14 DAY TRIAL // Ubisoft confirms that it's finally able to deliver the Victorian London setting with the upcoming Assassin's Creed Syndicate this year thanks to the power of its intended platforms, i.e. the PC, PS4, and Xbox One. Things like London's wide streets or its crowded Thames couldn't be delivered on PS3 or Xbox 360, apparently.
Ubisoft surprised quite a lot of fans when it released last year the main Assassin's Creed Unity experience only for PC, PS4, and Xbox One. Meanwhile, PS3 and Xbox 360 owners were able to enjoy just Assassin's Creed Rogue, which built upon the previous Black Flag installment.
With this year's Assassin's Creed Syndicate, Ubisoft is once again bringing it to the PC, PS4, and Xbox One platforms exclusively.
Syndicate's open world is only possible on new devices
A big part in this decision played the Victorian London setting. According to the game's Creative Director, Marc-Alexis Côté, who talks with OXM, the introduction of the new city required powerful devices, in order to render its wide streets or the crowded river Thames.
Unfortunately for PS3 or Xbox 360 owners, Ubisoft wasn't able to recreate these elements on the old consoles in sufficient detail.
"Victorian London has much wider streets. It’s got a long field of view, as well. I think we needed to wait and have the power of next-gen to showcase it in a way that would do the setting justice. And you just have to take a look at the Thames as well. The Thames was filled with boats which is something I’m really excited for our players to see because they are as exciting as all the other vehicles," he explains.
It's unclear, at least for now, if a new Assassin's Creed game will appear on PS3 or Xbox 360 in the future. Given that Ubisoft pledged to stop supporting the old devices starting this year, the odds are slim, to say the least.
Assassin's Creed Syndicate arrives on PS4 and Xbox One on October 23 and on the PC later this fall.