Release Date: November 11, 2014
Reviewed For: PS4, Xbox One, PC
Reviewed On: PS4
November 8, 2014
A GORGEOUS DEATH
From tower defense to naval combat, it’s nice to see this installment from the franchise get back to the basics of what the original Assassin’s Creed (2007) was . After getting the game up and running, I took the time to marvel at 18th century Paris. From the densely populated streets, massive buildings, and the disgusting sewers, the amount of detail rendering on screen at one time is incredible. This is truly next-gen Assassin’s Creed.
*Story*
Set before, during, and after the French Revolution, you play as Arno Dorian. While playing as Arno you find out that his father is an Assassin. After his father is killed, Arno is adopted; his new family holds a high position within the Templar Order since his stepfather is the Templars Grandmaster (Assassin’s and Templars are enemies). Later in the story, Arno’s adoptive father gets killed. Arno blames himself for what happened, causing him to set off on a quest of revenge and redemption. Arno then finds the Brotherhood of Assassins.
The plot also includes an interesting love story, a first for the series. Arno’s love interest in the story is Elise de LaSerre, the daughter of his stepfather. The story gets very interesting when the two cross paths and interact with each other. I should note that while Arno was being trained by the Brotherhood, Elise was getting trained by the Templar order. As with all Assassin’s Creed games, historical figures will play an important role throughout the game. There are a few missions that will surprise you during your time with the game. Hint: the Eiffel Tower will be making an appearance.
This game looks amazing; 30FPS is the sweet spot given everything that’s going on at one time. From the dangly cloth physics; to the rendered individual strands of hair, it’s hard to believe that Assassin’s Creed: Black Flag (2013) was released only a year ago on the same engine (I guess this is what happens when you develop on powerful hardware only). Instead of travelling from one location to another (the typical formula), you are treated to one huge dose of Paris and boy is it huge. The city is bursting with personality and is broken up into districts making you feel you are in a different territory because of the distinctions .The whole map is open to you from the get go, but there are many things you can’t access without unlocking certain abilities. Just roaming around climbing the tallest building trying to sync the map takes around two hours to complete (the map is that huge). The amount of NPC’s on screen at one time is insane. I’m talking about thousands. Every corner you turn there are groups of people. The world really feels alive; instead of having large amounts of people on screen at one time just for the sake of filling the city; there is always something going on and sometimes non-player interaction will trigger an event. People will have different conversations, do different tasks, and commit crimes (if you put the controller down the game will just act on its own). For example, if there is a riot going on and you attack a guard that’s blocking a certain path, the people will retaliate, which makes it easy for you to simply go unnoticed. Also worth mentioning: aside from a few cut scenes, everything is seamless. This time, the extra buildings around the corners aren’t just for show.
The series has always been known for its linear mission structure, but this installment is a game changer. Yes, you are still following a main story, but the mission structure gives more variety allowing players to tackle each mission to suit his/her play style. For example, in one mission I had to assassinate a target. Because of the new mission structure I had the choice to either walk through the front door, eavesdrop to gain more intel, lock pick some doors, or pickpocket a set of keys. Whatever path I chose a different variable was unlocked. Completing the game (main story and side missions included) takes about 40 plus hours depending on your play style (not including co-op).
-Stealth
There is actually a button for this similar to Watchdogs (2014); it’s a good mechanic. Just like in Splinter Cell: Conviction (2010), Unity uses the “last known position” system. This means that enemies will not know you are there automatically and they will have to search for you (stealth kills are earned this time). If you fail missions this time around you have only yourself to blame. Gameplay mechanics are top notch.
-Combat
No more slaughtering crowds of enemies with simple one button counters; you have to parry, block, dodge, and wait for the right opportunity this time. If you get out, your chances of dying are pretty high (depending on the class you focused on leveling up). Enemies now have a leveling system above their health bar; which makes picking battles easier (it’s ok to flee if you have to). The game focuses on four gameplay styles: melee (swords, hammers, etc.), range (javelins, guns, etc.), stealth (hidden/phantom blades), and health (Armor).
-Traversal
Not only can you scale buildings up and down, you can also run up the sides of them. You are able to do this seamlessly thanks to the new parkour system (don’t worry those handy haystacks are still around). Foot movement is the same and you can also ride horses. Worth mentioning: The button layout has been tweaked a little in order to accommodate the new gameplay features. Because of this, it takes about an hour for gameplay elements to open up. During my playthrough, I encountered a few glitches such as: pop-ins, unable to move due to being stuck to ledges, and the annoying falling to my death because the controls didn’t register. All of these problems are minor and didn’t ruin the overall experience of the game.
*Conclusion*
Easily one of the best looking titles this year, Unity really shows off what the next gen
hardware is truly capable of. If you’re looking for a huge city with lots to do, a well-acted story that pulls you in, causing you to want to do more, than this game is for you. It’s challenging, rewarding and you can roam around for miles and miles on end.This game is truly a work of art and I am awarding it Nerdnalist first-ever 4½ pocket protectors out of 5.
*Breakdown*
- 4 of 5*Concept: Play as Arno set out on a revenge quest to get answers for the murders of his loved ones.
- 5 of 5*Graphics: Brutal imagery looks top notch; I could go on for hours about how much better this one looks than last year’s installment.
- 4 of 5*Sound: The series is known for great voice acting; the sound of thousands of angry people is impressive. Some of the weapon sound effects could use a little cleaning up.
- 4 of 5*Playability: Deep customization options, no two players will look the same and animations blend in to one another. Controls can take some getting used to for veterans. The player has a lot more freedom this time around.
- 5 of 5*Entertainment: Even though the game is long, you will absolutely get your money’s worth. There is always something going on: side missions, random events, co-op and let’s not forget about the lovely romance.
- 5 of 5*Replay Value: High
#keepitnerdy
Written by: By: Quantavius Hair
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