Ubisoft has once again activated the Animus, this time transporting us to Japan's Sengoku Period with Assassin's Creed Shadows. This installment introduces historical figures from 1579 such as Fujibayashi Nagato, Akechi Mitsuhide, and Yasuke, the African samurai who served Oda Nobunaga. As with previous entries in the series, these characters are seamlessly integrated into a narrative that blends historical events with fictional elements, crafting a thrilling story of revenge, betrayal, and murder. While the game includes a humorous nod to Yasuke's fictional quest for XP to wield a gold-tier weapon, it's clear that Assassin's Creed is a work of historical fiction.

Assassin's Creed's unique approach involves weaving science fiction conspiracy tales about a secret society—the Templars—seeking global domination through the powers of a pre-human civilization. Ubisoft meticulously researches historical settings to create immersive open-world environments, yet it's crucial to recognize that these games are not history lessons. The developers often alter historical facts to enhance the storytelling, resulting in numerous "historical inaccuracies." Here are ten notable instances where Assassin's Creed has creatively rewritten history:

The Assassins vs Templars War

The central conflict between the Assassins and Templars in the Assassin's Creed series is entirely fictional. Historically, there is no evidence of a war between the Order of Assassins, founded in 1090 AD, and the Knights Templar, established in 1118. Both orders coexisted during the Crusades, but there is no indication of ideological opposition. Assassin's Creed's narrative of a centuries-long feud is inspired by fictional conspiracy theories surrounding the Templars.

The Borgias and their Superpowered Pope

In Assassin's Creed 2 and Brotherhood, Ezio battles the Borgia family, led by Cardinal Rodrigo Borgia, who becomes Pope Alexander VI. The game portrays him as the Grand Master of the Templars, plotting to seize the Apple of Eden to control humanity. Historically, the Templars did not exist during the late 1400s, and the Borgias' portrayal as Renaissance-era villains oversimplifies their complex legacy. Cesare Borgia, depicted as a psychopathic leader, lacks historical evidence supporting such claims, though rumors and Machiavelli's writings suggest a less villainous figure.

Machiavelli, Enemy of the Borgias

Assassin's Creed 2 and Brotherhood depict Niccolò Machiavelli as Ezio's ally and leader of the Italian Assassin's Bureau. However, Machiavelli's real-life philosophies and actions suggest he would not align with the Assassins' anti-authoritarian stance. He viewed Rodrigo Borgia as a successful con man and admired Cesare Borgia as a model ruler, contradicting the game's narrative of his opposition to the Borgias.

The Incredible Leonardo da Vinci and his Flying Machine

Assassin's Creed 2 showcases a strong portrayal of Leonardo da Vinci's charisma and wit, yet the game deviates from his historical timeline. In reality, da Vinci moved to Milan in 1482, but the game places him in Venice in 1481 to coincide with Ezio's journey. The game also brings to life da Vinci's designs, including a flying machine, despite no evidence of these inventions being realized during his lifetime.

The Bloody Boston Tea Party

The Boston Tea Party, a non-violent protest during the American Revolution, is dramatically altered in Assassin's Creed 3. The game's protagonist, Connor, single-handedly turns the event into a violent confrontation, killing numerous British guards. Historically, no one died during the actual protest. The game also attributes the planning to Samuel Adams, whose involvement remains unclear in historical records.

The Lone Mohawk

Assassin's Creed 3's protagonist, Connor, a Mohawk, aligns with the Patriots against the British, contrary to the Mohawk's historical alliance with the British. While there were rare instances of Mohawks fighting for the Patriots, such as Louis Cook, Connor's story represents a "what if" scenario that explores the conflict and identity of a Mohawk fighting against his people's allies.

The Templar Revolution

Assassin's Creed Unity's depiction of the French Revolution attributes the event to a Templar conspiracy, suggesting the monarchy and aristocracy were victims rather than causes of the revolt. The game's portrayal of a Templar-engineered food crisis oversimplifies the natural causes of famine during the Revolution. Additionally, Unity focuses heavily on the Reign of Terror, ignoring the broader context and causes of the Revolution.

The Controversial Killing of King Louis 16

Assassin's Creed Unity dramatizes the execution of King Louis 16, suggesting it was a close vote manipulated by a Templar. In reality, the vote for his execution was a clear majority, and the game downplays the widespread public anger against the aristocracy. The King's attempt to flee France and plot a counter-revolution, which further tarnished his reputation, is barely mentioned in the game.

Jack the Assassin

Assassin's Creed Syndicate reimagines Jack the Ripper as a rogue Assassin, disillusioned with the Brotherhood and seeking to control London's criminal underworld. Historically, Jack the Ripper's identity remains unknown, and his crimes were gruesome murders of prostitutes. The game's narrative, where Jack trains under Jacob Frye and is ultimately killed by Evie Frye, is a creative reinterpretation of historical events.

The Assassination of the Tyrant Julius Caesar

Assassin's Creed Origins' depiction of Julius Caesar's assassination diverges significantly from historical accounts. The game portrays Caesar as a proto-Templar, killed to prevent global terror, ignoring his political reforms aimed at benefiting the poor and retired soldiers. The game's narrative simplifies the complex political landscape that led to Caesar's assassination and the subsequent rise of the Roman Empire.

The Assassin's Creed series meticulously crafts immersive historical settings but often prioritizes narrative over historical accuracy. This is the essence of historical fiction, blending factual elements with creative storytelling to deliver engaging gaming experiences. What are your favorite examples of Assassin's Creed bending the truth? Share them in the comments below.