With the steady stream of Assassin’s Creed games being released each year, it’s hard to imagine being surprised by the long running series. But lo and behold, along came the 2017 Assassin’s Creed: Origins, which made strides toward RPG based gameplay with crafting and customization, an in-depth skill tree, and a massive open-world with emphasis on exploration.
As the story of the Assassins treads into new waters we applaud this promising step forward, and take time to reminisce over similar titles who have paved their way into greatness and into our hearts. Here we have 10 games similar to or better than Assassin’s Creed: Origins in their own way.
10. Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice
"Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice" Gameplay
Welcome to 1500’s Sengoku Japan, the incredibly scenic fantasy setting of Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice. Take the reins of a disgraced warrior in this third-person action-adventure and forge a path of retribution against hordes of soldiers, skilled swordsmen, and towering bosses. The gameplay focuses heavily on stealth and hand-to-hand combat, as well as the exciting new ability to travel via grappling hook. This incredibly beautiful world emphasizes the challenge of strategic combat and every new encounter keeps us on the edge of our seats.
Master the katana as well as various attachments unique to your prosthetic arm.
Your grappling hook makes aerial travel a breeze!
9. Ryse: Son of Rome
"Ryse: Son of Rome" Gameplay
Ryse: Son of Rome follows the story of Marius, a soldier in the Roman army, as he carries out his ten-year campaign for vengeance. This third person adventure takes hack-and-slash to the max with brutal, yet fluid combat that even the most inexperienced players can enjoy. With a gorgeous historical setting and fast-paced, unique gameplay, this one’s sure to get the blood pumping.
Master combinations and build kill streaks for the ultimate payoff.
8. Rise of the Tomb Raider
“Rise of the Tomb Raider” Gameplay
Back at it again, Lara Croft takes on all new thrills and challenges in the eleventh installment of the Tomb Raider series. True to the form of our favorite explorer, we embark on an adventure rife with historical intrigue, intricate puzzles, and danger from the Trinity organization as well as the environment surrounding us. The use of ranged as well as melee weapons offers an outlet for the player’s individual style of fighting, be it a stealthier approach or the more traditional charge into battle. This strong continuation of the Tomb Raider reboot is a thrill ride to the end and an excellent lead into Lara Croft’s evolution as the Tomb Raider.
The sleek design and usage of the bow brings this classic to a whole new level.
Don’t look down! Your environment is just as treacherous as any enemy.
7. Shadow of Mordor
“Shadow of Mordor” Gameplay
Delve into the dark side of the most beloved realm of Middle Earth in this action RPG as the revenant, Talion, carves his path of revenge. This game features the highly praised Nemesis System which guarantees a unique playthrough with enemies who will remember encounters and be affected by the actions of the player, making every fight a personal one. Gameplay requires strategy and patience, as well as the clever use of Talion’s ghostly wraith abilities as he works through the ranks of Sauron’s army. Certainly not for the faint of heart, Shadow of Mordor strikes a balance between strategic warfare and brutal combat, as well as never-before-seen insight into the most beloved works of Tolkien.
Take your revenge! The Uruks never forgive and never forget, why should you?
Pick your battles: Charging head-first can result in becoming overwhelmed by Suaron’s endless forces.
6. Darksiders 3
“Darksiders 3” Gameplay Reveal
The long awaited third installment to the Darksiders series, Darksiders 3, is a hack-and-slash action-adventure with a new protagonist: Fury, one of the Four Horsemen of the apocalypse. Set in a time parallel to the events of Darksiders 2, we join Fury as she undergoes the treacherous task of hunting down the seven deadly sins on the war-ravaged landscape of Earth. Armed with the shape changing weapon named Scorn and her elemental magic, Fury faces the legions of heaven and hell, intricate puzzles, and a new cast of bosses alongside a few familiar faces. Fans of the two previous games will be pleased to find a continuation of the combat focused, no-nonsense gameplay that has always made this series stand apart.
