Assassin’s Creed modern day segments have become the most polarizing aspect of Ubisoft’s flagship franchise. Recent reports suggesting the Black Flag remake will completely remove these controversial sequences have reignited a passionate debate that’s been simmering for over a decade.
The Great Modern Day Divide
The Assassin’s Creed community finds itself split down the middle on modern day content. While some players view these segments as the franchise’s unique selling point, others see them as tedious interruptions to historical gameplay. This division runs deeper than simple preference – it touches the very identity of what makes Assassin’s Creed special.
The controversy stems from how these segments evolved over time. What started as an intriguing sci-fi framework connecting historical periods gradually transformed into something many players actively dreaded encountering.
The Desmond Era vs. Everything After
Desmond Miles represented the golden age of Assassin’s Creed modern day storytelling. Players invested in his journey from reluctant bartender to seasoned assassin, eagerly anticipating a modern-day AC game where he’d finally take center stage. The bleeding effect mechanic made narrative sense, and Desmond’s growing skills felt meaningful.
Then Assassin’s Creed III happened. Ubisoft killed Desmond, leaving fans feeling betrayed and the modern day storyline rudderless. What followed were forgettable protagonists, first-person office simulations, and meandering plots that seemed to exist solely because the franchise felt obligated to include them.
What Fans Actually Want
The most vocal supporters of Assassin’s Creed modern day content don’t necessarily love the current implementation. Instead, they’re frustrated by wasted potential. They envision:
- Meaningful modern assassin gameplay with actual stealth missions
- High-stakes Templar vs. Assassin conflicts in contemporary settings
- Character development that rivals the historical protagonists
- Modern day segments that enhance rather than interrupt the experience
- A cohesive overarching narrative that justifies the franchise’s sci-fi elements
These fans argue that removing modern day entirely throws away Assassin’s Creed’s unique identity in favor of generic historical action games.
The Black Flag Problem
Black Flag perfectly illustrates why this debate exists. The game delivered one of the franchise’s best historical experiences while simultaneously offering some of its worst modern day content. Playing as a faceless Abstergo employee, examining sticky notes and participating in boring office conversations felt like punishment for enjoying Edward Kenway’s pirate adventures.
Many players who loved Black Flag actively wished they could skip everything outside the Animus. The reported decision to remove these segments entirely in the remake feels like Ubisoft finally listening to years of complaints.
The Identity Crisis
This controversy reflects a broader identity crisis within the Assassin’s Creed franchise. The series has gradually shifted from stealth-action games with sci-fi elements to massive RPGs that barely resemble their predecessors. Modern day segments became casualties of this transformation, evolving from integral story elements to afterthoughts.
Some longtime fans see removing modern day content as the final nail in the coffin of “true” Assassin’s Creed. Others view it as necessary surgery to remove infected tissue that’s been dragging down the franchise for years.
The Middle Ground Solution
The most reasonable voices in this debate don’t want modern day segments removed – they want them fixed. Rather than abandoning this unique aspect of Assassin’s Creed, they suggest Ubisoft should invest in making these sections genuinely engaging.
Imagine modern day segments with actual stealth gameplay, meaningful character development, and stakes that matter. Picture contemporary assassin missions that feel as exciting as historical ones. This approach would satisfy both camps while preserving what makes Assassin’s Creed distinctive.
FAQs
Why do some fans want modern day segments removed from Assassin’s Creed?
Many players find modern day segments boring, poorly written, and disruptive to historical gameplay. After Desmond’s death, these sections often felt like obligations rather than meaningful story elements.
What made Desmond’s modern day story better than later versions?
Desmond had clear character development, meaningful gameplay progression through the bleeding effect, and a compelling personal journey. Later protagonists were often forgettable with minimal character growth or engaging gameplay.
Will removing modern day segments hurt Assassin’s Creed’s identity?
This depends on perspective. Some fans believe modern day elements are core to AC’s unique sci-fi historical concept, while others think the franchise has already moved beyond needing them.
Could modern day segments be improved instead of removed?
Absolutely. Many fans suggest giving modern day protagonists actual stealth missions, better writing, and gameplay that matches the quality of historical sections.
Why is the Black Flag remake controversy so significant?
Black Flag is beloved despite having terrible modern day segments. The remake’s reported removal of these sections tests whether fans prefer pure historical gameplay or want the complete AC experience.
Do most Assassin’s Creed fans support or oppose modern day content?
The community is genuinely divided. Vocal minorities exist on both sides, while many casual players seem indifferent as long as the historical gameplay remains strong.
Looking Forward
The Assassin’s Creed modern day debate reveals deeper questions about franchise evolution and fan expectations. Whether Ubisoft chooses to abandon, reimagine, or double down on these segments will significantly impact the series’ future direction. The Black Flag remake represents a crucial test case that could determine how the franchise handles this divisive element moving forward.