Metascore
67

Mixed or average reviews - based on 31 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 31
  2. Negative: 0 out of 31
  1. Apr 21, 2015
    85
    A successful 2.5D reinterpretation of Assassin's Creed world, thanks to rewarding stealth mechanics and charismatic and artsy environments.
  2. Apr 24, 2015
    80
    Call me old-fashioned, but I liked the China Chronicles. A lot. Starting with the art design and its mechanical nods to the Prince of Persia series that started it all while keeping everything “Assassin”, this is a nice distraction from the big siblings. But the storytelling is way below average.
  3. Apr 21, 2015
    80
    Shao Jun's story is interesting but the chance to see the Templar vs. Assassins conflict in a new historical setting is even better. Unfortunately, the emphasis on stealth and some of the tough stages in terms of enemy patterns and behavior force players into a trial and error approach.
  4. Apr 21, 2015
    80
    It may lack the presentation and high production values of a typical Ubisoft blockbuster, but this is enough of a departure to offer something a little different, even for those who tired of the series long ago.
  5. Pelit (Finland)
    Jun 14, 2015
    75
    A decidedly average stealth platformer. Mark of the Ninja did this way better. [June 2015]
  6. May 5, 2015
    75
    It's also almost certainly my favorite stand-alone game from the series in years.
  7. Apr 20, 2015
    73
    A little over halfway through the campaign, the gameplay starts to lose steam.
  8. May 1, 2015
    70
    Assassin’s Creed Chronices: China is a nice change of pace for the series, and a great way to spend $10. I had a great time with the experience, and am on board for the next two whenever they release. If you like bite-sized stealth adventures like Mark of the Ninja, this is definitely one to check out.
  9. Apr 30, 2015
    70
    Assassin’s Creed Chronicles China tries to kill the competition and has some fantastic graphics and gameplay. But we are not sure if we can call it a complete Assassin’s Creed game for a console. An iOS or Android version would've been a better choice.
  10. 70
    From hiding in crowds to hush-hush neck stabs, the Assassin’s Creed formula fits so snugly that China feels like the series' starting point - but at four hours it might prove too short for some.
  11. Apr 21, 2015
    70
    There are some truly fantastic ideas here, some super-smooth parkour, brain-tingling puzzle challenges and occasional flashes of brilliance when it's time to get down and dirty in combat. Some ideas haven't been explored as thoroughly as we'd have liked, and there are a few rough spots, though.
  12. Apr 21, 2015
    70
    The concept is interesting and the setting fascinating, but the game can't offer anything more than the beautiful Mark of the Ninja.
  13. Apr 21, 2015
    70
    Assassin’s Creed Chronicles: China is an interesting spin-off with a competitive price toward its content. But it lacks also in terms of AI, story and control system, with highs and lows that keep it from being great.
  14. Apr 21, 2015
    70
    Assassin's Creed Chronicles: China has the makings of a good 2D Prince of Persia re-awakening, but it lacks a lot of character both aesthetically and mechanically. Still, there's very little actually wrong with it if you're looking for another platformer to add to your pile.
  15. Apr 21, 2015
    67
    Although the concept and the design are indeed interesting, Assassin's Creed Chronicles China doesn't succeed in offering a real challenge to the player. You'll traverse the levels in a sort of auto-pilot mode, and that's all due to level design and AI issues.
  16. Apr 30, 2015
    66
    Looks good, but needs to play better.
  17. Apr 27, 2015
    65
    It’s always somewhat tacky to compare products, but it’s warranted when so very much is borrowed. This game is a bit of a knockoff of the superior Mark of the Ninja.
  18. Apr 23, 2015
    65
    Cramming many of Assassin’s Creed’s calling cards into ACC: China’s diminutive 2.5D frame, while amping up the importance of stealth, is impressive. But too much of the game is flat and uninspired. There’s the barest bones of a great game here. Let’s hope one of the sequels expands on that promise.
  19. Apr 21, 2015
    65
    Far from being a masterpiece, Assassin's Creed Chronicles China suffers from a difficulty level that's way too low, and a heavy inspiration from Mark of the Ninja. Nonetheless, the game brings some fun along, and fans of the IP should most likely enjoy it.
  20. Apr 20, 2015
    64
    Assassin’s Creed Chronicles: China is by no means a poorly made game, it’s just an un-exciting one.
  21. May 27, 2015
    60
    An enjoyable if obvious knock-off, then, and a refreshing new direction for a stagnant franchise, but hardly the kind of revolution that would worry the Templars.
  22. May 26, 2015
    60
    Assassin’s Creed Chronicles: China is sadly a bit of a let down. Gorgeous to look at, fiddly to control and a tad dull to experience, this is yet another AC iteration that falls flat. A bold idea, poorly executed.
  23. Apr 24, 2015
    60
    Assassin’s Creed Chronicles: China isn’t terrible in any particular way. It is, from top to bottom, entirely middle of the road standard at best and its main attraction is the cheap selling price for a few hours of side-scrolling action.
  24. Apr 23, 2015
    60
    Assassins Creed Chronicles: China offers some solid building blocks for this spin-off series, including beautiful art and decent stealth gameplay. The poor combat and sad attempt at storytelling, however, both leave far too much to be desired.
  25. Apr 23, 2015
    60
    Assassin's Creed Chronicles China offers a decent gaming experience, despite the rigidity of the animations. The game also offers a good replay value.
  26. Apr 23, 2015
    60
    I don't fault Ubisoft for trying something different with its acclaimed Assassin's Creed franchise, and in some respects there's a lot to like. However when the game stumbles it does so in grand fashion, creating an infuriating experience that makes me want to throw my controller more than continue on my quest.
  27. Apr 21, 2015
    60
    Eight games in as many years, and Ubisoft has finally perfected the art of making a highly skilled and super badass assassin feel totally, entirely boring.
  28. Apr 21, 2015
    60
    Assassin's Creed Chronicles: China feels like an Assassin's Creed game without the sense of adventure and scope, and a Prince of Persia game without the cool platforming and exciting combat. That combination doesn't make for a bad game, with the brief campaign offering some entertainment, but it's difficult to get overly excited about.
  29. Apr 20, 2015
    60
    Chronicles' passive pacing is a shame, because the pieces, combat notwithstanding, are mostly strong. Furthermore, the exquisite environments craft a setting that makes me eager to see the two upcoming sequels--Chronicles: India, and Chronicles: Russia--in action.
  30. May 4, 2015
    50
    Picturesque Chinese scenery can’t hide the cheap playability. In short 2.5D Assassin's Creed for less than twelve bucks.
  31. 50
    Assassin's Creed Chronicles: China doesn't feel like an outcast, but its tedious and bland gameplay make it the ugly duckling of the Assassin's Creed franchise. That's not to say that it's a bad or awful game; it's simply boring and forgettable, despite featuring decent mechanics and great presentation values.
User Score
5.8