Fury’s watcher serves as a guide and companion, making for a tumultuous relationship at best.
Elemental magic allows Fury to changer her form, wield new powers, and survive the harsh environment.
5. Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice
“Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice” Gameplay
One of the most intriguing and unique indie games of late, Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice is a third-person action-adventure which delves heavily into themes of tragedy and psychosis as Senua, an ancient Pict warrior, braves the madness to recover her lover’s soul. The familiar concept of battling creatures with a sword takes on a whole new light without the use of a HUD, only imagined whispers offering doubt and criticisms, immersing the player with organic feelings of fear and confusion similar to Senua’s own. This game is without a doubt a must-have experience, but proceed with caution: it stays with you long after shutting it down.
The world is full of puzzles in the form of shapes and glyphs, or are they all just a manifestation of Senua’s mental illness?
Wouldn’t want to face that on the battlefield, but there is no stopping the journey to Helheim!
4. Mad Max
“Mad Max” Gameplay
When the world is reduced to a barren wasteland, the only thing left to do is survive, and no one manages it quite like Max Rockatansky. Up against a barrage of odd enemies, such as the War Boys, hand-to-hand fighting actually takes a backseat as vehicular combat is the way to go for a good time. Taking care of your vehicle is a must-do as enhancements offer protection, speed, and fighting power necessary to survive the sand. True to Mad Max style, this game is creatively gruesome and unforgiving, but reminds us how far Max will go to rise above and hold onto hope.
When your car is all you have left, it pays to invest in a new bumper…or spikes.
The world is full of scavengers ready to pick you clean, but they’ve got another thing coming.
3. Monster Hunter: World
“Monster Hunter: World” Gameplay
Take up the hunt in this open-world action RPG and the fifth installment of the Monster Hunter series. Joining the Fifth Fleet is no easy task, however, and requires preparation through pre-hunt meals as well as weapons and armor crafting, and also a great deal of strategy in order to adapt to the prey at hand. The New World is a fully functional ecosystem that can offer as many obstacles as support during missions, but with the aid of the Handler, your trusty Palico, and even other players through the multiplayer system, there is no beast that can stand in your way!
The tougher the beast, the more assistance you’ll need. Better bring along a friend, or two, or ten.
Don’t forget to eat! Food offers special bonuses that can help you in battle, so pass the protein.
2. Conan Exiles
“Conan Exiles” Gameplay
Explore the savage lands of Conan the Barbarian through the open-world survival game of Conan Exiles where you the player must fight for your life against the elements as well as beastly enemies. The theme of survival is played out through the need for food, water, clothing, and shelter, and the intricate crafting system will require the player to spend a lot of time exploring and collecting resources from the environment. This fully-immersive experience presents some very lifelike challenges which makes for a rewarding climb to the top of the food chain.
Smells like jerky! Hunting is a great source of food and crafting supplies, so keep that spear sharp.
In the harsh wasteland, heat and dehydration can take down even the mightiest warrior.
1. The Witcher 3: The Wild Hunt
“The Witcher 3: The Wild Hunt” Gameplay
Nigh is the time of the sword and the axe, and one monster slayer stands in the way of the world’s destruction. The Witcher 3: The Wild Hunt is the action-adventure RPG which continues the story of Geralt of Rivia as he faces monsters, corrupt kings, and the mysterious force of the Wild Hunt all whilst in a race to save his long-lost daughter, Ciri. Preparation is the name of the game, and every good witcher knows to study his prey, brew potions, make the most of his magic signs, and most important of all, clean his sword. This Game of the Year winner features excellent systems of crafting, combat, and an enthralling story unlike any other.
Signs are an integral part of Geralt’s strength, and even the greatest monsters have their weaknesses.
Not all monsters have tails and claws: some of the worst sit on thrones and wield influence as their weapon.
You may also bbe interested in: