The modern Hitman games (World of Assassination trilogy) have seen major success as a constantly updated, almost "live-service" style project. Unlike traditional live-service models, which prioritize small updates or items such as weapons and skins, Hitman takes a unique approach. So in my newest "Unique Ideas" episode, I discuss what I'd like to see happen with the live-service design for Assassin's Creed and use Hitman as the inspiration. And if Assassin's Creed is going to "copy" games, I'd rather them draw inspiration from the Hitman series instead of Witcher 3. Please enjoy!

-The Hooded Shadow

Way back when, one of the most requested settings from fans was for the series to tackle Ancient Egypt and in 2017, Asassin's Creed finally delivered. Origins marked a shift in the design of the franchise and in hindsight almost serves as like a "soft reboot." As for me, from minute one to the last cutscene, I loved Origins despite it's different direction. And even though this was the moment that Assassin's Creed started down the RPG path, Origins was and still is my favorite game in the franchise. Please enjoy as I revisit Origins 8 years after its initial release!

-The Hooded Shadow

Everybody's favorite pirate and the main character of Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag, is one of the most memorable characters in the franchise. Also, the game has the overall best writing and best cast of characters that help elevate Edward into my Top 4. This handsome, witty, and very stubborn Welshman earns his spot on my favorite charcaters ranking list. Thanks for listening!

-The Hooded Shadow

One of my favorite things is to get info on a new Assassin's Creed game that is in development (sometimes more than playing the game itself) and boy did we just get a bombshell dropped on us by Stephen Totilo and additional information from Insider Gaming that talks of a now cancelled game set in the "Reconstruction Era" post-American Civil War. It sounded very interesting too...In this episode, I have a discussion about it and speak on some rumors about the premise of the game, why it was canceled, and how it may have been a cool idea on paper, but is probably smart that it got canceled. Please enjoy!

- The Hooded Shadow

The young, charismatic protagonist of Assassin's Creed Unity has a strange relationship with me. On one hand, I don't like Arno's naivete and the fact that he blindly follows the woman he loves at the expense of being a dedicated Assassin but his performance and aura is incredible, and is probably the best in the series for any main character. So please enjoy my ranking of Arno Dorian.

-The Hooded Shadow

Remember when Assassin's Creed was one of the top of the line, needle moving, franchises that when a new game was announced, it took its place as one of the most hyped games of that particualr year? Well, Assassin's Creed doesn't feel like that anymore as they have released another huge title with a setting that was requested for a decade and nobody really talked about it in the general gaming discourse after a week or two. So, in this episode, I break down in many ways why the franchise has lost its shine and what it would take to reclaim its status as a a tent-pole franchise. Please enjoy!

- The Hooded Shadow

Can you believe it's been 10 years since Syndicate released!?! Anyway, the Victorian Era set entry has seen its fair share of praise and criticism over that span of time. I very much have a like/hate relationship with this game that constantly affects where I put it on my rankings list. So, lets revisit Syndicate one last time. Thanks for listening!

When we first saw the Crossover stories for Valhalla in late 2021, it sparked a passionate discourse on other characters appearing together. But this is not a new concept as we've seen ideas and fan fiction about this as far back as 2014. So, for the next entry in the "Unique Ideas" series, I thought I would add my two cents on other crossovers that I would like to see. Please enjoy!

- The Hooded Shadow

While they are not mainline titles, probably the most overlooked or maybe least known entries in the franchise are the games in the Chronicles series. Chronicles covers three different time periods and therefore, lets us experience three different but familiar characters and their stories. Personally, I really enjoy these games, and even though they're not considered "mainline" releases, I just wanted to talk about my time playing them. Please enjoy!

-The Hooded Shadow

One of the most interesting characters to wear the iconic hidden blade. He was born in Samarra, was picking pockets in Anbar, began his path to a Hidden One in Alamut, then ultimately laid his roots in Baghdad. Basim is such an intriguing character from the time we first met him in Valhalla and then get to experience his origin story in Mirage. He just misses my Top 5, but I love Basim to death in this game for many reasons. Please enjoy!

-The Hooded Shadow