This Week in Assassin’s Creed Virtual Photography: 26th to 2nd July

Welcome to the weekly virtual photography roundup hosted by Aaron Young from The AC Partnership Program.

Every week I will be picking our top 5 favourite Assassin’s Creed shots and showcasing them on The Ones Who Came Before website, in order to promote virtual photography and talented content creators within the community.  

Aaron is a keen virtual photographer and loves to post his journeys through Assassin’s Creed on Twitter.

Keep an eye on the site as more weekly shots are added, we are looking for captures across all Assassin’s Creed games. Tag your photos to the #TOWCBWeeklyCapture for a chance to be featured.

This week’s theme: Weapons

The Spear

Game: Assassin’s Creed Odyssey

VP Artist: @TuridTorkil

“Madness? This is Sparta”

The controversial move to replace the hidden blade with the spear of Leonidas was a brave one. I guess it made sense though given the game is set prior to Origins. This capture beautifully showcases the weapon in such a grand way. The attention to detail here by both Turid and the developers is impeccable. The saturation is on point, highlighting every little detail. I love the rope holding the spear to the quiver. The spear itself is wonderfully designed, and fighting with it in your left hand and a classic sword in your right is so satisfying.

Link to set:

The Ones Who Came Before Photo of the Week

Judge: @Cll3ar

''I am always impressed when it comes to pictures like this that balance dark and light alongside high contrast. The lighting puts the weapon in the spotlight, together with the shadow balance it is just perfect. There is the optimal amount of simple details which showcase the weapon’s beauty.''

Ready Your Blade

Game: Assassin’s Creed Valhalla

VP Artist: @PodToGo

“There is something cursed about these lands”

The druids bring a certain horror element to Valhalla and entering their lands often leads to challenging encounters. I do like how they are always surrounded by fog to add that extra element of surprise when they try and jump scare you. For me this shot is all about the Ulfberht sword which is good given the theme. I love the positioning of the camera and the debris in the air. The sword just shines with the light reflecting off of it. Eivor is ready for the battle ahead. If I were the Druid, I would run.

Link to set:

The Medjay Shield

Game: Assassin’s Creed Origins

VP Artist: @G_Assassin90

“The first Medjay was a protector of the pharaoh, but now it means you must protect all the people of Egypt”

The starting shield and arguably the best one in the game. Bayek’s light shield is with him for the duration of the game and stands as a symbol of what he is, a Medjay. I love the design with its worn down aesthetic, and the use of ropes to support it. This capture represents the shield in all its glory, with every detail popping thanks to excellent use of the depth of field function. Combined here with the white hood, this is actually a great assassin pose. As a bonus we also have Bayek’s weapon of choice on show with the two bows and the arrows in the quiver. A fantastic depiction of the Medjay of Egypt.

Link to set:

Taking Aim

Game: Assassin’s Creed Valhalla

VP Artist: @kristina_m0509

“There is more than one path to justice”

As an archer it has been great to see the bow introduced into the world of Assassin’s Creed. What’s more the mechanics of the bow have become more refined with each game. You may not feel like an archer in Valhalla but using a bow is quite satisfying. This shot is perfect for our theme this week, with the small details really excelling. I admire the framing as it picks up on the bows visual brilliance, especially with the metal parts glinting in the light. I am not sure if the arrow is nocked or just released but I definitely think it looks epic. The blacked out background amplifies the subject matter leading to quite a unique capture.

Link to set:

Hidden Blade

Game: Assassin’s Creed Valhalla

VP Artist: @artschoolglases

“The Hidden Blade has been a constant companion of ours over the years. Some would say it defines us – and they would not be entirely wrong. Many of our successes would not have been possible without it”

I feel like it would have been sacrilege not to have featured a hidden blade in this week’s article. The weapon of choice for a member of the Hidden Ones/Assassins. Eivor’s blade is certainly one of the best looking in the series. I actually loved the reasons for wearing it in full view, and this capture shows why. This shot really does do the weapon justice, not only is the blade in full view but the intricate design is showcased magnificently. The emerald jewel and the spring are my favourites. This is an action shot worthy of the Creed.

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And that sums it up for this week’s Assassin’s Creed virtual photography recap list!

Thank you for checking out this week’s photo collection. This would not be possible without the virtual photographers out there so a huge thanks to them. Until next week keep those shots coming in!