These unique optional adventures reveal elements of Desmond’s life via a first-person perspective, with a specific focus on action-oriented puzzles.

They are unlocked by collecting Animus Data Fragments as Ezio, and can be accessed via the giant portals on Animus Island, entered from left to right in order of story progression. Select the Return to Animus Island option in the Pause menu to return there whenever you are not engaged in a Memory.

Use d to move, f to control the camera, and the Legs button to jump. Desmond acquires the ability to spawn surfaces to walk on during the course of Part 1, a feature that becomes a mainstay from that point onward.

Toggle between the two different types of surface with the Assassin Signal or Weapon Selector buttons, and press the High Profile button to spawn them. Facing a spawned surface, press the Primary Attack button to delete it.

Though the abilities at Desmond’s disposal seem limited, it’s how you apply them that matters. Once you can spawn them, platforms are flat surfaces used to cross open space, or descend without injury; ramps are sloped surfaces, used to gain altitude. Confused? Don’t be. The best way to understand how they (indeed, this entire set of minigames) work in practice is to try them for yourself. And so, without further ado…

Part 1: Doubts

Requirement: Collect 5 Animus Data Fragments.

Please click to enlarge

I: Walk directly ahead to open the way forward, then follow the route in the screenshot to reach a room with an impassible barrier and a glowing switch. Activate the latter with the Empty Hand button, then pass through the newly opened exit...