If there’s anything that can be said about the Assassin’s Creed games, it’s that each iteration is consistently better than the last; Revelations continues that trend by taking everything you loved about Assassin’s Creed Brotherhood, and expanding upon it.  As much as it saddens me to think that this is the last game with Ezio Auditore da Firenze and Altaïr Ibn La’Ahad in it, it is also quite a joy to see how their stories play out, and how they effect everything else.  While I’m really anxious to see where the series goes from here, this is a perfect swan song to send those characters off into the ether.

One thing that really surprised me about this game, was just how open it was.  In Assassin’s Creed Brotherhood, you were artificially limited from going everywhere at the beginning – you had to wait until the story allowed you to get to a particular area.  Now In Revelations, it is in the third sequence where you’re giving free roam abilities, and boy do they mean free.  In short, I was 33% done with sequence three (about an hour in for “normal” people), and I had synchronized every viewpoint (except one – the only place locked off to you), bought every business and monument, recruited every assassin (and got them all to master status), and pretty much did everything a normal person would have waited on – curse my OCD.

Taking the time to do all of that will give you some of the game’s best weapons and armor, and really makes things easier in the long run.  In effect, Assassin’s Creed Revelations allows the player to set their own level of difficulty.  As I mentioned, recruiting assassins is also back, as are the missions that you can send them on – however everything there is extremely expanded upon.  Now not only can you send your assassin on random missions in various cities, but you can also lower down the Templar’s control on said cities, and take them over yourself.  Doing this gives you extra money every twenty minutes, and a steady supply of bomb creating ingredients.

Oh, what did I just say?  Bomb creating?

That’s right – in Revelations, Ezio can craft over 300 varieties of bombs to distract, incapacitate, or just outright kill your enemies.  Basically you can think of Ezio as the Batman of the Renissance – if Batman went around and just randomly murdered dudes.  Whether it be a caltrops bomb that explodes on impact, or a sticky bomb that blows up guards, or a tripwire bomb that spews gold coins to attract a crowd, you’ll have an absolute blast figuring out what works best in what situation.

Back to the recruiting of assassins, like before you need to control dens in order to gain more followers, and just like in Brotherhood you need to kill the den commander and light a fire to claim it as yours.  The big difference there now is that the more you do (buying property, killing Templars, etc), the more notoriety you gain.  Gain enough, and the Templars will randomly attack one of your dens.  When you go to it, you’re taken to a mini game that reminds me a LOT of a tower defense game – you send leaders on roofs, and then send other assassins in front of them to attack.  In order to facilitate this, you need to get morale points to spend (gotten from killing the attackers).  You have a number of different units at your disposal, and even barricades that you can build – however once you do it a few times chances are you’ll grow to hate this game.

Luckily, you can bribe heralds, or kill certain Templars to lower your notoriety – or better yet you can level an assassin to 15 and do a special mission for them, and then they will protect your dens for you.  It’s definitely a reason to get them leveled up as quick as possible!   Something else different about Revelations, is you don’t just have to worry about Byzantine Templars, you also now have the Ottomans on your ass.  The only saving grace is that they both hate each other as well, so if you can lure one group to another you can start a rumble and then just sneak on by.  Just try not to get caught in the middle, because when one group wins they will inevitably turn on your if you’re still in sight.

Yes Byzantines and Ottomans – Revelations takes place in the city of Istanbul (not Constantinople) during the time of 1511 A.D.  History buffs will know that this is around the rise of the Ottoman empire, and Ezio meets a lot of historical figures from this time (Prince Suleiman, and Manuel Palaiologos to name two).  The look of the area is a lot different to the Rome that was presented in Brotherhood – from the sun baked sandstone, to the giant bazaar atmosphere – and boy does it look good.  Not only has the gameplay mechanics improved from the previous game, but all of the graphics look a lot better – which is a feat considering how good Brotherhood really looked.

