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Assassin’s Creed is one for the history books.
Launched in 2007 as one of the first flagship titles for the PS3 and Xbox 360, Ubisoft’s time-hopping stealth-action franchise clocks up its ninth core entry this month as Assassin’s Creed Syndicate eagle-dives onto shelves.
Altogether, Assassin’s Creed has sold over 73 million units as of April 2014 – although this doesn’t count the sales of last year’s Assassin’s Creed Unity. The impressive statistic makes the open-world games Ubisoft’s best-selling franchise of all time.
Much like the sprawling historical cities in which it has been set – from Jerusalem to Venice and, this year, London – Assassin’s Creed has provided myriad inspiration for a huge range of tie-in merchandise. This includes its acclaimed soundtracks and multiple novels based on the IP.
Assassin’s Creed is a huge franchise with a very loyal fan base and the music is fantastic, so releasing these titles on CD is a must,” explains Gregory Ferraiolo, vice president of licensing and business development at music label Sumthing Else Music Works. Fans have been requesting a CD release of Jesper Kyd’s Assassin’s Creed scores for a long time.”
Lizzie Kaye, editor of the Assassin’s Creed comic series, discusses the potential of the games’ worlds for spin-offs and tie-ins.
Assassin’s Creed is one of the most beautiful games on the market, and the team at Ubisoft has created a world that is perfect for us to expand and inhabit with a raft of new characters in new settings,” she enthuses.
As Syndicate sets sail for London, Assassin’s Creed’s cultural impact is sure to bring scores of fans creeping back into stores.
Make sure you’re tooled up with the right merchandise by taking a look below.
Assassin’s Creed #1
The first entry in the new ongoing comic book spin-off to Assassin’s Creed follows brand new protagonist Charlotte de la Cruz as she uncovers her ancestors’ role in the Assassins and the threat of franchise baddies, the Templars. The issue comes with a number of variant covers designed to excite collectors, and has been written by Antony Del Col and Conor McCreery, the authors behind pseudo-historical comic series Kill Shakespeare. (Kill Shakespeare, despite its name, involves no Assassins.)
SRP: From 2.65
Manufacturer: Titan Books
Distributor: Titan Books
Contact: sales@titanemail.com
Jacob Frye Official Top Hat Replica
This dapper headpiece is based on the one worn by Jacob Frye in Assassin’s Creed Syndicate. In fitting with the Industrial Revolution setting of London, the hat features a brown band and tailored inner red lining. This is completed by a bronze Assassin Creed symbol on the outer rim. It could also very well be the very first top hat based on a video game character, so expect hot interest from top hat enthusiasts as well as gamers.
SRP: 27.99
Manufacturer: Bioworld Europe
Distributor: Gaming Merchandise UK
Contact: hello@gamingmerchandiseuk.com
Jacob Frye The Impetuous Brother Statue Ltd Edition
Highly detailed, this statue of Syndicate’s male hero features his signature hidden blade and cane sword weapons, plus a themed base.
SRP: 39.99
Manufacturer: Ubicollectibles
Distributor: Exertis
Contact: 01279 822 822
Assassin’s Creed Syndicate T-Shirt: Rook
This shirt displays the avian inspiration for Syndicate’s Rooks gang, as well as the AC logo. Fans would have to be bird-brained to miss it.
SRP: 14.99
Manufacturer: Bioworld Europe
Distributor: Gaming Merchandise UK
Contact: hello@gamingmerchandiseuk.com
Assassin’s Creed Syndicate Cane Sword
Budding Assassins can practise their swordplay with this toy replica of Jacob Frye’s armament. It includes a spring-loaded scythe blade.
SRP: 34.99
Manufacturer: Ubisoft
Distributor: Exertis
Contact: 01279 822 822
Assassin’s Creed OfficialSoundtrack CDs
All of the Assassin’s Creed game scores are now available on physical formats for the first time. Vinyl releases will follow early in 2016.
SRP: $11.99 to $13.99 (8 to 9)
Manufacturer: Sumthing Else Music Works
Distributor: Sumthing Else Music Works
Contact: sumthing.com/about-us/contact-us
Black Rook Ladies Hoodie
The AC series is known for its impressive hoods and this top is no different, featuring copper highlights and the franchise logo.
SRP: 39.99
Manufacturer: Bioworld Europe
Distributor: Gaming Merchandise UK
