Assassin's Creed quietly revives a classic protagonist for new adventure

Did you sit through all four hours of the Paris Olympics’ opening ceremony? If you did, you may have spotted a familiar figure.

The opening ceremony was certainly … unique.

The athletes were paraded down the Seine amidst pretty horrendous rainy conditions.

Lady Gaga and Celine Dion stopped by for surprise appearances, as did the minions.

There was a rock and opera collaboration starring a beheaded Marie Antoinette, plus the olympic flag was transported along the Seine by an iron-clad horsewoman, galloping atop the river’s surface.

It was the inclusion of a masked torchbearer that grabbed the attention of those of us who enjoy video games though.

Throughout the ceremony, the masked figure carried the torch closer and closer to the Trocadéro, working their way through and atop some of Paris’ most iconic landmarks carrying the olympic flame.

The whole sequence screamed Assassin’s Creed Unity and for good reason. Yes, that was indeed Arno Dorian.

ICYMI: Assassin’s Creed Shadows will launch later this year.

I myself tuned into the ceremony and did think, “This is giving major Assassin’s Creed energy.” Well don’t I now feel silly after not realising that’s exactly what it was.

Ubisoft is based in the French capital, with the aforementioned Unity set within the city during the French Revolution from 1789 to 1794.

“Keep an eye on Paris’ rooftops,” the official Assassin’s Creed account tweeted. “Arno might just be watching from above.”

Do not forget, Arno is everywhere… #AssassinsCreed #ceremoniedouverture #Paris2024 pic.twitter.com/9JxWw0smjl

— Jonathan B. 🥐 (@Walmouss) July 26, 2024

It’s a fitting inclusion. The ceremony highlighted the very best of French history and culture.

One section highlighted women who paved the way in their respective fields, from explorers to politicians, while another drew attention to the most iconic pieces of French cinema.

Arno was far more ever-present, returning between each major showpiece for another segment of his journey which involved parkour and a little detour to the Louvre.

While it may not be the video game return of Arno many of us would like to see, this was an unexpected delight.

Could Arno return at the closing ceremony? We’ll have to wait and see.