PlayStation University | www.psuni.com » ubisoft http://www.psuni.com The home of your PlayStation education Thu, 09 Feb 2012 15:09:32 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0.1 The Five Sleeper Hits of the PS Vita Launch http://www.psuni.com/the-sleeper-hits-of-the-ps-vita-launch-13683/ http://www.psuni.com/the-sleeper-hits-of-the-ps-vita-launch-13683/#comments Tue, 24 Jan 2012 20:30:24 +0000 Joe Garcia http://www.psuni.com/?p=13683

I got a chance to attend one of Sony’s Vita Hill Social Club events last week, where I got some substantial hands-on time with the upcoming handheld. Sony had all of their biggest first-party launch titles there for gamers to try, some of them with the purpose of showing off the Vita’s exciting new features. WipEout 2048 was there for PS3 cross-play, Little Deviants showed off the front and rear touchpad to great effect, and Uncharted: Golden Abyss made excellent use of motion control. Those are all well and good, but with over 20 titles slated to be available at launch a few gems are bound to be overlooked. While I enjoy AAA blockbusters as much as the next guy, I also enjoy rooting for the underdog. With that in mind, here are the sleeper hits that you should give another look when you pick up your Vita on February 22nd.

Lumines Electronic Symphony

Back when the PSP launched way back in 2005, Lumines caught everyone by surprise. Hell, it was arguably the best game available at launch, no small feat releasing next to titles such as Metal Gear Ac!d, Twisted Metal: Head-On, and WipEout Pure. With the Vita set to release soon, we’ve got another Lumines game to look forward to. This time, though, no one will be caught off guard by Electronic Symphony. It keeps the gameplay that was so popular in its two PSP entries, while adding touchscreen control for those so inclined. So why’s it on the list? Have you seen the games that are going to be available at launch? Lumines might be great fun, but even classic puzzle goodness will have a tough time breaking away from a launch crowd that includes a full-fledged Uncharted game and console-quality Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3 and FIFA ports.

Escape Plan

Escape Plan will be available on launch day, but you won’t see it when you pick up the Vita at your favorite retailer; it will only be available on PSN. While that means the price will be easier on our wallets, it’ll be a lot less visible to the public -- especially those without internet access. Hopefully people will saunter into the PlayStation Store as soon as they get their Vita home, because Escape Plan looks spectacular. It’s not just its eye-grabbing black-and-white visuals; the game is geared to make innovative use of the hardware’s fancy new touch and motion controls. The title implies the objective: guide your two dudes out of death-trap laden rooms. Swipe to make the characters move across the screen, tilt to make them float in the appropriate upwards direction. We’ve seen the “get the hell outta there!” premise before in titles like Exit, but Escape Plan promises to deliver that in a whole new way. It’s a title well worth loading up your PSN wallet for. ]]>

I got a chance to attend one of Sony’s Vita Hill Social Club events last week, where I got some substantial hands-on time with the upcoming handheld. Sony had all of their biggest first-party launch titles there for gamers to try, some of them with the purpose of showing off the Vita’s exciting new features. WipEout 2048 was there for PS3 cross-play, Little Deviants showed off the front and rear touchpad to great effect, and Uncharted: Golden Abyss made excellent use of motion control. Those are all well and good, but with over 20 titles slated to be available at launch a few gems are bound to be overlooked. While I enjoy AAA blockbusters as much as the next guy, I also enjoy rooting for the underdog. With that in mind, here are the sleeper hits that you should give another look when you pick up your Vita on February 22nd.

Lumines Electronic Symphony

Back when the PSP launched way back in 2005, Lumines caught everyone by surprise. Hell, it was arguably the best game available at launch, no small feat releasing next to titles such as Metal Gear Ac!d, Twisted Metal: Head-On, and WipEout Pure. With the Vita set to release soon, we’ve got another Lumines game to look forward to. This time, though, no one will be caught off guard by Electronic Symphony. It keeps the gameplay that was so popular in its two PSP entries, while adding touchscreen control for those so inclined. So why’s it on the list? Have you seen the games that are going to be available at launch? Lumines might be great fun, but even classic puzzle goodness will have a tough time breaking away from a launch crowd that includes a full-fledged Uncharted game and console-quality Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3 and FIFA ports.