Mixed or average reviews- based on 120 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 47 out of 120
  2. Negative: 36 out of 120
  1. Apr 21, 2015
    8
    I was surprised at how good Assassin's Creed works in 2.5D. I really enjoyed stealthing my way around guards and or silently taking them outI was surprised at how good Assassin's Creed works in 2.5D. I really enjoyed stealthing my way around guards and or silently taking them out one by one. It plays a lot like Mark of the Ninja, which I also liked, and all of the Assassin's Creed trademarks are here. Full Review »
  2. Apr 21, 2015
    1
    Awesome setting and character design, completely wasted as a side scroller. For years we fans have begged Ubisoft to bring us some freshAwesome setting and character design, completely wasted as a side scroller. For years we fans have begged Ubisoft to bring us some fresh material. And time and time again they have spit in our eyes, churning out one derivative title after another set in some European setting with protagonists that all look alike.

    Finally we have a gorgeous new time period set in medieval China with a female assassin that looks incredible and unique from all the other male assassins. And instead of taking a risk, putting some serious time and money into this concept and creating a truly next gen AAA title, they decide to chicken out and squander all of this with a stupid side scroller.

    I cringe when I think of the huge missed opportunity. I don't know if it's because Ubisoft thinks that games set in places too "exotic" featuring protagonists who are minorities won't sell as well, or if they are simply unambitious. In any case, what we have here is a mediocre stealth side scroller that mimics but never surpasses other similar games. Skip this title and save your money.
    Full Review »
  3. Apr 22, 2015
    10
    Beautiful game with really inventive level design! Works well in 2.5D and thoroughly enjoyed sneaking about the levels, reminds me a lot ofBeautiful game with really inventive level design! Works well in 2.5D and thoroughly enjoyed sneaking about the levels, reminds me a lot of Mark of the Ninja - and thats no bad thing! Full Review »