Assassin’s Creed: Brotherhood

Assassin’s Creed: Brotherhood is an action-adventure game set in Renaissance-era Rome, where players take on the role of Ezio Auditore da Firenze, a master assassin seeking revenge against the Borgia family. The game expands on the stealth and parkour mechanics of its predecessor, introducing a recruitment system for fellow assassins and a dynamic open-world environment filled with historical landmarks, missions, and side activities. The PC version includes additional DLC content, such as new missions and maps, enhancing the overall experience.

Assassin’s Creed: Brotherhood: Review

In the annals of video game history, few franchises have achieved the cultural and commercial impact of Assassin’s Creed. Following the monumental success of Assassin’s Creed II in 2009, expectations for its sequel were sky-high. Yet, Assassin’s Creed: Brotherhood defied the typical “spin-off” stigma to become a landmark achievement. Not merely a continuation, it was a masterful refinement of the series’ core formula, introducing groundbreaking multiplayer mechanics and deepening the Ezio Auditore saga while solidifying Ubisoft’s vision of historical immersion. This review deconstructs Brotherhood’s legacy through exhaustive analysis of its development, narrative, gameplay, artistry, and enduring influence, revealing why it remains a cornerstone of action-adventure gaming and a testament to iterative design excellence.

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1. Introduction

Assassin’s Creed: Brotherhood arrived in November 2010 as the third major installment in Ubisoft’s flagship franchise. Directly following the cliffhanger ending of Assassin’s Creed II, it continued the story of Renaissance-era assassin Ezio Auditore as he sought vengeance against the Borgia family in 16th-century Rome. While initially perceived as an “interquel” rather than a full sequel, Brotherhood transcended this label by delivering a more comprehensive and polished experience than many traditional numbered sequels. Its thesis—that a game could simultaneously deepen narrative, expand gameplay systems, and pioneer multiplayer without compromising its identity—proved revolutionary. By integrating robust asymmetric multiplayer, refining its combat and traversal mechanics, and delivering a richly detailed historical setting, Brotherhood established a new benchmark for open-world design and cemented the “Ezio trilogy” as the series’ creative zenith. This review argues that Brotherhood represents the apex of Assassin’s Creed‘s Renaissance-era ambitions, a game where ambition and execution converged to create an unforgettable odyssey through the heart of corruption and rebirth.

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2. Development History & Context

Brotherhood emerged from a crucible of ambition and innovation within Ubisoft Montreal. As the lead studio for the series’ first two titles, Montreal was entrusted with evolving a formula that had already redefined historical action-adventure gameplay. The project was announced during Ubisoft’s 2009 fiscal earnings call, initially shrouded in mystery—its subtitle suggesting a focus on Ezio’s allies rather than a new protagonist or setting. This deliberate choice reflected a desire to deepen existing lore rather than reinvent the wheel, a decision validated by the critical acclaim of Assassin’s Creed II. The development team, augmented by Ubisoft Annecy (who handled the groundbreaking multiplayer mode), Singapore, Bucharest, and Québec City, faced the dual challenge of expanding the game’s scope while maintaining the series’ signature polish.

Technologically, Brotherhood built upon the Anvil engine, optimizing it for larger environments and more complex systems. The five-district recreation of Rome—roughly three times the size of Florence from ACII—pushed hardware limits, particularly on consoles. Ubisoft aimed to minimize performance gaps between PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 versions, a nod to the era’s platform rivalries. The PC port, released five months later (March 2011), was notably enhanced. It addressed the “always-online” DRM controversy plaguing ACII‘s PC release, offering a one-time activation, improved visuals, and including all DLC (e.g., The Da Vinci Disappearance, Animus Project Updates) by default. This generosity, alongside Nvidia 3D Vision and Eyefinity support, positioned the PC version as the definitive experience.

The gaming landscape in 2010 was dominated by sequels and franchises expanding their scope. Titles like Mass Effect 2 and Red Dead Redemption had raised the bar for narrative depth and world-building, while Modern Warfare 2 showcased the viability of multiplayer-driven success. Ubisoft seized this moment, positioning Brotherhood as a holistic package: a single-player epic worthy of its predecessor and a multiplayer mode that dared to apply the series’ stealth mechanics to competitive play. The game reached gold status in October 2010, and its release—preceded by a multiplayer beta exclusive to PlayStation 3—generated unprecedented hype. Despite the departure of creative director Patrice Désilets before E3 2010 (framed as a “creative break”), the project remained cohesive, a testament to Ubisoft’s collaborative development model. Brotherhood wasn’t just a game; it was a declaration of intent—a franchise proving its capacity to evolve while honoring its roots.