Escape Plan

Escape Plan will be available on launch day, but you won’t see it when you pick up the Vita at your favorite retailer; it will only be available on PSN. While that means the price will be easier on our wallets, it’ll be a lot less visible to the public -- especially those without internet access. Hopefully people will saunter into the PlayStation Store as soon as they get their Vita home, because Escape Plan looks spectacular. It’s not just its eye-grabbing black-and-white visuals; the game is geared to make innovative use of the hardware’s fancy new touch and motion controls. The title implies the objective: guide your two dudes out of death-trap laden rooms. Swipe to make the characters move across the screen, tilt to make them float in the appropriate upwards direction. We’ve seen the “get the hell outta there!” premise before in titles like Exit, but Escape Plan promises to deliver that in a whole new way. It’s a title well worth loading up your PSN wallet for. ]]> http://www.psuni.com/the-sleeper-hits-of-the-ps-vita-launch-13683/feed/ 0 Ubisoft Releasing Asphalt: Injection for PS Vita http://www.psuni.com/ubisoft-releasing-asphalt-injection-for-ps-vita-13667/ http://www.psuni.com/ubisoft-releasing-asphalt-injection-for-ps-vita-13667/#comments Tue, 24 Jan 2012 18:38:05 +0000 Tyler Lee http://www.psuni.com/?p=13667

If you were excited yesterday for news of Dungeon Hunter Alliance getting it pre-PS Vita release date, then you are in for even more goodies as Ubisoft continues to set up games to launch before the Vita itself, in order for gamers to have a library when the system launches. If you love racing games, then Asphalt: Injection will scratch that itch perfectly. Presenting gamers with up to ten game modes from the traditional Race mode to games influenced by games such as Need for Speed and Burnout such as Cop Chase and Beat 'Em All. It also boasts local multiplayer as well as online multiplayer via WiFi. Asphalt: Injection also offers six different control schemes that utilize the dual analogue sticks and both rear and front touch screens. Players will also be able to enter a Live Area screen and see what cars their friends have, tracks they've unlocked, and more, all using the PS Vita's unique social features. Thanks to Ubisoft, the PS Vita's launch date is looking sweeter and sweeter by the day. [Source: Playstation Blog]]]>

If you were excited yesterday for news of Dungeon Hunter Alliance getting it pre-PS Vita release date, then you are in for even more goodies as Ubisoft continues to set up games to launch before the Vita itself, in order for gamers to have a library when the system launches. If you love racing games, then Asphalt: Injection will scratch that itch perfectly. Presenting gamers with up to ten game modes from the traditional Race mode to games influenced by games such as Need for Speed and Burnout such as Cop Chase and Beat 'Em All. It also boasts local multiplayer as well as online multiplayer via WiFi. Asphalt: Injection also offers six different control schemes that utilize the dual analogue sticks and both rear and front touch screens. Players will also be able to enter a Live Area screen and see what cars their friends have, tracks they've unlocked, and more, all using the PS Vita's unique social features. Thanks to Ubisoft, the PS Vita's launch date is looking sweeter and sweeter by the day. [Source: Playstation Blog]]]> http://www.psuni.com/ubisoft-releasing-asphalt-injection-for-ps-vita-13667/feed/ 0 Dungeon Hunter Alliance Available Before Launch http://www.psuni.com/dungeon-hunter-alliance-available-before-launch-13633/ http://www.psuni.com/dungeon-hunter-alliance-available-before-launch-13633/#comments Mon, 23 Jan 2012 19:20:32 +0000 Tyler Lee http://www.psuni.com/?p=13633

It appears that Dungeon Hunter Alliance, along with several other great Ubisoft titles yet to be announced, will be available a week before the PS Vita's launch. It seems Ubisoft is wanting to give gamers a chance to build up their library before the actual release, much like Untold Legends for the PSP. Dungeon Hunter Alliance will allow up to three players to use PS Vita WiFi to team up. Apparently the game will adjust the difficulty depending on how many people are playing. The PS Vita's touchscreens will also be utilized in this release. Both the front touchscreen and the back touchscreen with be used to pick up items and cast spells respectively. You can also counter curses by shaking the PS Vita. Dungeon Hunter Alliance is scheduled for release on February 14 for $39.99. [Source: Playstation Blog]]]>

