The tumultuous development history of 1666: Amsterdam has resurfaced, offering a glimpse into what project lead Patrice Désilets, a key figure behind Assassin's Creed, has been working on. After its re-reveal at Summer Game Fest, the game is generating significant interest, particularly given its ambitious scope and unique narrative structure. A roughly 30-minute prologue demo is currently available on Steam and the Epic Games Store, providing players with an introduction to the game's world and story, with an early access launch targeted for later this year.
Patrice Désilets is a name synonymous with the early success of Assassin's Creed, having been a foundational creator of the franchise after his work on Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time. His departure from Ubisoft was followed by a complex period involving THQ Montreal and the initial development of 1666: Amsterdam. The studio's bankruptcy led to Ubisoft acquiring its assets, and Désilets was let go. It wasn't until 2016 that he regained the rights to his project and resumed development at his new studio, Panache Digital Games. Désilets' passion for history, mysticism, and the interplay between past and present, elements that heavily influence 1666: Amsterdam, were evident even during his time shaping the Assassin's Creed series.
A Narrative Across Eras
1666: Amsterdam employs a narrative structure that, much like Assassin's Creed, spans multiple time periods. The prologue demo showcases three distinct eras. The historical core of the game is set in Amsterdam in December 1665, introducing Noa, a woman who transforms into a witch named Noa and prepares for a ritual with the Zaindaris Tribe. During this ritual, she selects a feline companion.
The narrative then shifts to the modern day, following a different character named Clio. She investigates a mysterious letter from her ailing father, which leads her to a university library and an old professor. The letter contains an indecipherable section, hinting at magical influence. Further investigation uncovers clues that allow Clio and Professor Lucas to decipher the letter, triggering a vision that transports Clio to 1999. This segment reveals a story told by her father, Aaron, detailing a ritual he was involved in with Clio's mother, culminating in his transformation into a cat and a temporal journey back to 1665 to join Noa, thus completing a narrative loop.
Gameplay with a Familiar Yet Fresh Feel
While the public demo omits direct action sequences, accompanying sizzle reels suggest what players can expect. Noa is seen navigating the streets of Amsterdam, engaging in magic-infused third-person combat, echoing elements of Désilets' previous work. The gameplay also emphasizes environmental investigation, allowing characters to examine objects and uncover new interactive elements. Noa possesses magical abilities, capable of drawing a substance called Lux from fallen entities and using a dark energy known as Nux to manipulate objects.
A unique gameplay element involves the cat companion, believed to be the time-displaced Aaron. Players will experience sequences as the cat, utilizing its agility for platforming and infiltration. Noa chooses her feline partner from a selection of named cats, each with described traits that imply distinct gameplay specializations, akin to character classes.
The Collector's Mission
Though 1666: Amsterdam carves its own identity, the influence of Assassin's Creed is discernible in its gameplay framework. The narrative positions Noa as the Collector, tasked with retrieving power from ancient entities known as the Originals. The city of Amsterdam is presented as dynamic, with its daytime activity contrasting with the hidden secrets it reveals at night. Noa can approach confrontations and tracking in various ways, catering to player preference.
The prologue successfully establishes an intriguing premise, complemented by striking, often unsettling, visuals and a haunting musical score by cellist and composer Jorane. The ultimate success of 1666: Amsterdam will likely depend on the depth of its action, urban exploration, and infiltration mechanics, which are yet to be fully detailed. If these elements prove as compelling as those found in early Assassin's Creed titles, the game could appeal to an audience seeking a return to mystery, historical depth, and narrative surprise.