Assassins Creed:
Revelations
Overview
After the events of Brotherhood, Ezio left Rome and sailed for Masyaf, the ancient Assassin stronghold. He goes there to enter Altiars library, and whatever resides in it, could end the Assassin-Templar War forever. But, Masyaf has not been home to the Assassins in over 300 years, and Ezio arrives at Masyaf and finds that it has been over-run by Templars. He also finds out that to enter Altiars library, he needs the 5 Masyaf keys. He discovers that the Templars are also trying to access the library, and that they already have 1 of the keys. Ezios search for the other 4 Masyaf keys leads him to Constantinople, at the height of the 16th century Ottoman Empire. While there, he also gets involved in the Ottoman war against the Byzantine Empire.
Information
Developer: Ubisoft Montreal
Publisher: Ubisoft
Engine: Anvil, Havok
Platforms: Xbox 360, Playstation 3, Microsoft Windows
Release Date: November 15, 2011 (X360, PS3) - November 29, 2011 (Microsoft Windows)
Genre: Action-Adventure, Open-World, Stealth
REVIEW
Over the years, Ubisoft has woven a complex storyline with Assassins Creed, and for those who have been following AC since it first began, Revelations will feel like a graceful exit for Ezio Auditore and Altair Ibn La-Ahad. But, it does fall short of perfect, and does not fulfill the expectations that Ubisoft set us up for.
Ezio's story takes place in 1511, as Ezio travels to the ancient fortress of Masyaf, a key location of the first game, to enter Altairs library, the contents of which could end the Assassin-Templar war forever. But, he finds that Masyaf has been over-run by Templars. Now, to enter the Library, he must find the 5 Assassins Seals. 1 of which is already in Templar hands. His quest to find the other 4 seals brings Ezio to Constantinople, at the height of the 16th-century Ottoman Empire. It's a race against time to find the 4 Assassin Seals and obtain the one already in Templar hands.
The most disappointing thing about Revelations is it's Story, it is not a developed as AC 2 and AC Brotherhood. This is where the game makes it's biggest fumble. But, it features more characters than past AC games. And, the characters seem more interesting this time around. Instead of throwing in a bunch of people who are there mostly as filler, the people you meet in this game have more meaning to them. Although, you don't see some of them as much as you would like to, one in particular (I will not say the name, to avoid Spoilers).
The Graphics engine for Revelations has been improved, the un-detailed textures of past games are gone for the most part. Of course, there is the occasional bug, such as civilians randomly spawning out of nowhere, or a dead body flying through the air. The textures during cutscenes are now much better than in the past games, and the people look more life-like, and believable. And, the city of Constantinople itself is the most detailed city in Assassins Creed yet. Not only is it Denser than Rome in Brotherhood, it's also bigger. This is probably Revelations BEST quality, just how impressive this city looks, and how the actions of the civilians are so life-like. You truly feel like you are in this world. It immerses you.
Revelations musical score is superb, and at times, beautiful. It really adds to the experience, and makes the game feel whole.
The Gameplay itself is much like Brotherhoods. Specifically, the combat. But, with this game it was attempted to be made more challenging in combat than Brotherhood. And they succeeded - but not in a good way. Most of this "New Challenge" is simply that enemies can now attack you while an attack animation is playing out. It is frustrating, not a fun challenge. Both Combat AND climbing have been altered - by the addition of the Hookblade - an interesting new feature which allows you to climb MUCH quicker, and you can use ziplines found across the city, it speeds up navigation by about 30%. It can also be used in combat. You can free run towards an enemy, and swing over him and keep running without breaking pace. While in combat mode, you can use the Hookblade to pull in your opponents for a combo. It's an interesting feature, but is forgettable. Assassin recruiting has returned, and now, missions where you recruit assassins are more unique, with variety. For example, one recruiting mission may require you to beat down a trouble maker in a "Fair" fight, and then, ask him to fight for a better cause, with the Assassins. And, there are several "Dens" across the city. Once an Assassin reaches "Assassin" rank, He/She is assigned to a Den, as Den leader. With this, they will come to you with unique mission requests that are quite fun.
There are not just Assassin Dens though, the templars control part of the city with their own Dens.The Assassins must take these for their own. But, if your Not careful, your Templar Awareness status will increase, and the Templars will attack one of your Dens to try to take it back. I turns into this Awful Tower defense style mini-game that might as well have been left out of the final product. Your vision is obscured as you command your troops against waves of templars - It might be fun at first - but it just turns sour very fast. And, the loud, fast paced action here sort of takes away from the quietness and stealth that defines the Assassin - Templar war.
And, there is bombcrafting. You can come across various Bomb ingredients across the city that allow you to make Lethal, Diversionary, and Tactical Bomb variants. There are over 300 different bomb combos, but, it all comes down to a few basic ingredients.
Multiplayer also makes a return in Revelations. The mode expands the basics of online modes from Brotherhood with new characters and locations. Players are able to customize their characters' appearance and weapons, as well as start a guild and create it's unique coat of arms. Matchmaking and game interface are also improved. Ubisoft is putting more focus towards the narrative, as it is the core of the franchise. As players level up in the Multiplayer game, they move up in their Abstergo Templar rank and gain access to more information about the company.
New game modes such as capture the flag and Deathmatch have been added, and even the perk system remains present.
The Verdict
Assassins Creed: Revelations had it's ups and downs, and it's hard to ignore the downs. The main Story itself is rather disappointing, but the final cutscene will leave your heart pounding.
The Good:
- Greatly improved graphics
- Combat is still fun
- The story starts out great
- Good characters
- The ending Revelation is amazing
The Bad:
- Shorter story than AC2 and Brotherhood
- The game feels too rushed near the end
- Tower Defense is awful
- Bomb making feels a little pointless
Score: 8.5/10
