Assassin’s Creed Syndicate, the ninth major installment in the Assassin’s Creed series, takes players on a thrilling adventure through the streets of Victorian-era London. But where exactly does the game take place? In this article, we’ll delve into the world of Assassin’s Creed Syndicate, exploring the game’s setting, its historical context, and the inspiration behind its iconic locations.
London: The Birthplace of Industry and Revolution
Set in 1868, Assassin’s Creed Syndicate takes place during the Industrial Revolution, a time of great change and upheaval in London. The city was a hub of industrial activity, with factories, railways, and steam-powered machines transforming the urban landscape. This era of rapid growth and transformation provides the perfect backdrop for the game’s narrative, which explores themes of social inequality, worker’s rights, and the struggle for power.
The game’s London is divided into six distinct boroughs, each with its own unique character and architecture. From the bustling streets of Whitechapel to the opulent mansions of Mayfair, each borough offers a wealth of historical landmarks, hidden secrets, and treacherous alleys waiting to be explored.
The Thames: Lifeblood of the City
The River Thames, which winds its way through the heart of London, played a crucial role in the city’s industrial development. The Thames served as a major transportation route, connecting London to the rest of the world and facilitating the import and export of goods. In the game, the Thames is a vital artery, with players using its waters to navigate the city, smuggle goods, and uncover hidden secrets.
The Thames also played a significant role in the city’s social hierarchy, with the wealthy elite occupying luxurious riverside properties, while the working class lived in cramped, poverty-stricken areas along the river’s banks. This stark contrast between wealth and poverty is a recurring theme in Assassin’s Creed Syndicate, as players uncover the dark secrets behind the city’s industrial boom.
The Docks: A Hub of Industrial Activity
The docks, located along the Thames, were the heart of London’s industrial activity. It was here that goods were loaded and unloaded, and where the city’s merchant class made their fortunes. In the game, the docks are a key location, with players infiltrating warehouses, stealing cargo, and taking down rival gangs.
The docks were also home to some of London’s most notorious slums, such as the infamous Jacob’s Island, where poverty, disease, and crime ran rampant. This juxtaposition of industrial prosperity and social squalor is a hallmark of Assassin’s Creed Syndicate’s London, and serves as a powerful commentary on the inequalities of the time.
The City’s Iconic Landmarks
Assassin’s Creed Syndicate features a wealth of iconic landmarks, each meticulously recreated to capture the essence of Victorian-era London. From the imposing clock tower of Big Ben to the majestic dome of St. Paul’s Cathedral, the game’sLondon is a treasure trove of architectural wonders.
| Landmark | Real-Life Inspiration |
|---|---|
| Big Ben | The real-life clock tower, completed in 1859, was designed by architects Charles Barry and Augustus Pugin. |
| St. Paul’s Cathedral | The current cathedral, designed by Christopher Wren, was completed in 1710 and is one of London’s most iconic landmarks. |
Buckingham Palace: The Royal Residence
Buckingham Palace, the official residence of the British monarch, is a central location in Assassin’s Creed Syndicate. The palace, which was first used as a royal residence in 1837, serves as a symbol of the British Empire’s power and prestige.
In the game, Buckingham Palace is a key location, with players infiltrating the palace’s opulent halls and uncovering secrets behind the royal family’s dealings. The palace’s grandeur and majesty are recreated in stunning detail, providing a fitting backdrop for the game’s narrative.
The City’s Underbelly: Crime and Corruption
Beneath the glamour of Buckingham Palace and the pomp of the British Empire, Assassin’s Creed Syndicate’s London is a city of crime and corruption. From the pickpockets of Covent Garden to the gang wars of Whitechapel, the game’s underground world is a complex web of rival gangs, corrupt officials, and hidden agendas.
Players must navigate this treacherous landscape, forging alliances with gang leaders, stealing from wealthy merchants, and taking down corrupt officials. This gritty, crime-ridden world provides a stark contrast to the game’s more refined, aristocratic settings, and serves as a powerful commentary on the social ills of the time.
The Game’s Historical Context
Assassin’s Creed Syndicate’s London is set against the backdrop of the Industrial Revolution, a time of rapid change and transformation in the British Empire. The game’s narrative explores themes of social inequality, worker’s rights, and the struggle for power, all of which were relevant issues during this period.
The game’s villains, the Templars, are drawn from the ranks of the wealthy elite, who seek to exploit the working class and maintain their grip on power. The Assassins, on the other hand, are drawn from the working class, and fight against the Templars’ corrupt influence.
The Great Exhibition of 1851
The Great Exhibition of 1851, held in London’s Crystal Palace, was a groundbreaking event that showcased the British Empire’s industrial and cultural achievements. The exhibition, which was attended by millions of people, was a symbol of the Empire’s power and prestige, and served as a catalyst for the Industrial Revolution.
In Assassin’s Creed Syndicate, the Great Exhibition plays a significant role in the game’s narrative, with players infiltrating the exhibition’s grand halls and uncovering secrets behind the Empire’s seemingly innocent cultural achievements.
The Age of Imperialism
The mid-19th century was an era of imperialism, with the British Empire expanding its reach across the globe. This era of military conquest and cultural domination provides the perfect backdrop for Assassin’s Creed Syndicate’s narrative, which explores the intersection of politics, power, and corruption.
