Tag: Assassin’s Creed

U.N.I.T.WHY? Assassin’s Creed: Unity Review

It is fall, that means another Assassin’s Creed. I admit that my love for the series burned out quickly. AC2 was great and then Ubisoft hit cruise control until last year when AC4 came along and let me steal ships and booty, while stealing my vote for best AC game ever in the process.

I decided to take a chance and buy an Assassin’s Creed game in consecutive years for the first time. We are going to take things in a different direction from normal reviews with this though. Since AC4 is my favorite, and therefore the basis for grading all other games in this series, that will be the starting point of my review for Assassin’s Creed: Unity.

Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag Review

Here we go:

-The best looking AC game made. The amount of detail in the recreation of Paris is staggering. Crisp visuals and cutscenes that remind me why I bought new systems. +1

10/10

-Even though Paris is painstakingly redone, it feels a step backward to be in one city again after sailing the high seas. -1

9/10

-New downward parkour system is a step in the right direction and shows improvements are being attempted. +0.5

9.5/10

-Still can’t help the fact that after seven years and eight games you still have problems with the controls including jumping off of random buildings to your death when there is a clear haystack to jump in. I love the ability to jump into windows to make quick escapes…when it works, which is rarely. -1

8.5/10

-Arno is a good lead for the game. Charismatic and engaging, though not as much as Edward Kenway. +0.5

9/10

-It is just a shame he is wasted in a story that has been used in almost every AC game. -1

8/10

-Making people sign into UPlay or a mobile app to access chests in the game is a new level of dickery. “Hey, I have every chest found and unlocked in this region. Last one! Companion app?! The fuck??” Yes, Ubisoft, I want to take myself out of the flow of the game I am playing and download an app on my phone. Like I remember my UPlay password anyway, I don’t caaaaaare. -1.5

6.5/10

-New murder mysteries are a fun bit of diversion. They are not difficult, with the guilty party being the first person you think, but it is a nice change of pace besides the normal assassination missions. Character customization is improved greatly with a host of costumes, weapons (long & short range) and stat boosts. +0.5

7/10

-I know you want to ship AC on a yearly schedule Ubisoft, but I prefer not to fall through balconies, blend into buildings, have achievements not come up and completely crash and restart my system. -1

6/10

There was fun to have in Assassin’s Creed: Unity. The map is loaded with things to do from the outset. It is just a shame that it took steps back in performance while giving us a generic revenge tale that squanders a beautiful game. If there is another adventure with Arno in the future let’s hope Ubisoft makes sure it is with a better story and a finished product.

November 20, 2014
Assassin’s Creed: Unity Reveal Trailer

Assassin’s Creed reveals are always anti-climatic. Somehow, someway we always know what is coming before the official Ubisoft uncovering. This year was no different with images leaking a few days ago of Assassin’s Creed: Unity, seemingly set in 18th century Paris.

After the amazing Assassin’s Creed IV, I have to admit this is a bit of a letdown.

Assassin’s Creed: Unity is being developed by the team that handled Assassin’s Creed III. Let’s hope they have learned a few tricks since then to make their game…well…exciting.

March 21, 2014
Watch Dogs Release Date Announced With New Trailer

Ubisoft’s Watch Dogs will release on May 27th worldwide after a six-month delay.

The game was delayed only weeks before its November 2013 release date to give the team more time to polish the game and, one would assume, work out any last minute technical issues.

This is sooner than I was expecting for Watch Dogs to hit shelves. When it was delayed so soon to release last year, I thought there may be some serious issues with the game. I wasn’t expecting a release until at least July. Looks like Mario Kart has some competition in May.

A new trailer has been released with the release news. Check it out.

For some reason it gives me a futuristic Sleeping Dogs more than Assassin’s Creed.

March 6, 2014
Review: Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag

Thank you Assassin’s Creed IV. I thought this franchise was beyond saving but you have shown me that there is life still left in the yearly (ugh) franchise. I had given up hope after Assassin’s Creed 3, which I never got close to finishing for the simple fact it was boring…as…hell. They were working with one of the most fascinating time periods ever and managed to muck it all up.

Not so here!

The team on AC IV have taken the central idea that occupies the mind of anyone that looks for more out of life; “what I wouldn’t give to be a pirate”. Seriously, who has not thought that? If you haven’t then you can start now…

I will wait.

