The Acolyte Podcast
The Acolyte Podcast is about combining my two greatest passions, that being History and video games. And after years of contemplation, I finally decided to take a leap of faith (pun intended) in creating my own section of the massive fandom with my first podcast! Mostly, this podcast is about ruminating on my love for Assassin's Creed, a little bit of lamenting what it has become, but also just contributing to the medium which has brought me so much joy. Moreover, I've been a part of this massive fanbase for over a decade, have played all the mainline games, immersed m...
Assassin's Creed: Shadows Review-Final Thoughts and Tier Ranking (General Discussion)
Welcome to Part 3 of my review of Assassin's Creed Shadows. In this final review episode, I give my final thoughts about the game and give my ranking of the newest entry into this long-standing franchise. Please check out Part 1-Narrative and Part 2-Gameplay if you would like. Thanks for listening!
-The Hooded Shadow
Assassin's Creed: Shadows Review- Gameplay (General Discussion)
Here is Part 2 of my review of Assassin's Creed Shadows and in this episode, I will be discussing my thoughts about different aspects of the gameplay. Part 3 will be released next week and will reveal my final thoughts and Tier Ranking. Also, Part 1 is out now!
-The Hooded Shadow
Assassin's Creed: Shadows Review-Narrative (General Discussion)
Here it is...my review of the newest entry in the Assassin's Creed franchise, is a 3 part review and will be released sequentially over the next couple of weeks. Part 1 is all about the narrative! Please enjoy and stay tuned for the other episodes on Assassin's Creed Shadows.
-The Hooded Shadow
Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag (Revisited Series)
In this episode of "Revisited: Assassin's Creed" I'm giving another look at one of the most popular games in the franchise. My original Tier Ranking episode of Black Flag states that I think this is an amazing pirate game but just an ok Assassin's Creed game. I still feel that way but I give a bit more nuance here. Also, this is a good time to revisit with the rumored remake being revealed later this year. Thanks for listening!
- The Hooded Shadow
The brand new game "Blood Message" proves my point!
A brand new game from Chinese developer 24 Entertainment and NetEase just released a trailer for "Blood Message" and it has taken the video game world by storm. Interestingly enough though, the game looks like it takes all the best parts of games like Uncharted, Assassin's Creed, and God of War and brings them together to create what is seemingly an amalgamation of all the best of what they offer.
Unique Ideas (Part 5)-Hidden Blade Customization
Welcome back to the ongoing "Unique Ideas" series. For the first appearance in Season 2, I want to give some love to the most iconic weapon for any Assassin, the hidden blade. For their need of giving players the autonomy of open ended play styles and builds but not allowing customization of the hidden blade is asinine. So, I decided to give my two cents on a "unique" way to achieve this while keeping the core ideals of Assassin's Creed intact. Enjoy!
-The Hooded Shadow
Haytham Kenway (Favorite Characters Ranking)
Making his first appearance in Assassin's Creed III, we get to meet the father of main protagonist Connor and son of Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag's Edward Kenway. In the prologue section of ACIII, you get to take control of Haytham for a few hours. While oozing charm, charisma, and badassness, Haytham just barely eeks into my Top 10 of favorite characters for reasons that aren't his fault.
- The Hooded Shadow
Why I Say No to a Dutch Golden Age Assassin's Creed (General Discussion)
The Dutch Golden Age of the 17th century, despite how relatively unknown a time period it is, was actually a very pivotal time in the history of the world. It has been said that this era was the progenitor to modern capitalism because the Dutch were a viable world power, that for a time, was competing with other major superpowers like France and England in economics, military, etc. In a way, this could lead to an interesting setting for an Assassin's Creed game but I don't think it will, personally. Find out why in this episode! Also check ou...
Assassin's Creed III (Revisited Series)
In this next episode of my "Revisited: Assassin's Creed" series, I discuss the game that really changed the game for the brand in a lot of ways. This game is also where my entry point into the franchise is. But all in all, Assassin's Creed 3 is a polarizing game and one that leaves it's mark. Thanks for listening!
-The Hooded Shadow
Will there be another Red Dead Redemption entry? -A discussion of the next game (15th Anniversary)
The Red Dead series is very special to me. Not only does it feature my favorite time period in history but both games have a narrative that has stuck with me to this day. In this episode, I discuss if there will be another game in this franchise and what years it might be set in. Also, the first game, Red Dead Redemption is now 15 years old this month and I want to give love to these games that have greatly impacted my life. Thanks for listening!
