Assassin’s Creed Origins is the latest entry into the long-running sci-fi/historical open world adventure sandbox. This time taking place near the start of the brotherhood in Ancient Egypt as Bayek. The ancient Egypt setting is perhaps the most lush and sprawling location of all the locations in the titles illustrious history. You get the opportunity to explore awe-inspiring Pyramids as well as the Nile, Alexandria and a ton of other absolutely stunning locations all recreated with the detail we have come to expect from the series. With that said Origins feels different than the previous locales, there are less vertical structures adhering to the period’s buildings. Which at first glance could be seen as a negative but actually plays perfectly in recreating Ancient Egypt and lends to more creative and varied options for approaching your prey. Another welcome change is the implementation of RPG aspects when leveling up Bayek and deciding how to arm him. You are now allowed to really craft Bayek into the kind of Assassin that you want him to be. The main categories are Hunter, Warrior, and Seer, each with their play style benefits that can be blended to great effect and variation.
The enemies and challenges that lay before Bayek are as varied as the land that he inhabits. From stealthily taking down of guards atop Camels to stalking the Egyptian Gods themselves there is a cornucopia of activities and missions for Bayek to sharpen his craft with. I would be remiss if I didn’t mention one of his most useful tools, his scouting buddy Sanu. With this fowl of the desert Bayek always has a bird’s eye view of his next assassin target as well as animals he may be hunting, treasure, and much more.
Though titled Origins this feels like a re-birth for the Assassin’s Creed franchise as a whole. Everything feels more fluid and organic, this is surely the closest we mortals get to Ancient Egypt without the benefit of a time machine or our own Animus. This entry truly proves to be of the highest quality and one of my early favorites for Game of the Year. Enjoy the start of Bayeks journey below and keep an eye out for his continued adventures on our twitch page!