It has been a banner month for gaming. What with the release of Call of Duty 4 (360 & PC game), Crysis (PC game), Hellgate London (PC game), Gears of War (finally hitting PC gaming after an exceptional run on the 360), and even the surprise hit, Bioshock (360 & PC game). But of all the titles that caught my attention, the one which seemed most interesting had to be Assassin’s Creed. Since I don’t have the disposable income to afford all those titles, and I was able to trade in a recent gift, I had my pick of the litter. So, I went with my gut instinct.
A sensational mix of Laura Croft: Tomb Raider meets Prince of Persia, with a sprinkling of Oblivion, and a dash of Splinter Cell, Assassin’s Creed is a phenomenal blend of intense action and stealth, set against a backdrop of stunning scenery and a storyline which keeps running at full pace. Add to that the spot-on, fluid control system, the sheer joy of running across the rooftops of cities, and the off-beat tasks and quests which keep popping up, the game is a visceral, immersive experience.
Set in the dark world of the Crusades, you puppeteer an assassin who needs to prove this worth to make up for past transgressions. Though initially a simple storyline, the plot begins to twist and turn almost immediately as you’re faced with killing Templars, rescuing citizens from the corrupt local military, and even face your own kind.
Though I would love to get my hands on Call of Duty 4, and Gears of War, either for the PC, I feel that Assassin’s Creed will keep me interested for quite a while. Not something most entertainment options can provide in today’s gaming environment.