Ubisoft has once again activated the Animus, transporting us back to Japan's Sengoku Period with Assassin’s Creed Shadows. This installment introduces historical figures from 1579, including Fujibayashi Nagato, Akechi Mitsuhide, and Yasuke, the African samurai who served Oda Nobunaga. As with previous games in the series, these characters are intricately woven into a narrative that blends fact with fiction, crafting a tale filled with revenge, betrayal, and murder—albeit with a humorous twist, like Yasuke needing to gather XP for a gold-tier weapon.

Assassin’s Creed is renowned for its historical fiction, where Ubisoft explores gaps in history to weave a science fiction conspiracy tale about a secret society aiming to control the world using the mystical powers of an ancient civilization. While the open-world environments are deeply rooted in historical research, it's crucial to remember that these games are not history lessons. Ubisoft creatively alters historical facts to serve the narrative.

Here are ten notable instances where Assassin’s Creed has playfully rewritten history:

The Assassins vs Templars War

First off, there's no historical evidence to support the idea that the Order of Assassins was ever at war with the Knights Templar. This conflict is a fictional creation, drawing inspiration from conspiracy theories surrounding the Templars. The Assassins were established in 1090 AD, and the Templars in 1118, both disbanding around 1312. The notion of centuries-long rivalry is pure fiction, with the only real overlap being during the Crusades, which only the first Assassin’s Creed game reflects.

The Borgias and their Superpowered Pope

In Assassin’s Creed 2 and Brotherhood, the focus is on Ezio’s battle against the Borgia family. Cardinal Rodrigo Borgia, who becomes Pope Alexander VI, is depicted as the Grand Master of the Templar Order. However, by the late 1400s, the Templars were no longer active, making the plot to harness the Apple of Eden and control humanity with divine powers entirely fictional. The portrayal of the Borgias, while rooted in their notorious reputation, exaggerates their villainy, with Cesare Borgia depicted as an incestuous psychopath based on rumors rather than evidence.

Machiavelli, Enemy of the Borgias

Assassin’s Creed 2 and Brotherhood cast Niccolò Machiavelli as Ezio’s ally and leader of the Italian Assassin’s Bureau. However, Machiavelli’s philosophies favored strong authority, clashing with the Assassin’s Creed. His actual relationship with the Borgias was far less antagonistic; he served as a diplomat in Cesare Borgia’s court and admired his leadership, contradicting the game’s narrative.

The Incredible Leonardo da Vinci and his Flying Machine

Assassin’s Creed 2 showcases a strong depiction of Leonardo da Vinci, capturing his charisma and wit. However, the game alters his timeline, moving him from Florence to Venice in 1481, which doesn't align with his actual travels. While da Vinci’s engineering designs are legendary, the flying machine Ezio uses in Venice is a creative liberty, as there's no evidence any of his machines ever flew.

The Bloody Boston Tea Party

In reality, the Boston Tea Party was a non-violent protest with no fatalities. Assassin’s Creed 3 reimagines this event with Connor, a lone Mohawk-clad protester, killing numerous British guards amidst the tea dumping. The game also attributes the organization of the protest to Samuel Adams, a detail historians debate.

The Lone Mohawk

Assassin’s Creed 3's protagonist, Connor, is a Mohawk who fights alongside the Patriots, despite the Mohawk's historical alliance with the British. This portrayal, while inspired by rare cases like Louis Cook, is a significant deviation from historical norms, exploring a "what if" scenario.

The Templar Revolution

Assassin’s Creed Unity's take on the French Revolution suggests it was orchestrated by the Templars, which contradicts the real causes like famine due to natural disasters. The game oversimplifies the Revolution, focusing heavily on the Reign of Terror, which was just one part of a complex event.

The Controversial Killing of King Louis 16

Unity depicts the vote on King Louis 16's execution as close, swayed by a Templar's vote. In reality, the vote was a clear majority in favor of execution. The game also glosses over the King's treasonous attempts to flee, which fueled public anger.

Jack the Assassin

Assassin’s Creed Syndicate reimagines Jack the Ripper as a rogue Assassin, turning the London Brotherhood into a criminal gang. This narrative twist plays into the series' theme of hidden histories, given the inconclusive nature of the real investigations into Jack the Ripper.

The Assassination of the Tyrant Julius Caesar

Assassin’s Creed Origins presents Julius Caesar's assassination as a victory against a proto-Templar. However, the game inaccurately depicts Caesar's motives and the political landscape, ignoring his efforts to redistribute land and his popularity among the Roman people. The assassination led to the fall of the Republic and the rise of the Empire, contrary to the game's portrayal of it as a triumph.

The teams behind Assassin’s Creed go to great lengths to incorporate authentic historical elements, yet they often deviate from accuracy to enhance the storytelling. This is the essence of historical fiction, and it's perfectly acceptable for a video game. What are your favorite examples of Assassin’s Creed bending the truth? Share them in the comments below.