From Renaissance Italy to the Timeless Storm: Our Hands-on with “Reverse: 1999” and the Assassin’s Creed Crossover

In an event that has been building since its announcement, the highly anticipated collaboration between the time-traveling strategic RPG Reverse: 1999 and Ubisoft’s iconic Assassin’s Creed franchise is finally here. We’ve spent time with the new update, which introduces three legendary Assassins—Ezio, Kassandra, and Alexios—and brings players to a new historical setting: Renaissance-era Florence and Athens. The crossover is a masterclass in a gaming partnership, blending the core mechanics of Reverse: 1999 with the rich lore and aesthetics of Assassin’s Creed in a way that feels natural, not forced.

The collaboration is a first for Reverse: 1999 to launch simultaneously worldwide, a testament to the game’s growing global popularity. The event is divided into two phases, with the first phase taking players to Florence, Italy, to meet the one and only Ezio Auditore da Firenze.

Gameplay Experience: A Fresh Take on Strategy

The most impressive part of the collaboration is how well the new characters and mechanics integrate into the core gameplay of Reverse: 1999. The game’s turn-based, card-based combat system is known for its depth, and the new characters bring a new layer of strategy.

• Ezio Auditore da Firenze: Ezio is introduced as a powerful 6-star character, a “DPS” (damage per second) that can wield a variety of weapons from his past. His abilities are based on his most iconic moves, including his hidden blade and throwing knives. His “Lethal Injury” and “Critical Technique” skills are a joy to use, and his ability to “Poison” enemies adds a new strategic element to battles. He’s also a surprisingly versatile character, fitting into multiple team archetypes, making him a great pull for any player.
• Kassandra: The Eagle Bearer of Assassin’s Creed Odyssey is another 6-star character. Her skills are directly inspired by her time in ancient Greece, with abilities like the “Spartan Kick” and “Hero Strike” that deal heavy damage and can even knock enemies into environmental hazards.
• Alexios: In a welcome move, Alexios is being given to all players for free by taking part in the collaboration’s events. While he’s a 5-star character, his abilities are no less impressive and are a great way for new players to get a taste of the crossover without spending a single Clear Drop.

Beyond the characters, the event brings a new “Into the Shadows” mode where you can explore a stunningly recreated version of the villa in Monteriggioni. The level selection screen has also been given a makeover, adopting the iconic genetic sequence design of the Animus.

An Ode to History and a Nod to Fans

The sheer amount of fan service and attention to detail in this collaboration is remarkable. The developers at Bluepoch clearly did their homework, incorporating subtle references that will delight long-time fans of the Assassin’s Creed series. The music, including the hauntingly familiar “Ezio’s Family” theme, is woven into the event’s score, and the new outfits for existing characters are inspired by the iconic Assassin and Greek mythology.

In a world where many gacha game collaborations feel like simple cash grabs, this partnership feels different. It’s a genuine celebration of two franchises with a shared love for history and narrative. For fans of either game, this event is a must-play, offering a new story, powerful characters, and a beautiful blend of two iconic universes. It’s a testament to how a crossover can be done right, with a focus on creativity, respect for the source material, and a commitment to providing a truly new and unique experience for players.