In the way of gameplay mechanics other than the bombs I spoke of earlier, Ezio gains a new weapon called the “hookblade”.  Basically a blade with a hook on the end (hence the name – genius, right?), it allows you to extend your reach when jumping (or falling), and adds some new flair to the combat combos you can perform.  The hook roll is especially impressive, and works great when you’re running from people.  Counter kills and counter grabs are also a breeze to pull off, and you’ll find yourself doing them in combos when you want to end combat quickly.

I didn’t get much multiplayer time in before writing this (because I was more interested in the narrative), however I did get to play some.  Most of it is exactly what you played in Brotherhood, however there is a new mode called Deathmatch.  In deathmatch, there’s no longer a compass to tell you where your target is, but rather a small box in the top right shows you who your target is, and it glows blue when you’re in the line of sight of them.  It’s a lot more difficult, because some of the maps are quite large, and it really feels like looking for a needle in a haystack (with other needles trying to jab you in the ass).  All in all though, the whole experience is just as fun as it was last time around, and it still feels like one big Turin Test.  One thing that was improved beyond a shadow of a doubt is the connectivity.  In Brotherhood I has issues out the wazoo with connecting to people, and even though there were only reviewers playing pre-launch, I never had any problems finding a match.

The last thing I feel compelled to mention, is how Ubisoft seems to be on board with the Playstation 3 on this title.  Not only did PS3 users get to enjoy the Beta for the multiplayer, but they also get the entire first Assassin’s Creed game for free on their Blu-Ray disc.  I know lots of developers are going the console specific bonus route, but it’s nice to see something that big as one.  Granted it’s a couple years old, but playing that made me remember where this series had its roots at (as I hadn’t even picked it up since beating it right after it originally came out).  I don’t want to get into a 360 vs. PS3 debate here, just letting you know that one has a definite advantage with this specific game.

Editor’s Rating:

5 out of 5 stars

Perfect!

The Bottom Line:  This game epitomizes the way I want every one of my favorite franchises to be done with characters – everything shows a level of polish and detail that screams out to how much they care about Assassin’s Creed.

Pros:

• The game looks gorgeous – artistically, there is nothing that I would change one bit
• The voice acting is spot on like always
• Desmond’s sections, while odd, are a welcome and refreshing break

Cons:

• The den defense mini-game loses its fun very quickly
• Trying to remember which enemies were weak against which bombs made my head hurt
• Ezio and Altair are gone after this

You can get Assassin’s Creed Revelations from Amazon for $59.96

Assassin’s Creed: Brotherhood is an epic action game for Xbox 360 set across a blend of present and historical time periods, that places the player in the role of the leader of a Renaissance-era guild of assassins out for vengeance against the remnants of the Knights Templar. Set primarily in Rome, this sequel to the critically acclaimed Assassin’s Creed II features returning characters from the previous game and includes new features such as the ability to command members of your guild in combat, a new arsenal of weapons and multiplayer game support in which players can assume different assassin characters.

The original Just Dance game got the world dancing like never before, and now the #1 best-selling Music/Rhythm game for play on the Nintendo Wii system is back with Just Dance 2. This time around it will be just as easy to keep the party going with an all-star tracklist–more than 45 strong, plus downloadable songs–from different genres, as well as the hottest dance moves of today. In addition, Just Dance 2 pushes the envelope even further with more accurate movement recognition by the Wii Remote, allowing better dancers to reap the rewards of their superior skill, without putting the game out of reach of beginners. Finally Just Dance 2 includes all-new dance modes making the game even more party oriented than its predecessor.

Well, forget the PlayStation 3 as the big name in 3D gaming. In a somewhat unexpected announcement, Panasonic has teamed up with Ubisoft to bring their games to 3D capable HDTVs, no console required. They’re in the early stages of development, and there’s no word yet on what sort of controller they’ll use or what sets will feature the games, but the company expects Shaun White Snowboarding and Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon to be the first titles. This could be either a great or a terrible idea, depending on how the games look and play.

