Assassin's Creed Official Thread (56k) Gamespot Review Is Up!

Ok, any GS editors wanna comment on this? IGN said the PS3 version had noticeable graphics issues, and crippling framerate. You guys say the PS3 version has the better framerate overall, and mention no crippling issues with either version. This isn't a matter of opinion, someone has their facts screwed up. Considering Hilary Goldstein reviewed it for IGN, I'm leaning towards something being screwy on their end.Tuvac

After reading this review with the 1up review, I'm thinking hmm maybe hold off use, money for lovly Drake :twisted:

Ok, any GS editors wanna comment on this? IGN said the PS3 version had noticeable graphics issues, and crippling framerate. You guys say the PS3 version has the better framerate overall, and mention no crippling issues with either version. This isn't a matter of opinion, someone has their facts screwed up. Considering Hilary Goldstein reviewed it for IGN, I'm leaning towards something being screwy on their end.Tuvac

[QUOTE="Tuvac"]Ok, any GS editors wanna comment on this? IGN said the PS3 version had noticeable graphics issues, and crippling framerate. You guys say the PS3 version has the better framerate overall, and mention no crippling issues with either version. This isn't a matter of opinion, someone has their facts screwed up. Considering Hilary Goldstein reviewed it for IGN, I'm leaning towards something being screwy on their end.rragnaar

I don't trust that Hilary dude as far as I could throw him. He's always seemed pretty shady to me. I guess that happens when you go through life with a chick's name.

BTW, I'm also getting the PS3 version. I just like the PS controller more for games like this, whereas I'm getting Call of Duty 4 on 360 because of the controller.

I don't trust that Hilary dude as far as I could throw him. He's always seemed pretty shady to me. I guess that happens when you go through life with a chick's name.

BTW, I'm also getting the PS3 version. I just like the PS controller more for games like this, whereas I'm getting Call of Duty 4 on 360 because of the controller.

EdgecrusherAza

So I went to go buy this game along with Galaxy today, but no store I went to had it. It seems everyone is getting it tomorrow. The last place I went to was K-Mart, and instead of finding the game I wanted, I found Mass Effect. :| I'm getting ME eventually, but I was actually kinda pissed they had it instead of a game that was supposed to come out today.

Anyways, my friend ended up buying it. I did get Galaxy though, so it's not all bad.

I just finished the first Assassination. It was kind of fun. I didn't really stealth much because you're not rewarded for doing so, I only had to do it for the pick pocketing. Which ended in disaster several times. I really enjoy the combat. I hated the way the combat looked before because of the Block, Counter, Strike system, but after trying it I love it. They made is easy to do. Counters are somewhat satisfying.

Controls have been great so far. I love the city climbing. Voice acting and sound in general are fanstastic. The story so far is interesting. [spoiler] I hope there is more interaction outside the animus. I thought it was cool. [/spoiler]

Well, I really don't understad how IGN gave it a 7.7... this game is at least a 9.0 game!

But whatever the reviews say, I'm still getting it 'cause it's damn good!!!

Great review! It was a good stab to those who said the combat was simple and boring.

So, this is the game that will let me compare the credibility of Gspot and IGN head-on.nopalversion

What a competition that will be. Like two teenage girls feebly slapping eachother with their eyes closed. At least the IGN girl wouldn't be bat **** crazy. :?

[QUOTE="nopalversion"]So, this is the game that will let me compare the credibility of Gspot and IGN head-on.gaminggeek

What a competition that will be. Like two teenage girls feebly slapping eachother with their eyes closed. At least the IGN girl wouldn't be bat **** crazy. :?

It's a cheap way to attract readers... Giving a game which everyone ratedhighless than a 9 only to insure that people read their review out of curiousity.

It's a cheap way to attract readers... Giving a game which everyone ratedhighless than a 9 only to insure that people read their review out of curiousity.

gamingqueen

Yeah, because it couldn't possibly be an opinion, could it?

Look, you rated Kingdom Hearts II and Final Fantasy XII a 9. I rated both significantly lower. Does that me right and you wrong, or vice-versa? Are you making a statement in hopes of garnering attention? Am I?

