforms the historical serial killer into a figure within the game's lore, using the inconclusive nature of the real case to craft a new story.

The Assassination of the Tyrant Julius Caesar

Assassin’s Creed Origins reinterprets Julius Caesar's assassination as a move against a proto-Templar leader. This overlooks Caesar's popular reforms and historical support among the Roman people. The game's narrative also ignores the subsequent Liberators' Civil War, which led to the rise of the Roman Empire, contradicting the intended victory over tyranny.

While the Assassin’s Creed series takes significant liberties with historical accuracy, it remains a compelling blend of historical fiction and science fiction. The games' developers strive to create immersive worlds with authentic historical elements, yet these elements are often creatively altered to enhance the storytelling. What are your favorite examples of Assassin’s Creed bending historical truth? Share your thoughts in the comments.