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A few years have passed since the cliff hanger conclusion of Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell: Double Agent, in which Agent Sam Fisher undertook a particularly dirty mission, full of questionable actions, in the shadow of the inexplicable and unmourned death of his daughter. Fisher is now a renegade operative digging into the events of the past and he doesn’t like what he has found. His personal investigation into his daughter’s death reveals that he’s been betrayed by his former agency, the Third Echelon. The agency responds by pursuing him, but as he works to elude them he becomes aware of a deadly terrorist plot that threatens millions. He is uniquely positioned and prepared to act against this, but success is doubtful without the help of former friends from the Third Echelon team, resulting in a series of life and death situations for himself and the country where trust can by no means be assumed.

NOTE: Hit the drop down to get this price

Making up for having to wait forever for Splinter Cell Conviction, Ubisoft throws its loyal patrons a bone with the announcement of… free weekly DLC!  You heard that right, the DLC will appear in the form of weapons, skins (love that word, thanks Boyz in da Hood), Deniable Ops Maps, each week, for absolutely no cost.

Sounds awesome right?  With a short single player campaign, Ubisoft is backing the rest of the game up with a great co-op campaign, and multiplayer mode.  The DLC starts pouring in on the 15th, but I’m not sure if it is system exclusive.  Me and my housemate would love to buy a couple copies for around $80 if anybody knows about some coupons!

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The world of the assassin is one cloaked in shadow and steeped in danger. Ensnared in a web of revenge and conspiracy, the assassin embraces power at its most elemental, acting as the dividing line between life and death. As an assassin confronted by perilous new challenges and difficult choices, what path will you choose?

Holy crap!  Contrary to popular belief, Ubisoft will be releasing a ‘Splinter Cell: Conviction‘ demo.  It will arrive March 18th for my your enjoyment.  According to reports on the Interwebs, the demo will start you in the bathroom scene, which was detailed at E3, and then send you to a board later in the game.

No joke, my hands are shaking with excitement.  The full game arrive 4/13/10.

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Well, here it is, the official box art for the Splinter Cell Conviction Xbox 360.  It will arrive this April for $399, as we predicted.  Unlike previous special editions, such as the Modern Warfare 2 Xbox 360, this version won’t bear any special artwork, though it will include the same 250GB hard drive, two controllers, a standard copy of Splinter Cell Conviction and a headset.

Consider me fully sold, that is assuming Costco carries it, which is more than unlikely.

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It’s $59.99 – $23.99 instant rebate + $0 shipping = $36 shipped!

The world of the assassin is one cloaked in shadow and steeped in danger. Ensnared in a web of revenge and conspiracy, the assassin embraces power at its most elemental, acting as the dividing line between life and death. As an assassin confronted by perilous new challenges and difficult choices, what path will you choose?

We like bundles.  Word across game land has it that a new Splinter Cell Conviction Xbox 360 Bundle is coming in time for the games’ April release.  The package will be similar to that of the MW2 Bundle minus the special console artwork but will include:  Two black controllers, a black elite console with a 250GB hard drive, a headset, a copy of the game, and AV cables.  No mention to whether or not it will include and HDMI cable or not.  The bundle will sell for $400.

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Ghost Recon has been one of my favorite shooters in the recent decade for the original Xbox and the 360.  I loved the pacing, large maps, and sense of isolation in the wilderness.  Ubisoft has finally announced the next official game in the Ghost Recon series by the ambiguous title of…Future Soldier.

Not that different sounding from Advanced Warfighter, I sure the game will not disappoint.  Slated for release this holiday season, a beta is also being primed for this summer.  According to UbiSoft, anyone buying Splinter Cell Conviction this spring will have access to the beta.  Enjoy the banner and we’ll hopefully hear some more robust news soon.

