Assassin's Creed Chronicles: China

 Xbox One
User Score
5.8

Mixed or average reviews- based on 120 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 47 out of 120
  2. Mixed: 37 out of 120
  3. Negative: 36 out of 120

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  1. Soulin
    Oct 7, 2016
    10
    I was not sure if I want to play this game - based on the mixed reviews, I was discouraged at first. And I'm really glad I gave it a chance.

    I'm not a huge fan of Assassin's Creed and I haven't followed the story line. But I've overly enjoyed this 2.5D action game and itt reminded me a lot of the old Prince of Persia. Very responsive controls, great graphic, many different ways how    I was not sure if I want to play this game - based on the mixed reviews, I was discouraged at first. And I'm really glad I gave it a chance.

    I'm not a huge fan of Assassin's Creed and I haven't followed the story line. But I've overly enjoyed this 2.5D action game and itt reminded me a lot of the old Prince of Persia.

    Very responsive controls, great graphic, many different ways how to play (I would mostly play as an invisible ghost, but overly enjoyed the levels where I had to rush and could just quickly dispose of everyone), not boring at all.

    This is one of the very few games that could convince me to play stealth and avoid combat if possible - and have a lot of fun doing it.    … Expand
  2. DrZomboid
    Nov 7, 2016
    6
    Really cool AC spinoff witch was free for gold users. That is why I played it and nit regret it. I gave 6 only because it is some kind of indy looks a like 2.5D game. Sometimes game can be challenging
  3. TheQuietGamer
    Sep 25, 2016
    9
    A departure for the series, this 2.5D spin-off moves away from the series 3D open-world roots in favor of side-scrolling stealth. The results are excellent. The series parkour platforming is probably what transfers over the best. However it's the focus on stealth that makes things such a blast.

    Story-wise it hasn't got much going. Despite it's cool protagonist, the writing in nothing    A departure for the series, this 2.5D spin-off moves away from the series 3D open-world roots in favor of side-scrolling stealth. The results are excellent. The series parkour platforming is probably what transfers over the best. However it's the focus on stealth that makes things such a blast.

    Story-wise it hasn't got much going. Despite it's cool protagonist, the writing in nothing more than a simple revenge tale with bland villains. China is brought to life with graphics reminiscent of a watercolor painting. The environments don't stand out much, but the character themselves look fantastic. Especially your black and red clad assassin.

    Given the setting and character, it's a little disappointing that the presentation and writing fall short. Both are suitable, but leave you wanting Ubisoft to make China and Shao Jun the setting and protagonist of their next main-series entry. Both deserve revisiting.

    On the gameplay side of things it all fares much better. You're given a lot of tools to help you stay in the shadows. Combat isn't the focus here so running head first into things will likely get you killed. Keeping out of sight is a must and the game gives you all of the tools to do it.

    You are continuously gaining access to new abilities. The controls for everything are spot on, and the game constantly delivers tons of fun "how do I avoid getting seen?" puzzles. Mix that with the series fantastic platforming elements that feel made for 2.5D and you have an absolute blast on your hands. Exciting escape levels that have you racing past obstacles serve as great ways to break up the flow. New game plus options and hidden collectibles make diving back in after a playthrough all the more enticing. Branching paths through levels allow you to choose how to approach different situations.