Conversely, I rated Oblivion a 10 (partially due to me not being able to give a 9.8 on this site anymore). Others think me mad for doing so, saying that Oblivion is a boring jaunt through the same dungeon over and over with a lame main quest. Does that make one of us right and the other wrong?

I'm not trying to land on you with both feet here, but I don't think reviewers are much different than you or I. We play games. They play games. We form an opinion. They form an opinion.

[QUOTE="gamingqueen"]

It's a cheap way to attract readers... Giving a game which everyone ratedhighless than a 9 only to insure that people read their review out of curiousity.

Shame-usBlackley

Yeah, because it couldn't possibly be an opinion, could it?

Look, you rated Kingdom Hearts II and Final Fantasy XII a 9. I rated both significantly lower. Does that me right and you wrong, or vice-versa? Are you making a statement in hopes of garnering attention? Am I?

Conversely, I rated Oblivion a 10 (partially due to me not being able to give a 9.8 on this site anymore). Others think me mad for doing so, saying that Oblivion is a boring jaunt through the same dungeon over and over with a lame main quest. Does that make one of us right and the other wrong?

I'm not trying to land on you with both feet here, but I don't think reviewers are much different than you or I. We play games. They play games. We form an opinion. They form an opinion.

Because they like GTA games and this play pretty much like GTA. Only this time, this game has alot more to offer.

[

Because they like GTA games and this play pretty much like GTA. Only this time, this game has alot more to offer.

gamingqueen

How did you come to that conclusion?

EDIT: I get the whole open-world comparison, but I haven't played the game yet, so what makes AC offer more than GTA?

What an interesting few weeks,

Best Buy is currently pushing their "Get two new releases for 89.99" special with COD4 and AC which I will simply have to take advantage of, but with Mass Effect due out next week I am not sure how much play either will get.

[QUOTE="gamingqueen"][

Because they like GTA games and this play pretty much like GTA. Only this time, this game has alot more to offer.

Shame-usBlackley

How did you come to that conclusion?

Because they gave gta games high scores. If a single review represents the website's opinion on a certain game then I don't understand how that website gives a game which deserves a low score, a higher score than AC. I find it so confusing esepcially when everyone else says the game which they gave a 9 is worth a 7 and the game they gave a 7 is worth a 9.

Because they gave gta games high scores. If a single review represents the website's opinion on a certain game then I don't understand how that website gives a game which deserves a low score, a higher score than AC. I find it so confusing esepcially when everyone else says the game which they gave a 9 is worth a 7 and the game they gave a 7 is worth a 9.

gamingqueen

I have no problem with you saying that GTA doesn't deserve a high score, even though I disagree. But how can you say whether or not Assassin's Creed is better or worse at this point? There's a very real possibility that you may end up agreeing with the score that you disagree with now after playing the game. Or you may not agree with either.

But I'd like to point out that there are plenty of other games that share similarities with GTA that haven't scored as high -- pretty much across the board from all review sites and publications. Similarity doesn't necessarily mean equality.

[QUOTE="gamingqueen"]

Because they gave gta games high scores. If a single review represents the website's opinion on a certain game then I don't understand how that website gives a game which deserves a low score, a higher score than AC. I find it so confusing esepcially when everyone else says the game which they gave a 9 is worth a 7 and the game they gave a 7 is worth a 9.

Shame-usBlackley

I have no problem with you saying that GTA doesn't deserve a high score, even though I disagree. But how can you say whether or not Assassin's Creed is better or worse at this point? There's a very real possibility that you may end up agreeing with the score that you disagree with now after playing the game. Or you may not agree with either.

But I'd like to point out that there are plenty of other games that share similarities with GTA that haven't scored as high -- pretty much across the board from all review sites and publications.

It's not GTA. I'm a fan of gta games myself :P! I meant by 9 folklore!

Ths case with AC is like the whole world is saying chocolate tastes yummy and 3 says otherwise.

It's not GTA. I'm a fan of gta games myself :P! I meant by 9 folklore!

