There’s already a 4th instalment!?…We haven’t even changed console generations yet!
The fourth game in the Assassins Creed franchise has arrived. Does this trip down memory lane, by means of the Animus, have what it takes to keep gamers plugged in to the series? Find out after the jump…
Picking up after the events of 2010’s Assassins Creed Brotherhood, Revelations sheds light on the time periods of Desmond, Altair and Ezio. As you may have suspected, this is being floated around as the final chapter to the events of the series, opening the door to an all-new direction with future games.
Here, players once again inhabit modern day character Desmond, who has been using the Animus to live the memories of his ancestors (Altair and Ezio).
Furthermore, Desmond must revisit the lives of both assassins, cutting back and forth between periods of their life in order to discover a missing piece of the puzzle. However, this tale is firmly grounded in the exploits of an aging Ezio and his quest to the city of Constantinople to unlock the secrets of the Templar Empire.
“It’s good to see you again my friend! My, you’ve aged well!”
SPOILER-FREE REVIEW by Julie Rainville, Senior Editor at WM.com (she’s a fan):
I must say that I am impressed how the overall graphic quality has improved since the last game (Assassins Creed: Brotherhood). If I compare it to Batman, which came out a week before, Revelations looks fancier and more polished.
I honestly thought, before playing the game, that they would be satisfied with just creating a whole new city, which is already a big deal. I’m glad that I was wrong. It looks very very good, and not just in the cut scenes.
So I was excited about that for a while. Then everything started to feel a bit too familiar. And then I was okay with it – I like that series, and this game offers some great additions, so overall I am pleased with the experience.
About the city, I really enjoyed the change of vibe here, having people yell at me with a different accent when I steal money from them. I dig that.
Overall, the script is also better than Brotherhood. Nothing to keep me awake at night but I have to admit, I wasn’t expecting much, plot-wise. I will be a lot more demanding if/when they release Assassins Creed 3.
Characters are very important to me and in the previous game I found myself not caring about any of them. Personally, I have more fun playing a game if I don’t want the people in it to die.
“I’m sexy and I know it”
Speaking of which, I like to play as an older Ezio, this “weakness” alone adds to the character. He is wiser and cooler. I also find him way sexier - I do have a thing for older men. I’m down with Altair, nice to see him again. I don’t want to say too much since this is a spoiler-free review. I also like the supporting characters more. Yusuf Tazim has a lot of swag.
I still don’t care for Desmond. I find him sort of bland and generic, but he didn’t annoy me as much this time around. I always thought it would be a better series without him. However, I kind of like the change of pace he provides. I guess I would say: Nice try. The thing is, I just never got into the whole animus thing, I see it as a gimmick and I still think it was a mistake to begin with.
“Geronimo!”
As for gameplay, I don’t know. They added some things, of course they would, it’s a new game. No big revolution here. Perhaps no big revolution was needed. I think everybody already covered the problems with Den Defense. It’s just “meh”. I loved the idea of the hookblade before I even tried it and I wasn’t disappointed. Makes moving around move enjoyable, obviously, and provides some awesome moves when you kill people. I hope they bring it back. They will probably receive some hate mail from me if they don’t. Because that’s how I roll.
I also do like the way they changed the buttons in order to access the secondary weapons easily. I like the new design of the weapon wheel, makes me feel like I’m using two ipods at the same time. On the topic of small aesthetic details, can I say that I always loved the maps in Assassins Creed? Whoever draws them: your good work doesn’t go unnoticed.
Altair is back!
OVERALL SCORE:
I would only give a 10 to a game that changed my life. This one is not doing that. But it does look gorgeous, and it made me care about the story in general (yes, especially the George Clooney-esque Ezio).
Considering that AS:Brotherhood is a 8 in my book and that this new one is slightly better, this deserves a 9/10.
PROS:
-Incredible graphics.
-Great character development.
-Love the new items and weapons.
-Weapon wheel is sleek and easy to use.
-Excellent environments and map.
CONS:
-Desmond and the Animus are un-necessary to the series (just have the game take place in the past, no need for the plot device).
-Tower defence addition sucks.
-Animus platforming stages are boring.
Check out the game’s story trailer:
And be sure to check out our exclusive interview with the game’s Art Director:
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