Though I played the first offering in Ubisoft’s Assassin’s Creed saga (or AC for short) when it was first released, I nonetheless feel like a latecomer to the series. Leon and I were pretty excited about Assassin’s Creed when it was first released, but when I finally got to play it I found that it was heavily repetitive and the “rinse and repeat” design of the game meant that I found it too tedious for my liking.

I received Assassin’s Creed 2 this past Christmas, and though I was reluctant to play the game after my disappointing experiences with the first, I decided to bite the bullet and give the series another try. It turned out to be one of the best gaming decisions I’ve made in recent times, and to cut a long story short, I fell in love with Assassin’s Creed 2.

I confess that I’m yet to play Brotherhood, but I’ve been told it’s an upgrade to Assassin’s Creed 2 and so I shall sink my teeth into it when I have the chance to do so. However, all great stories have to end sometime, and last week Ubisoft announced the final chapter of Ezio Auditore’s, finishing off his trilogy in the Assassin’s Creed universe. So, what do we know about the game thus far? Well, read on and find out!

Since Assassin’s Creed: Revelations was officially announced last week, some gameplay and story elements have recently come to light. The first of these is that you will be following in the footsteps of Altair as Ezio heads to Constantinople in order to solve the mystery between the Assassins and the Templars. The land will be split into four key areas; Constantine, Beyazid, Imperial and Galata, with the player also finding themselves travelling to Cappadocia in Turkey.

One of Ezio’s primary missions during the game is to look for seals that contain Altair’s memories, and Ezio can use these to look into Altair’s consciousness; much like Desmond uses the Animus to access Ezio’s and Altair’s during the series. This also means that Altair will once again become a playable character; something I cannot wait for as I felt that he was an awesome assassin, even if the first game wasn’t the greatest experience.

Altair is back and playable!

There will also be new weapons to deal with during Revelations; 300 bomb variants have been announced for the player to craft as well as the Hookblade. It can be used for a variety of purposes, from taking out enemies to zip-lining across the cities allowing you to explore them 30% faster. It all sounds pretty exciting, and I can’t wait to get my hands on them.

An element of gameplay that will be tweaked is ‘Eagle Vision’, which has now been dubbed ‘Eagle Sense’, though sadly Ezio dressing up as “Eagleman” is unconfirmed. So how has it changed, apart from in name? Ubisoft’s Alex Amancio explains:
“Eagle sense lets the player focus on a character and see where he’s been, as well as an approximation of where he’ll go. If you’re able to detect the path a guard will take, you can run ahead, set a bomb and create a trap or an ambush.”
As it sounds, it has the potential to make for some pretty in-depth missions as well as the opportunity for variety, which I am always eager for.

The Borgia Towers are back from Brotherhood, but this is another element of gameplay that has been tweaked and expanded; Constantinople lets you take control of Assassin Dens around the land (raid the den, extinguish the Templars in the vicinity and have a nice place to call your own), but once the Dens are acquired it’s up to you and your band of assassins to hold the fort, as the Templars won’t be best pleased that you’ve stolen their digs. If you don’t feel up to individually defending each Den, then it’s possible to install a master assassin so you don’t have to.

One major change comes through the replacement of side missions with random events; while you are out and about, you might find a shopkeeping getting robbed and find yourself putting a stop to the crime, for example.

Something that grabbed my attention from the announcement was that the player would be able to, and I quote; “manipulate the construct of Desmond’s memories and the Animus to decipher the mysteries of his past and gain insight into the future”. Does this mean that we’ll be delving deeper into the origins of the Animus technology, or be able to customise or control the machine in some way? Whatever the case, it sounds pretty interesting, and I’ll be eager to see what else unfolds at E3.

Other information released states that Brotherhood’s Multiplayer mode will return with more game types, maps and characters, but nothing else is known at the moment. Not much else has been revealed, but I’d guess that if this is the final part of Ezio’s story then we may find out how he is finally laid to rest, but that’s purely me speculating.

All in all, I can’t wait for Revelations to be released, and I really should be getting on with Brotherhood…

Garv

Lately I have been getting my gaming mitts stuck into Assassins Creed II. I had always been reluctant to play this game due to the fact that the first game left a bad taste in my mouth; I tried and tried to get into it but it really didn’t do it for me.

So I hesitated but nonetheless started the game. I have never been so engrossed in a sandbox game since probably GTA III (you would be surprised how much I stand by GTA III next to the other games in the series, but that’ll be a post for later). Assassins Creed II then got me thinking about a sport that I hold high in regard; not that I am a big sports fan or that AC II is a sports game by any stretch of the imagination, but it did indeed get me thinking about a sport that isn’t covered in gaming as much as it should be… I am of course talking about Free Running.