    AC's trip to China proves to be a blast. The spin-off series delivers well. Transferring the series' mechanics over into a new genre with ease. The presentation and writing may fall flat, and this is really a setting everyone wants to explore in 3D. Yet, even without all that I still found Chronicles: China to be a blast. One I can recommend to those who are looking for something new from the series or just enjoy stealth games. At $9.99 it feels like a steal.    … Expand
  4. Hobojo153
    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 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.
  5. ITZZZPERRY
    Apr 25, 2015
    9
    Assassin's Creed Chronicles was an interesting road for the series to go down. Combat is weak in this version, yet, everything else seems to work. The escape missions are a highlight to note as well.
  6. lamamalin
    Apr 22, 2015
    9
    I love China's history and it's a pleasure to see it in a videogames. The artistic direction is gorgeous. i like it, it's like a real journey in medieval China.
    The game is good. If you played Mark of the Ninja it's the same but with an Assassin's Creed skin.
  7. dollymixtures
    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 of Mark of the Ninja - and thats no bad thing!
  8. Doxide
    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 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    Awesome 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.    … Expand
  9. SuperkenGaming
    Jan 30, 2016
    7
    Everything Wrong with Assassins Creed all in one convenient 5 hour game
    Chronicles china tells the story of shou jun, the much demanded story of a Japanese woman assassin mentored by ezio, this isn’t exactly what people had in mind but this will do
    The story is decent, it ties into the assassins creed lore, and the art design of this game is gorgeous now that I have the good out of the    Everything Wrong with Assassins Creed all in one convenient 5 hour game
    Chronicles china tells the story of shou jun, the much demanded story of a Japanese woman assassin mentored by ezio, this isn’t exactly what people had in mind but this will do
    The story is decent, it ties into the assassins creed lore, and the art design of this game is gorgeous
    now that I have the good out of the way, let’s get into the actual game.
    This is not at all what assassins creed fans will be used to and actually takes the worst parts of assassins creed and puts them all right here
    This an extremely stealth based 2.5d platformer…this game isn’t necessarily hard, but can be frustrating at times
    Mostly due to the fact that eventually you’ll just get tired of the monotony and playing the way the game wants you to and you’ll try to rush through… this game isn’t having that
    you can’t play this game the way you want to.. This game forces you to play a certain way or be punished
    You get a handful of tools you unlock through ought the game, you can use these tools to distract or stun enemies... you can hide in bushes and hop from hiding place to hiding place taking out each enemy one by one
    but the game doesn’t want you to do that,
    infact it doesn’t want you to kill anyone. Or the game wants you to kill everyone
    this game grades you as you play, and if you kill enemies in a section differently you won’t get the highest score possible…
    and if you don’t get the highest score possible, no upgrades for you
    that’s right, you can stealth through half of a section and slice through the rest...
    You can hide in the shadows for half of a section and assassinate in the shadows through the rest...
    You have to pick on game style and stick to it...
    You do get weapons, you get a sword, a hidden blade in your boots… but the combat system is garbage...
    For starters your health bar is a joke... get ready to die in 1 to 2 hits for most of the game…
    especially from the annoying throwing stars or crossbows that every enemy has
    A little over halfway through this game theres an enemy with an indestructible shield that can only be killed by flipping over and getting to his back.. Only problem is, flipping over an enemy is super confusing, and when you finally get to his back he turns around before you have a chance to attack him... don’t worry though you can run to a wall and climb away, but never mind he has throwing stars, youre dead, restart. Aaaaaalll the way back at the beginning of the section
    Do an optional objective along the way that took forever to do?
    Don’t worry you get to redo that too
    the checkpoints in this game are also complete garbage adding to the frustration
    Its so disappointing to give a combat system and be so against players using it
    If you’re an aggressive player like I am, you’re going to have a tough as nails time playing this game…
    2 enemies at a time is hardly doable..3 or 4 and you better just set your controller down and let your death happen…
    you’re forced to have to resort to stealth….
    So if you hate stealth like I do, you’re out of luck… which is a shame
    there are some pretty cool time based runner levels that were the highlight of the game for me...
    I think a game of this type could really benefit from a faster paced style hack and style of gameplay...
    This would definitely make the experience more enjoyable...
    I know assassin’s creed fans love stealth… I even love to try my hardest to be stealthy in the main games as much as I can…
    But unlike in the main games, I feel like if I don’t play the way the game wants me to I’m not allowed to enjoy the story which is why we’re here anyway….
    If you’re going to force me to play one way and stick to it to progress my character or get completionist trophies, why even let me do hand to hand combat….
    you’re putting cake in front of my face and smacking me for eating it.
    Why are you punishing me and hindering my progress because I use a tool you hand to me which is combat…
    Just take it away if you’re going to grade me at the end of every section
    Insanely cheap replay tactics.
    Speaking of cheap replay, you can play a new game plus mode if you haven’t got enough of this game…
    but you will long before it’s over.
    I give Assassins creed Chronicles China a
    7/10    … Expand
  10. manuelito123344
    Apr 24, 2015
    0
    Me parece una mierda porque no muestra en primera persona cuando en el ultimo assasing creed estaba en primera persona y no se puede vivir la acción con la que se debe ser este juego
  11. Nobilis1984
    Jul 10, 2015
    4
    The Settingist well, however, the play principle does not hold long the motivation on top.
    It is always same from level to level.
    Hardly what stands the Assassinen.
    The Savepoint are put lousy.
  12. icemanrules5
    Sep 4, 2015
    0
    Just like ubi soft to let fans down. this game is complete trash. on top of screwing up assasins creed 5 they put out this crap game to make up for it to us loyal fans as a sorry. so they slap us 2 times in the face
  13. jthegamer96
    Sep 28, 2016
    5
    Overall, this game is not worth playing. People coming from an AC background will find this limiting in terms of what the players can do and how they play. New players will most likely be annoyed with the repetitive story that leaves on an unjustified cliffhanger. The gameplay is often strict and unforgiving (not in a good way), and feels limited in terms of how you can overcome mostOverall, this game is not worth playing. People coming from an AC background will find this limiting in terms of what the players can do and how they play. New players will most likely be annoyed with the repetitive story that leaves on an unjustified cliffhanger. The gameplay is often strict and unforgiving (not in a good way), and feels limited in terms of how you can overcome most obstacles in the game. The sidequests are annoying to deal with (especially if you're going for 100%) and it is not a good game on its own, let alone in a trilogy

