With a moderate opening title in the series, Assassin’s Creed has gone on to become Ubisoft’s biggest success story (that’s right, even bigger than that old Rayman game you played the hell out of). Gamers can immerse themselves in a world filled with a rich narrative, beautiful scenery to jump around in, and killing. Lots of killing. Yet, with the recent announcement to make the series an annual release, as well as a certain degree of backlash to AC III compared with previous titles, is there a worry that fans may drop ship? Not at all – in fact, stay on that ship and shoot the hell out of some other ones.
This time around, players take control of cocky protagonist Edward Kenway, grandfather to that of Connor Kenway, the previous lead role. The two of them lead completely different lives. Whilst Connor spent his time getting high on herbal tea and stabbing redcoats in the name of Washington, Edward spends his time raiding enemy ships for loot and sleeping with many a Caribbean courtesan (he’s unemployed, give the guy a break, eh?). He’s refreshing in his approach, feeling like a pick ’n’ mix of previous lead assassins. A good man at heart, but completely reckless, players see how his character begins to grow as his epic adventures intertwine with the life of the Creed.
His playpen ain’t so shabby either. Set in the Caribbean, 1715, Edward encapsulates himself in the Golden Age of Piracy, a violent yet exciting time in world history. From Renaissance Italy to Damascus, players have taken part in an epic adventure of ‘Around the World in 80+ Hours Gameplay’ since the year 2007. Ubisoft have been known for visiting locales to create the best representation possible – that’s completely evident here. The vast oceans, the dense jungles, the metropolitan cities. I’m in my own pixelated world here, but it couldn’t feel more realised, even topping AC III’s impressive feats.
Now, I have to pick bits with this, as I feel the story may be the weakest part of the game. Sure, those concerned with the history and characters of this time period will be pleased. However, you don’t find yourself particularly interested in the main game, proving it to be more of an effort in completing these missions as opposed to side quests. However, the ‘present day’ events concerned with Desmond take a great turn, focusing more on Abstergo’s side of events. Their office has a Microsoft feel about it… interpret how you will.
All I could think of when I watched Jack Sparrow clashing swords on screen was “Why does Johnny Depp get all the fun?” Now, you finally get a piece of the action. With a mixture of land, sea exploration and combat, gameplay doesn’t go stale. From running across rooftops and the merciless fighting we remember, to striding across the oceans in the Jackdaw, diving into undiscovered caverns for treasure and wrestling the bajeezus out of sharks. Your crew even sings sea shanties for an authentic feel… sadly not the Spongebob Squarepants theme tune.
Pirates, in one way or another, have steadily become a popular part of mainstream culture, except video games. They’re everywhere except video games. Well, me mateys, I’m going to put a cannonball into that statement right now. This latest addition to Assassin’s Creed doesn’t just revitalise this bloated series – it reconceptualises the pirate in gaming. So, is it a pirate’s life for you?