Free Running (Or ‘Le Parkour’) in it’s most basic form is an extreme sport that can primarily take place in a huge metropolis. One potential aim is to jump, climb and scale your way across the rooftops of any city you see fit in your journey from point A to B. Sounds simple enough, but when you’re not gifted with super human abilities like Spiderman it proves to be a little bit more difficult.

Video games have touched on this sport briefly with Assassins Creed II and Mirrors Edge, but I feel that there isn’t enough recognition of the sport itself. For example you get a metric ton of skateboarding games, (granted, not the same type of sport) but you can imagine the potential of an exclusively free running game.

So for the first time ever in my life… I am going to make a proposal for a sports game. This is probably the first time and last time I am going to do this, so sit back and watch history in action… because straight after this I am going back to playing Halo.

Garv’s Free Running Game Idea (Don’t Laugh)

Note: Before people start ranting, I know there was a PS2 and Wii game just called Free Running, but that did as well as an underwater hair dryer, so bare with me on this one.

A 3rd person running game where you simply have to reach your destination in an allotted time. The more innovative and creative the means of doing this, the more points you get. Points are awarded for jump distance covered as well as how long you can keep travelling without stopping. This game means that you have to think quickly to maximise on points. Also, backflips and somersaults are awesome so throw some of them in for good measure.

Ever played Tony Hawk’s Proving Ground? It’s the first Tony Hawk game that used the sandbox to an advantage; progressing in the game means you have to travel to the next mission. This also means you can use the city sandbox as a means of practice, which is kind of what I want to happen in this game.

I know this is a screen from Assassin's Creed 1 but you get the idea.

The difficulty with this game already is the fact that you are neither Spiderman, an assassin, or even a post-modern courier in white tracksuit bottoms. But that doesn’t mean we can’t have fun. So a good thing to add to this game would be character customization, with a difference. I would like a customisation system that kinda mixed the customisation from both Soul Calibur IV and Guitar Hero World Tour. So you can make a realistic avatar of your good self or an absolutely off the wall character with the same skin colour as a Dyno-Rod van (for all of you out there who doesn’t know what colour a Dyno-Rod van is its florescent orange…sexy).

So that’s the game idea in its most basic form, whether it will be a means to an end I highly doubt, just gave me a good excuse to let some crazy gaming thoughts out.

My basic point here is that Free Running is not covered enough in gaming, maybe the idea is still in its infancy. But then again, I just want an excuse to do get a good free running experience without leaving my sofa.
-Garv

Dear Santa,
I know I have been a bad girl this year. I know that the incident with the kitten and the toaster was wrong, and that I could have been a little more sensitive of my flat-mates. I mean how was I to know their nan was visiting, and anyway I can’t help it if my room is next to the front door can I? I also really didn’t mean to trip the electricity with my amplifier, and when was I ever told that metal and microwaves don’t mix? With hindsight I even admit that it was wrong of me to challenge complete beginners to guitar hero matches whilst pretending I had never played before. I still to this day don’t know why this makes people so unhappy…. but I’m sorry anyway. I could go on, but the truth is Santa, you see all from that big Coca cola lorry of yours, so there is not point lying about it now. Still, Christmas comes but once a year, and just in case you feel like making this bad girl very very happy here are a few things you could pull out of your sack on christmas day. If you do I promise to try my very best to be extra good next year…Or at least I’ll clean out the toaster…

So here it is. The pick of the bunch, the cream of the crop. My ultimate list of all the Eurogamer titles I’m wishing for this christmas.

Brutal Legend
Well who doesn’t want to slay enemies with their electric guitar this christmas? With a great Heavy metal throughout, addictive gameplay, guitar power and Jack Black this has to be at the top of my christmas list this season. I mean sure, the whole guitar thing makes me just a tad biased, but this game is honestly a lot of fun. Definitely one to rock out to on those cold winter nights. Allllriiight!

AVP
How could I create a wish list and not mention Alien Vs Predator. The boys were addicted to this game and its easy to see why. I found it a bit like Halo, but with more diversity in the playable characters and the ability to run up walls at will. Nice. This game promises hours of solo and multiplayer fun. Easy enough to play but with enough possibilities for strategy and fighting dirty to keep even the most hard core gamers entertained. Definitely one to watch this christmas, but if you want to live past christmas morning here is a hint from me…don’t be a Marine!

