I finally got around to playing Rogue after playing most of the other Assassins Creed games, and it’s nice to see the Colonial America story from the Templar side. Playing as Shay Cormac, a former Assassin who switches sides, gives you a different perspective on the conflict that’s been central to the series.
The naval combat from Black Flag returns and it’s still great. Sailing through icy waters, upgrading the Morrigan, and engaging in ship battles captures that same pirate magic. On land, the dynamic flips - you’re hunting Assassins using Templar tactics. Stalkers ambush you from rooftops and haystacks, which forces you to stay alert in ways other AC games don’t demand. The North Atlantic setting mixes colonial settlements, frozen wilderness, and river valleys in a way that feels distinct. Air rifles and grenade launchers feel different from Connor’s arsenal, and the shorter length compared to Black Flag helps keep things focused without the bloat.
Shay’s transformation from Assassin to Templar is quite rushed but intriguing. The game tries to show moral complexity on both sides but doesn’t fully commit to the idea that neither side is entirely right or wrong. The connections to AC3 and Unity are satisfying for series fans, and Shay himself is compelling even if his arc feels truncated. The story works better as a bridge between games than as a standalone narrative. I felt like the game just sort of abruptly ended.
The Switch port holds up fine with seldom dips that don’t ruin the experience.
Solid if not exceptional AC entry. Black Flag’s naval combat with a Templar twist. Entertaining but safe - worth it for series fans but doesn’t reach the heights of the best entries.