Forget Assassin's Creed Hexe, Steam Just Gained The Next Best Thing For Free

Ubisoft is yet to fully unveil the next mainline entry in the Assassin’s Creed franchise, although we do know that it’ll be Hexe.

Believed to be set during the witch trials in Europe, the game supposedly centres around a character by the name of Anika, although Elsa was the original rumour.

Hexe will supposedly incorporate real witchcraft in the combat in some way, with fan-favourite Ezio Auditore possibly returning in the story alongside his sister Claudia.

It’s thought that Anika might be a descendent of Claudia, although none of this is confirmed.

We have no idea when Assassin’s Creed Hexe is set to surface, but that’s no real concern as the next best thing was recently announced.

If you tuned into Summer Game Fest, you might have caught the reveal for 1666 Amsterdam.

Panache Digital Games

This third-person “dark, story-led action-adventure” comes from Patrice Désilets, the original mastermind behind Assassin’s Creed.

At Panache Digital Games, Désilets has seemingly created an alternative to Hexe before Ubisoft has managed to get its title out the door.

1666 Amsterdam is coming to early access on PC later this year with console launches planned for some time after that.

A Free Prologue Is Now Available, Introducing The New IP’s World

Right now though, you can enjoy around 30 minutes of the title thanks to a free prologue demo which has launched on Steam.

The title centres around Noa, a “collector” who “wields witchcraft to uncover demonic entities hiding behind human faces”.

“Entities known as The Originals have lived for centuries, granted time, granted power, and the freedom to abuse both. That power is now owed,” begins the synopsis.

“Noa Brooklyn was born The Collector, raised by the Zaindaris for a purpose she did not choose: taking that power back.”

Players will explore a hand-crafted recreation of Amsterdam, seeking out these Originals.

“Identify them. Mark them. When the Esbat comes, confront them in their true form under the moon. Collect what is owed,” devs tease.

Noa, as a witch, can make use of plenty of spells. She is also connected to Aaron, an individual from 1999 who experiences Noa’s journey through the eyes of a cat.

Don’t ask me to explain the logic behind the time hopping of that one.

You can freely switch between Noa in her human form and Aaron in his cat form, leading to “two radically different playstyles”.

The free demo introduces the world, characters, and story of 1666: Amsterdam with players able to get to the grips with the investigation and tracking system.

“Before the first Esbat. Before the Collector realises what awaits her. Experience the Prologue of 1666: Amsterdam for free,” devs note.

“Partake in Noa’s Commencement as she takes on the mantle of the Collector, a Zaindaris tasked with preserving the balance of the world.

“But first, she must choose. A companion will walk beside her through what lies ahead. Choose wisely.”

Unfortunately, the game is off to a mixed start with a 58% approval rating on Steam, correct at the time of writing.

One player called it a “walking simulator with uninspired lore” but another conversely said, “The atmosphere is dark, witchy, unsettling and gorgeous. The visuals are heavy, dramatic and full of mood. The whole thing feels like stepping into a cursed historical painting.”

It’s perhaps best then that you give it a whirl and make your own mind up. It is only an early taster so I expect the game’s combat systems will turn the tide of favour in due course.

READ MORE: Assassin's Creed Hexe Leaked Details Confirm Ezio Return