Just like the rest of the video game world, I was really confused on whether this was a standalone installment, or just Assassin’s Creed 2.5. I was wrong. It’s both, and boy is it awesome.
Look how cute he is! So cute he’ll kill you.
Taking place literally right after the second game, you once again take control of Ezio. He returns from his villa after getting the Apple of Eden, a artifact known to control and even kill people. A artifact that everyone wants to get their hands on, whether they are from the past or in the future. At the villa, they have a little bit of time to themselves before the Borgia show up at their door. They attack the villa, destroying everything, and taking the Apple.
Once again, Ezio’s actions are driven by revenge, and holy shit he is pissed. The entire territory of Roma is now controlled by Borgia, and he has to purge them all.
I will admit this, despite my huge love for the series. The story isn’t as good, despite it being very cinematic this time around. Objectives are sometimes really confusing, or sometimes you have no idea why you are just doing it. You are just killing for the fun of it, I guess.
There aren’t many weapons added to Ezio’s arsenal this time around. You literally start right off as a badass. To be honest, it’s kind of disappointing. One thing that made Assassin’s Creed 2 great was how you started with nothing, and in the end, you owned a huge villa, had a massive income, and had any weapon you could possibly imagine. You start this game with almost all of that from the very start.
For whatever the story lacked, the side quests will make up for it. The number of side quests in this game is massive. Mind boggling at times. Sure, there’s flags, feathers, treasures, and viewpoints to get this time around, but still. Now there are “Lairs of Romulus", basically the Assassin Tombs from AC2. There are also Borgia towers to destroy, which need to be destroyed first before you rebuild that area.
Having assassin’s at your side is a great feeling.
You will also have to keep track of four guilds: Courtesans, Mercenaries, Thieves, and Assassin’s. The first three grow when you purchase empty lots for them to settle in, doing missions for them, and also getting discounts. It helps a lot in the end.
Now, this is where the word “Brotherhood” comes into play. At a certain point, you finally get to help those citizens getting their asses kicked by the Borgia. When you do so, they are pissed at the Borgia and want to join your side. Fun, right? Hell yes. The recruitment system is beyond awesome, and is really well done. You can send them on missions, level them up, and bring home a badass. A badass which can help you by killing a target for you, helping you in combat, or by killing everyone in a level with arrows. Awesome, I know.
Despite all of what happens here in the Animus, in the “real life”, Desmond is still on the run. They now take shelter from the Templars by coming to the destroyed villa of Ezio and making camp in the underground chambers below. By the end of the game, you will never, ever want Desmond to step foot in the Animus. You will crave a modern Assassins’ Creed more then ever.
Online:
Now for the online. Many people said that the multiplayer was just tacked on, and given no real thought. They are so wrong. It’s one of the most interesting multiplayers I have ever seen, considering how sick and tired I am of online shooters.
See that guy stabbing the other guy? That could be you.
There are four online modes, which are fairly easy yet brilliant. It’s basically hide-and-go-seek. Players represent one of a handful of people in the level, then dropped into a small populated area with hundreds of civilians. Players then get contracts to assassinate other players, all while getting a contract on their heads as well. It’s a race against the clock to getting to your target, which can be hard because they can easily blend in with a crowd.
To be perfectly honest, the online isn’t about skill. It’s not about how good you are at running. It’s far smarter then that. it’s about passing the Turing test, and it’s brilliant, terrifying, and unique all at the same time. There are 50 levels of awesomeness to get through, along with unlockable characters, perks, and items. You could play this forever and never get bored.
Misc.:
This game is beautiful. Ubisoft did a brilliant job making it all seem real. There were times where it felt so real, that I wanted to go dress up and act like I was from the Renaissance. However, as awesome as Roma looked, the game engine is getting old. I have seen it used for three games now, and I’m getting a little sick of it. It’s time to put that beautiful engine to rest, and make a beast from it’s ashes.
I loved the music. Ever hear of Jesper Kyd? Yeah, he’s awesome. The music will suck you in, and really make you feel like you are there. In chase sequences, it will get your heart pumping. During sad parts, it will literally make you want to cry your eyes out. It’s very well done, and I’m glad Kyd is sticking with the series until the very end.
Pros:
+Great add-on to the storyline
+Recruitment system is amazing
+Graphics and audio is always on it’s best behavior
+Online will suck you in and spit you back out
Cons:
-Few glitches here and there
-Graphics are getting a bit on the old side
-Somewhat confusing narrative at times.
Conclusion:
Don’t get this game if you aren’t a fan of the serious. Do get it if you want to have your mind blown. I really don’t have much of a conclusion for this one. My mind is still blown by the ending and online, so I’m going to continue to sit here and think about it all.
Get it. You won’t be disappointed. One of the best games of the year.
Rating
9.5
