The next installment within the Assassin's Creed franchise has just dropped, and the verdict is finally out on how well it's managing against its predecessors.

It's safe to say that the series has suffered a minor decline in the recent years due to its inconsistencies and failure to reinvent, however Assassin's Creed Syndicate is the first title in the franchise to star dual protagonist. It also takes place in 19th century London, which helps opens the door for many new gaming elements.

Here's what the critics had to say:

Gamespot

Much like the last few games in the series, Gamespot brings attention to many of the game's shortcomings, but feels that it doesn't deter from the title's overall greatness.

"A disappointing final fight and some control hitches can't diminish the charms of Assassin's Creed Syndicate. The game is a triumphant return to form for a franchise, and presents a beautifully structured tale with heart and soul to spare."

Polygon

Polygon applauds the game's ability to bring the franchise back from its depths despite the numerous issues it still contains. It's at the very least a step in the right direction.

"That's really Assassin's Creed Syndicate's biggest triumph: It pushes back against the collected cruft of eight years of releases and spinoffs, an imposing accumulation of mechanics and lore and expectations. Syndicate doesn't get everything right. It doesn't solve all of the series' problems, and at this point, I'm not sure if any one game could. However, it's the first step in a uniformly positive direction that the franchise has taken in years."

IGN

IGN was delighted to see an Assassin's Creed title that wasn't an utter disappointment. They also enjoyed the new setting and features.

"Assassin's Creed Syndicate is the most fun I've had with an Assassin's game since Black Flag. In fact, I liked it more. Apart from its ill-fitting conclusion, it never takes itself too seriously and delights in the rich possibilities of its Victorian setting and great new grapple gun."

VideoGamer

VideoGamer couldn't get passed the game's many hiccups and flaws, which they found particularly disappointing as there was much of the game to enjoy.

"When it is good, when the AI is behaving and it's running well, it's very good. But Syndicate is so adept at self-sabotage that it's nearly impossible to enjoy this world missions, this game. It constantly rips you out of the experience, whether that be from frustration at the mechanics or outright bugginess. You'll want to forgive it its flaws because it does Victorian London so well, something you just can't get elsewhere. But leave it a few minutes and it reveals itself to be as utterly flawed as its forebears, a beautiful facade on a rotting core."