Ships, booty (treasure), swordplay, booty (not treasure), sending people to Davy Jones’ locker. This is the tale of Edward Kenway, a man who leaves his wife to try and make a better life for them only to become one of the greatest pirates (and assassins) of his day. The story begins with Edward killing an assassin and taking his identity. He is a pirate after all. He is then sucked into the familiar war between the Templars and assassins that we all know so well by now in the AC series. I loved the fact that it was introduced in a new way by having Edward weasel his way into it by taking on someone else’s role all while in the search of a great life-changing treasure. One of the many changes that worked.

Soon after, Edward becomes captain of a ship, which he christens the Jackdaw, and you are off to sail around the massive world with an assortment of wonders awaiting you.

You can feel the effect of Far Cry 3 all over this game and not just by the looks of the locale. If the theory that Far Cry and Assassin’s Creed share the same world began on the Rook Islands in Far Cry 3, this idea is only furthered on the open seas of Assassin’s Creed 4. The crafting system has been brought over, albeit in not as big a way. You will go from location to location in search of deer, monkey, jaguar, etc. to further expand your abilities. You also have the ability to craft new outfits on top of the ones you can purchase. There is one that looks like Oliver Queen’s island outfit from Arrow…you know I had to go for it.

The naval battles in AC 3 seemed to be a testing ground for what is the biggest part of your pirate adventure. Sailing the open seas is so damn refreshing that I often found myself setting out in whatever direction just to see what trouble I could get into. The Jackdaw has its own set of upgrades that are required, not suggested, to survive life on the water..

At first it can be daunting to take on ships of a higher caliber but after making the right additions, you will own any ship that comes your way (except the fabled legendary ships). During every battle, when you have weakened an opponent, you have the choice to destroy them or board them and take their supplies. The bigger the ship, the more you must do to take it over. Where a level 17 may have you kill ten crew members, a level 36 Man O’ War will ask you to kill 20 crew and the captain as well as make your way to the top of the enemies mast and cut their flag free.

Combat has been made much more simple and has a certain Arkham series feel to it. It is your basic block and counter but I never felt overwhelmed when surrounded by enemies. It will be hard to go back to any previous AC game again after getting used to it.

Thankfully, one of the improved areas in AC IV is its story which is actually pretty easily followed even with all the time jumps, Templar and assassin history and trips to the present day for some first-person Abstergo action. Don’t let that last part scare you off. It is not near as intrusive or mind numbing like the Desmond parts of…well any past AC game. These segments do not last very long and if you get into them you will be given some hints about the possible future of the franchise (wild west AC? Hell yeah!).

The farther you travel into Edward’s story it becomes easy to say that he is the best protagonist this franchise has ever had. He is a fully fleshed out character whose goal is very clear even if his way of getting there is unique. He has more personality than all characters in previous entries combined. Maybe that comes from the freedom of the time period and profession the developers have used here. Either way, I would not mind more adventures with Edward even if we all know his ending.

There is so much more I could touch on about what this game holds. I spent over 40 hours sailing and boozing and assassinating and still have quite a bit to do. Whether it is using the diving bell to search for deep sea treasure, sneaking into enemy territory to loot warehouses for ship supplies or just finding random ships to pillage, you will never be left wanting. AC IV does fall into the traps of previous entries sometimes with way too many follow and eavesdrop missions but it does not change the fact that this is easily the best entry in the entire series. My favorite Assassin’s Creed (II) now, finally, seems obsolete.

That is a good thing. Let’s hope Ubisoft can keep the momentum going forward.

January 30, 2014
Scott’s 2013 Game Of The Year

The Last of Us

2013 was one of the strongest years ever for video games. So many games that deserve recognition for being incredible in their own right. When it comes right down to it, as I sat and looked at my list of possible picks, there was only one choice that was easy for me to make.

The Last of Us is a game that defines a generation and it comes at the very end of the current one. Naughty Dog’s reputation as a premiere developer was already sealed with their Uncharted trilogy, Jak and Daxter and Crash Bandicoot, but with The Last of Us they married the gameplay and story so seamlessly it reimagines what is possible in video gaming. Not just very good at one and slack at the other, rather a symbiosis created and learned over 30 years of gaming.

