The Assassin’s Creed The Rebel Collection, bringing both Assassin’s Creed IV Black Flag and Assassin’s Creed Rogue to the Nintendo Switch (Model Number: 51838), promised a swashbuckling adventure on the go. Having spent considerable time sailing the seas and navigating treacherous waters, both literally and figuratively, I’m ready to share my experience.

The collection boasts several features tailor-made for the Switch. Handheld mode is a definite highlight, allowing for pirate adventures anywhere. The HD Rumble adds a satisfying tactile element to sword fights and cannon blasts. While the touch screen interface isn’t heavily utilized, it’s a nice addition for quick menu navigation. Motion control aiming, however, felt a bit clunky and I found myself switching back to traditional controls more often than not.

The inclusion of all single-player DLC is a generous touch, providing significant additional playtime and story content. Exploring the stories of Adewale in Black Flag and Aveline in Rogue added depth and broadened the overall experience. The fact that it includes both Black Flag, a fan favorite, and the often overlooked Rogue makes it a comprehensive package for any Assassin’s Creed fan.

Graphically, the games hold up remarkably well on the Switch, especially considering their age. While not reaching the visual fidelity of their console counterparts, the visuals remain crisp and vibrant, especially in handheld mode. The frame rate is generally stable, though I did experience occasional dips during particularly intense moments, mostly involving large-scale naval battles. The loading times, while not instantaneous, were acceptable and didn’t disrupt the flow of gameplay too significantly.

The controls translate well to the Switch. While the aforementioned motion controls are less than ideal, the button configuration feels intuitive and comfortable. The responsiveness of the controls was generally consistent, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable gameplay experience.

Pros:

• Portability: Play Assassin’s Creed anywhere.
• HD Rumble: Enhanced feedback during gameplay.
• All DLC Included: Extended playtime and story.
• Two Great Games: Black Flag and Rogue in one package.

Cons:

• Motion Controls: Not as effective as traditional controls.
• Occasional Frame Rate Dips: During intensive moments.
• Not Visually Identical to other Versions: Some graphical compromises.

The Assassin’s Creed The Rebel Collection (Model Number: 51838) for Nintendo Switch offers a compelling portable experience for fans of the series. While not a perfect port, the benefits of handheld gameplay, combined with the inclusion of both Black Flag and Rogue, and all their respective DLC, outweigh the minor graphical and control drawbacks. For those seeking a robust pirate adventure on the go, this collection is highly recommended.