As the release date of the next Assassin's Creed (currently known as "Kingdom", "Ragnarok" or "Vikings") nears, more speculation and hype grows amongst the fanbase. Naturally, given the series' long and diverse path, there's plenty of wants this fanbase has.

Whether improvements to continually expanding RPG mechanics, or a return to the series' classic roots, there is an undeniable amount of anticipation resting on Vikings' shoulders. Especially so after the recent news of Ubisoft's own financial troubles with the botched release and poor sales of Ghost Recon: Breakpoint.

Plenty of diehard fans have been left bitter after Odyssey's "less Assassin, more fantasy" take on the series, which gave many the desire to see a return of classic features that have since been phased out.

One can only hope that director Ashraf Ismail and his team at Ubisoft can find the perfect balance between old and new features for the next instalment, and incorporate at least some of these heavily sought-after mechanics.

Let's dive into the Animus and see what Assassin's Creed's history may hold for its future!