Assassin's Creed Unity denounced in France as anti-Revolutionary 'propaganda'

Ubisoft's Assassin's Creed Unity tells its own version of the French Revolution, in which real historical figures like Maximilien de Robespierre, the Marquis de Sade and Napoléon Bonaparte make an appearance.

But not everyone in France is happy with the company's interpretation of the country's defining historical event.

Jean-Luc Mélenchon (pictured right), a former Minister and presidential candidate in France, denounced the game as "propaganda" that favors the narrative of France's ruling elite over the revolutionaries.

"[Unity] presents an image of hatred of the Revolution, hatred of the people, hatred of the republic which is rampant in the far-right milieu," he said in an interview on French radio, translated by the Daily Telegraph.

The leftist politician described Marie-Antoinette as "that cretin, who is celebrated as a poor little rich girl" in the game. But his greatest outrage is for Ubi's portrayal of Robbespierre, a leader of the Revolution and, it ought to be noted, mass executioner of its enemies.

"The man who was our liberator at a certain moment of the Revolution, because the Revolution lasted a long time, Robespierre, is presented as a monster," said Mélenchon. "It is propaganda against the people, the people who are [portrayed as] barbarians, bloodthirsty savages. In 1789 there were the poor aristocrats, and they are presented as fine upstanding people."

Polygon asked Ubisoft for comment and will update if we receive a response.