Assassin's Creed Rogue is often overlooked, sandwiched between the release of Black Flag and Unity, but it deserves way more recognition. This game takes the classic AC naval formula and flips the script by putting you in the boots of Shay Patrick Cormac, a former Assassin turned Templar.
What makes it stand out is the unique perspective. Playing as a Templar instead of an Assassin adds a fresh twist to the series. Shay's character arc is compelling, and his motivations feel more personal and relatable than many other AC protagonists. The game also excels at storytelling, making you question both sides of the Assassin-Templar conflict.
The naval gameplay is as satisfying as ever, with ship combat and exploration feeling like an evolution of Black Flag. The icy waters and new environmental challenges add some variety. Plus, the connections to AC III and Unity make it a great piece of the franchise's overarching narrative.
On the downside, Rogue is relatively short, and a lot of its mechanics feel like a direct reskin of Black Flag. If you played that game extensively, this one might not feel as fresh. Also, since it was designed for last-gen consoles, it doesn't have the graphical polish of Unity, though the remastered version helps improve this.
Despite its flaws, Assassin's Creed Rogue is a must-play for any AC fan. If you love the naval combat of Black Flag and want a different take on the Assassin-Templar war, it's absolutely worth your time.