-The Hooded Shadow
Ratonhnhake':ton a.k.a. Connor Kenway (Favorite Characters Ranking)
Connor's spot amongst favorite characters always leads to heated discussions and opinions. And while he is far from the best character, he certainly isn't close to being the worst. I understand his motivations and I appreciate his convictions. Here is my epsidoe ranking Connor Kenway.
Why I Say No to a World War(s) Era Assassin's Creed (General Discussion)
Both World Wars were a very pivotal time in shaping the world in the early 20th century. This setting has also been done countless times throughout all forms of entertainment, most notably, movies and video games in the since the turn of the century. This era has been a somewhat highly requested setting for Assassin's Creed fans for many years and I don't think it makes for a good setting in a main game, however, for a myriad of reasons. In this episode I go over why this is, and a little surprise at the back half of t...
Assassin's Creed: Revelations (Revisited Series)
Revelations is an incredible experience. The culmination of Ezio's story. The finality of Altair's journey. The setting. The music. The best weapon introduced in any game ever, the hookblade. Assassin's Creed Revelations may be some people's least favorite Ezio adventure and despite this, however, it has recieved a lot more love in recent years. This final chapter of Ezio's story provides an experience that is much more important and special to me than it is to most other gamers. Reminisce with me as I revisit one of my favorite games of all time. Thanks f...
Lydia Frye (Favorite Characters Ranking)
One of the coolest secrets you can find in Assassin's Creed Syndicate is a Rift that transports you forward about 50 years to World War 1 era London. Here, Lydia Frye is introduced. And while she is amazing for the time you play as her, it is very short-lived, unfortunately.
Jacob Frye (Favorite Characters Ranking)
One half of the "Frye Twins." Leader of the Rooks. The main star of Assassin's Creed Syndicate. One of my least favorite characters, Jacob Frye.
A new Netflix Assassin's Creed series rumor has surfaced...
Back in 2017, it was announced that Netflix was going to make an Assassin's Creed series for it's streaming service. It was announced again in 2020 that they could make any live-action, animated, or anime project for their platform. Then, in 2022, this partenrship was once again announced with a showrunner in place. Close to 3 years since, we haven't heard a peep about the status of the series until a (credible?) movie industry "insider" recently rumored that the project(s) are still in development but are a few years away. For more in depth information on what he said and my ta...
Why I Say No to a Wild West Assassin's Creed (General Discussion)
Howdy partner! An Assassin's Creed game set in the Wild West is surely an interesting prospect. Even though there was an in-game teaser email (found in Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag) regarding this possible time period, we have yet to see this franchise tackle the Wild West setting. And after many years of surveys and comments for this time period being highly requested by many fans, I don't believe it is a good idea to find ourselves stalking our target from the shadows in the throes of the American Wild West. This episode is part of a...
Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood (Revisited Series)
Welcome to the "Revisited Series!" In this series, I am going back through each mainline Assassin's Creed game and "revisiting" them (see what I did there...). After ranking the games in Season 1, I made more bite size episodes about each game to bring closure to my thoughts about them. I appreciate you listening!
-The Hooded Shadow
Aveline De Grandpre' (Favorite Characters Ranking)
Assassin's Creed: Shadows Pre-release Thoughts (General Discussion)
We finally made it...and what a journey it has been. Finally, we are getting the setting that has been atop most fan's wishlist and the one I've been waiting to immerse myself in an Assassin's Creed game for more than a decade. Here are my pre-release thoughts and musings on how I feel about Shadows right before it launches. Thanks for listening!
-The Hooded Shadow
Assassins Creed II (Revisited Series)
In this "Revisited Series" episode, we are looking back at one of the most beloved games in the franchise. It is often referred to as the best Assasssin's Creed game ever and it is a shining star amongst its peers within the games industry. The game that solidified the franchise as a beheamoth and one that is here to stay; in this episode I am revisiting Assassin's Creed II. Each "Revisited Series" episode drops every last Wednesday of the month during Season 2 so stay tuned for more. Please enjoy and I will see you in...
