Difficulty:

Just Right

Time Spent:

20 to 40 Hours

The Bottom Line:

"Worth the wait"

Let me start off with saying I was a bit skeptical about buying Assassins Creed. Not that it looked like a bad game or anything, but there were so many other games I wanted so it was never really up there with what I really felt I needed. However, many games as you probably know, got pushed back to next year thus giving me a chance to pick this title up. After enjoying and playing all the other ones before it (besides revelations) I thought I may as well as further video's made it look a lot better. And I can thankfully say I am very happy I picked this up. So enough chitter chatter, lets get down to business shall we? I'll try and cut it short so it's quicker to read!

Let's start with the combat. AC3 offers some of the most enjoyable fighting the series has ever offered. It feels fluid and smooth as you gracefully bound from one enemy to the next, spreading the battlefield with blood as you do so. The attacks are brutal and many different weapons are given to you: Axes, tomahawks, swords and guns are all at your disposal. I really enjoyed it, yet was skeptical when I saw all the things that could be done in the demonstrations such as using a human as a meat-shield against gunfire. However, I was very happy to see that everything that was shown is in here. The combat isn't too tough although towards the end can prove to be slightly more challenging. Furthermore there's the naval battles (yes the ships). They are also immensely fun and a visceral delight. Connor can take to the sea's as he grows his sea legs and engages in some pretty intense warfare. Your ship can also be upgraded with better ammunition, stronger armour (Argh, damn you don't give me a red underline, armour has a "u") etc.

The story. Well, I'm assuming it picks up after Revelations so was already surprised to find Desmond's dad there. So I sort of fell somewhat behind on this aspect but no matter. The game also has a story on its own. It's somewhat slow picking up as you play as Haytham and you just want to step into Connors shoes. And then you have to go through him growing up. I won't spoil it for you and I will admit that it wasn't bad. It wasn't enthralling, but good enough to enjoy and have me watch all the cutscenes. However, after watching everything go on, and working on a big build up to the finish, you can't help but feel let down. Connors story ends fine, but Desmond's felt like an "Oh well, they could have done better". And that's not brilliant considering it's the last installment in the series. I shall not go any further though, as I fear spoilers may arise. However, if you aren't that bothered about the storyline it shouldn't affect you much anyway.

The soundtrack is very nice as well. There isn't a lot I can say about this but it is definitely epic. The orchestral pieces make every little scene and battle that bit more interesting. It's also nice to hear the sailors sing a hearty tune on board a vessel to add to the atmosphere. The sound effects are great as blades clash, guns echo and crowds chatter. The voice acting is good as well but regrettably, the lip synching outside of cutscenes is atrocious.

On that topic, the atmosphere isn't bad either. The maps are very big and offer plenty of variety. Many people roam the streets or may be up to some sort of activity which gives life to the world. Some of them are weapon smiths or other helpful chaps to help you out. Because hey, who doesn't want to start a riot? Yes you can do that if you so please. Animals are also a welcome addition to the world. You can pet cats and dogs, and feed the chickens and pigs. It serves little purpose but it causes no harm. And who doesn't like a little beastia-a-animal loving. I meant to say beastly animal loving. You know, for empasis...Screw you guys.

Next up comes the side missions and collectibles. There are a lot of them. A LOT. OF. THEM. Seriously I'm going to need some time to be arsed to do everything so I won't bother going into detail about them all. Though I must admit, kicking someone's arse in a board game is most definitely satisfying, especially if you have mastered the art of losing frequently. As for the rest it mostly feels like doing them is a chore. Evolving your homestead isn't that satisfying and I never really understood the trade system. Though you do get some nice rewards for completing certain things so that is pretty much all the drive I need. And if you're not an idiot like me, the trade system and leveling those you recruit may be an enjoyable addition.

The glitches. Now from what I've heard AC3 has a lot left, despite the meaty day 1 patch. I came across a few on my journey but none game breakingly bad. For the most part it was smaller things like a stretched dead body. There were a few overlooked things like connor killing animals as a kid has him do the same hidden blade animation and there was one time when I had to restart at a checkpoint but other than that it seemed pretty polished to me.
As for the multiplayer. Well, well, well were do I start with the multiplayer. I can say it is a huge letdown and was a tacked on waste of...No I'm just kidding. I haven't actually gotten round to even playing it yet so I'm afraid I can't really cover it. I can't believe I started the review and forgot the multiplayer. Oh well.

So yeah. Somewhat shorter than I anticipated and despite a few shortcuts, that about sums it up. I'm very happy with my purchase and you are doing yourself no favours (Oh bugger off red line. This is Gamespot UK not Gamespot US) in not buying it. So, stop reading this and go buy it. I promise you now it is a very fun game.