Summary
Assassin’s Creed Hexeis seemingly taking theAssassin’s Creedfranchise into very different territory. The initial teaser trailer for the game portrayed a darker tone than any game that has come before it, fully channeling the tumultuous setting in which it is placed. This newAssassin’s Creedis purportedly set in the era of the mass witch trials in the Holy Roman Empire, the region of Central Europe where present-day Germany currently resides. During this time, tens of thousands of people labeled as witches were executed amid a religious war that engulfed the region.
With such a uniquely dark and tragic setting compared to other games in the series, it seems fitting that this newAClooks to other franchises for inspiration. Particularly when it comes to the presentation of witches and witchcraft. Asmagic is real inAssassin’s Creedgames at times, explained by either Isu technology or animus trickery, there could very well be some actual dark arts featured inHexe. There are plenty of witch games out there thatAssassin’s Creed Hexecan draw inspiration from, and it will be interesting to see if and what Ubisoft takes from them.
Resident Evil: Village
Though not exclusively about witches,Resident Evil: Villagehas a sort offolk horror vibe that could serve as inspiration forHexe. Given the setting ofHexe, it has the opportunity to channel the tone of other genres, even horror.Hexeis also seemingly set sometime during the 1500s–1600s when medieval villages were still very much a part of the European landscape. It’s possible thatHexecould channel some of the look and atmosphere ofVillagewhile telling its own unique story.
Resident Evil Village
Ethan Winters finds himself in an entirely new nightmare in Capcom’s latest installment of the acclaimed Resident Evil franchise. Whether you’re defending against Lycans in the grim dwellings of the village or exploring the lavish Castle Dimitrescu, the meticulously designed environments immerse you in this eerie world, powered by Capcom’s proprietary RE Engine. Run from, hide or face off against a diverse cast of terrifying village inhabitants in dream-like - no, nightmarish - situations and fight your instincts to push through classic horror-based sequences. Also, be sure to check out “The Mercenaries” that unlocks once you’ve finished the campaign, a fast-paced and arcade-like game mode which challenges players to blast away enemies against the clock.
Hogwarts Legacy
Offering a completely different take on witches and witchcraft isHogwarts Legacy, Warner Bros. Games' immersiveadventure into the world ofHarry Potter.Hogwarts Legacyis full of spells and magic like the novels and films before it, showing a more lighthearted but still treacherous world of witchcraft thatHexecould draw from. AsAssassin’s Creedgames of the past usually balance the dramatic plot with the occasional comedic character and quippy dialogue,Hogwarts Legacycould be a good source of inspiration.
Blacktail
Blacktailis an indie game that allows players to take control of the Baba Yaga, an ancient witch who was exiled from their village. Players must hunt down evil spirits using spells, archery, and other exciting combat as they uncover the mystery of the Baba Yaga. It is possible thatthe protagonist ofAssassin’s Creed Hexemay be a practitioner of witchcraft, and might have a similar motive as the character inBlacktail.Blacktailalso features a morality system that allows players to choose the path of good if they desire, which is something that could be interesting inHexe.
The Witcher 3
The Witcherseries features several different types of witches and crones, something that could play intoAssassin’s Creed Hexe’s story. There are witches that can use their powers for good and then there are those that only seek to harm. This idea paired with the overall atmosphere could help steerHexein the right direction. Elements like:
The overall exploration inThe Witcher 3could be a good source of inspiration forHexeas well.The Witcherseries is known for providing ample activities to do and things to see in its massive open worlds, and ifHexeis a fully open world, it would do well to take notes.
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
WHERE TO PLAY
You are Geralt of Rivia, mercenary monster slayer. Before you stands a war-torn, monster-infested continent you’re able to explore at will. Your current contract? Tracking down Ciri — the Child of Prophecy, a living weapon that can alter the shape of the world.PLAY AS A HIGHLY TRAINED MONSTER SLAYER FOR HIRETrained from early childhood and mutated to gain superhuman skills, strength, and reflexes, witchers are a counterbalance to the monster-infested world in which they live.Gruesomely destroy foes as a professional monster hunter armed with a range of upgradeable weapons, mutating potions, and combat magic. Hunt down a wide variety of exotic monsters, from savage beasts prowling mountain passes to cunning supernatural predators lurking in the shadowy back alleys of densely populated cities. Invest your rewards to upgrade your weaponry and buy custom armor, or spend them on horse races, card games, fist fighting, and other pleasures life brings.EXPLORE A MORALLY AMBIGUOUS FANTASY OPEN WORLDBuilt for endless adventure, the massive open world of The Witcher sets new standards in terms of size, depth, and complexity. Traverse a fantastical open world: explore forgotten ruins, caves, and shipwrecks, trade with merchants and dwarven smiths in cities, and hunt across the open plains, mountains, and seas. Deal with treasonous generals, devious witches, and corrupt royalty to provide dark and dangerous services. Make choices that go beyond good & evil, and face their far-reaching consequences.
