Nine months ago, Ubisoft CEO Yves Guillemot revealed in an interview that the company is already working on multiple Assassin’s Creed remakes. But what exactly are they working on? Rumors about a Black Flag remake have been circulating, and more and more speculation has given these claims credibility.
But why Black Flag and not the original Assassin’s Creed game? It’s an odd choice, considering that Altair and Desmond’s first foray into the franchise would be a perfect entry point for new fans.
Do we really need a Black Flag remake first? Sure, it’s a beloved title in the franchise, but isn’t it strange that Ubisoft wouldn’t start with the game that launched the series? In this piece, let’s discuss why remaking the original game should be the priority before diving into Edward Kenway’s pirate story.
Perfect Setup for New Players
Altair and Desmond’s first venture into the world of Assassin’s Creed is an excellent story to introduce to new players. Fans who started with Valhalla or Odyssey might not understand the modern-day narrative or the history behind the long-running Templar vs. Assassin conflict. Many probably aren’t even aware of the Animus’ capabilities or Desmond Miles’ ultimate sacrifice.
If Ubisoft remade the original Assassin’s Creed, Altair’s journey through 12th-century Syria would be incredible. The company has accumulated enough experience to enhance its open-world stealth mechanics, as demonstrated in modern Assassin’s Creed titles.
They Already Have the Blueprint
Assassin’s Creed Mirage closely mirrors the original game in terms of mechanics, parkour, and stealth—just with a different character and story. It’s clear that Ubisoft was testing the waters to gauge audience reception for a return to the series’ roots. And the good news? It worked.
With Mirage being well-received, Ubisoft now has the foundation upon which to build. Fans have made it clear that they prefer the old-school mechanics over the grindy, bloated open worlds of recent titles. This is why remakes are now on Ubisoft’s radar.
Ubisoft Bordeaux Is the Perfect Fit
Ubisoft Bordeaux, the team behind Assassin's Creed Mirage, is perfectly suited to handle the Assassin's Creed remake. They’ve already proven their ability to craft an authentic Middle Eastern setting and could further improve it.
Room for Growth
With Bordeaux at the helm, they could modernize the original game’s mechanics. Imagine improved stealth mechanics, no more repetitive tailing missions, and fewer awkward moments hiding in a crowd of conveniently dressed monks. There’s plenty of room for innovation.
Mirage has already shown significant improvements in combat. With a few enhancements, Bordeaux could reintroduce multiple counters and more fluid combat systems, creating a perfect mix of old-school and modern gameplay.
As for the story, there’s potential to expand on the modern-day Abstergo narrative and enhance the design of Altair’s black box missions. Better yet, they could also add the plot of the PSP game 'Bloodlines' to the Remake story. There’s so much untapped potential in the original game that could be brought to life with today’s technology.
What Now?
While the idea of a Black Flag remake is enticing, it makes far more sense to prioritize remaking the original Assassin’s Creed. The first game laid the foundation for the franchise and would serve as a perfect reintroduction for new fans. Returning to the series’ roots would honor the legacy of Altair and Desmond and help Ubisoft and fans determine the franchise's future direction.
With Shadows just around the corner, let’s hope Ubisoft has the energy and resources to bring this vision to life.