Led by Troy Baker and Ashley Johnson, who set a new bar for voice acting, The Last of Us is the story of Joel and Ellie and their journey across the country, which spans a year, and set against the backdrop of a post-apocalyptic outbreak twenty years prior that has left mankind hanging on by a thread. We have seen the apocalypse scenario before. In fact, we are inundated with it in pop culture with the current zombie craze which makes Naughty Dog’s ability to make it feel fresh all the better. The lines of “video game as art” are blurred further the more you play.

It has been a long, long time since I felt so much emotional connection to characters in a game, not since the original Mass Effect in 2007. As Joel and Ellie’s relationship grows from contentious to so much more you can not help but have your own attachment to both of them, especially if you have experienced the type of loss that both of them have. I can not thank Naughty Dog enough for creating such a fully realized world and characters that will always stick with me.

The Last of Us is a journey that reveals just how good…and horrific humanity can be in its worst hour. As a species on the brink of dying off you are focused on these two engaging people who show you that The Last of Us isn’t about the last of humanity, but rather, the last of humanity left in us.

The best of the rest

-Bioshock Infinite

Any other year. Any other year this would be sitting at the top of my list. Taking the fun Bioshock formula and add in a host of mindfucks and you have only just begun to realize what awaits you.

-Tomb Raider

Welcome back, Lara Croft. It has been awhile. Where Uncharted was a spiritual successor to the original Tomb Raider this brings it full circle and the new Lara is a spiritual successor to Uncharted. Smooth controls and beautiful to look at.

-Assassin’s Creed IV

I had all but given up on the Assassin’s Creed franchise then Ubisoft goes and does this. Who doesn’t want to be a pirate on the high seas? It lets you live out your Jack Sparrow fantasies and reinvigorates the series.

-Super Mario 3D World

It looks like I bought a Wii U just in time. Crazy level design and co-op play that will make friends enemies. It is easily the best Mario game since Super Mario 64. Should be a system seller.

January 13, 2014
Assassin’s Creed IV Only $30 On Amazon (Today Only)

Have you been waiting for the right moment to set sail on the high seas with Assassin’s Creed IV? Today is the day! Amazon has the newest Assassin’s title for only $30 in their Deal of the Day.

I am currently in the middle of playing through AC IV and can attest that, to me, it is the best title in the series. If you have been burned by past entries I want you to give this a try.

Pick up the deal here and begin to plunder.

December 3, 2013
Hey! Buy Games! November 10-17, 2013

Photo courtesy news.softpedia.com

I am pretty sure you are all aware of what this week is. The next generation begins with the release of the Playstation 4 and a host of launch games. This is just the beginning because things get crazier next week with the Xbox One release and then two weeks from now is Black Friday. Keep checking back with us here for the best Black Friday deals during that week to get you ready for the largest shopping day of the year.

On with the games!

[amazon_link id=”B00BGA9WK2″ target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]Playstation 4[/amazon_link]

[amazon_link id=”B00BMFIXOW” target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]Assassin’s Creed IV[/amazon_link] (PS4)

[amazon_link id=”B00CXCCFSI” target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]Battlefield 4[/amazon_link] (PS4)

[amazon_link id=”B00DBRM3G8″ target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]NBA 2K14[/amazon_link] (PS4)

[amazon_link id=”B00CYS5DU8″ target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]Madden NFL 25[/amazon_link] (PS4)

[amazon_link id=”B00CXCCI8A” target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]FIFA 14[/amazon_link] (PS4)

Resogun (PS4)

[amazon_link id=”B00GLN49LQ” target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]Just Dance 2014[/amazon_link] (PS4)

[amazon_link id=”B00FJWNSU8″ target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]Injustice: Gods Among Us[/amazon_link] (PS4)

[amazon_link id=”B00BGAA29M” target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]Knack[/amazon_link] (PS4)

[amazon_link id=”B00BGA9YZK” target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]Killzone: Shadow Fall[/amazon_link] (PS4)

[amazon_link id=”B00D3RBZHY” target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]Need For Speed: Rivals[/amazon_link] (PS4, PS3, 360)

Warframe (PS4)