Ths case with AC is like the whole world is saying chocolate tastes yummy and 3 says otherwise.

gamingqueen

Woah, where did Folklore come from?

At any rate, there have been less than ten reviews for AC on Metacritic. Three are in the sevens, while fourare at nines or higher. That's more like half the world saying chocolate is tasty and the other half saying otherwise. It's a pretty even split, you know?

But really, it seems to me that this is a pretty polarizing game. Some think it's just flat awesome, while others think it's good but nothing special.That happens to a lot of games.

But really, it seems to me that this is a pretty polarizing game. Some think it's just flat awesome, while others think it's good but nothing special.That happens to a lot of games.

Shame-usBlackley

So Gamespot is in the wrong here. Bad call, guys. Unless that comparison is not that reliable.nopalversion

There's a debate going on now (on other forums, notGamespot) as towhich versionsusedfor reviews were final and which weren't.From what I'm being told, Ubisoft is claiming that there is a difference between the review versions and theretail game.

The differences are minor, and a lot of people see different things. I saw chop, while others saw tearing, while others see frame drops.

Looks pretty sweet, I'll have to check out the video review (if there is one. Kinda scant nowadays).

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Just finished playing for 3 hours or so. Long impressions:

Overall, I'm really enjoying it :D. The control scheme is a rousing success, this game is so much fun to play. The buttons are all in context with your body, so depending on what stance you're in they perform different functions. After a bit of getting used to it feels like second nature. The intro/tutorial that explains everything seemed to drag some but only because you know there's a sandbox world waiting for you at the end, plus it's all exposition and plot development which is pretty interesting anyway.

Once the game opens up you've got lots of little objectives to complete, either exploration/side stuff or working on your current target. I got flashes of all kinds of influences in my first few hours - a big one surprisingly enough is Batman. You're doing badass detective stuff, sneaking around, climbing and watching from the rooftops all while doing amazing (but never superhuman) things. Of course GTA and Crackdown are big influences, the world is *huge* and extremely detailed but more importantly it feels alive, way more so than any sandbox game before it. The crowd technology is as impressive as they made it out to be even if a few glitches in it break the illusion from time to time. Everything looks brilliant as well, from the animations to the architecture to the many sights around the countryside. A little pop up is noticeable when going full speed on horseback but nothing major.

One of the cooler things I've done so far happened wandering around the rooftops looking for a high point. I heard a citizen crying for help somewhere below - about two stories down underneath a canopy a shopkeeper was being harassed by guards (nothing special here, it happens all the time in the game). I equipped my stabbing knife and lept from the edge of the rooftop, tumbled right in front of the scene knocking down two guards while immediately killing my target. Very satisfying stuff.

I don't want to spoil anything but the modern day parts are very interesting, they remind me a bit of Dreamfall. Only problem is while Dreamfall had good adventure game elements with horrible control/action, Assassin's Creed does everything else beautifully but the adventure elements could have used a bit of fleshing out. They aren't bad, in fact I was pleasantly surprised there were adventure influences at all - but it's very limited in what your character can do (so far at least).

That's probably my biggest gripe about the game as of now - the level of interaction doesn't really match the complexity of the world. I keep wanting to play this game like Oblivion but a lot of what you do is sensitive to the situation you're in. You can't just up and talk to anyone, only when it's required. Not a whole lot of interior locations, but I'm still very early in. I've killed one target, visited two cities and explored a good deal of the countryside.

Also the world, which can feel so authentic and rich, has a set of rules that you must exploit to get around that may seem silly at times. For example walking with a crowd of scholars looks cool but it's not very realistic the way you set it off. Diving from the sky into some public hay without causing a scene is great fun but a little ridiculous.

But if you suspend your disbelief (which isn't hard to do) none of that matters. It really is a unique experience. It's not a straightforward action game but it's very engrossing and very enjoyable. Can't wait to get further in.

I wish there was more variety to the side missions. First thing you do is get the view points to clear the map which reveals all the investigation stuff. Saving citizens is one of the main side quest. You do this in every area. Once you do this you can get vigilantes or a group of monks near by to use to your advantage. Which I have never used. Plus doing side missions gets you points towards extra life.

