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Months before the release of Assassin's Creed III, Leviathyn.com's Stephen Daly considers alternate settings the franchise can move to in future installments.
Leviathyn.com's Dean Martin looks into the achievement craze. Is it good for gaming? Also, could we possibly see a unified points system for gamers in the future?
"“In the distant future there exists a secret society that uses a device to relive the memories of their medieval ancestors and unravel the mysteries of a hidden war between the Knights Templar and the Secret Order of Assassins.” The whole concept behind the Assassin’s Creed games sounds like something fished out of Dan Brown’s garbage can while he was working on The Da Vinci Code."
"I’ll grant that I may be in the minority in preferring the original game to any of its sequels. And I certainly enjoyed my time with the other games. But I’m beginning to notice a lack of focus that’s been problematic for each sequel.
Focus isn’t often mentioned when we talk about why games work or not. When it comes to this genre, it’s not an easy term to define. But if you’ve played Shadow of the Colossus, then you have an example of focus used to great effect."
After a spat of DRM drama for a legitimate owner of Batman Arkham Asylum (namely, me), I felt a rant about the pitfalls of DRM done wrong was necessary. There are companies that do it well, and companies that don't. I explore examples of both in this rant.
Founder of Playr2.com conducted a study that asked over 1,500+ participants how long it took for them to beat various games like COD: Black Ops, Resident Evil 5, and others. DLC and multiplayer were not taken into account. Here are the results:
Game locations are everything, they add depth, color, and tension to games, so I decided to go over a few of my favorite landscapes from the past years. Two rules apply, 1. Only one selection per series, and 2. they're from current gen systems. What are yours?
"Assassin’s Creed: Brotherhood is a perfect example of a great game getting better. After the dismal Assassin’s Creed original, Assassin’s Creed 2 stepped up to the plate and knocked one out of the park. So great was the success of Assassin’s Creed 2 that many were surprised by the announcement of Assassin’s Creed Brotherhood, a move many felt would make for a weaker gamer."
"If Ezio is continually referred to as a womanizer, why don't we see more womanizing in the game? Sure, characters may hint at it, but we need to see this acted out. In fact, with all those courtesans around in all the towns, why can't Ezio get distracted occasionally? And maybe jump into a nearby house to take care of business?"
"There’s nothing worse for an achievement or trophy whore than when a game decides it’s a good idea to have some ridiculous type of collectible within the game as an achievement. You know the type; those ridiculous pieces of paraphernalia that mean absolutely nothing to gameplay, storyline, or character development."
"Uncharted 2: Among Thieves
Many people have a specific game reason when purchasing a console. You might have purchased a Super Nintendo because of Super Mario World or a Nintendo 64 because of Goldeneye 007. Many people finally went out and purchased a Playstation 3 because of Uncharted 2: Among Thieves. This explosive PS3 exclusive game was one of the most positively received games of this generation and still ranks on many lists as one of the greatest games of all time."
Apparently Dr. Warren Vidic doesn't spend all of his time overseeing Abstergo's Animus project, no. It seems the good doctor also enjoys updating his Facebook status.
A post featuring a cryptic message attributed to the doctor himself went live earlier today, on the official Assassin's Creed Facebook page.
"It is the time of our rising. A new age enters and a great battle looms. Templar destiny is at hand and waiting for you."
Of course nobody suspected Ubisoft would be done with the...
Many gamers have collections of various items, but some can go to some lengths with their collections.
OXCGN wants to find out what gamers collections look like, and what some consist of, so head on over and see the first one from one of the editors on OXCGN, his passion is Assassin's Creed franchise, and has some nice little touches, plus a one-off item any collector would be proud to own . .
With the BAFTA Awards coming up late this week (March 19), AAG's Ian Crane looks at the nominees and does some predictions of his own as to which game will win what category at the famous awards later this week.
"Gamers were understandably upset when Ubisoft announced that its upcoming Digital Rights Management (DRM) service required that PC gamers be connected to the internet at all times in order to play games like Assassin’s Creed II. Ubisoft tried to explain how the system works by taking save points and so that gamers will be taken back to their last save point in the case of a connection failure and able to pick up play from there once the connection has been restored. Gamers were still understa..."
David Hilton, OXCGN's dig-deep writer and historian, looks at just where games could go, and where they need to g in order to continue in modern times. Especially with the rising costs associated with buying more and more games as they are released.
Game prices have remained relatively stable over the last decade and a half, but the sheer numbers have made it virtually impossible to buy all the games one would want.
Can we change this?
Should we change this?
Do we really want to?...
"...we have Over The Top Games' Roberto Alvarez de Lara on the column this week, one of the main men behind the WiiWare hit. He can be seen giving an insight into the world of independent game development below, while the rest of the column is jam-packed with enough arcade goodness to push your download limit towards bursting point. This week, Assassin's Creed II DLC 'The Battle of Forli is the first to step up to the mark."
""Nothing but love to the people who wrote these games, but in all seriousness, what was the process by which these games were picked? I’m sure that I haven’t been exposed to the intricacies of the vast number of genres of entertainment. I’m sure my bias to the hectic nature of explosions and fallen gun shells beset with the drama of fallen comrades and tragic pasts keep me from enjoying the subtle beauteousness of The Sound of Music and what not. I’m also positive that I know nothing about wh..."
"The eleventh day of Christmas is upon us and that means it’s time for the eleventh instalment of Electronic Theatre’s The Twelve Games of Christmas series. Every day for the twelve days of Christmas we have been looking back at the very best releases that 2009 has offered to the videogaming industry. Today is the turn of November 2009, arguably the most mouth-watering month of the year due to a glut of much anticipated titles. Electronic Theatre aims to advise you on which games you should be..."