Heavy rain
After seeing this played for the first time at Eurogamer I really can’t wait to get my hands on a copy. Though the story line looks very dark and quite depressing in places (No festive cheer here, no sir!) this title really does give you the feeling that you are not so much playing a game, but more the lead character in a playable movie. The great characters and setting aside, the most exciting bit about this game to me is that each choice you make affects the story line. This means that the consequences of your decisions change the path your character takes, to the point where game can have endless outcomes. The developers aim was that no two people will play this game through and have the same experience. Instead they will each have their own unique way of reaching their end goal. An Impressive concept, and one I really hope will live up to our now very high expectations.

Left 4 Dead 2
Just as compelling and Zombieful as the first edition. With new characters, modes, weapons and creatures this title is sure to please all of those get their christmas cheer from whacking zombies over the head with a frying pan. I know I do…

Assassins Creed 2
This season sees the return of our favorite hooded hit-men. If you want to practice stealing sneaky mince pies right from under your mum’s nose this christmas, I suggest you use this game as practice. With the same winning combination of stealth and running for your life (as well as diving into the occasional hay bale) Assassin’s creed 2 is a welcome addition to shelf of all those who enjoyed the first title. Oh, and that new guy. Ezio, man he has style. Plus he also knows how to swim, a useful ability to have especially when in Venice. Perhaps he should give Altair some lessons. It would be nice to give them both a break from all that throat slitting…just because its Christmas.

God of War 3
Just so pretty and yet so angry…A bit like holly or faulty christmas lights. Though I didn’t get much time with this (a great pity) I found myself actually stopping and gawping at the beauty of this game, almost causing a mass gamer pile up…Ooops. If nothing else I would like a copy of this just to stare at, though I also have it on good authority that this game is very compelling, lovely and violent and plays beautifully. A worthy addition to the God of War series and a must for any fan.

Dante’s Inferno
Baby its cold outside….So how about a nice warming trip to hell? Though this game is not as pretty as God of War 3 (Then again what is?) it is still full of gory, surreal and slightly disturbing hack and slash goodness. Taking you through the nine circles of hell, this game does not hold back on the gore factor, especially seeing as in places the walls are made out of screaming corpses and the floor is a giant bleeding spine. This aside, the deadly sin theme is quite compelling and if you like a good dose of gore (and are not squeamish) this is one for you. With weaponry and gameplay I found similar to the Devil may cry series, and so many enemies I don’t know how they are all going to fit in Santa’s sleigh, this is one I throughly enjoyed getting my hands on at the Expo.

Super Mario Bro’s Wii
Mario is back! and just in time for Christmas! This was by far my favorite party play release of the year, making it to me the most appropriate stocking filler. A fail safe theme and beloved characters plus simple but addictive gameplay well executed throughout. In short the perfect recipe for family fun this Christmas. With four player co-op being my mode of choice, everyone from your brother to your nan is sure to enjoy this one. In fact I wouldn’t be surprised if even the dog had a go…and enjoyed it….

Now santa. You know I will always be grateful for any gifts you give me, however if these titles were to accidently fall out of your sleigh it would be no terrible loss.

Rabbids go home Wii, I just didn’t get on with the controls. Avatar *cough* Lost planet *cough*. Fairytale fights, nice concept, badly executed. Saw the game, mini games….Really? Dragon age, It’s just s**t. Sorry.

And thats about it. Sorry its such a long list. Eurogamer showed us that we really have an awful lot to get excited about this year, I’m not sure you will even be able to fit it all in your sleigh. Still, if you take pity on me I’ll be a really good girl. Or at least I’ll try to be good. After all, being bad really is so much more fun…

I will leave the brandy and mince pie by the fireplace as usual.
Until Christmas Eve,
Lots of love,

GuitarGirl24
x

Since Eurogamer was huge, we’ve have a ton of info coming in over the expo. To help keep you up to date with what we’ve seen and covered, here’s a list of all the Eurogamer stuff we’ve covered so far! Also be sure to check out the Eurgamer 2009 Videos via the link at the top of this section as we post them.

Garvaos

Alien Vs Predator Multiplayer Preview
Dante’s Inferno Preview
James Cameron’s Avatar And 3D Gaming Preview
Left 4 Dead 2 Multiplayer Preview (With GuitarGirl24)
LittleBigPlanet PSP Hands-on Preview!

Leon

Assassins Creed II Preview
God Of War III Preview
Heavy Rain Insight with David Cage
Red Steel 2 Preview
Uncharted 2: Among Thieves Preview

GuitarGirl24

Brutal Legend Preview
Fairytale Fights Hands-On Preview
Left 4 Dead 2 Multiplayer Preview (With Garvaos)
New Super Mario Bros Wii Preview
Rabbids Go Home Preview

Ray

Tutsunoko Vs Capcom: Ultimate All Stars Preview

Sam

Mario And Luigi Bowsers Inside Story
Professor Layton And Pandora’s Box Preview