[amazon_link id=”B00DCDZP7A” target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]Skylanders: Swap Force[/amazon_link] (PS4)

Contrast (PS4)

[amazon_link id=”B00DUARBTA” target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ] Marvel Lego Super Heroes[/amazon_link] (PS4)

DC Universe Online (PS4)

Blacklight: Retribution (PS4)

[amazon_link id=”B00DV16N6U” target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]Ratchet & Clank: Into the Nexus[/amazon_link] (PS3)

[amazon_link id=”B00EM5UJ8M” target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]XCOM: Enemy Within[/amazon_link] (360, PS3)

November 13, 2013
*UPDATED* Assassin’s Creed IV “Online” Pass

Update: Thanks to the hard work of nose-to-the-ground game journalists – and MASSIVE consumer outcry – Ubisoft is discontinuing the Uplay Passport system in its entirety. Assassin’s Creed IV will be the last title to utilize it, and the company is changing the price for the item to “free” on all applicable marketplaces. Enjoy this one, folks. Cheers, Ubisoft.

Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag launched yesterday to moderate reviews; this particular gamer won’t get to play it until I actually have an Xbox One and Beth has finished it and possibly all of the extra content. Once it does roll around to me, however, it turns out I’ll have to shell out a little more than expected.

As most of you are aware, online passes are a “thing” now, and Ubisoft’s particular version is the Uplay Passport, which was first introduced to this series with Assassin’s Creed 3. I’m not actually against passes in most situations; I tend to buy games new, and games that have a multiplayer component that my group is interested in require that we all have copies anyway. I’m also on board with “pre-order bonuses;” again, I tend to buy games new, on release day, and Amazon doesn’t charge you for having a game reserved until it actually ships.

Yesterday, however, it came to light that Ubisoft has crossed a line into new territory: Within Black Flag, there is a mechanic that involves you taking over enemy ships and adding them to your fleet. It’s essentially this game’s version of Ezio’s brotherhood and Conner’s homestead; your fleet earns you money and items, and can be sent on missions from a map in your cabin.

If you don’t have an active Uplay Passport, this mechanic is disabled. This single player mechanic.

Ubisoft’s excuse for this is that your can link your fleet with those of your friends, and even send each other assistance across missions. According to their logic, this constitutes a “multiplayer component” and falls under the guidelines for their online pass system. In my opinion, this is a pathetic attempt to spin the truth: They have decided to spearhead the push to block content for solo players who have bought the game used, or are borrowing it from a friend.

Why does bother me? Because, with wholly single-player experiences, Beth and I have begun only purchasing a single copy and splitting the cost. Dishonored, Sleeping Dogs, Remember Me, Assassin’s Creed 3; one copy between us in each instance. I’ve barely played AC 3, but what I have played was not hindered at all by my lack of the Uplay Passport, because I will never play that game online. There are also a few instances where only one of us could get the pre-order items, but again, those don’t tend to be big losses; whoever was more interested in the game took the bonus, and the other one just didn’t worry about it.

When I eventually get to play AC IV, however, I won’t be able to access the fleet meta-game at all unless I pay Ubisoft another $10. Oh, and I’ll probably get to do it again when Watchdogs eventually comes out, because unless we see definitive proof that its multiplayer component is worthwhile, only one copy of that will be purchased as well.

Congratulations, Ubisoft. I have been a die-hard fan of yours since Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time. I genuinely liked the first Assassin’s Creed, repetitive missions and all. I know this trend won’t stop with you; hell, Capcom and EA have been charging people for access to content on the disc under the guise of “DLC” for years. I can’t it explain it, but this feels different, and I’m disappointed in you for it.

At what point did the $60+ we pay for games not become enough? I’m not a GameStop kind of guy; I don’t buy into their “Reserve / Trade-In / Used” system, and it bothered me so much when I worked there that they fired me over it. I pre-ordered the collector’s edition of Black Flag the day it went up on Amazon, along with the hardbound strategy guide. Doesn’t matter! $10 more or else!

I guess maybe Ubisoft is just reacting to a changing marketplace, same as the rest of the industry? I’ve got no problem railing against used games, either… But this isn’t a used game! I’m buying it new! It infuriates me that just because my girlfriend and I both want to play it…

I’m rambling now. I apologize. I’m angry, and by damn, I hope you are too.

