Don't Believe the Hype? (Assassin's Creed (Xbox 360))

Member Name: samueltyler

Product:	Assassin's Creed (Xbox 360)
Date:	16/01/08 (105 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Fantastic Graphics, Interesting World

Disadvantages: Dull, dull, dull. Repetitive gameplay. Not fun.

Computer games are probably the most cliché ridden form of media around. There are countless similar TV show and films out there, but nothing compares to the similarities between many computer games. The 360 in particular has been a magnet to one certain type of game - the First Person Shooter. There is easily over 20 FPSs all in a similar vein that see a bloke walking around shooting various nasty types. They may have different 'stories' and some are better than others, yet they are all essentially the same. Therefore, when 'Assassin's Creed' was announced as a release from noted publishers Ubisoft Montreal, gamers took notice. This third person action game was to be set in the relatively untapped world of the Crusades and you play an assassin who uses the powers of stealth and free running. This game built incredible hype towards its release and became one of the best selling original titles ever. However, should we listen to the words of Public Enemy when they said, 'don't believe the hype?'

Gameplay

Made by the producers of the 'Prince of Persia' remakes, 'Assassin's Creed' looks to take the 3rd person 3D platformer to the next level. You play as Altair a disgraced assassin who must prove to his clan that he is still worthy to be called an assassin. Over the course of the game you are given the duty to kill 10 different people who live across the world of the 3rd Crusades. You are given three cities to explore, including Jerusalem, and must use your skills to silently dispatch you prey.

Before you can attack your target you must gather enough information to discover their whereabouts and habits. This is achieved by a series of mini missions including; finding viewpoints on top of buildings, saving citizens, interrogating suspects, eaves dropping and pick pocketing. There are approximately 9 missions in each one of the three areas of the three cities. Once you have got the minimum of information you require you open the chance to attack the target. These sections resemble more unique experiences and you must use the information you have gained to attempt the stealthiest of assassinations.

The issue with the game is the rinse and repeat nature of the gameplay. For the first city section or two it remains interesting, but after the 20th citizen safety mission you begin to realise that this is really all there is. The game becomes less of a coherent whole and more about a series of mini missions that are linked together with a common thread. The most fun is not found in sticking to the missions, but in aggravating the guards and being chased through the cities. This allows the free running aspect of the game to come to the forefront. Altair looks beautiful as he climbs and dashes around the olde worlde buildings. It is easily the best looking character animation that I have ever seen.

Despite the beautiful looking character movement and the fun gained from free running there is no denying that the overall gameplay is limited and bland. You will only be entertained as long as you never realise that you are doing the same things over and over again. Ubisoft could have done so much more with the world they created, but it seems they spent more energy on looks and creating a vibrant world than actually concentrating on the one thing a game should be - fun to play. (2 out of 5)

Characters/Story

In almost every other area of the game than the gameplay 'Assassin's Creed' is at least better than average and this is the case with the story and characters. To tell you too much about what the story is would quickly ruin any of the enjoyment you may get from the reveal. However, despite for the quite confusing ending, I really rated the story and it was probably the reason that I continued the game through to the end rather than giving up. Also Altair is a little too bland as a main character as he would have benefited from a little vim. (4 out of 5)


Longevity

'Assassin's Creed' has a number of ways in which it can be played that will seriously alter the length that the game lasts. If you are a completetist there are hundreds of hidden flags throughout all the cities and the central hub that will take days to find. A lesser completetist like myself can hunt down all the viewpoints and save all the citizens. This adds a good few hours on top of the gameplay. However, if you are a gamer that just wants to get on with the core story you could be done in 8 hours flat. Each assassination can be attempted after only finding 3 pieces of info, negating the need to find the other 6 pieces.

With limited, and at times dull, gameplay 'Assassin's Creed' may end up on the pile of unfinished games as you grow bored. However, even though I felt this way myself the combination of story and use of achievements made me finish the game. This will not work for PS3 owners who are achievementless, but for 360 owners the achievements make finding all those viewpoints just worthwhile. (3 out of 5)


Online

'Assassin's Creed' is a single player only game. (NA)


Graphics

This game is the gaming equivalent of an absolutely stunning person that is about as clever as a turnip and as interesting as a fridge magnet. There is perhaps only one or two other games on next gen consoles that match, or better, 'Assassin's Creed' in terms of visuals. The Ancient world of the Crusades is brought to life in vivid and dusty glory. The way in which Altair character model moves makes you feel the next generation power of your console - it's a shame then that the game itself can nowhere near match this outstanding quality. (5 out of 5)


Level Design

When I removed the official Microsoft Plastic WrapTM from around my new copy of 'Assassin's Creed' I looked so forward to being able to play around in three fully realised ancient cities unlike anything seen in gaming before. However, after a couple of hours you begin to realise that each city is exactly the same except for the slightly different shade to the walls. Also each of the sections of each city is not different enough to hold your interest. Personally, I believe that Ubisoft Montreal would have been better to have designed one magnificent alive city that has many different and varied aspects to it, rather than the three mediocre levels on offer. (3 out of 5)


Sound

The sound in 'Assassin's Creed' is probably described best as a mix bag. The elements of sound effects that are used to make atmosphere are probably the best and the voice acting is of a decent, if slightly dull, standard. The main issue I had was with the repetitiveness of sayings that the NPCs (None Playing Characters) voiced their opinions. If I had another peasant asking me for money I was going to stab them (oh wait, I did!). When trying to design a living world it's vital that the makers give the NPCs enough different things to say so that the player is not shaken from their enjoyment. (3 out of 5)


Summary

Overall, I have to say that 'Assassin's Creed' is a failure that has great potential. The story allows the sequel to go in any direction and if Ubisoft can address the numerous issues with the gameplay they could still have one of the best series of games ever made. However, the first game will always be remembered as a game that sold well on hype, but split opinion in two. I fall on he side that believe the game is beautiful with a great concept, but also feels that the gameplay is far too repetitive and bland to be anything other than boring. I suggest you rent this game or wait for its inevitable release at a reduced price point. (2 out of 5)





Maker: Ubisoft Montreal RRP £50
Amazon uk £39.48
Play.com £39.99

Summary: A visual delight - a gameplay disaster.