1666 Amsterdam Hands-On: A Mysterious Alternative to Assassin’s Creed Hexe
We go hands-on with 1666 Amsterdam, the new action-adventure game from Patrice Désilets, to see if it delivers a compelling experience for fans of historical mysteries.
Patrice Désilets, the creative visionary behind the original Assassin’s Creed, is finally nearing the realization of his most personal project: 1666 Amsterdam. After a turbulent decade involving studio shifts and IP reclamation, Panache Digital Games is set to launch this ambitious action-adventure title into early access on August 25, 2026.
A Witchy Twist on Classic Gameplay
Set in the 17th century, the game places players in the role of Noa, a witch navigating a world plagued by superstitious fear and brutal inquisitors. The gameplay loop combines third-person exploration with a unique roguelike layer. Combat, while currently leaning on traditional action mechanics, is punctuated by magical abilities discovered through looting. These powers provide versatility, but with a harsh penalty: death results in the loss of all accumulated skills, forcing players to constantly adapt their strategy.
Dual Timelines and Environmental Exploration
One of the game's most compelling features is the ability to shift between different temporalities—specifically switching between the 17th century and the 1999 storyline involving Aaron, the father of the character Clio. This narrative layering is supported by environmental puzzles that require swapping control between Noa and her feline companion to navigate locked structures and uncover the mysteries of 'The Original'—a demonic entity haunting the streets of Amsterdam.
Early Access and Future Potential
While the atmosphere is undeniably captivating and the city of Amsterdam serves as a rich, dense backdrop, the current build of 1666 Amsterdam shows clear signs of its early development state. Performance issues, camera jitters, and a perceived repetitiveness in mission structure are points that the studio aims to address through community feedback. Désilets emphasizes that the early access period is designed as a collaborative effort. With a focus on district-based exploration rather than an empty open world, Panache Digital Games hopes to refine its vision alongside its player base before the final release. Whether this title can fill the void for fans waiting for Assassin’s Creed Hexe remains to be seen, but its dark, magical premise is undeniably magnetic.