It appears that Dungeon Hunter Alliance, along with several other great Ubisoft titles yet to be announced, will be available a week before the PS Vita's launch. It seems Ubisoft is wanting to give gamers a chance to build up their library before the actual release, much like Untold Legends for the PSP. Dungeon Hunter Alliance will allow up to three players to use PS Vita WiFi to team up. Apparently the game will adjust the difficulty depending on how many people are playing. The PS Vita's touchscreens will also be utilized in this release. Both the front touchscreen and the back touchscreen with be used to pick up items and cast spells respectively. You can also counter curses by shaking the PS Vita. Dungeon Hunter Alliance is scheduled for release on February 14 for $39.99. [Source: Playstation Blog]]]> http://www.psuni.com/dungeon-hunter-alliance-available-before-launch-13633/feed/ 0 Rayman Origins Review http://www.psuni.com/rayman-origins-review-13189/ http://www.psuni.com/rayman-origins-review-13189/#comments Fri, 23 Dec 2011 16:00:23 +0000 Joe Garcia http://www.psuni.com/?p=13189

It’s completely understandable if you’re one of the many that glossed over Rayman Origins last month. Released within a maelstrom of blockbuster releases, it’s a wonder that any copies were sold at all. This is where I get to tell everyone what a terrible mistake they’ve made. When Rayman Origins was first announced, I wasn’t sure what to expect. Despite my love for platforming games, Rayman was never something that held my interest for very long -- it was mostly the visuals made me keep tabs on Origins during its development. What I was unaware of was that Michel Ancel and Co. were busy crafting one of the finest platforming experiences that your hard-earned dollars can buy. The story is simple: Rayman and his buds are hanging out on the Snoring Tree in the Glade of Dreams. As they nap, the sound of their snoring makes its way down to the Land of the Livid Dead, which annoys one of its inhabitants enough to send an army of minions up to the surface to retaliate. Chaos ensues as Electoons and Nymphs are captured across the land, leaving it to Rayman and his pals to restore order. If that sounds silly ... well, that’s because it is. Nothing is taken seriously throughout the entire game, a wonderful change of pace in a season filled with all-too-serious narratives. Nowhere is this this more apparent than in the striking graphics, which feature some of the most wonderfully weird art direction that you’ll find anywhere. Whether you're gliding through areas on the air blown by didgeridoos or using jumping beans to get over a lava pit, the visuals never fail to amuse. Throw in the outlandish character designs and some of the most fluid animation that you’ll find anywhere, and suddenly you’ve got one of the best-looking games of the year, bar none. This is somewhat lost if you’re simply looking at screenshots -- seeing Origins in motion is the only way to do it justice. While the stunning visuals are the most pronounced feature, they’re hardly the most important. Rayman Origins could be as pretty as it wants, but it would be for naught if it played like crap. Borrowing key elements from games such as New Super Mario Bros. Wii, Kirby’s Epic Yarn, and Super Meat Boy ensures that such a crisis is averted. Allow me to explain. The game’s structure is fairly straightforward. Each level has at least three (but usually six) Electoons to collect. By breaking open a cage at the end of each level you will earn one Electoon, and since you have infinite lives to work with simple attrition will see you through to the end. Some levels require a certain number of Electoons to unlock, so eventually you’ll have to do better than that. Much of the challenge comes from collecting as many Lums as you can (the Rayman equivalent to rings and coins), allowing for two more possible Electoons. For the levels with six Electoons, you’ll also need to find two more cages hidden in the level somewhere. The sixth? For that you'll have to complete a speed run of the level. Much like Nintendo’s pink puffball, it’s not completing a level that’s the biggest challenge, but rather completing it skillfully enough to be rewarded handsomely for it. But don’t think that Origins is an easy game just because there’s no “Game Over” screen to taunt you. The first half of the game isn’t terribly punishing, but some Super Meat Boy-level platforming is required if you plan on seeing everything there is to offer. The levels that you unlock by collecting Electoons are each home to a Tricky Treasure, and they’re equally the most rewarding and frustrating part of Rayman Origins. It’s simple enough on paper -- sprint after a treasure chest through the entirety of a level which is only about a minute long, maybe two, when successfully completed. However, there are traps everywhere, and you have to learn where those traps are and how to get around them. Since you have to start all over if you die it becomes a cycle of “sprint/die/memorize trap/dodge trap/continue sprinting/die at next trap”. Your execution has to be perfect -- you must be swift, and you must jump at the exact right place on each platform. Suddenly, you’ve spent 10 minutes beating a level that’s over in two. ]]>