The game’s portrayal of the British Empire’s colonial ambitions is nuanced and complex, highlighting the darker aspects of imperialism while also acknowledging its cultural achievements. This balance between critical analysis and admiration for the era’s grandeur is a hallmark of Assassin’s Creed Syndicate, and serves as a powerful commentary on the complexities of human history.
Conclusion
Assassin’s Creed Syndicate’s London is a masterpiece of game design, blending historical accuracy with creative license to create a rich, immersive world. From the Thames to Buckingham Palace, the game’s iconic landmarks are meticulously recreated, providing a stunning backdrop for the game’s narrative.
The game’s portrayal of the Industrial Revolution, the British Empire’s colonial ambitions, and the social ills of the time is nuanced and complex, offering a rich commentary on the human condition. As players explore the game’s world, they are drawn into a world of intrigue, deception, and betrayal, where the boundaries between good and evil are constantly blurred.
Ultimately, Assassin’s Creed Syndicate’s London is a testament to the power of video games as a medium for storytelling and cultural commentary. By immersing players in a richly detailed, historically accurate world, the game offers a unique perspective on the complexities of human history, and invites players to reflect on the lessons of the past.
What is the setting of Assassin’s Creed Syndicate?
The setting of Assassin’s Creed Syndicate is Victorian-era London, during the Industrial Revolution. The game takes place in 1868, a time of great change and upheaval in the city. The Industrial Revolution has brought about rapid growth and modernization, but it has also led to poverty, inequality, and social unrest.
Players will explore the city’s iconic landmarks, such as Buckingham Palace, the Tower of London, and St. Paul’s Cathedral, as well as its seedy underworld, including opium dens, brothels, and slums. The game’s setting provides a rich and immersive environment for players to experience the thrill of being an Assassin in a bygone era.
What is the significance of the Victorian era in Assassin’s Creed Syndicate?
The Victorian era was a time of great change and upheaval in London, and this setting allows the game to explore themes of industrialization, imperialism, and social reform. The era’s contrast between wealth and poverty, as well as its strict social hierarchy, creates a rich backdrop for the game’s narrative.
The game’s developers have stated that they chose the Victorian era specifically because of its intrigue and mystery, as well as its sense of grandeur and opulence. The era’s iconic figures, such as Charles Dickens and Florence Nightingale, also provide a fascinating context for the game’s story.
How does the setting of Assassin’s Creed Syndicate differ from previous games in the series?
The setting of Assassin’s Creed Syndicate differs from previous games in the series in several ways. Firstly, it is the first game in the series to be set in the Industrial Revolution era, which provides a unique and fresh setting for players. Secondly, the game’s focus on Victorian-era London allows for a more intimate and personal scale, with a greater emphasis on the city’s streets and alleyways.
Additionally, the game’s dual protagonists, Jacob and Evie Frye, provide a new dynamic to the series, allowing players to switch between two different characters with distinct personalities and skills. This innovation adds a new layer of complexity to the game’s story and setting.
What is the significance of the Frye twins in Assassin’s Creed Syndicate?
The Frye twins, Jacob and Evie, are the protagonists of Assassin’s Creed Syndicate, and they play a crucial role in the game’s story and setting. They are both Assassins, but they have different personalities and skills, which allows players to experience the game’s world from different perspectives.
The twins’ relationship is also a central theme of the game, as they work together to take down their enemies and rebuild the Assassin Brotherhood in London. Their banter and interactions add a layer of humor and charm to the game, and their differing perspectives provide a rich and nuanced exploration of the game’s themes.
How does the game’s setting impact the gameplay experience?
The game’s setting has a significant impact on the gameplay experience, as it provides a unique and immersive environment for players to explore. The Industrial Revolution-era setting allows for a greater emphasis on parkour and freerunning, as players navigate the city’s rooftops and chimneys.
The setting also impacts the game’s combat and stealth mechanics, as players must adapt to the era’s unique challenges, such as the presence of factories, steam-powered machines, and horse-drawn carriages. The game’s setting also provides a rich context for the game’s narrative, as players must navigate the city’s complex web of alliances and rivalries.
What are some of the iconic landmarks featured in Assassin’s Creed Syndicate?
Assassin’s Creed Syndicate features many of London’s iconic landmarks, including Buckingham Palace, the Tower of London, and St. Paul’s Cathedral. Players will also explore the city’s famous streets, such as Fleet Street, Whitechapel, and the Strand.
The game’s developers have stated that they have worked hard to recreate the city’s landmarks with historical accuracy, using archival documents and photographs to ensure that every detail is correct. This attention to detail provides a rich and immersive environment for players to explore.
How does Assassin’s Creed Syndicate’s setting contribute to the series’ overall narrative?
Assassin’s Creed Syndicate’s setting contributes to the series’ overall narrative by providing a new and unique chapter in the Assassin-Templar conflict. The game’s story is heavily focused on the Industrial Revolution and its impact on society, which allows the game to explore themes of progress, power, and social change.
The game’s setting also allows for a greater exploration of the Assassin Brotherhood’s history, as players learn more about the organization’s role in shaping the modern world. The game’s narrative is also heavily influenced by the series’ overall mythology, which provides a rich and complex context for the game’s story.