Lasting First Impressions of Assassin’s Creed Revelations from Ubisoft
The original Assassin’s Creed, first released in 2007, was a title most agreed was very repetitive and, at the time, most would have said that it did not warrant a follow-up title. Ubisoft was quick to disagree and took much user feedback to heart to improve on 2009′s Assassin’s Creed II. Then the franchise just snowballed from there. It has quickly become one of video gamedom’s most revered series and finds a new entry in this saga every year for nearly every platform available. The saga now continues with the fourth major release, Assassin’s Creed Revelations. Once again, players take on the role of Desmond Miles as he experiences the memories of his assassin ancestors in search of powerful artefacts and the answers to a prophesy of the end of times.
While many people were disappointed with the original Assassin’s Creed, I personally really enjoyed it. I loved the open world aspect of the game and the many collectible options available in the game. As I have mentioned in previous posts, I enjoy games that allow you to explore the world and collect hidden items. This kind of gameplay is relaxing and the very reason I enjoy many titles.
Assassin’s Creed Revelations seems to be where the disparate stories of Desmond, Altair, and Ezio will come to an epic conclusion as Desmond follows Ezio’s travels in Altair’s footsteps. Sounds a bit like Inception, doesn’t it? The game begins with an amazing opening cinematic that is absolutely gorgeous. It was like watching a feature film and I was so engrossed in it that I didn’t want it to end. Once the game begins, the initial gameplay serves as your typical tutorial for those who have been away from the game for a while and need some refreshing. During the gameplay, as you are presented with different opportunities to learn the controls, a built-in tutorial section can be opened using the ‘back’ button (on the XBOX360) allowing you to spend as much time perfecting your skills as you want before trying to leverage these abilities in-game.
As usual, the controls are intuitive and natural so perfecting all the available abilities won’t be a challenge. The fighting sequences feel very familiar to control and often result in a variety of swift kill animations. In one instant, Ezio is fighting the guard in front of him, swiftly stabs him through the stomach, and as I direct him to fight the guard behind him, he just as swiftly performs an over-the-head reversed sword thrust through the guard’s head. It is quite a site to behold and makes the fighting sequences all that much more entertaining. Great action sequences beyond the traditional Ezio-on-foot also add to the variety of gameplay. During my hour play, I found myself frantically being dragged behind a carriage, followed by a high-speed carriage chase. All the usual trapping are still available too: stealth kills, climbing building, hiding in crowds, haystacks, tents, and more. Fans of the series will certainly not be disappointed.
Returning to Assassin’s Creed Revelations is the wonderful take on multiplayer that was so well received in Assassin’s Creed Brotherhood. In the multiplayer game, you will be given a mark that you must assassinate, but at the same time, you will be someone else’s mark. The challenge is in stealthily finding your target and successfully performing an assassination before you are caught. It is the most unique take on multiplayer gaming and fans will be pleased that it has returned.
The visuals in ACR are astonishing. It’s really hard to believe this is the same series that debuted four years ago as this title is far beyond the original. Details added to this title such as soaked clothing and water dripping from the hero when he get out of a pool of water is incredible. Between major gameplay sequences are cut scenes that continue in the quality of the opening cinematic and these truly bring the story to life. I could literally spend hours in a game like this exploring the vast cities that Ubisoft has meticulously and beautifully created here but the immersive story keeps me wanting to continue on and see where it takes me next. With great voice talent such as the enigmatic John De Lancie, Assassin’s Creed Revelations is proving to be not just a game, but an incredible interactive cinematic experience. This game really makes me want to go back and play the entire series from the beginning.
Ubisoft, I gave you an hour and I am IMPRESSED.
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