It’s completely understandable if you’re one of the many that glossed over Rayman Origins last month. Released within a maelstrom of blockbuster releases, it’s a wonder that any copies were sold at all. This is where I get to tell everyone what a terrible mistake they’ve made. When Rayman Origins was first announced, I wasn’t sure what to expect. Despite my love for platforming games, Rayman was never something that held my interest for very long -- it was mostly the visuals made me keep tabs on Origins during its development. What I was unaware of was that Michel Ancel and Co. were busy crafting one of the finest platforming experiences that your hard-earned dollars can buy. The story is simple: Rayman and his buds are hanging out on the Snoring Tree in the Glade of Dreams. As they nap, the sound of their snoring makes its way down to the Land of the Livid Dead, which annoys one of its inhabitants enough to send an army of minions up to the surface to retaliate. Chaos ensues as Electoons and Nymphs are captured across the land, leaving it to Rayman and his pals to restore order. If that sounds silly ... well, that’s because it is. Nothing is taken seriously throughout the entire game, a wonderful change of pace in a season filled with all-too-serious narratives. Nowhere is this this more apparent than in the striking graphics, which feature some of the most wonderfully weird art direction that you’ll find anywhere. Whether you're gliding through areas on the air blown by didgeridoos or using jumping beans to get over a lava pit, the visuals never fail to amuse. Throw in the outlandish character designs and some of the most fluid animation that you’ll find anywhere, and suddenly you’ve got one of the best-looking games of the year, bar none. This is somewhat lost if you’re simply looking at screenshots -- seeing Origins in motion is the only way to do it justice. While the stunning visuals are the most pronounced feature, they’re hardly the most important. Rayman Origins could be as pretty as it wants, but it would be for naught if it played like crap. Borrowing key elements from games such as New Super Mario Bros. Wii, Kirby’s Epic Yarn, and Super Meat Boy ensures that such a crisis is averted. Allow me to explain. The game’s structure is fairly straightforward. Each level has at least three (but usually six) Electoons to collect. By breaking open a cage at the end of each level you will earn one Electoon, and since you have infinite lives to work with simple attrition will see you through to the end. Some levels require a certain number of Electoons to unlock, so eventually you’ll have to do better than that. Much of the challenge comes from collecting as many Lums as you can (the Rayman equivalent to rings and coins), allowing for two more possible Electoons. For the levels with six Electoons, you’ll also need to find two more cages hidden in the level somewhere. The sixth? For that you'll have to complete a speed run of the level. Much like Nintendo’s pink puffball, it’s not completing a level that’s the biggest challenge, but rather completing it skillfully enough to be rewarded handsomely for it. But don’t think that Origins is an easy game just because there’s no “Game Over” screen to taunt you. The first half of the game isn’t terribly punishing, but some Super Meat Boy-level platforming is required if you plan on seeing everything there is to offer. The levels that you unlock by collecting Electoons are each home to a Tricky Treasure, and they’re equally the most rewarding and frustrating part of Rayman Origins. It’s simple enough on paper -- sprint after a treasure chest through the entirety of a level which is only about a minute long, maybe two, when successfully completed. However, there are traps everywhere, and you have to learn where those traps are and how to get around them. Since you have to start all over if you die it becomes a cycle of “sprint/die/memorize trap/dodge trap/continue sprinting/die at next trap”. Your execution has to be perfect -- you must be swift, and you must jump at the exact right place on each platform. Suddenly, you’ve spent 10 minutes beating a level that’s over in two. ]]> http://www.psuni.com/rayman-origins-review-13189/feed/ 4 Rayman: Origins sells 50,000 after one month http://www.psuni.com/rayman-origins-sells-50000-after-one-month-13100/ http://www.psuni.com/rayman-origins-sells-50000-after-one-month-13100/#comments Mon, 19 Dec 2011 20:13:43 +0000 Nadim http://www.psuni.com/?p=13100

The gorgeous new Rayman title that everyone should be playing is not being played enough. Selling only 50,000 in North America after a full month and on multiple platforms. Sort of disappointing considering how well-received the title has been, which currently holds an 87 on Metacritic. This news comes from Eurogamer. http://youtu.be/l_fz4m74nJw Though this is unfortunate, it's not hard to point the blame at Ubisoft for releasing it in such a crowded time for high-profile releases. I mean, their OTHER title, Assassin's Creed: Revelations, was released on the same day in North America (November 15). If they aren't going to pay attention to all of the other huge releases from other developers and publishers, they could at least pay attention to their own and space them out for a better chance of making more sales. Not everyone can afford everything in such a short amount of time, you know (I am exhibit A, hence why I haven't gotten around to picking this game up yet). Source: Eurogamer]]>

