Syndicate was the last true Assassin's Creed.

Don't get me wrong, Origins and Odyssey were good, but neither felt like the games I grew up playing (I know, boomer take). I simply can't help but feel nostalgic about the pre-Origins era. There was beauty in its simplicity. The soft reboot killed the soul of the franchise, in my opinion.

I’m currently on a mission to play Assassin’s Creed games post-Black Flag (post-Desmond era), and Syndicate was my first stop. After finally getting around to it, I have to say—I enjoyed it. The Victorian London setting is fantastic, and the post-Industrial Revolution theme is well executed. The gritty streets, factory districts, and foggy alleys give the game a unique feel, making it one of the most atmospheric AC games.

Jacob and Evie Frye are cool protagonists, and while their dynamic isn’t as deep as some of the series’ other duos, they’re fun to play. Switching between the two adds some variety, though I found Evie’s stealth-focused approach more enjoyable. The gang warfare system is another fun addition, making the game feel like Peaky Blinders: Assassin’s Edition. Taking over boroughs, recruiting gang members, and running the Rooks adds an extra layer of gameplay that helps differentiate Syndicate from past entries.

One of the most controversial features of the game is the grappling hook. Many longtime fans dislike it, but I personally found it to be a great quality-of-life addition. It makes traversal smoother, cutting down on some of the clunkier parkour mechanics. Speaking of parkour, movement does feel a bit off at first, especially coming from Unity. However, after getting used to it, it becomes more manageable.

The story itself is fine but nothing groundbreaking. It follows the usual Assassin’s Creed formula—take out the henchmen, then go for the big guy at the top. That said, one issue I encountered early on was the lack of clear direction in mission structure. At first, it’s hard to tell if you’re progressing through the main story or just doing side quests, which can make the pacing feel messy. A clearer mission flow would have helped a lot.

Side activities are somewhat grindy, but I found them fun overall. It almost feels like GTA Online but set in 19th-century London with an Assassin’s Creed overlay. The Jack the Ripper DLC also deserves praise, as it brings a darker, more psychological twist to the game and makes the overall experience feel more unique.

Despite what others say, I’d still recommend Syndicate, especially for newer AC fans or those looking for a less lore-heavy entry. It’s not perfect, but it’s a fun open-world game with a great setting, cool mechanics, and solid gameplay. Hardcore Assassin’s Creed fans might not love it, but if you’re here for a good time rather than a deep, lore-heavy experience, it’s worth playing.

✅ 8.5/10 – Worth a play.

La historia es increíblemente lenta, ridícula y aburrida, escrita sin ganas o con muy poca imaginación encima. Oda a Londres y personajes históricos que, si bien es interesante que se crucen por nuestro camino, no aportan absolutamente nada. Ni al principio ni al final.
AC Syndicate mejora sustancialmente el gameplay pero lo vuelve muy repetitivo, te pasas más horas volando entre edificios con el gancho que corriendo o saltando. El diseño de los edificios, por fidelidad histórica -quiero imaginar- no favorece en nada dicho aspecto.
Nobleza obliga mencionar la exploración del mapa a través de la caza templaria y liberación de fábricas con niños, realmente divertidas y dinámicas.
Recomiendo solo para experimentarlo, realmente no existe otra razón para jugarlo.