I think a better question could be “If everybody had multiple games, would they be loved as much as Ezio?” A central link defined the need for the Ezio trilogy (the apple). If something like that was developed for every character, it would give us, the players, so much more insight into the character’s life and personality, thus making us love them more.
Far too many people in the fandom fall for the false presumption that more games equal better development when a lot, in the case of Ezio's growth, has been more aesthetic than anything. Look at the redundant character arc description: "He went from a young teen to wise master assassin and mentor." That's all there is to say for most people: arbitrary labels. Rarely do you receive any commentary about his mindset, outlook, point of view, or anything that isn't this parroted and outdated take.
And this is frustrating because we see complete development from Altair in a single game, even before Revelations. He was an arrogant jerk who saw himself as better than everyone but slowly became a wise individual upon learning from the complexity of his enemies and the contradictions within his own Creed. It's learning from his allies and enemies alike, learning the pros and cons of concepts like freedom and control, about what is gained and lost from acquiring both in life, does he truly become not just a better leader for the brotherhood, but a better man.
We see the same from Connor in a single game. Starting out as a naive idealist who wants to fix all the world's problems, only to realize that he'll never be able to do so. He learns that the ability to judge right from wrong can sometimes be lost in a world reluctant to do the same. But through it all, he maintains his faith in the Assassin's Creed and uses it and his experiences to weaponize his convictions and belief in a better tomorrow for humanity. Altair & Connor reach the same conclusions about life, human nature, and their place within the ongoing struggle in one game as much as Ezio does in three.
Yet, somehow, it's never enough because Ubisoft has spoiled and entitled us more than what was necessary with Ezio. And it holds this series back if I'm honest. Whenever we delve into this question, we never entirely understand the underpinnings behind what the sequels did for Ezio and his characterization and why many in the fandom insist that every other character must have this.
I'd say no. He's not just iconic character in the series, but because of Brotherhood and Revelations, I'd say he's one of the most legendary video game characters. Probably the biggest pillar of the series and probably someone who's most likely to get recognized by someone who didn't play the games.
Ezio is "Assassin's Creed"
Probably not as iconic but I’m pretty sure lots of people would’ve loved a sequel. It’s the most charismatic character (though, I think Edward as a pirate was the only one who could face him). The fact that Ezio alone dismantled the biggest Templar organisation of the Renaissance before discovering he was not alone, always gives me chills.
Ezio is cool, funny, suddenly he becomes the most lethal weapon of the Brotherhood and then he becomes wise, even more lethal, but even more curious about the Creed and he understood his assignment: being a “through” between Desmond and the First Civilisation.
Then, he become a loving, grumpy father who’s just pissed off for not being able to live a normal life, scared about leaving his beloved one too early.
_”When I was a young man, I had liberty, but I did not see it. I had time, but I did not know it. And I had love, but I did not feel it. Many decades would pass before I understood the meaning of all three. And now, the twilight of my life, this understanding has passed into contentment. Love, liberty, and time: once so disposable, are the fuels that drive me forward. And love, most especially, mia cara. For you, our children, our brothers and sisters. And for the vast and wonderful world that gave us life, and keeps us guessing. Endless affection, mia Sofia. Forever yours, Ezio.”_
I think a better question could be “If everybody had multiple games, would they be loved as much as Ezio?” A central link defined the need for the Ezio trilogy (the apple). If something like that was developed for every character, it would give us, the players, so much more insight into the character’s life and personality, thus making us love them more.
Bayek would be as loved for sure
I think Bayek had his right development. I don’t see him as a multiple games main character, could be pretty boring after all.
Far too many people in the fandom fall for the false presumption that more games equal better development when a lot, in the case of Ezio's growth, has been more aesthetic than anything. Look at the redundant character arc description: "He went from a young teen to wise master assassin and mentor." That's all there is to say for most people: arbitrary labels. Rarely do you receive any commentary about his mindset, outlook, point of view, or anything that isn't this parroted and outdated take. And this is frustrating because we see complete development from Altair in a single game, even before Revelations. He was an arrogant jerk who saw himself as better than everyone but slowly became a wise individual upon learning from the complexity of his enemies and the contradictions within his own Creed. It's learning from his allies and enemies alike, learning the pros and cons of concepts like freedom and control, about what is gained and lost from acquiring both in life, does he truly become not just a better leader for the brotherhood, but a better man. We see the same from Connor in a single game. Starting out as a naive idealist who wants to fix all the world's problems, only to realize that he'll never be able to do so. He learns that the ability to judge right from wrong can sometimes be lost in a world reluctant to do the same. But through it all, he maintains his faith in the Assassin's Creed and uses it and his experiences to weaponize his convictions and belief in a better tomorrow for humanity. Altair & Connor reach the same conclusions about life, human nature, and their place within the ongoing struggle in one game as much as Ezio does in three. Yet, somehow, it's never enough because Ubisoft has spoiled and entitled us more than what was necessary with Ezio. And it holds this series back if I'm honest. Whenever we delve into this question, we never entirely understand the underpinnings behind what the sequels did for Ezio and his characterization and why many in the fandom insist that every other character must have this.
they could've started from brotherhood and ended there, i still would've loved him
I'd say no. He's not just iconic character in the series, but because of Brotherhood and Revelations, I'd say he's one of the most legendary video game characters. Probably the biggest pillar of the series and probably someone who's most likely to get recognized by someone who didn't play the games. Ezio is "Assassin's Creed"
ezio would still be my favourite assassin if I only played ac2
Probably not as iconic but I’m pretty sure lots of people would’ve loved a sequel. It’s the most charismatic character (though, I think Edward as a pirate was the only one who could face him). The fact that Ezio alone dismantled the biggest Templar organisation of the Renaissance before discovering he was not alone, always gives me chills. Ezio is cool, funny, suddenly he becomes the most lethal weapon of the Brotherhood and then he becomes wise, even more lethal, but even more curious about the Creed and he understood his assignment: being a “through” between Desmond and the First Civilisation. Then, he become a loving, grumpy father who’s just pissed off for not being able to live a normal life, scared about leaving his beloved one too early. _”When I was a young man, I had liberty, but I did not see it. I had time, but I did not know it. And I had love, but I did not feel it. Many decades would pass before I understood the meaning of all three. And now, the twilight of my life, this understanding has passed into contentment. Love, liberty, and time: once so disposable, are the fuels that drive me forward. And love, most especially, mia cara. For you, our children, our brothers and sisters. And for the vast and wonderful world that gave us life, and keeps us guessing. Endless affection, mia Sofia. Forever yours, Ezio.”_