Initially, I have to state how frustrating it was to still be stuck on Ezio. After the 3rd game with Ezio I was getting pretty tired of the character. But, I was pleasantly surprised to find the older version of Ezio MUCH more bearable. He seemed wiser and less rash in those character video sequences. I also have to state that I don't play many games. My experience is limited to the X Box and to a handful of games (like Star Wars, Dragon Age, and AC). That being said, I am continually pleased with the progress that Ubisoft makes in the AC games.
SKILLS: First, I loved how you began the game with all the skills you had in the end of the previous game. There was no "building up" to the point you were at in the previous game when things got good. That opening sequence (video) with Ezio was pretty amazing. The realistic detail and vivid colors are simply a reflection of the potential of Ubisoft's design team and the future of games. Second, the new skills that you learn with the hook blade are WICKED. I make excuses to go on the zip lines. They are not always where I want them to be but they are KICK-BUTT. Unfortunately, the skill where you can run up to someone and use the hook blade to jump around/over them is really cool but I never had the opportunity to use it because by the time I got up to the person to run away, they had swiped at me with their weapon. Bomb building is a pleasant addition but most of the time, useless. I find use out of the bombs similar to the smoke bombs in the previous games but otherwise, they do little other than disappoint.
LOCATION: I do agree with some reviews that have stated the disappointment of being stuck in one city (same with Brotherhood). I liked the excitement of traveling from one city to the next - it added more depth and intrigue and length to the game time. And I loved the difference in one city to the next - historically and visually. Speaking of which, a lot of the history behind the buildings and people seems to be sorely lacking as well. I love learning and I always would take the time to read the little blurbs about the people, the location, and the buildings. This time, there were not even close to as many historical bios.
ASSASSIN'S DENS/MISSIONS: While I loved the addition of fellow assassins in Brotherhood, the way they are set up this time around is extremely time-consuming. You have to continually send your fellow assassins out to defend other cities otherwise the Templars will retake them in moments. Unfortunately, that means you never get to use your assassins as they are always in other cities. The idea of having Dens is similar to the Borgia Towers except you can go inside and assign a specific assassin to it. Unfortunately, if you don't assign the assassin at Level 10, then you've lost your chance to assign one. I have also never won a Den Defense which is continually irritating as I play very strategically.
NOTORIETY: Good luck keeping that down as every time you open a new shop or even purchase anything, your notoriety goes up. And the only way to bring it down is by bribing heralds or killing those town leaders (and they are never around). And you can never get down to all clear - you will always be stuck at 10% notoriety and there is no option to reduce it then.
MULTIPLAYER: I have mixed feelings over the multiplayer. I did not play it much because I was so easily frustrated with it. I liked the idea behind it but became easily confused as there are a million of the same characters. There are only eight options to choose from and while you are playing, you have no idea if the target you are searching for is the one on the roof, to your right, to your left, in front of you, or the one behind you. I became too easily frustrated as I was continually killed (as I couldn't hear the heartbeat/warning of my pursuer approaching me) and gave up on multiplayer.
GAME LENGTH: Overall, I was disappointed by the length of the game. In the previous games, even if I don't complete all of the side quests/adventures, I would end up with 20+ hours of game time. This time around, I completed the game with only 14 hours of game time - an EXTREME disappointment. Granted, I didn't complete all of the side adventures. At the Animus Island I got halfway through those IRRITATING sequences before I was SO frustrated I could NOT go on. It was getting ridiculous. Those side games are stupid, irritating, and a waste of time. All it does is feed you some memories and thoughts of Desmond's childhood/past. If that's all I get out of it, then no thank you. Please don't waist your time with those - stick to Ezio for the good action and fun.
CONCLUSION: It seems as if Ubisoft was experimenting with this last installment of Ezio. They eliminated a lot of the irritating fluff that goes along with some of the Ezio video sequences but then they added more of Desmond (sadly). There were a lot of little changes that are too many to mention (this is long enough already). The graphics are amazing as always and the overall storyline of Ezio and Altair was beautiful. While this review may seem mainly negative, the game is exciting, fun, and beautiful - as all AC games are. Is it a major step up or worth the $60? While it is a great addition to the AC collection, I think it would be best to wait a while or rent it instead. There really isn't anything particularly wow or special or different from the previous AC: Brotherhood. It simply is another link in the story. Worth playing but not worth paying for the experience.
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Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on December 21, 2011
Platform For Display: Xbox 360Edition: Standard with TriOviz 3D GlassesVerified Purchase
Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on December 18, 2011
Platform For Display: Xbox 360Edition: Standard with TriOviz 3D GlassesVerified Purchase
