'Assassin’s Creed: Chronicles': a spin-off to savor before the release of 'Victory'

Ubisoft has announced the release of a trilogy based on its hit, 'Assassin's Creed.' The three stories, independent one from the other, will take gamers on a journey through space and time, to China, India, and Russia.

Between 'Assassin's Creed: Unity', released last November, and the upcoming 'Assassin's Creed: Victory', fans of the series can bide their time with three spin-offs bundled under the label of 'Chronicles.'

Scheduled for release on April 22, the first journey will take them to 1526 China, a time when the Ming dynasty is nearing collapse. Gamers will play Sha Shun, the last of the Chinese brotherhood's assassins. Trained by Ezio Auditore, one of the heroes of Ubisoft's franchise, she will return to her motherland to restore the brotherhood to greatness. As with the original hits of the franchise, 'Assassin's Creed Chronicles' will bring to life several historical characters, as well as monuments of the countries visited. In China, both the Forbidden City and the Great Wall will play a part in the scenery.

The journey will continue in 1841 India, the middle of the Sikh Empire, in the person of the assassin Arbaaz Mir. The last installment will take place in 1918 Russia, after the October Revolution, seen through the eyes of Nikolai Orelov.

Each game will offer a different artistic touch. The 'China' episode was created in a watercolor style with ochre and dull tones. Conversely, 'India' will be more colorful, in the spirit of a mandala. 'Russia', for its part, will present a more modern look, with blacks, reds and greys dominating the feel.

The three 'Assassin's Creed: Chronicles' stories will be available for download by all PS4, Xbox One and PC gamers. Each episode can be played separately while the gaming world awaits the saga's opus, 'Assassin's Creed: Victory', which will take place in England during the Industrial Revolution.