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3. Narrative & Thematic Deep Dive

Brotherhood’s narrative unfolds across two timelines, weaving Ezio’s Renaissance odyssey with Desmond Miles’ modern-day struggle. The framing story resumes after ACII‘s climax: Desmond and the Assassins flee to Monteriggioni, using the Animus 2.0 to explore Ezio’s memories in pursuit of the Apple of Eden—a First Civilization artifact capable of averting the 2012 apocalypse prophesied by the game’s enigmatic glyphs. This dual structure enriches the overarching Templar-Assassin conflict, grounding Ezio’s personal vendetta in a larger, existential battle.

The Renaissance Saga: Ezio’s Redemption

Ezio’s story picks up in December 1499, immediately after escaping the Vault and confronting a disillusioned Rodrigo Borgia. The siege of Monteriggioni by Cesare Borgia’s Papal Army—culminating in Mario’s death and the theft of the Apple—sets a tone of brutal urgency. Ezio’s journey to Rome transforms from vengeance to reconstruction. The city, depicted as a “cancer” ravaged by Borgia corruption, becomes a character itself. Ezio doesn’t just hunt Templars; he liberates districts, rebuilds the Assassin Brotherhood (recruiting initiates and restoring the Auditore Villa), and becomes Il Mentore (“The Mentor”). This arc explores themes of legacy and responsibility: Ezio evolves from a vengeful youth to a wise leader, mirroring the Brotherhood’s own resurrection.

Key antagonists embody ideological extremes. Cesare Borgia, Rodrigo’s power-hungry son, is a study in unchecked ambition. His poisoning of Rodrigo and subsequent quest for control personify the Templar ethos of “peace through order,” clashing with Ezio’s “freewill” creed. Supporting characters deepen this conflict: Niccolò Machiavelli’s pragmatism contrasts with Ezio’s idealism, while Leonardo da Vinci’s inventions symbolize the Renaissance’s spirit of innovation weaponized by both factions. The subplot involving Cristina Vespucci—Ezio’s past lover—explores love and loss, adding emotional weight but criticized for its brevity.

The climax in Viana, Spain, is both personal and philosophical. Cesare’s defiance (“I am not a man to be killed by a mortal!”) forces Ezio to reject killing, choosing instead to abandon him to “fate.” This act underscores Ezio’s growth: he transcends the cycle of vengeance, embodying the Order’s wisdom. His decision to hide the Apple in a First Civilization temple beneath the Colosseum sets the stage for future sequels while raising existential questions about humanity’s readiness for such power.

The Modern Conundrum: Desmond’s Descent

Desmond’s sequences, though shorter, are pivotal. Exploring Monteriggioni’s ruins, he uncovers hidden secrets and undergoes virtual training, bridging the past and present. The climax, however, is a seismic narrative shift. Inside the temple, Juno—a holographic entity from the First Civilization—reveals Desmond’s lineage and subverts his mission. Her cryptic warning—”There is a woman who would accompany you through the gate, but she must not be allowed to”—culminates in her possessing Desmond to stab Lucy Stillman. This brutal act, plunging Desmond into a coma, injects psychological horror into the series and recontextualizes the Animus as a tool of manipulation.

Thematic Resonance

Brotherhood is rich with themes:
– Corruption and Renewal: Rome’s decay under the Borgias mirrors historical papal excess, while its liberation symbolizes hope and rebirth.
– Legacy and Leadership: Ezio’s transformation from lone wolf to mentor highlights the burden of responsibility.
– Free Will vs. Control: The Templars’ quest for order clashes with the Assassins’ belief in individual liberty, embodied by the Apple’s destructive potential.
– Memory and Identity: The Animus’ role in “recovering” memories questions whether the past defines us or we reinterpret it.

While the narrative doesn’t match ACII‘s emotional peak, its tighter focus on Ezio’s maturity and the introduction of multiplayer as a “Templar training program” (framed within the story’s lore) elevate the series’ world-building. The Da Vinci Disappearance DLC further enriches this, with Ezio rescuing Leonardo from Hermeticists and uncovering coordinates to the Grand Temple, seamlessly blending historical fiction with sci-fi mystery.

