An inspired reinvention of the hugely popular console franchise, Rebellion is most definitely Assassin’s Creed, but not quite as you know it. In the case of this strategic spin-off, that’s an extremely good thing.

As ever, you’re on the side of the Brotherhood of Assassins, battling against the insidious Templars. As Spanish assassin Aguilar de Nerha – who you might remember from the film adaptation – your job is to investigate and disrupt their devious plans, while recruiting new members to your growing clan.

The game’s flexible tactical missions send you deep into dangerous Templar territory. You’ll take a small team of specialists with you on each incursion, making sure their skills are suited to the challenge ahead.

Once you’ve gathered your stealthy squad, you’ll make your way through buildings room by room, with a choice of routes to your objective. Before you enter a door you’ll have time to prepare a plan of attack, with a glimpse of the challenge ahead giving you the chance to choose the right hero for the job.

Each assassin has a different role. Some are experts at disarming traps, for example, but might struggle to take down a guard head-on. When facing a group of Templars, you might lure them in and pick them off from the shadows, use brute force, or avoid them entirely with your free-running skills, scampering across overhead beams or balconies before dropping down safely behind them.

Every action carries a risk, because nothing is guaranteed. If you trip and alert an enemy while trying to avoid them, you can still gain the initiative in combat using throwing knives, or powerful blows that hinder your opponent’s movement. But be careful – once you’ve used these special abilities, you’ll need to wait before they’re available again.

Three distinct mission types provide plenty of variety. In Standard missions, you’ll collect codexes that can be used to train your heroes, while in Loot missions you pilfer materials to craft new gear. Better yet are the Legacy missions, in which you’ll grab DNA fragments that can unlock new heroes from throughout the series – and some seriously skilful newcomers too.

In the meantime, your Brotherhood’s base of operations will gradually develop. You’ll return here between missions to rest and recover after a hard day’s sneaking around, adding and upgrading rooms as you progress.

Installing a Training Room will let you toughen up rookie recruits while a Treasury holds your ill-gotten gains. Find two witnesses and in the Ceremony room, you’ll be able to promote your most promising initiates and boost their skills.

Brought to life with a fresh new look, Assassin’s Creed Rebellion ensures you’ll soon amass an army of the cutest, deadliest assassins around. Keep playing to build up your Brotherhood and strike fear into your foes – those Templars won’t know what’s hit ‘em.