DLC Review: Assassin’s Creed Syndicate – Jack The Ripper (Xbox One)

“Jack, we can fix you.”

Jack the Ripper is a single-player downloadable content addition for Assassin’s Creed: Syndicate and was released on December 15, 2015 for PS4 and Xbox One.

The story begins in 1888, 20 years after the main game, with the Assassin Jacob Frye meeting Mr. Weaversbrook, who is warned not to publish Jack’s letters as he wants to spread fear in London. He then receives word of another murder and goes to investigate. Jacob goes after the Ripper, who begins following him before eventually attacking. As the Ripper pursues Jacob, it is revealed that he knows Jacob personally, and possesses Assassin abilities. After escaping, Jacob reaches his lodgings, but the Ripper arrives and attacks again, with Jacob seemingly being killed.

Following the incident, Jacob’s sister Evie Frye arrives from India, having been summoned by Jacob some time before, where she is greeted by police inspector Frederick Abberline, who informs her that Jacob is missing and presumed dead. He also tells her that she may be the last Assassin in London, and the only one capable of stopping the Ripper.

This DLC is extremely different to the main game, not only are both Evie and Jacob significantly older but the tactics you use to take people down is revolved around fear. Following a much darker theme the Jack The Ripper DLC feels more like a horror game than its light-hearted counterpart. You have to investigate Jack’s murder scenes, protect the still living working ladies and take down The Ripper’s associates using fear bombs and spikes to heighten their terror and defeat them.

Additionally, you get to play as The Ripper (Alec Newman) himself. As you chase down Jacob then Evie while your insane thoughts flash across the screen and your murderous ways come to a head. Of course this is the most enjoyable part of the game.

Overall, this DLC was a surprise for me. It was well put together and with its change up in combat it’s a welcome addition to the game – although I’m not sure how the sequel will fit in as this is set 20 years later. I thoroughly enjoyed being terrified by The Ripper and while the twist wasn’t mind blowing, it definitely adds depth to the twins’ story.