Ironically, the list dubbed "Ten Games to Cross off Your Child's Gift List" almost certainly contains at least one game that if on ever member of Neoseeker's list this holiday season.
Now while I'm sure the Times *scoff* has their reasons to dislike this list of mostly shooters and questionable ethical decisions, but that's the main draw (at least for most gamers)
"For Assassin’s Creed 2, players could redeem points to unlock a new level, an Altair costume, an extra pouch of throwing knives and a desktop theme. While none of this content is particularly jaw-dropping, Uplay is keeping it off your DLC list, and one would imagine rightly so.
And the complete set will set you back less than you earn by a single playthrough of the game, so if the UPlay system continues to gain supported games then you could eventually be downloading extra content right o..."
All Age Gaming's John Elliott takes a look into Ubisoft's new online feature, Uplay. Is Ubisoft's attempt at enhancing the experience of a few of their key games a stroke of genius or just a fickle attempt at getting us to play for more useless game accessories?
David Hilton, OXCGN's resident historian, the one who accurately predicted the current location of Assassin's Creed 2, looks at where Assassin's Creed might well venture to in their next iteration.
Ubisoft have already begun work on the following game, so where do you think they will be heading, come check out David's predictions and vote for your time period.
"It’s easy to see that video games make perfect gifts and the best time to shop for those lucky people on your receiving list would be now. With retailers preparing for Black Friday and Cyber Monday as Thanksgiving and Christmas fast approaches, chances are, you’ve already seen some great offers. But let’s not decide on anything just yet. After all, what fun is it to gift-giving if that special gamer doesn’t enjoy it right?"
All Age Gaming's Phong Nguyen bring's us the 19th AAG "The Week That Was". This week he discusses the PS3's new firmware update, the PS3's 3D capabilities, WiiWare, the Wii's Vitality Sensor, the mass Xbox Live Account banning and more!
All Age Gaming's John Elliott looks at the continuing problem for most gamers on a tight budget, there are just too many good games released just before Xmas! With tough economic times, should publishers scatter game releases throughout the year more? Read on to see John's take on the issue.
"Assassin’s Creed 2 is out next month, and everyone here at Armchair Diplomat is looking forward to playing it this weekend at the eGames Expo.
But after hearing a little while ago that Leonardo DaVinci acts as Ezio’s gadget savvy “Q” in game, it put me to pondering: What gadgets is the renaissance genius going to break out? Here’s what I thought was the most obvious choice"
"Throughout the course of this past weekend, September 17th – 20th, the Paris Game Festival took place over on the continent, showcasing some of the best games of this year and the hopefuls for 2010. Big name publishers such as Microsoft, Sony, Activision, Electronic Arts, Nintendo and Square Enix were joined by a raft of development studios and accessory manufacturers, each attempting to wow their audience with their latest and greatest releases."
Spawn Kill writes about the upcoming race for this year's GOTY crown, and a few of its main contenders. The article also covers how GOTY is usually determined and how the chances are looking for certain contenders this year. Teabags also reveals his hand, guessing that huge sales will stand for nothing as he hopes Uncharted 2: Among Thieves will rise to the top.
"Ah Venice…There’s just something so magical and surreal about the place. Featured in films from Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade to James Bond: Casino Royale and games like Timesplitters: Future Perfectand The Club, it presents a perfect exotic local in which to set escapist entertainment.
Forgive me for the following nostalgia trip, but I arrived in Venice by boat a young 17 year old way back in 1989, the morning after a live Pink Floyd concert (these days you can watch it on Youtube)...."
Gamespot talk about some of the best and worst questions asked at Comic-Con as well as showing the trailer from E3 for those that haven't seen it.
Also included are the words from the Ubisoft team.
"It's almost 2 weeks until the Electronic Entertainment Expo for 2009 and it is hyping up to be one of the best yet. After the less than great few years E3 have had with a smaller and less exciting environment, publishers and developers a like are looking forward to showing off their future products. Here are a few of the many notable events and products which you should get excited about - whether they happen or not is another question?"
"The documentary trailer also hints that players will not only be skilled at athletics and the art of blending-in, but may also be able to control, pilot and use some of Da Vinci’s inventions. Seen in repeated displays of design sketches is the incredibly encouraging personal hang glider; which, although reportedly deemed ridiculous in Da Vinci’s time, has since been completed and proved functional. Some architecture is also shown, hinting at a return of the watchtower mechanic from the first ..."
So, the Assassin's Creed II teaser site launched recently, but something at least most of us didn't seem to pick up on is Ubisoft rating its own promotional campaign contained there, 18+, no less, this after censoring a Da Vinci classic.
Interesting to note is Google's "Strict SafeSearch" doesn't censor anything.
"Medieval Manhattan. That’s what the little walled hill-top town in Tuscany named San Gimignano is often referred to for its many medieval towers.
Seen from afar the towered town looks like a smaller medieval version of Manhattan’s skyscrapered skyline. These towers were built by competing families both for protection from each other (think Romeo & Juliet) and to show power and prestige.
Assassin’s Creed 2 looks certain to take place in Renaissance Italy and specifically Venice. Howev..."
"The game is obviously set in Leonardo Da Vinci’s period (1452 - 1519) in Venice Italy. A fitting theme and location given the fact that Leonardo was excommunicated for his work on the human body and his various art works. During which a great deal of his work and plans were destroyed or hidden away to stop the church from destroying them.
His mind was light years ahead of anyone at the time, and still blows many concepts out of the water even in todays times. His work on the human body wou..."
![Box shot of Assassin's Creed II [North America]](http://i.neoseeker.com/boxshots/R2FtZXMvUEMvQWN0aW9uL0FkdmVudHVyZQ==/assassins_creed_ii_frontcover_small_Aaxkuhn5jtLgkrH.jpg)