Assassin's Creed Mirage is "reportedly" receiving a DLC expansion (Bonus)
After striking a deal with a Saudi backed investor "Savvy Games Group," it looks as if Ubisoft will create a DLC for Assassin's Creed Mirage after all. We may see it sooner rather than later. Furthermore, what stories are they going to potentially tell? I explore three interesting ideas in this episode. Please enjoy!
-The Hooded Shadow
Eivor Varinsdottir (Favorite Characters Ranking)
Eivor is the main character of Assassin's Creed Valhalla. She is a character who suffers from the design principle of wanting the players to have a defined character versus having freedom of dialogue choices; and in addition, the structure of the story does Eivor no favors in shaping her character. Lastly, spending hundreds of hours with her gets boring really fast. Here's my ranking and please enjoy!
-The Hooded Shadow
Extrapolating One Mechanic from a Game and Adding It into Another (General Discussion)
With each game, mechanics seem to be forgotten or not improved upon. I guess that's what happens when you have multiple studios making an anthology-style series. It's really quite stupid to do, in my opinion. However, in this episode I go over some of my favorite mechanics and if I could take them from one game and insert it into another in order to improve the experience and elevating that particular game. This was a fun topic to tackle, and I hope you enjoy it!
-The Hooded Shadow
Assassin's Creed (Revisited Series)
I present to you, my series titled "Revisited: Assassin's Creed." And in this series I will be revisiting every mainline game, including the Chronicles titles, and giving some updated thoughts and doing something that I love to do which is talking about the games, of course! Every episode will be released on the last Wednesday of the month. So, I'll start with O.G. Assassin's Creed and work my way to Mirage. Please enjoy and see you in the shadows!
-The Hooded Shadow
Shay Patrick Cormac (Favorite Characters Ranking)
In this series, I'm ranking in order, from worst to first, my favorite playable characters from any mainline game or DLC. This is the first episode and will be released continually throughout the rest of the year between the General Discussion and Revisited Series episodes, in the middle of the month.
What Does the Future Hold? -Franchise Roadmap Discussion (General Discussion)
Ladies and gentlemen! Assassins and Hidden Ones! Welcome to Season 2 of "The Acolyte Podcast!" To kick things off for 2025, I'm discussing the franchise roadmap that has been "revealed" for the upcoming projects over the next 5 years and taking a deep dive (or leap of faith) into the interesting future that awaits Assassin's Creed.
-The Hooded Shadow
Favorite Game of the Year-"Banishers: Ghosts of New Eden"
At the end of every year, I will be doing the traditional "Game of the Year" discussion that everbody seems to do. I'm going to add a twist to it though, so instead of a "GOTY" of a game released in it's respective year, I will be doing a game that I finished a playthrough of. It doesn't have to be released in that current year, however. I have two "FGOTY's" for 2024, and the first is Star Wars Jedi: Survivor, which released in 2023, and that episode is available now. This episode is all about Banishers: Ghosts of Ne...
Favorite Game of the Year-"Star Wars Jedi: Survivor"
At the end of every year, I will be doing the traditioinal "Game of the Year" discussion that every game content creator or publication does. However, I will put a twist on it. Instead of a "GOTY" of whatever released in it's respective year, I want to give my "favorite" game of the year, something that I played and finished a playthrough of, for the current year, but it doesn't have to be released that year. So, I actually have two games that I want to give my FGOTY award to. First is 2023's Star Wars Jedi: Survivor. T...
Assassin's Creed is Cooked...State of Franchise Rant 2024 (General Discussion)
Well here we are again. The Assassin's Creed franchise is once again at a crossroads. Everything I needed to say was said in this episode. I'll always carry this franchise in my heart, but I lack faith in the vision and people who are sheperding it into the future. Moreover, I've got some cool episodes lined up for Season 2, starting January 1st, but before that the next 2 episodes this month will be about my "Favorite" games of the year. Those episodes will release December 11th and 18th. Thanks for sticking with me this year. It's been great and ex...