    In terms of setting, ACCC had a beautiful scenery that could have been immersive if the game play had been pulled off correctly. However, the missions get boring and repetitive, with infiltrating 4 bases, killing four main bad guys and escaping 4 times. The individual scenarios seem limited in the sense that you had only a few tools that were useful and a handful of options of how you could get past a guard unseen. The controls varied in how useful they were. Sometimes they worked fine, sometimes they wouldn't react fast enough (or at all) making situations more difficult than necessary, or overcompensating leading to the player getting caught. The combat was not well designed, leaving the player constantly frustrated at cheap shots from the enemy if surrounded by two or more of them.

    Next, the plot seemed ripped off from other assassins creed games where the assassins have an item stolen from them by the Templar and a large amount of the Chinese assassins were killed as a result. Now the player must take revenge, kill the people responsible, and find the missing item. I lost interest in the plot near the beginning, since it felt mostly like unnecessary filler, and picked up again near the ending where the plot was left unresolved and will be picked up in the next game.

    In terms of the game's performance, it was stable for the most part and I got through the game without any crashes, which is a plus. It's only when you want to go after collectables and side quests that i found problems. The side quest progress is only saved after you get to a predetermined check point. So if you do the task succesfully, but get caught in an unrelated section before getting to the checkpoint? Too bad, gotta do it again. The scoring itself was often strict and unforgiving. The only way i could get a reliable perfect score with a sidequest to kill someone, I often had to find the checkpoint to get the Shadow score, go back, kill the guy in question and hopefully get to the next checkpoint. I accidentally finish some levels without checking the sidequests thinking i had finished it, only to find out it had been reset due to me going back a checkpoint.

    Overall this game is fine to play if you are going for a more casual playthrough, this game delivers, although in a boring, repetitive sense. If you are going for the completionist aspect (like I was) then this game will aggravate you in terms of gameplay, story and its sidequest

    My final rating is a 5.0    … Expand
  14. mongoman
    May 13, 2015
    7
    I am not a fan of Assassins creed, I admit I liked 3 a little, I even wanted to like Black flag but I couldn't, yeah I'm sorry guys I know you all loved it. My point is this: this is not a typical Assassins creed game.This is a fantastic platformer with a decent story, good graphics and very good controls that suffice so much that even the worst gamer will succeed with little effort. TheI am not a fan of Assassins creed, I admit I liked 3 a little, I even wanted to like Black flag but I couldn't, yeah I'm sorry guys I know you all loved it. My point is this: this is not a typical Assassins creed game.This is a fantastic platformer with a decent story, good graphics and very good controls that suffice so much that even the worst gamer will succeed with little effort. The puzzles are well thought out, and the levels are designed well. I did not like the cheesy cutscenes, and at some points in the game it seems nearly impossible to sneak past all the gaurds without being seen, this of course makes it seem impossible to get the best rating for that particular section and the fighting is just awful so you'll want to be sneaky. but some players may see this as a challenge rather than a lesson in aggravation and cheap design. Overall though, this is a great platformer and a must buy for fans of the genre. It is not recommended for fans of the Assassins creed series as it bears no resemblance to other titles in the series. Definitely a must buy once you finish the awesome Ori and the blind forest game. My score is reflective of the awful, limited fight mechanics, the awful cutscenes, and some very questionable level designs later in the game.… Expand
  15. memus
    Apr 20, 2022
    5
    An okayish stealth game and a bad AC creed game:

    Pros: + Watercolor visuals are interesting + The stealth gameplay works + Running sections are fun + It's totally doable to get 100% completion here Cons: - Some custscenes look like a 3d animated series from the 90s: i.e. everyone looks like plastic dools. (Other cutscenes look great, though. Hit & miss, hit & miss.) - Controls    An okayish stealth game and a bad AC creed game:

