All three Chronicles games are 2.5D side scrolling platformers.[2] Players control the protagonist from a third-person perspective and must make their way past enemy guards and other threats to reach the end of each level. The levels are all linear and feature little in terms of exploration, although some include hidden areas and collectibles, such as Animus shards, chests, and Sync points (which reveal the locations of other collectibles on the in-game map).
The core gameplay of each title revolves around stealth and combat. Stealth consists of the player using various tactics, such as hiding in the shadows or creating distractions, to stray away from the enemies' cones of vision. If the player is detected, then an alarm is raised, prompting all nearby enemies to actively search for the player until they either find them or give up. The games' combat system revolves around weakening the enemy's defense until they can be executed; players can use light and heavy attacks, block incoming strikes, and perform some more advanced moves, like dodging gunfire and rolling over enemies. Parkour is also featured in the games, although players are restricted to only being able to climb areas highlighted with more color.[3]
Players are scored at the end of each level based on their performance, which takes into account various factors, such as the number of times they have been detected and whether or not they have completed that level's optional objective. The total score is calculated by adding up the 'ranks' received for each section of the level. There are three possible ranks that can be obtained in Chronicles: China: Shadow, the highest-scoring rank, earned for passing a section without being detected and without killing any enemy; Assassin, earned for passing a section undetected and assassinating at least one enemy; and Brawler, obtained when the player is detected and forced into combat. In India and Russia, the Brawler rank has been replaced with Silencer, which is earned for remaining undetected and using only non-lethal takedowns (which are absent in China). Some levels do not feature these ranks, and instead score the player based on the time taken to complete the level. Depending on their score, players can unlock new upgrades for their character, such as an increased health bar.
Each protagonist has a unique arsenal of weapons and gadgets that can be used in both combat and stealth situations.[4] In China, Shao Jun wields a standard jian sword, throwing knives, firecrackers and noise-creating darts, which can be used to temporarily incapacitate or distract enemies. In India, Arbaaz Mir has a typical Mughal and Dravidian Hindu sword resembling an Aruval of Tamil Nadu, Urumi from Kerala, a concealed Katar with Bagh nakh, and Chakram, as well as smoke bombs and a slingshot with rock pellets. In Russia, Nikolai Orelov possesses a custom Berdan rifle fitted with a bayonet which can be used for melee combat with sniping capabilities, and a grapnel gun that can also produce electricity in order to short out electricity boxes, spotlights, lamp posts or kill unsuspecting enemies standing on water puddles.
