Many players had high hopes forXDefiantcloser to its launch in May 2024, with the ambitious FPS multiplayer title being able to pull from a wide range of popular Ubisoft IPs for its in-game factions and playable operators. This gave a distinct feel in terms of looks and abilities throughout the game’s roster of characters, while anchoring the title to longstanding and beloved franchises to appeal to a very wide catchment of fans.
Despite the potential that many thought thatXDefianthad, the game is set to shut down in June, only about a year on from its initial release. This has led to a lot of the title’s lofty post-launch content plans releasing earlier than intended, including an eye-catching faction based around Ubisoft’s iconicAssassin’s Creedfranchise. Like the other in-game factions ofXDefiant, thisAC-inspired group is well-adapted to modern-day combat, offering a fascinating larger glimpse into whatAssassin’s Creed’s narrative conflict looks like in a fleshed-out current-day setting. Fans have been hoping for an expansive modern-setACtitle for some time, and the bittersweet presence of theAssassin’s Creedfaction inXDefiantonly serves as a cruel reminder of the potential that this concept has.
XDefiant Briefly Puts the Spotlight On a Relatively Unexplored Aspect of Assassin’s Creed
TheAssassin’s-Creed-inspired faction forXDefiantwas added to the game as part of its third and final season, which saw a huge amount of content for subsequent seasons all be released all at once. One of three new factions, the Assassins feature operators that boast the unmistakable hooded look of the iconic brotherhood, while utilizing a range of weaponry and abilities taken straight from the action-adventure franchise.
This includesAssassin’s Creed’s iconic Eagle Vision mechanic to track enemies,the series-defining Hidden Blade, player-stunning Cherry Bombs, and even the extremely powerful Apple of Eden which offers temporary teleportation. TheseAC-flavored features are blended seamlessly withXDefiant’s modern setting and predominant use of current-day firearms, showing just how viable a modern-setAssassin’s Creedtitle can actually be.
While manyACgames have famously included sequences based in the modern day, the games are foremost known and defined by their historic settings, which have ranged from Ancient Egypt, the Renaissance, and soon-to-beFeudal Japan thanks to the upcoming launch ofAssassin’s Creed Shadows. These earlier settings are more conducive to the franchise’s penchant for things like parkour getaways, tense melee combat, and complex assassination avenues, many of which would be somewhat lost with the modern technology of the current day.
XDefinat’s Assassin’s Creed Faction Can Hopefully Spur Forward a Modern Release For the Franchise
Despite this, Ubisoft does not shy away from giving fans fascinating glimpses into the modern dynamics of the Assassin Brotherhood and its ever-ragingwar against the Templar Order. Many players understandably want a fully-fledged modern-day experience to fully explore this.Assassin’s Creed 3had an extensive combat sequence set in the modern day that was a defining part of the game’s story, showcasing even further that a comprehensive current-dayACexperience could work for the IP.
Sadly, fans will not have much longer to see how Ubisoft decides to flesh outXDefiant’s Assassins faction, with only a tantalizing glimpse into the modern practices and combat approaches of the group ultimately being shown. Hopefully, withthe upcoming launch of theAssassin’s Creed Infinityhub, Ubisoft will be able to focus on more unique and ambitiousACexperiences without getting in the way of more expansive mainline releases. If this is the case, thenXDefiant’s short-lived faction can hopefully provide some inspiration for a dedicated modern-setAssassin’sCreedexperience in the near future to finally give fans what they want.
XDefiant
XDefiant is a free-to-play, first-person online arena shooter where you compete in fast-paced clashes. With cross-play available at launch, you will be able to play with friends on a variety of platforms.Season 1 introduces the Team Rainbow operators of GS-Kommando leveraging their counter-terrorism training to disrupt their enemies. They can deploy electrified barbed wire for area denial, counter incoming enemy devices with their Active Defense System, and dazzle multiple foes with flash charges mounted on their G52-Tactical Shield.While GS-Kommando operators pride themselves on using non-lethal force whenever possible, they are as capable on the battlefield as any spec ops group.Customized Loadouts: Choose from a large arsenal of weapons, attachments, and devices to optimize the way you play. Combine any weapon with any faction, and unlock new options as you play to perfect your playstyle.Factions: Factions are drawn from iconic Ubisoft worlds and represent distinct classes, each with unique abilities and ultras. Choose any character from any faction to assemble your team of six players. Change your faction at any point during play to adapt to your strategy.Maps, Modes, and Mayhem: Play in a diverse range of 14 maps at launch across several different arena and linear modes including Zone Control, Escort, Occupy, and more. Fight in casual matches or climb the tiers in competitive ranked mode.