    Pros:
    + Watercolor visuals are interesting
    + The stealth gameplay works
    + Running sections are fun
    + It's totally doable to get 100% completion here

    Cons:
    - Some custscenes look like a 3d animated series from the 90s: i.e. everyone looks like plastic dools. (Other cutscenes look great, though. Hit & miss, hit & miss.)
    - Controls are okay, but not super precise due to 2,5d nature of the game. When doing 100% more often then not, I was trying to beat controls, not the game itself.
    - The color coding (red is climbable) doesn't have enough contrast, so it creates struggles sometimes. I missed a few alternative level routes due to that.
    - To get 100% only a no-kill policy is allowed. That's too harsh and limits gameplay styles to a great extent.
    - The historical & exploration aspects in this one are minimalistic at best. And they are the main draw of AC games for me. Now I want a full AC China creed game. This one only hinted at possibilities.    … Expand
  16. Alexcel343
    Aug 27, 2015
    7
    So, as I scoured the Xbox marketplace, I saw this game for around £8 and picked it up. I didn't expect much, wanting a 2.5D game that is fun. I can say this game has some good qualities and I enjoyed this game, but there are some poor elements that make the game suffer.

    In terms of pros for this game, I liked the actual game play. The way each chapter is structured makes each mission    So, as I scoured the Xbox marketplace, I saw this game for around £8 and picked it up. I didn't expect much, wanting a 2.5D game that is fun. I can say this game has some good qualities and I enjoyed this game, but there are some poor elements that make the game suffer.

    In terms of pros for this game, I liked the actual game play. The way each chapter is structured makes each mission split into numerous sections, with points awarded for your play in the section. The sections allow for some variety with a few different paths based on how you play and a few gadgets the main character, Shao Jun, can use, including throwing knives and a whistle. There was a strategic element to the game play, making each section an individual challenge, even if the challenge is not too difficult. The best thing is the visual style of this game. In levels, the environments have a simple, but effective art style which truly emphasises Japanese culture. Cut scenes are delivered in hand-drawn Japanese art, which is highly enjoyable on the eye. Also, the game has a few great levels based on running away from disasters and speed running the levels. Some of the best levels in the game, these increase the pacing of the game where the rest is more based on patience. These levels are well placed in the game to do this. The game, as previously mentioned, allows players to play differently. You can kill no one and hide, you can kill all enemies with out being detected, or brawl with enemies in combat, a great strength for the game. In addition, traditional AC trademarks are included, such as incognito crowds and numerous assassinations. And as someone who's a big fan of meaningful collectibles, there are chests that can unlock lore. So the game has some fun elements.

    Unfortunately, the game does have some elements that are lacklustre. One big thing is the story. Whilst the protagonist is supportable in her quest with understandable motives, it's just not memorable, as little attention is paid to other characters in the story, and considering the promising setting, this is disappointing. Another bad thing is the lack of replay ability. New game plus is available, but besides unlocking all the upgrades and getting the top scores, there's little reason to play through the story again. There's also no multiplayer, so one playthrough may be enough for most. Difficulty lacks as well. It's difficult to choose your route through levels, but the enemies have vision cones (which are necessary to give the stealth abilities) so it's easy to find areas where you cannot be detected. For me, when discovered, it feels like the end of the world as combat against enemies with a sword is similar to 3D AC games with enemies waiting. However, the game slows to a creep as you wait to strike, and enemies can swarm in some areas, resulting in you being outnumbered by 5. But combat is not death as Shao Jun has a number of abilities to navigate combat.

    So, for a £8 game, it's not bad, and is definitely worth that amount. For those looking for a 2.5D assassin game, this is decent fun. Wanting a great narrative? Don't get this game. But with beautiful visuals and sound, a decent level of variety in missions, this game can have some fans for sure.    … Expand
  17. NexusTsunami
    Jan 22, 2017
    5
    Tja. Eigentlich hat mich dieses Spiel so oft genervt wie keines in den letzten Jahren. 2D Plattformer (und Plattformer allgemein) sind sowieso nicht mein Fall. Warum ich es gespielt habe? AC....

    Der einzige Aspekt warum ich hier 5* gebe, ist das Shao Jun, die erste weibliche Assassine die man spielen darf, eigentlich nichts falsch macht... außer von den Entwicklern in so ein Spiel    Tja. Eigentlich hat mich dieses Spiel so oft genervt wie keines in den letzten Jahren. 2D Plattformer (und Plattformer allgemein) sind sowieso nicht mein Fall. Warum ich es gespielt habe? AC....

