Decades-Old Project Sees New Life as Early Access Release Nears
A supernatural history game, initially conceived by the creative director behind the original Assassin’s Creed, is set to finally launch this year. 1666: Amsterdam, a project that faced significant hurdles and was once shelved by a major publisher, has re-emerged with a playable prologue available on Steam and the Epic Games Store.
The game’s journey began over a decade ago when Patrice Désilets joined THQ Montreal in 2011 to spearhead the Amsterdam project. However, the studio’s bankruptcy in 2013 led to its assets, including the game, being acquired by Ubisoft. Following disagreements over his continued involvement, Désilets departed, and 1666: Amsterdam was put on indefinite hold.
Désilets later founded Panache Digital Games in 2014. After a lengthy process, he successfully regained the creative rights to 1666: Amsterdam in 2016, paving the way for its eventual revival.
A Glimpse into the Game’s Narrative
1666: Amsterdam is described as a dark, third-person, story-driven action-adventure. Players step into the shoes of Noa Brooklyn, a “Collector” operating within a city populated by enigmatic entities known as “Originals.” These beings have allegedly coexisted with humanity for centuries, wielding immense power and freedom.
The narrative also introduces the Zaindaris, who appear to be allied with Noa, and a mysterious character named Aaron, who is said to “see the world through the eyes of a cat” and originates from the year 1999. The game’s plot will reportedly weave between different time periods, including the present day.
Prologue Offers a Taste of the Experience
The newly released prologue allows players to experience “Noa’s Commencement,” where she embraces the role of the Collector and begins to understand her destiny. This introductory segment involves choosing a Companion and exploring the foundational elements of a world influenced by unseen forces.
Patrice Désilets expressed his excitement about the project’s long-awaited return. “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.”
Désilets characterized the prologue as an “amuse-bouche before a nine-course dinner,” suggesting a substantial experience awaits players upon the full release. Panache Digital Games is also known for their previous title, Ancestors: The Humankind Odyssey.
