Assassin's Creed Origins' depiction of ancient Egypt has been lauded by critics and players alike as one of the most compelling open worlds in the franchise. Originally released in 2017, the game's setting of Egypt during its twilight years, as the pharaonic line waned and Greek influence grew, offered a unique architectural and cultural contrast that set it apart.
Unlike previous entries that often showcased civilizations at their zenith, Origins presented a world in transition. Pristine Greek statues and temples stood alongside crumbling Egyptian monuments, and even iconic structures like the pyramids of Giza and the Great Sphinx showed signs of age. This historical context, as noted by Andy Kelly in PC Gamer, lent a sense of tragedy to the fading Egyptian civilization.
The sheer scale of Origins' open world was a significant achievement for Ubisoft. Exploring regions like the Green Mountains, the Black Desert, Giza, and Alexandria offered diverse environments. The city of Alexandria, for instance, served as a cultural hub, while Faiyum provided a visually distinct area dedicated to the crocodile god Sobek, complete with unique quests like one involving the deity's weeping.
This rich recreation of ancient Egypt was so detailed that it later lent itself to the Discovery Tour feature, transforming the game's world into an educational experience. This educational aspect highlights the successful effort by Ubisoft's artists to authentically bring the period to life.
While some players found the game's length, around 27 hours for completion according to Kelly, to be somewhat extended by forced level-gating for story quests, the world itself remained a draw. The open world of Origins has been compared to later entries such as Odyssey's Greece and Valhalla's British Isles. While these worlds grew larger and more detailed, some argue that none have quite captured the majestic realism of Origins' Egypt. For example, the latter game's quests were described as disappointingly bland by Wes Fenlon in a retrospective piece.
Despite the allure of sailing the Caribbean in Black Flag, which remains a favorite for some, Origins' Egypt offered a more convincing and immersive historical setting. It provided a tangible opportunity for players to step back in time and experience a bygone era firsthand.