All the investigation stuff is the same over and over. It's collect a number of flags in three minutes or kill a few guards, sitting on a bench and listening to a conversation which most of the time is useless. The other is pickpocketing which is very easy. You wait for the guy to turn around and look back then you walk up and hold the button and you will get it every time. Combat is easy. It doesn't matter what weapon you use.

I always use the hidden blade even for open brawls with ten plus dudes. With the counter you unlock you become a god. I do switch to the short blade for the awesome gutting, but sticking the hidden blade into a guys temple is even more satisfying. I don't really care for the stealth in the game. It's just not that satisfying like in other games. I find it more fun to just go in and make myself known and go on from there.

I'm glad they have the auto travel. I couldn't see myself traveling through the country area again to get to cities. Freaking templars. For some reason I swear the counters sometimes don't work on these dudes. I like the graphics but I'm disappointed in the facial animations. You see there lips moving correctly but everything else isn't. This is one thing that it seems only Valve knows how to do. I thought they made like hundreds of citizens. I see the same guys everywhere. I noticed pop up for the first time but it was only one thing. A horse that popped up out of nowhere right in front of me.

Combat. This is still awesome. If you get like ten plus guys to fight and you kill most of them and the guards are just like, ok just go and stop killing people. Alert goes away. Sometimes they will retreat in fear and some will ask to be spared. Last night I kept going to a certain area where you can tackle and push people off cliffs.

Our review is up if anyone is interested. Here's the link, but I believe the most important part of what I wrote is pasted below.

http://www.psxextreme.com/ps3-reviews/79.html

"Assassin's Creed wants to be the best of the best. It strives for interactive nirvana and seeks to provide the player with one of those games that stands head-and-shoulders above anything else, and for quite a long time. But as hard as they tried and as much as we want to say it, they don't quite reach that uber-ambitious goal. It almost seems as if the humungous world they created and the idea that lies beneath the premise was too big to embrace; it was simply beyond current development possibilities. On the other hand, Ubisoft Montreal did come close, which means we end up with a great game. It's one of the best of this new generation and proves two things: 1. just how far the industry has come, and 2. just how far it can go. We continually catch glimpses of video game revolution in Creed, and sooner or later, we'll get more than just glimpses. For now, though, we'll take this. We'll take it because it's fun, beautiful, accomplished, challenging, original, atmospheric, detailed and even breathtaking. Those who can view this one in either 720p or 1080i high-definition are in for a real treat.

Oh, and one last thing- anybody who awards this game less than an 8.5 needs surgery to remove the elitist "hey, I did that before and there's a pop-in; this game is only average now" mentality. Seriously, get over yourself."

I like the graphics but I'm disappointed in the facial animations. You see there lips moving correctly but everything else isn't. This is one thing that it seems only Valve knows how to do.

EndersAres

Nope, Ninja Theory's Heavenly Sword was amazing in that respect. Better than Valve - or anyone else - has ever done, in fact.

[QUOTE="EndersAres"]

I like the graphics but I'm disappointed in the facial animations. You see there lips moving correctly but everything else isn't. This is one thing that it seems only Valve knows how to do.

fathoms_basic

Nope, Ninja Theory's Heavenly Sword was amazing in that respect. Better than Valve - or anyone else - has ever done, in fact.

Oh, and one last thing- anybody who awards this game less than an 8.5 needs surgery to remove the elitist "hey, I did that before and there's a pop-in; this game is only average now" mentality. Seriously, get over yourself."

fathoms_basic

[QUOTE="fathoms_basic"][QUOTE="EndersAres"]

I like the graphics but I'm disappointed in the facial animations. You see there lips moving correctly but everything else isn't. This is one thing that it seems only Valve knows how to do.

EndersAres

Nope, Ninja Theory's Heavenly Sword was amazing in that respect. Better than Valve - or anyone else - has ever done, in fact.

Okay. But it's still the best I've ever seen. Question is, have YOU seen it?

