This week will be my last proper "review" until next year. I'll be coming back on January first for my GOTY blog, so I want to take this opportunity to say that 2011 has been a great year, and I want to thank you all for reading these things. I'll see you all next year! Now, Assassins Creed!
STORY
If you haven't played the last AC game, first off, why are you here?? Second, there will be spoilers. Massive spoilers as far as AC: Brotherhood is concerned.
Don't say I didn't warn you.
The game starts off where brotherhood stopped; Desmond's mind has shut down, and his fellow assassins have put him in a safe zone of the animus til they can find a way to help him. Inside this safe zone, he meets Subject 16, who informs Desmond that to rebuild his fractured psyche, he must bring closure to the genetic memories of both Altair Ibn La-Ahad and Ezio Auditore Da Firenze, so that the Animus may seperate these memories from Desmonds own.
Meanwhile, in Ezio's memories, the Italian Assassin Mentor is on a pilgrimage to uncover the secrets of the great Altair, hoping to find answers to his own questions of whether his life has been spent well or not. Along the way, he also becomes embroiled in a political struggle that has Turks and Byzantines (both Templar and non) vying for control.
The high level of story telling and writing that the Assassin's Creed franchise is known for continues with Revelations; the game has some of the most likeable characters to date. Unfortunately, the main opposition to Ezio's cause lack the characterisation of the conspirators of AC2 or the Borgias of ACB. However, characters such as Yusuf Tazim and Sofia Sartor are instantly likeable, much like Da Vinci in the previous titles.
If you're one of the naysayers who criticized the series for the far fetched conspiracy theories used as the story's basis, then ACR may not change your mind. However, if you like big plot twists and out there ideas, then ACR will keep you entertained.
PRESENTATION
Assassin's Creed: Revelations is the best looking AC game to date, which is no easy feat. The improvements aren't hugely noticeable when compared to AC: Brotherhood, but the subtle improvements are there. Character models and faces, for instance look amazing (Altair's features have improved significantly since his last appearance).
The soundtrack will sound very familiar to long time players, which isn't necessarily a bad thing. When the danger picks up, the music does too, and it all really helps the games high adrenaline atmosphere in these moments.
Voice acting continues to be fantastic, with the ever present Nolan North providing Desmond's voice. Ezio's voice actor returns, and Altair sports a more realistic middle eastern accent in his sections.
GAMEPLAY
The gameplay of Assassin's Creed has always been a high point; the combat, platforming and puzzle sections have always been top notch. So it baffles me as to why Ubisoft would add pointless gimmicky mechanics into a near perfect formula, thus taking it down a notch.
I'll start with the good stuff, the stuff that has been polished over four games to a mirror shine. The combat is as fast and fluid as ever, with a little added difficulty in the form of a larger variety of enemies. The kill animations are extremely brutal, and very fun to watch.
The platforming fares a little worse. That's not to say it's been ruined. The parkour gameplay is still fast and frantic, but some pathfinding issues make certain sections of the game rather frustrating.
Another frustrating feature would be certain "optional objectives" for 100% sync. Alot of the time, they turn the missions into stealth missions, which would be fine, if the enemy AI didn't fluctuate between absolute retard and omnipresent psychic. Assassin's Creed Brotherhood didn't have these problems, so I'm wondering where these ones have sprouted from.
As far as new mechanics go, there are 3 main additions: Den Defense, The hook blade, and bomb crafting. To start with the bad news, Den Defense just does not fit in. After capturing templar towers, you gain Assassin Dens, which can be attacked at any time. When they are attacked, a mini tower defence game activates. It seems totally out of place and can be seriously frustrating at times. Especially when you realise that it's only compulsory if you want to get 100%.
On the other hand, we have the hookblade and bomb crafting. The hookblade is handy for getting around quickly, and it helps to make the platforming that little bit more fluid. It also allows Ezio to use Ziplines, which are awesome for getting from A to B in style. Also new are the bomb crafting mechanics, which allow for large varieties of tactical, diversionary and lethal bombs to be created, of different triggers and blast radius'. Both of these are useful and fun to use. unlike Den Defense.
Oh, and before I forget; the Subject 16 puzzles of previous games have been replaced by a strange first person platforming section covering Desmonds memories. They seem a little strange at first, but become a nice break from the otherwise hectic gameplay of ACR. The narrative behind these sections is worth a listen, if you can get behind the gameplay.
REPLAYABILITY
Assassin's Creed Revelations has a great sandbox that invites players to just run around in, as well as a story that, despite it's linearity, warrants multiple playthroughs, a buttload of collectibles to find and side quests to embark upon, and a fun and improved multiplayer component to mess around in.
Assassin's Creed: Revelations is the kind of game that the word "Replayability" was made for. Believe me, theres at least 20+ hours of gameplay here.
OVERVIEW
Assassin's Creed fans, this game is most definitely for you, though the tainting of this game through the pointless gimmicks may ruin the experience for you somewhat. For newcomers to the series, maybe start with AC2 and work from there.
ACR has a fantastic story, andx the gameplay (for the most part) is perfect. The visuals and audio are spot on, and Assassin's Creed: revelations is a worthy addition to the series. Now, to wait until December 2012 for the final chapter in Desmond's story. Note: Not the final AC game.
OK Guys, I'll be back on Jan 1st for my GOTY blog. See you all then!
