The current console generation, while promising with the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series S/X, has largely been characterized by a scarcity of significant exclusive titles. Major releases such as Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 and Halo Infinite have made waves, yet the absence of blockbuster exclusives is noticeable. Upcoming titles like Sony’s Ghost of Yotei set for a 2025 release and Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, launching next month on Xbox and PC, hint at future development. In the meantime, players are occupied with a variety of remakes, remasters, and quality third-party offerings.
However, a number of older titles linger in a state of unrealized potential, eager to take advantage of the advanced capabilities of current-generation consoles. Upon the launch of the PS5 and Xbox Series S/X in 2020, many previous-generation games received complimentary updates that enhanced their performance to 60 frames per second (fps)—the new standard for gameplay. These enhancements revitalized several titles that had previously been limited to 30fps, offering both new players and veterans a smoother gaming experience.
60 FPS Update for Assassin’s Creed Syndicate
As the fourth year of this console generation unfolds, updates for older games appear to have slowed considerably, leaving numerous enjoyable titles still confined to 30fps. Recently, Ubisoft released a free 60fps update for Assassin’s Creed Syndicate on PS5 and Xbox Series S/X, nearly nine years post-launch. Testing the updated version on PS5 revealed a remarkable transformation.
The update allows Assassin’s Creed Syndicate, the last title before the series pivoted towards an RPG-style format, to run smoothly at 60fps on the two consoles. For PS5, PS5 Pro, and Xbox Series X users, the game achieves this performance level at full 4K resolution. After installing the patch late Tuesday, I revisited the game set in Victorian London. The enhanced framerate makes Syndicate feel revitalized despite its core gameplay remaining somewhat dated, maintaining its repetitive nature. Nevertheless, the improved performance invites players to explore its setting, characters, and narrative once again.
A Fresh Look at Assassin’s Creed Syndicate
Despite its mixed reception among fans, Assassin’s Creed Syndicate manages to embody several strong attributes. Its recreation of London features an immersive, open world filled with historically accurate details. The distinctive Victorian architecture, expansive cobbled streets, and recognizable landmarks create a vivid gaming environment. The city truly comes alive at night, when the grey, moody color palette enhances its atmosphere. Additionally, the game allows for varied traversal options, including horse-drawn carriages and a grappling hook, albeit the latter has received mixed reviews. While some design choices may falter, Syndicate exudes a unique personality that newer installments have struggled to replicate.
London’s period-accurate detail shines in Assassin’s Creed Syndicate
Photo Credit: Ubisoft/ Screenshot – Manas Mitul
The notable performance upgrade particularly highlights the game’s superior parkour mechanics— a staple feature of the Assassin’s Creed series that has seen a dilution in subsequent games. Navigating rooftops is now more fluid than ever, and the climb-down mechanic, borrowed from Assassin’s Creed Unity, feels seamless.
While Syndicate’s singular urban focus results in less diverse environments compared to newer series entries, it brings an abundance of detail to its locales. The visuals still hold up admirably, especially regarding character models and facial animations, considering the game launched nearly a decade ago.
The city of London is particularly enchanting at night
Photo Credit: Ubisoft/ Screenshot – Manas Mitul
Assassin’s Creed Syndicate stands out as the series’ inaugural game to feature two playable protagonists, a concept that will return with the upcoming Assassin’s Creed Shadows. Players control twin assassins Jacob and Evie Frye, who navigate London in 1868. Their unique personalities and gameplay styles—Jacob’s brash approach versus Evie’s stealthy tactics—complement each other well. The game effectively showcases their playful yet competitive dynamic.
Together, the twins chip away at the constraints imposed by the Templars, liberating London’s boroughs and establishing an assassin stronghold with the aid of their own gang. Throughout their journey, players encounter several historical figures, including Charles Dickens and Florence Nightingale. Syndicate also reintroduces the open-ended “Black Box” assassinations from Assassin’s Creed Unity, which offer players varying paths to complete missions and encourage creative decision-making—elements that remain a highlight to this day.
The game features twins Jacob and Evie Frye as central characters
Photo Credit: Ubisoft/ Screenshot – Manas Mitul
The freshly released 60fps patch gives Assassin’s Creed Syndicate a chance to shine once more. This may be an opportune moment for players to revisit a game that, despite its flaws, encapsulates the strengths of the Assassin’s Creed franchise by blending history with fantasy effectively. Following the update, performance appears nearly flawless, and my new playthrough features consistent framerates. However, the patch does not address remaining bugs and visual glitches. Nevertheless, the boost to 60fps is a noteworthy improvement for many older titles that would likewise benefit from such upgrades. Ubisoft has previously extended similar updates to titles like Assassin’s Creed Odyssey and Assassin’s Creed Origins, leaving players hopeful for more updates to earlier games in the series.
Alongside this performance update, Ubisoft announced a 75% discount on all editions of Assassin’s Creed Syndicate until December 3rd, as part of its Black Friday promotion. The game is accessible on PS5, PS5 Pro, PS4, Xbox Series S/X, Xbox One, PC via Ubisoft Connect, Epic Games Store, Steam, and Amazon Luna. Additionally, it is available as part of the Game Catalog for PS Plus Extra and Deluxe/Premium subscribers.