The gorgeous new Rayman title that everyone should be playing is not being played enough. Selling only 50,000 in North America after a full month and on multiple platforms. Sort of disappointing considering how well-received the title has been, which currently holds an 87 on Metacritic. This news comes from Eurogamer. http://youtu.be/l_fz4m74nJw Though this is unfortunate, it's not hard to point the blame at Ubisoft for releasing it in such a crowded time for high-profile releases. I mean, their OTHER title, Assassin's Creed: Revelations, was released on the same day in North America (November 15). If they aren't going to pay attention to all of the other huge releases from other developers and publishers, they could at least pay attention to their own and space them out for a better chance of making more sales. Not everyone can afford everything in such a short amount of time, you know (I am exhibit A, hence why I haven't gotten around to picking this game up yet). Source: Eurogamer]]> http://www.psuni.com/rayman-origins-sells-50000-after-one-month-13100/feed/ 3 I Am Alive gets a new trailer http://www.psuni.com/i-am-alive-gets-a-new-trailer-13092/ http://www.psuni.com/i-am-alive-gets-a-new-trailer-13092/#comments Mon, 19 Dec 2011 19:35:26 +0000 Nadim http://www.psuni.com/?p=13092

Hey, I guess this game does exist. After a long period of going silent and the sudden announcement of the game being switched to a downloadable title,  hype and anticipation started to dwindle for I Am Alive. But at least we have some new footage and a projected release period, right? Check out this trailer: http://youtu.be/PZAnSbgo8Dc We're shown some third-person climbing footage as well as the sort of activities you'll should expect to be doing throughout the game. But the trailer still doesn't give us a clear idea of how much of the game will be fetch-quest and how much will involve action (if any). Expected to release during the winter, so keep your eyes peeled under your gas masks. Source: Ubisoft]]>

Hey, I guess this game does exist. After a long period of going silent and the sudden announcement of the game being switched to a downloadable title,  hype and anticipation started to dwindle for I Am Alive. But at least we have some new footage and a projected release period, right? Check out this trailer: http://youtu.be/PZAnSbgo8Dc We're shown some third-person climbing footage as well as the sort of activities you'll should expect to be doing throughout the game. But the trailer still doesn't give us a clear idea of how much of the game will be fetch-quest and how much will involve action (if any). Expected to release during the winter, so keep your eyes peeled under your gas masks. Source: Ubisoft]]> http://www.psuni.com/i-am-alive-gets-a-new-trailer-13092/feed/ 0 Rainbow 6: Patriots trailer doesn’t hold back http://www.psuni.com/rainbow-6-patriots-trailer-doesnt-hold-back-13032/ http://www.psuni.com/rainbow-6-patriots-trailer-doesnt-hold-back-13032/#comments Wed, 14 Dec 2011 19:50:49 +0000 Nadim http://www.psuni.com/?p=13032

The recently announced Rainbow 6: Patriots had a new trailer to show off at the VGA's this past weekend, and it's got quite the unexpected ending. http://youtu.be/pMz8PKe5RFU Modern first-person shooters these days tend to aim for some sort of brutal realism to gain shock value in their campaigns, and it looks like this one is no different. Sticking explosives to a man, tossing him out of a building and detonating into a crowded street is sure to grab the attention of some people. Aside from this trailer and the rather lengthy announcement trailer, no news has been heard about the game. It is expected to release in 2013.]]>

The recently announced Rainbow 6: Patriots had a new trailer to show off at the VGA's this past weekend, and it's got quite the unexpected ending. http://youtu.be/pMz8PKe5RFU Modern first-person shooters these days tend to aim for some sort of brutal realism to gain shock value in their campaigns, and it looks like this one is no different. Sticking explosives to a man, tossing him out of a building and detonating into a crowded street is sure to grab the attention of some people. Aside from this trailer and the rather lengthy announcement trailer, no news has been heard about the game. It is expected to release in 2013.]]> http://www.psuni.com/rainbow-6-patriots-trailer-doesnt-hold-back-13032/feed/ 0 Ubisoft survey hints at more Call of Juarez http://www.psuni.com/ubisoft-survey-hints-at-more-call-of-juarez-12568/ http://www.psuni.com/ubisoft-survey-hints-at-more-call-of-juarez-12568/#comments Fri, 25 Nov 2011 19:40:18 +0000 Miles Jolliffe http://www.psuni.com/?p=12568

