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A Classic Xbox Game Almost Became Microsoft’s Version of Assassin’s Creed

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13.07.2026

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A Classic Xbox Game Almost Became Microsoft’s Version of Assassin’s Creed

One of the Xbox One’s launch titles almost spawned an entire franchise that would’ve been quite similar to Ubisoft’s Assassin’s Creed series in many ways.

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The Xbox One’s launch wasn’t a very successful one, but one of the 2013 console’s launch games almost became something bigger.

Ryse almost became Xbox’s next big franchise

The launch of the Xbox One was mired in controversy with its big focus on TV and media and its packed-in Kinect, which ballooned the console’s price by $100. However, it offered a solid lineup of three major exclusive launch titles in the graphical showpiece Forza Motorsport 5, the continuation of Capcom’s zombie-slaying playground series Dead Rising 3, and an all-new IP from Crytek, Ryse: Son of Rome.

Of the three, Ryse: Son of Rome was arguably the most interesting as a new IP. It offered a brutal third-person adventure with a bloody combat system and cinematic storytelling. Despite being one of the Xbox One’s shiny new games, it didn’t quite measure up in terms of critical reception and sales, earning a........

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