Unique Ideas (Part 4)-Challenges (General Discussion)
Wait...I have an idea! Or several unique ones for different aspects of Assasson's Creed. These ideas have been ruminating, most of them anyway, for a few years and are kind of like a "pie in the sky," wishful thinking, here's how I would improve upon these things. This is Part 4 of a 4-part series, which will all be released sequentially through the end of November. Thanks for listening! youtube.com/hoodedshadowbrand
Unique Ideas (Part 3)-Experiences (General Discussion)
Wait...I have an idea! Or several unique ones for different aspects of Assassin's Creed. These ideas have been ruminating, most of them anyway, for a few years and are kind of like a "pie in the sky", wishful thinking, here's how I would improve upon these things. This is Part 3 & will be a 4-part series, which will all be released sequentially through the end of November.
Unique Ideas (Part 2)-Customization (General Discussion)
Wait...I have an idea! Or several unique ones for different aspects of Assassin's Creed. These ideas have been ruminating, most of them anyway, for a few years and are kind of like a pie in the sky, wishful thinking, "here's how I would improve upon these things." This is Part 2 & will be a 4-part series, which will all be released sequentially through the end of November.
Unique Ideas (Part 1)-Narrative (General Discussion)
Wait...I have an idea! Or several unique ones for different aspects of Assassin's Creed. These ideas have been ruminating, most of them anyway, for a few years and are kind of like a pie in the sky, wishful thinking, "here's how I would improve upon these things." This is Part 1 of a 4-part series, which will all be released sequentially through the end of November.
The "Evolution" of Assassins Creed (General Discussion)
You can do a case study of the "evolution" of the Assassin's Creed franchise and after formulating a massive headache, then you *might* be able to have an informed opinion of it. A lot of opinionated gamers have varying degrees of how much these games have changed over it's 16+ year history. Is it really an evolution or was it a major, even necessary, change that occured? So in this episode, I give my two cents on how "evolution" really changed Assassin's Creed.
What Happened to the Assassin's Creed Netflix Series? (General Discussion)
When the Assassin's Creed Netflix show was announced in 2020, then reannounced in 2022, it seemed to be a long time coming for a franchise that was about to celebrate it's 15th birthday. Being one of the biggest brands in video games, it only seemed like a matter of time before we recieved a television series to synchronize with. There are some reservations about this, however, because the prevailing sentiment after the Assassin's Creed movie, released in 2016, seemed very mixed with many loathing it's terrible writing amongst its many problems. If done correctly though, a Netflix adaptation could b...
"Codename: Nebula" A Three-Pronged Approach? (General Discussion)
There are many games in the development pipeline, currently, for Assassin's Creed. Alongside the "flagship" titles that are Shadows and Codename: Hexe, respectively, there's two multiplayer experiences, two (speculated) remakes, the "Modern Day" storyline making a return, and "smaller, classic-style" games too; all due for release by the end of the decade. One of these "classic-style" games is rumored to be "Codename: Nebula" and reportedly was pitched with three wildly different settings (India, Aztec Empire, & Mediterranean) within this one game. Here, I speculate how this may work and give an educated guess on what the Mediterranean setting/country might be.
The Trilogy That Never Was (General Discussion)
Assassin's Creed has largely been an anthology during it's existence. Each game would usually ignore what the last one did instead of building on narratives, characters, and gameplay systems with each entry. We have the Ezio Trilogy of games and a pseudo-trilogy with the Kenway Saga, but we almost had another trilogy. This one would have featured two of the most loved characters in the franchise, Bayek & Amunet (otherwise known as Aya) and would've been set in three "Mediterranean area" cities. In this episode, I give my thoughts about this trilogy, go in depth on the r...
A "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles": The Last Ronin Game? (General Discussion)
Wait, I thought this was an Assassin's Creed podcast!? The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles brand is still going strong today after seeing a plethora of comics and a movie having recently been released, as well as an upcoming TV show being in the works. After reading the comic The Last Ronin that concluded the era of the original Turtles, I loved it so much that TMNT is now one of my top franchises that I'm invested in going forward. To my delight, a game based on the comic was also revealed to be in development and excitement ran r...
Assassin's Creed: Shadows Thoughts *After Gameplay Demo*
Raise your hand if you've been waiting for Assassin's Creed to tackle the setting of Feudal Japan. It's been my most anticipated setting for over a decade, and it's finally happening! The first bit of gameplay was shown recently, and I have some thoughts about it. The gameplay demos have never WOWed me and I always feel different once I get my hands on the game, but something just felt off to me about it. What might that be? Give this episode a listen to find out!