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Remember that supposed Splinter Cell Conviction promo code that was to be included inside the box of Assassin’s Creed 2?  According to game site CVG, and an Ubisoft spokesperson “The leaflet included in the Assassin’s Creed 2 boxes in the US does not relate to a Splinter Cell Conviction demo download. The leaflet is a US initiative and will not be available in other territories.”  In other words, it’s a promo to get fans of the Splinter Cell series like you and me to download wallpapers to our computer’s desktop and what Ubisoft probably hopes is a conversation going with our best buds to help promote the game.

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While it’s a far reach from “Modern Warfare 2 Prestige Edition“, Ubisoft’s “Splinter Cell: Conviction” Collector’s Edition is looking like some good bang for your buck, that is assuming you’re into this kind of crap.  Included is a USB flash drive with all sorts of Splinter Cell media, a hard-bound copy of “Fifth Freedom: The Art of Splinter Cell”, two in game items (MP5-SD3 submachine gun and a 3rd Echelon outfit for multiplayer), decals, “Digging in the Ashes” comic book and a metallic steel case.

The CE version of “Splinter Cell: Conviction” will also launch on 2/23 and cost $79.99.

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My buddy really holds dear these certain games that he thinks are going to be awesome.  And often he is let down (Assassin’s Creed).  He became a bit worried when Ubisoft announced that Splinter Cell Conviction was delayed and believes that the game is going to be total crap.  I tried to explain to him that the developers were working hard to make the game the best it could be and the delays were merely going to make the game better in the long run.

At the Tokyo Game Show, Splinter Cell Conviction was shown with great conviction to how much better it’s looking these days.  Funny enough, while searching for this video I saw other SCC videos dating back to over two years ago.  Ugh.

Just missing this year’s holiday gaming extravaganza, Splinter Cell Conviction will see the light of retail shelves on the 23rd of February 2010.  I think this game is going to be awesome just like all the others have been.  Clock the video below.

]]> http://www.gadgetreview.com/2009/09/splinter-cell-conviction-gets-arrives-february-23rd-video.html/feed 0 http://www.gadgetreview.com/2009/09/assassins-creed-2-for-iphone-to-be-released-with-console-versions.html http://www.gadgetreview.com/2009/09/assassins-creed-2-for-iphone-to-be-released-with-console-versions.html#comments Wed, 09 Sep 2009 20:52:39 +0000 Jeff B http://www.gadgetreview.com/?p=35900

At today’s Apple event, Ubisoft announced that Assassin’s Creed 2 will hit the App Store on the same day that the console versions hit the retail shelves.  Taking the same route as the first Assassin’s Creed, the game will be a side-scrolling 2-D platformer.

The graphics look to be tighter and more refined, and word has it that you can use photos from your camera roll and place them in the game to appear as wanted posters.

Look for Assassin’s Creed 2 on multiple platforms this November.

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Think about it.  The PS2 had a lengthy lifespan that spawned several quality franchises such as:  Metal Gear Solid, Splinter Cell, GTA3, Silent Hill, Resident Evil, Brothers in Arms, and more.  All these titles are totally still playable beyond a nostalgic standpoint and could have new life breathed into them if bundled together and re-released on the PS3 via Blu-Ray disc.

With the recent news of a God of War collection being re-released on Blu-Ray with a framerate increase, resolution upscaling and trophies, some rumblings have other publishers agreeing to the coolness factor of this idea, but not confirming anything.  The storage capacity of a Blu-Ray disc alone could make this a very possible scenario for down the line.  Sweet!

I think this is a great idea especially if you are a fan of a particular series and want to catch up on past story lines before you play the current title.   Hopefully we’ll here more about this sometime soon.

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Tucked away in the dark corners of E3, and apparently my mind since I’m posting this the following week, was a little strategy game called “R.U.S.E” from Ubisoft.  What makes it of particular interest is that it is played on Microsoft’s Surface and as  you can see in the below video, creates a unique level of interaction and engagement thanks to the Surface’s touchscreen multigesture interface.  I’ve long been a skeptic of the Surface, largely due to cost, but games like this surely are fitting and make for a compelling argument in favor of the hardware.