    Der einzige Aspekt warum ich hier 5* gebe, ist das Shao Jun, die erste weibliche Assassine die man spielen darf, eigentlich nichts falsch macht... außer von den Entwicklern in so ein Spiel gesteckt worden zu sein.    … Expand
  18. Broyax
    Jan 1, 2017
    7
    Ubisoft fait de temps à autre quelques incursions dans l'indé et comme le veut la règle, ça finit en eau de boudin à tous les coups. Cependant, cet ACCC (l'acronyme qui tue) est l'exception qui confirme la sainte règle des indés très "frais" pourtant déjà périmenazes, car ici les mécaniques de l'Assassin's Creed sont restituées, reproduites et habilement concentrées pour en faire un jeuUbisoft fait de temps à autre quelques incursions dans l'indé et comme le veut la règle, ça finit en eau de boudin à tous les coups. Cependant, cet ACCC (l'acronyme qui tue) est l'exception qui confirme la sainte règle des indés très "frais" pourtant déjà périmenazes, car ici les mécaniques de l'Assassin's Creed sont restituées, reproduites et habilement concentrées pour en faire un jeu d'infiltration en 2,5D étonnamment intéressant.

    L'interface et la maniabilité sont ainsi bien calibrées en dépit de cette 2D (et affinités) forcément restrictive mais qui n'entache en rien une architecture des niveaux très bien pensée. L'infiltration est donc reine et si les combats sont possibles, on cherchera à les éviter la plupart du temps. Notre assassine est en effet très vulnérable et les ennemis sont du genre nombreux et costauds...

    Une difficulté globalement assez élevée d'ailleurs ; heureusement les checkpoints ne sont pas trop mal disposés. On regrettera néanmoins ces quelques niveaux beaucoup trop "plate-forme" où il faut tracer la route alors que tout se casse la gueule : aussi crispant qu'inutile...

    Le style graphique est particulier (et limité) mais pas désagréable ; l'impression est toutefois un peu monotone malgré l'ambiance "Empire du Milieu" bien rendue.

    Pour un jeu de cet acabit, l'histoire et la mise en scène réduites à leur plus simple expression ne sont certes pas à montrer du doigt ; seule la jouabilité compte, laquelle nonobstant une difficulté un brin frappadingue, suffit à hisser cet AC parmi les meilleurs avatars de l'inépuisable franchise.    … Expand
  19. DKurac
    Oct 27, 2019
    10
    Really fun and enjoyable game. I like how you can play full stealth or run and kill. Story is interesting since it is connected to Ezio and also China is awesome location and I would definitely play 3D version. Visual design and cutscenes are nice. When I first played this on PC it wasn't as good because of controls. But on controller it is way better.
  20. doomfist229
    Aug 17, 2018
    0
    Me parece una mierda porque no muestra en primera persona cuando en el ultimo assasing creed estaba en primera persona y no se puede vivir la acción con la que se debe ser este juego
  21. Nebraska619
    Feb 27, 2021
    6
    This game is nothing like the other assassins creed games but it is a bit of fun. The side scrolling assassin stuff is really hard to get used to but once you got it it is fun as hell. The story is pretty hard to keep up with because a lot of it you have to read the character bios to understand them. I didn't feel a connection with the main character but i still enjoyed playing as her as iThis game is nothing like the other assassins creed games but it is a bit of fun. The side scrolling assassin stuff is really hard to get used to but once you got it it is fun as hell. The story is pretty hard to keep up with because a lot of it you have to read the character bios to understand them. I didn't feel a connection with the main character but i still enjoyed playing as her as i either snuck my way through guards, slashed my way through guards, or a combination of the two. The combat is pretty good and the helix mechanic is pretty cool but still not a "good" game in my opinion. 6/10… Expand
  22. JJ2FAS4U
    Dec 29, 2021
    5
    Atmosphere: 5
    Enjoyment: 4
    Gameplay: 4
    Graphics: 5
    Music: 5
    Story: 4
    Total: 4.50

Awards & Rankings

49
#49 Most Discussed Xbox One Game of 2015
97
#97 Most Shared Xbox One Game of 2015

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
67

Mixed or average reviews - based on 31 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 31
  2. Mixed: 25 out of 31
  3. Negative: 0 out of 31
  1. Pelit (Finland)
    Jun 14, 2015
    75
    A decidedly average stealth platformer. Mark of the Ninja did this way better. [June 2015]
  2. games(TM)
    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.
    Read full review
  3. The Digital Fix
    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.
    Read full review
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