A few small details this game gets right:

-You can choose how much or how little of the HUD you want displayed. After getting rid of the control icons and the life bar the game became even more immersive. More titles should allow for this option.

-You still have limited control of your character and the camera angles during cutscenes/conversations. Makes you feel like you're directing the scene, I always appreciate when games do this.

-The manual is pretty clever and well put together with some good extraneous info.

Still highly satisfied with my purchase, really feeling the whole medieval Batman tone. Voice acting is fantastic, I love just hanging in a crowd listening to orators. Altair's voice leaves a pretty sour first impression in comparison but it gets less abrasive as the game moves forward. The flow of the game reminds me of Shadow of the Colossus, as does the overall atmosphere in parts.

I can see how this is a title that either speaks to your gaming sensibilities or not. What could feel slow, repetitive and silly to some is immersive, methodical and interesting to others (like me). It comes close but doesn't exactly hit a home run with the more ambitious elements - this is a big step in the right direction towards realistic AI and creating a living game world but it's not the end result. Unfortunately the better developers get at this, the more little blemishes stand out. It's still incredibly impressive and even if I now understand the mix in scores better I don't feel it warrants anything below a 7.5 even from it's harshest critics, there's just too much quality on display. Personally it feels more like a 9 to me, Kevin Van Ord's review is on point.

I can see how this is a title that either speaks to your gaming sensibilities or not. What could feel slow, repetitive and silly to some is immersive, methodical and interesting to others (like me). 

viberooni

beauty, my Blockbuster has it in. Have to get the 360 version since the PS3 version is only available for "retail", damn it

[spoiler] Sony am Doomed? [/spoiler]

beauty, my Blockbuster has it in. Have to get the 360 version since the PS3 version is only available for "retail", damn it

Sony am Doomed?

F1Lengend

[QUOTE="fathoms_basic"][QUOTE="EndersAres"]

I like the graphics but I'm disappointed in the facial animations. You see there lips moving correctly but everything else isn't. This is one thing that it seems only Valve knows how to do.

EndersAres

Nope, Ninja Theory's Heavenly Sword was amazing in that respect. Better than Valve - or anyone else - has ever done, in fact.

Have you played Heavenly Sword? The motion capture and facial work is among the best in the medium. Period.

Have you played Heavenly Sword? The motion capture and facial work is among the best in the medium. Period.

Grammaton-Cleric

Yeah, there are fair criticisms that can be made about Heavenly Sword, but this isn't one of them.  Nothing touches the quality of this game's mo-cap.

IMPRESSIONS

Yeah I'm playing Assassin's Creed right, I'm borrowing it from a friend of mine that lives next-door, and I must say that I'm still not exactly feeling this game. There are a lot of small pet peeves that I have with this game, but in the end when taken in all together they do take away from my personal enjoyment. However, I do see how this game's sequel if done correctly could be one of the greatest games ever made. I think climbing up buildings is a little overrated, hear me out, what I mean is that it seems that most of the buildings are the same (which makes sense given the realistic setting) and lastly you get done from these buildigns the same way (there always seems to be a conveniently placed bale of hay for you to jump into).Honestly, I do not know how Rag opts o play this game instead of Mario Galaxy, it is baffling to me :P. The assassinations are kind of boring, the moves are more impressive than PoP, but overall the combat still feels like merely an expanded version of the aforementioned game. I guess I'd like the game infinitely more, if I was actually into the story, I mean this game is seriously calling for some kind religious tie in to Jesus given the setting (albeit if the era is not exactly the same). Sacarii existed during the time of Christ also, but I guess if they made such a game it would have been pretty controversial. Overall, the story just seems too melodramatic for its own good, I mean it really is not interesting enough to sell the highly emotional tone of the game.

[QUOTE="Grammaton-Cleric"]

Have you played Heavenly Sword? The motion capture and facial work is among the best in the medium. Period.

rragnaar

Yeah, there are fair criticisms that can be made about Heavenly Sword, but this isn't one of them. Nothing touches the quality of this game's mo-cap.

It's why I asked in the first place. Anybody who says what he said clearly hasn't played it.