Assassin's Creed Syndicate (PC) Review

Got this game for free on Uplay. Finished it on Saturday, June 7, 2025.

Ubisoft needed a win after the disaster of Unity at launch. Syndicate released the following year, had a smooth launch, and was generally well received. Assassin's Creed purists weren't thrilled because the parkour lacked the depth Unity offered. After watching some videos on YouTube, I agree that Syndicate's parkour is noticeably more simplistic. The grapple hook was a little controversial. I understand why it exists, and it didn't bother me too much, but Unity handled traversal better. Tall structures in Unity had stationary grapples placed in specific spots, which still required effort and gave you a sense of accomplishment when you parkoured your way to the top of Notre Dame.

Syndicate includes all the major London landmarks, but it's possible to breeze through them with almost no resistance. At times, it feels like a noclip mode.

After playing Syndicate, Origins, and Odyssey, I realize how important level traversal really is. Making traversal super easy doesn't automatically make a game better. I don't think Origins or Odyssey are better games just because you can climb any surface like Spider-Man. Compare this to Red Dead Redemption 2, where the player has to think about how to navigate the world, look for pathways, and engage with the environment. In Origins and Odyssey, you just walk up to a wall and start climbing. No thought required.

This is why the world of Red Dead Redemption 2 is so much better than almost any AC world (except maybe Black Flag). The developers designed the world so the player is rewarded for exploration, and it actually felt like an accomplishment. In AC Origins, aside from the pyramids, nothing really comes close, and Odyssey was basically easy mode.

Compared to Unity, I didn't enjoy Syndicate as much. The story was boring (Unity's was boring too, but this felt worse). Switching between characters got old fast. I played as Evie because I liked her abilities. In true Ubisoft fashion, they force you to play as the other character for certain missions. Very annoying. Why spend so much time customizing and leveling up a character only to be forced to play as someone I had no interest in? They pulled the same thing in Origins.

I had no trouble running the game at the highest settings at 3440x1440. What's strange is that the game doesn't look as good as Unity. The graphics feel washed out, and this persists throughout the entire playthrough. Unity and Black Flag have vibrant, pleasing colors, while Syndicate looks muted by comparison.

I heard the DLC for this game is really good, but I haven't played it and have no intention of buying it.

I wouldn't buy this game if you haven't played Unity and its DLC. My recommendation is to play Unity first, and if you still want more of the same - but not quite as good - then maybe spend $5 on Syndicate.

This review is written on Amtrak, en route from Austin to Fort Worth, TX and published at Amtrak station 1001 Jones St, Fort Worth, TX 76102 on 3/29/2026 via free Greyhound WiFi.