October 30, 2013
Hey! Buy Games! October 27- November 3, 2014

Photo courtesy cinemablend.com

It is the biggest release week of the year so far for video games. Pirate lovers, military shooters and wrestling fans all have reason to be excited this week. It is officially the biggest time of the year for gaming. Who is excited?

Oh and there is another Sonic game also.

October 29th

[amazon_link id=”B00BXE4KVM” target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]Battlefield 4[/amazon_link] (360, PS3)

[amazon_link id=”B00BMFIXKQ” target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]Assassin’s Creed IV[/amazon_link] (360 PS3, Wii U)

[amazon_link id=”B00CMC6HCY” target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]WWE 2K14[/amazon_link] (360, PS3)

[amazon_link id=”B00D41GCVS” target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]Sonic Lost World[/amazon_link] (Wii U, 3DS)

[amazon_link id=”B00DWXV1B4″ target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]Angry Birds Star Wars[/amazon_link] (360, PS3, Wii, Wii U, Vita, 3DS)

[amazon_link id=”B00CSLIYTI” target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]Pac Man and the Ghostly Adventures[/amazon_link] (360, PS3, Wii U, Vita, 3DS)

October 31st

[amazon_link id=”B00BPF528E” target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]Sniper Elite: Nazi Zombie Army 2[/amazon_link] (PC)

October 29, 2013
Review Roundup: Assassin’s Creed IV

Photo courtesy hdwallpapers.in

Time to set sail on the high seas today with the release of [amazon_link id=”B00BMFIXKQ” target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]Assassin’s Creed IV[/amazon_link]. People are understandably excited about the next entry in the franchise, including me, even though Assassin’s Creed III left a bad taste in many people’s mouths with its excessive hand-holding and feeling like they were never truly in control of their character. Can the pirate themed adventure set the series on a new course or is it just more of the same?

Here are what the first review are saying:

IGN– 8.5/10

“Black Flag learns from AC 3’s initial 10 hours of banal hand-holding by immediately throwing you into the action. After a lean and exhilarating opening mission that places you in the blood-soaked boots of Connor’s much livelier and more likeable grandfather Edward Kenway, the world blossoms and allows you to explore its vast uncharted waters. The size of the world is staggering, and the fact that it’s absolutely brimming with fun and rewarding activities made me want to get lost as possible as I traveled from point A to point B.”

Videogamer– 7/10

“On land, it’s (literally) the same old Creed. There’s a certain compulsive appeal to it of course, just like Ezio’s trilogy; you’ll want to collect the seemingly inexhaustible amount of things on offer, even if you know that what you’re doing isn’t technically good or even interesting. You just don’t care; it’s the gaming equivalent of fast food. “

Polygon– 7.5/10

“This change makes the best part of Assassin’s Creed 3 — the sailing and ship-to-ship combat — much better. Out on the ocean, Assassin’s Creed 4 is unlike any game I’ve ever played. Even the basic act of sailing the Jackdaw was gratifying as I called out commands to my crew, adjusting sails and angle to head off storms or enemy fleets, or shouting for full sail to ram an unsuspecting merchant ship.”

Kotaku– YES

“I found myself excited to return to the Caribbean because, well, the game is a great deal of fun to play. Black Flag is the most mechanically assured, sturdily designed game in the series. Everything works in concert much more harmoniously than it has in past games, particularly the rough-around-the-edges-and-middle Assassin’s Creed III. Inventory management, aiming, sneaking and sword-fighting all feel more of a piece than they yet have.”

Gamespot– 9/10

“Despite the presence of pirates and scoundrels, the world of Black Flag is a consistently gorgeous one. The Assassin’s Creed series has always had a knack for establishing an engrossing sense of place in its dense urban landscapes, and Ubisoft hasn’t missed a step in applying that same level of craftsmanship toward the islands and jungles of the Caribbean.”

Game Informer– 8.25/10

“Despite my issues with the paths that are laid out before you, Black Flag is great fun when you let your impulses guide you. Whether you want to hunt animals or unearth Mayan relics, it caters to obsessive gamers with a multitude of objectives to cross off the checklist. Plus, so many different activities are available that I could hardly sail between destinations without getting sidetracked three or four times on the way.”

October 29, 2013