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4. Gameplay Mechanics & Systems

Brotherhood refines Assassin’s Creed II‘s core loops and introduces transformative innovations, creating a more dynamic, interconnected experience. Its greatest strength lies in how mechanics reinforce narrative and world-building.

Core Gameplay Loops

The game operates on three pillars:
– Liberation: Players destroy 12 Borgia towers (Rome’s “control points”) to free districts, unlocking shops, viewpoints, and missions. This ties economic investment (renovating Rome) to strategic progress, satisfying both narrative and gameplay goals.
– Recruitment: After saving citizens from guards, Ezio recruits Assassins. These initiates can be dispatched on European missions (granting rewards) or summoned for tactical support during gameplay. The “Brotherhood Assist Move” (BAM) system allows Ezio to coordinate strikes, creating exhilarating set-pieces. Dying recruits add stakes, making their management a blend of RPG strategy and action.
– Exploration: Rome’s verticality—enhanced by merchandise lifts and horseback traversal—encourages parkour mastery. Horses, now usable in cities, enable horse-to-horse assassinations and dynamic combat, though AI pathfinding occasionally disrupts flow.

Combat and Stealth

Combat shifts from ACII‘s counter-centric gameplay to a more aggressive, offensive-focused system. Striking first and executing chains are now lethal, encouraging proactive play. Ezio’s arsenal expands: the hidden pistol integrates seamlessly into combos, poison darts and crossbows offer ranged options, and throwing weapons (axes, spears) provide crowd control. New enemy archetypes—papal guards, arquebusiers, horsemen—demand adaptability, though the AI’s occasional predictability softens the challenge. Stealth is rewarded through environmental blending (crowds, haystacks) and kill streaks, but timed missions often expose janky parkour mechanics (e.g., Ezio jumping unintended directions).

Character Progression and Customization

Ezio’s upgrades are multifaceted:
– Skill Points: Earned through synchronization (replaying memories) and side quests, these unlock abilities like “Hidden Blade Counter” or “Smoke Bomb.”
– Economic Progress: Investing in shops reduces item costs, while decorating Villa Auditore yields bonuses (e.g., reduced weapon repair).
– Multiplayer Progression: A leveling system unlocks 21 Templar archetypes (e.g., Courtesan, Barber), each with unique assassinations and perks. Customization via armor dye and gear adds personalization, though grind-heavy pacing can frustrate.

UI and Innovation

The UI streamlines information density, using a color-coded system for factions (Assassins, Courtesans, Thieves) and objectives. Animus Project Updates introduced multiplayer refinements: “Advanced Wanted” modes with fewer compass indicators and “Chest Capture” team objectives. The Da Vinci Disappearance added Leonardo’s war machines (e.g., a cannon-equipped kite) for brief, thrilling sequences, showcasing Ubisoft’s willingness to experiment.

Flaws and Balance

Despite its brilliance, Brotherhood is not flawless. The “glyph” puzzles, while ingenious, feel repetitive. Horses, though innovative, are often slower than parkour. Side missions (e.g., faction challenges) suffer from repetition, and the Desmond segments remain underdeveloped. Yet, these quibbles pale against the game’s ambition. Its multiplayer, particularly the “Wanted” mode where players hunt targets while being hunted, remains a landmark achievement—proving asymmetric stealth could thrive in competitive spaces.

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5. World-Building, Art & Sound

Brotherhood’s immersion stems from its meticulous recreation of Renaissance Rome and its sensory excellence.

Setting and Atmosphere

Rome isn’t just a backdrop; it’s a character. Divided into five districts (Vatican, Centro, Trastevere, Campagna, Antico), each has distinct architecture, culture, and Borgia corruption markers. The Vatican’s opulence contrasts with Trastevere’s squalor, while the Campagna’s countryside offers respite. Ubisoft’s historical authenticity extends to landmarks—the Colosseum, Pantheon, Navarre’s siege at Viana—rendered with architectural reverence. The city’s decay under Borgia rule, evidenced by graffiti, ruined statues, and oppressive guard patrols, evokes a palpable sense of oppression. Liberation campaigns transform these spaces: Borgia towers crumble, shops reopen, and Rome’s beauty is restored, rewarding players with the satisfaction of rebuilding.

