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But is the next part of the Renaissance Assassin really worth buying?
Looking at the gameplay mostly everything has stayed the same as in Assassin's Creed II. One still has to climb, jump and find several ways to kill or threaten targets of course. But there are a few new features that distinguish it from the other AC-Games.
1. The usage of Ezio's newly founded Assassin's Guild that helps him out and can carry out tasks all around Europe. Although this feature is quite handy I've got the feeling that the fractions (merchants, courtesans, thieves) aren't really needed that much anymore since more missions are focusing on the use of your guild.
2. Ezio has much better fighting skills now. Makes sense somehow I guess. When you pull off a successful counter attack in ACBh you most likely start a Killing Streak. It's useful to deal with many enemies and it looks great. In the end it makes the fighting a bit too easy though when one is just waiting for the enemy to strike first.
3. Besides the use of your blades, guns and now also the indispensable cross bow
you are now instructed to destroy a couple of war machines that Leonardo da Vinci has built. These missions display some very creative variety. Unfortunately there are only 4 war-machine-missions and they are, in my opinion, way too short!
Some other new features are
- the ability to call your horse to wherever you are
- the usage of cannons
- more shops with specific quests
- Lairs of Romulus and Templar Hideouts to explore
- the ability to buy and restore buildings
- the ability to train in a virtual training room
- being able to leave the Animus whenever you want...
- and actually do some stuff as Desmond
(though not of much use for the most part.)
Unfortunately you can only reach very low spots from out of the water, that can be pretty annoying sometimes.
(But as long as they don't go back to Altaïr's swimming-skills it's alright. ;))
Looking at the story it continues right after the events of ACII. Not to spoil anything I'll just say that the story takes an even more epic and also dramatic turn of events-both Ezio's and Desmond's. It is (as also in the previous games) brought across brilliantly. At least I was fully absorbed from the very beginning.
Some new characters are introduced but there's also a re-encounter with many old ones. But as great as the story may be, it is all in all very short and for that much waiting (and money) I expected a little bit more. They could have made it longer, instead of planning another sequel. :/
The thing that fascinates me the most about the game is the way it is presented.
The city of Rome and especially the countryside are so extraordinary beautiful and because this is supported with an equally beautiful soundtrack you sometimes just stand around or ride your horse while enjoying the landscape.
The characters are depicted very believable and human and the changes from an oppressed Rome with desperate citizens to a brighter and more cheerful city is amazing.(Praise to all the fantastic voice acting! :D)
So is all this excitement justified?
I'd say it is in many points and it really is great fun to play but the length of the storyline is definitely a disappointment despite there are many more tasks to do in Rome and there is of course the new multiplayer.
There are also still a few spawning mistakes and in the X-Box360-version that I played were some lags at times. Didn't bother me though. I couldn't miss this game in the slightest. ♥
I'd recommend it to everyone that played and liked/loved the two prequels.
Also to those who are into 3rd-person action-adventure/open world and cherish the atmosphere of a game.
9/10
