Is Assassin’s Creed Shadows Historically Accurate?
The Assassin’s Creed series, known for its intricate storytelling and historical settings, has always been a subject of debate among gamers and historians alike. One of the most frequently asked questions is whether the events and characters depicted in Assassin’s Creed Shadows are historically accurate. In this article, we will delve into the historical accuracy of the game and explore the sources and inspirations behind its narrative.
Setting and Time Period
Assassin’s Creed Shadows is set in the 15th century, during the height of the Renaissance period in Italy. The game follows Ezio Auditore da Firenze, an Italian nobleman who joins the Assassins, a secret society fighting against the oppressive Borgia family. The Renaissance was a time of great cultural and artistic achievement, which the game captures beautifully through its vivid landscapes, architecture, and art.
However, while the setting and time period are accurate, the historical events depicted in the game are not always reliable. For instance, the Borgia family was indeed a powerful dynasty during the Renaissance, but their rise to power was not as rapid or as violent as portrayed in the game. The Borgia family was a legitimate noble family, and although they were known for their extravagance and corruption, they were not the tyrannical rulers depicted in Assassin’s Creed Shadows.
Characters and Relationships
The characters in Assassin’s Creed Shadows are a mix of historical figures and fictional creations. Ezio Auditore da Firenze, the protagonist, is a fictional character inspired by the real-life Florentine nobleman, Ezio di Bartolomeo de’ Medici. The other main characters, such as Caterina Sforza and Niccolò Machiavelli, are based on real historical figures but have been fictionalized to fit the game’s narrative.
While the game’s portrayal of these characters is engaging and entertaining, it is important to remember that the relationships and interactions between them are not historically accurate. For example, the relationship between Ezio and Caterina Sforza is romanticized and exaggerated, while the real-life Caterina was a formidable and independent woman who never married.
Art and Architecture
One of the strengths of Assassin’s Creed Shadows is its stunning depiction of Renaissance Italy. The game’s art and architecture are based on real historical sources, and the attention to detail is commendable. The cities of Florence, Rome, and Venice are beautifully recreated, and the game’s art style is reminiscent of the period’s art and design.
However, while the game’s visual presentation is historically inspired, it is not always accurate. For instance, the game’s depiction of the Sistine Chapel is not an accurate representation of the original, and some of the buildings and landscapes have been altered for the sake of gameplay.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Assassin’s Creed Shadows is a visually stunning and engaging game that captures the essence of the Renaissance period. While the game’s setting and time period are accurate, the historical events, characters, and relationships are often fictionalized or exaggerated. As a result, the game should be enjoyed for its entertainment value rather than taken as a historical account. After all, Assassin’s Creed is a video game, not a historical document.
