A supernatural history game, originally conceived by the creative director behind the first Assassin’s Creed, is poised for release this year. Patrice Désilets and his development team at Panache Digital Games have unveiled a new iteration of 1666: Amsterdam, a project he first began working on over a decade ago. A 30-minute prologue is now available on Steam and the Epic Games Store, with an early access release slated for later in 2024.

A Tumultuous Development History

Désilets first joined THQ Montreal to work on the Amsterdam project in 2011. However, the studio’s bankruptcy two years later placed numerous projects, including this one, in jeopardy. Following THQ’s collapse, Ubisoft acquired the Montreal studio. Reports indicate that Désilets departed the company shortly thereafter due to disagreements over his continued involvement, effectively halting the development of 1666: Amsterdam.

In 2014, Désilets founded Panache Digital Games. He successfully regained the creative rights to the Amsterdam project in 2016, marking a significant turning point for the long-delayed title.

Intriguing Premise and Gameplay

The game is described as a dark, third-person, story-driven action-adventure. Players will step into the role of Noa Brooklyn, a “Collector” within a city populated by beings known as “Originals.” These entities have reportedly lived among humans for centuries, possessing immense power and time, with the freedom to exploit both. A faction called the Zaindaris appears to be allied with Noa.

The narrative also involves a character named Aaron, who is said to perceive the world through the eyes of a cat and originates from the year 1999. Portions of the game will also unfold in the present day.

The prologue introduces players to Noa’s “Commencement,” where she embraces the role of the Collector and begins to understand her destiny. Players will select a Companion and “uncover the foundations of a universe shaped by centuries of unseen influence, where nothing is quite what it seems.”

Developer’s Vision and Progress

Patrice Désilets expressed his enthusiasm for the project’s impending release. “It’s been a long time coming, and I couldn’t be prouder of our team of nearly 70 talented developers in Montreal,” he stated. “For the past six years, we’ve focused on one thing above all else: the game itself. No fake footage, no vertical slices, just a playable experience evolving build after build, day after day.”

Regarding the prologue, Désilets characterized it as “an amuse-bouche before a nine-course dinner,” suggesting a substantial experience awaits players.

Panache Digital Games previously developed Ancestors: The Humankind Odyssey, a title that explored themes of evolution. With over a decade to refine the concept for 1666: Amsterdam, expectations are high for a more cohesive and polished experience.