A new survey from Ubisoft indicates that more Call of Juarez titles are on the way. The questionnaire was sent out to owners of the latest title in the franchise, Call of Juarez: The Cartel, and according to TheGamingLiberty, asks what players would like to see in the next title. Options included: -       Hunting an outlaw in the rocky mountains -       Defending a ranch attacked by Mexican pistolleros -       Preventing a bank robbery -       Rescuing an innocent man about to be hanged up -       Taking part in a shooting contest -       A gun duel in the empty main street of a town against your worst enemy -       Guarding a fort against a group of outlaws -       Helping a man to escape from the sheriff’s office -       Defending a train attacked by Native Americans on horses -       A gunfight in a saloon after a poker game -       Preventing outlaws from pillaging a gold mine -       A fusillade between lawmen and outlaws Developed by Techland, the studio behind Dead Island, Call of Juarez released in July and, in all honesty, was rather horrid due to the western franchise being brought into modern times.]]>

A new survey from Ubisoft indicates that more Call of Juarez titles are on the way. The questionnaire was sent out to owners of the latest title in the franchise, Call of Juarez: The Cartel, and according to TheGamingLiberty, asks what players would like to see in the next title. Options included: -       Hunting an outlaw in the rocky mountains -       Defending a ranch attacked by Mexican pistolleros -       Preventing a bank robbery -       Rescuing an innocent man about to be hanged up -       Taking part in a shooting contest -       A gun duel in the empty main street of a town against your worst enemy -       Guarding a fort against a group of outlaws -       Helping a man to escape from the sheriff’s office -       Defending a train attacked by Native Americans on horses -       A gunfight in a saloon after a poker game -       Preventing outlaws from pillaging a gold mine -       A fusillade between lawmen and outlaws Developed by Techland, the studio behind Dead Island, Call of Juarez released in July and, in all honesty, was rather horrid due to the western franchise being brought into modern times.]]> http://www.psuni.com/ubisoft-survey-hints-at-more-call-of-juarez-12568/feed/ 0 Assassin’s Creed: Revelations Review http://www.psuni.com/assassins-creed-revelations-review-12379/ http://www.psuni.com/assassins-creed-revelations-review-12379/#comments Sat, 19 Nov 2011 18:10:56 +0000 Malcolm Spinedi http://www.psuni.com/?p=12379

I'll start this review of Assassin's Creed: Revelations by admitting right off I'm not a huge follower of the series. It's definitely on the top of my "To Play List" but Revelations is the first game from the series it that I've sat down and played at great length. I mean no disrespect to the series -- it's done a great job of taking the art of shanking someone from behind and running away from the cops, and making it into a very interesting series. So how does Assassin's Creed: Revelations measure up? Revelations continues to follow the story of Ezio as he travels to Constantinople (now Istanbul) to find the keys to open Altair's library. As he finds each key, it opens up a memory of Altair (protagonist of the original game), thus allowing you to finish up not only Ezio's story, but Altair's as well. I give the story a lot of credit here, as it's very well told. Ubisoft has gotten slowly but surely better when it comes to stories. The characters have become more memorable, and the story is a lot more engaging as well. You follow Ezio as he not only searches for the keys, but also ends up getting involved in a pretty intense political situation in the process. You have Altair and Desmond with missions of their own to deal with, so the story and plot build up to a nice crescendo. I find myself really torn on the character of Ezio. On the one hand, I love how they developed this character. I love it anytime they have a story that allows you to see a character grow and mature. We started with Ezio when he was a teenager, just donning the hood, and finished with him as a battle weary veteran now leading in the war against the Templars. And it's a memorable story too, as I still remember feeling for the guy when they murdered his family right in front of him. It was a very "Batman" type of origin. That being said, I'm sick to death of Ezio. Let me explain my point: if Assassin's Creed began and continued with Ezio as the central character, I'd be fine. This however is not the case. The series protagonist is Desmond, and each entry was supposed to be Desmond going into a different ancestor's memories. We began with Altair and then continued with Ezio. We then stayed with Ezio for a total of three games. Why? AC is a series that has the ability to be really interesting if Ubisoft wishes it to be. We could get a story set during World War II, the Revolutionary War, during the reign of Genghis Khan, and so forth. Then there's the elephant in the room : when will Desmond put on the suit to give us a modern-day AC? Instead, we get Ezio three times in a row. It’s as if Ubisoft couldn't think of any other ideas, and decided to play it safe. Well, I have to say that safe is getting boring. ]]>