Art Direction

The visual style balances realism and stylization. Character models are detailed—Ezio’s weathered face, Cesare’s menacing presence—while crowds and environments use subtle touches (e.g., dynamic lighting at dusk). The Anvil engine handles verticality brilliantly, with viewpoints revealing Rome’s sprawl in breathtaking vistas. Though minor texture pop-in and clipping issues persist, the art direction compensates with vibrancy: Leonardo’s gadgets (parachutes, crossbows) blend historical ingenuity with sci-fi flair, and the First Civilization vaults feature otherworldly luminescence.

Sound Design

Jesper Kyd’s score is a masterpiece of atmospheric storytelling. Tracks like “Cesare Borgia” and “City of Rome” blend orchestral grandeur with Renaissance motifs, heightening emotional tension. Sound effects—from Ezio’s blade’s swoosh to crowd murmurs—are layered and immersive. Voice acting excels, with Roger Craig Smith (Ezio) capturing weary wisdom, Andreas Apergis (Cesare) radiating menace, and Nolan North (Desmond) conveying existential dread. The Italian dialects and period-appropriate terms (Mentore, Auditore) ground the experience, while the multiplayer’s ambient soundscape (church bells, market chatter) elevates stealth tension.

Synthesis

Art and sound converge to create Rome as a living world. The scent of burning fires, the echo of cathedral bells, the sight of Ezio leaping from the Pantheon—all evoke sensory authenticity. This isn’t just a game; it’s a time machine, powered by technical artistry and historical reverence.

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6. Reception & Legacy

Critical and Commercial Acclaim

Brotherhood was met with universal acclaim, boasting a Metacritic score of 89 (Xbox 360), 90 (PlayStation 3), and 88 (PC). Critics lauded its refined gameplay, Rome’s scale, and multiplayer innovation. Eurogamer awarded a perfect 10/10, calling it “one of the best games of 2010,” while GamePro praised the PC version’s graphics and bundled DLC. Sales reflected this success: 7.2 million units shipped by May 2011, making Ubisoft’s fastest-selling European title. It won BAFTA’s Best Action Game and earned nominations for Game of the Year, cementing its industry pedigree.

Evolution of Reputation

Initially seen as a “stopgap,” Brotherhood’s reputation has soared. Retrospectives now hail it as the series’ pinnacle—a game where multiplayer and single-player coexist without compromise. Its influence is undeniable:
– Multiplayer Pioneering: The asymmetric “Wanted” mode inspired titles like For Honor and Dishonored: Death of the Outsider, proving stealth could thrive in competitive spaces.
– Iterative Design: Ubisoft’s approach—refining rather than reinventing—became a template for franchises like Call of Duty.
– Narrative Expansion: Ezio’s character depth and the First Civilization lore set the stage for Revelations and beyond, while Desmond’s cliffhanger reshaped the series’ tone.
– Technical Benchmark: The PC port’s generosity (DLC inclusion, DRM removal) raised industry standards for platform parity.

Despite its multiplayer servers shutting down in 2022, Brotherhood’s single-player remains timeless. Remastered in The Ezio Collection (2016), new generations continue to discover its brilliance. As one critic noted, “It’s not just an expansion; it’s a full-fledged evolution.”

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7. Conclusion

Assassin’s Creed: Brotherhood stands as a paragon of iterative game design—a title that didn’t just follow greatness but elevated it. By deepening Ezio’s narrative, reinventing combat for offensive play, and pioneering a multiplayer mode that redefined competitive stealth, Ubisoft crafted an experience that was both ambitious and cohesive. Its recreation of Renaissance Rome remains a benchmark for historical authenticity, while its systems—liberation, recruitment, economic progression—created a player-driven world where every action resonated. Though not without flaws—repetitive side quests and janky parkour moments—the game’s strengths far outweigh its weaknesses.

Brotherhood’s legacy is etched in gold: it proved that sequels could honor a series’ roots while boldly charting new territory. It elevated Assassin’s Creed from a promising franchise to a cultural phenomenon, setting the stage for future installments while delivering a standalone masterpiece. For historians and gamers alike, it is a journey through corruption and rebirth, a testament to the power of legacy, and—quite simply—one of the greatest video games ever made. Play it not just as a chapter in Ezio’s story, but as a landmark in interactive art.