I'll start this review of Assassin's Creed: Revelations by admitting right off I'm not a huge follower of the series. It's definitely on the top of my "To Play List" but Revelations is the first game from the series it that I've sat down and played at great length. I mean no disrespect to the series -- it's done a great job of taking the art of shanking someone from behind and running away from the cops, and making it into a very interesting series. So how does Assassin's Creed: Revelations measure up? Revelations continues to follow the story of Ezio as he travels to Constantinople (now Istanbul) to find the keys to open Altair's library. As he finds each key, it opens up a memory of Altair (protagonist of the original game), thus allowing you to finish up not only Ezio's story, but Altair's as well. I give the story a lot of credit here, as it's very well told. Ubisoft has gotten slowly but surely better when it comes to stories. The characters have become more memorable, and the story is a lot more engaging as well. You follow Ezio as he not only searches for the keys, but also ends up getting involved in a pretty intense political situation in the process. You have Altair and Desmond with missions of their own to deal with, so the story and plot build up to a nice crescendo. I find myself really torn on the character of Ezio. On the one hand, I love how they developed this character. I love it anytime they have a story that allows you to see a character grow and mature. We started with Ezio when he was a teenager, just donning the hood, and finished with him as a battle weary veteran now leading in the war against the Templars. And it's a memorable story too, as I still remember feeling for the guy when they murdered his family right in front of him. It was a very "Batman" type of origin. That being said, I'm sick to death of Ezio. Let me explain my point: if Assassin's Creed began and continued with Ezio as the central character, I'd be fine. This however is not the case. The series protagonist is Desmond, and each entry was supposed to be Desmond going into a different ancestor's memories. We began with Altair and then continued with Ezio. We then stayed with Ezio for a total of three games. Why? AC is a series that has the ability to be really interesting if Ubisoft wishes it to be. We could get a story set during World War II, the Revolutionary War, during the reign of Genghis Khan, and so forth. Then there's the elephant in the room : when will Desmond put on the suit to give us a modern-day AC? Instead, we get Ezio three times in a row. It’s as if Ubisoft couldn't think of any other ideas, and decided to play it safe. Well, I have to say that safe is getting boring. ]]> http://www.psuni.com/assassins-creed-revelations-review-12379/feed/ 0 First Assassin’s Creed: Revelations DLC dated http://www.psuni.com/first-assassin%e2%80%99s-creed-revelations-dlc-dated-12432/ http://www.psuni.com/first-assassin%e2%80%99s-creed-revelations-dlc-dated-12432/#comments Thu, 17 Nov 2011 15:00:16 +0000 Miles Jolliffe http://www.psuni.com/?p=12432

Ubisoft has announced it will release the first Assassin’s Creed: Revelations downloadable content next month. The Ancestors Character Pack will offer four new characters - the Privateer, the Corsair, the Brigand and the Gladiator – all of which can personalized with unique taunts, weapons and stylized assassination moves. It’ll be available from December 14 on the PlayStation Network for £3.19, with its Xbox Live launch set for the day prior. Assassin’s Creed: Revelations released on Tuesday, and concludes the story of Ezio Auditore within Ubi’s brilliant action series, which first emerged in 2007.]]>

Ubisoft has announced it will release the first Assassin’s Creed: Revelations downloadable content next month. The Ancestors Character Pack will offer four new characters - the Privateer, the Corsair, the Brigand and the Gladiator – all of which can personalized with unique taunts, weapons and stylized assassination moves. It’ll be available from December 14 on the PlayStation Network for £3.19, with its Xbox Live launch set for the day prior. Assassin’s Creed: Revelations released on Tuesday, and concludes the story of Ezio Auditore within Ubi’s brilliant action series, which first emerged in 2007.]]> http://www.psuni.com/first-assassin%e2%80%99s-creed-revelations-dlc-dated-12432/feed/ 0