Every great gaming legacy comes to an end – or at least, seemingly looks like it comes to an end so that a new door is opened. That’s the case for Assassin’s Creed Revelations, which wraps up the saga of Ezio Auditore di Firenze, who has aged since the last game, but hasn’t lost his touch when it comes to his assassinating ways. This game concludes what first started in Assassin’s Creed II and Assassin’s Creed Brotherhood, but has a few interesting twists to make it more than just another sequel. It’s not the perfect kill, but a successful one. The game doesn’t focus primarily on Ezio, however. Along with keeping an eye on him as you roam through Constantinople (not Istanbul), you’ll also control Desmond, the modern day bartender who has a past-life connection to Ezio and actually displayed a few assassin’s skills himself in Brotherhood.
This time around, sadly, Desmond is reduced to secondary status, sitting somewhere in limbo and traveling through portals to find connections to his past, in the hopes of reawakening. That’s okay, because Ubisoft managed to bring back another favorite of the series – Altair, the original killer from Assassin’s Creed. They all tie together into a story that, at times, can be a bit yawn-inducing and loaded with nonsense, but it really picks up in the second half, complete with a few jaw-dropping moments and one of the better game endings you’re likely to see this year. We won’t spoil it here, but it makes playing through the single player campaign very worthwhile. The gameplay varies, depending on who you’re in control of. Desmond’s segments are probably the dullest, as you roam around the Lost-like island in between first and third person perspectives, solving puzzles just to unlock memories. Yawn. But then you’ll get to Ezio and Altair, and the killing fun of Assassin’s Creed makes a return. Watching these guys get into close quarters combat, or simply sneak up on an opponent to put a nice gaping hole in their jugular is always awesome. Furthermore, executing that perfect kill still feels just right. It’s nice to see Ubisoft Montreal hasn’t lost their touch in that regard.
There are additional abilities introduced to Revelations as well. Ezio now has access to a grappling hook, which makes it easier to not only slide along strung lines unnoticed, but also lets him grip out-of-reach roof ledges and swinging girders – meaning less accidental falls to the ground below. The new bomb making ability is rather cool as well, though you’ll rarely use them, outside of trying to create a distraction while you’re getting away. Enemies can see them a little bit too clearly. (But, hell, if I saw a grenade, I’d run too.) Some of the gameplay elements, however, don’t work. I speak mainly about the new tower defense tactics. Here, you’ll need to guard certain points of your stronghold against Templar invasion. The problem with that is you don’t actually get to interact in the battle, instead commanding fellow members of your clan to do your dirty work for you. This part of the game didn’t really do much for me, if only because I couldn’t really get into the killing myself. Some folks may like it, but it’s bound to be a turn-off, leading you back on the primrose path of doing your own dirty work.
This feature review concludes on the next page, please click Page 2 below to find out our final thoughts on Ubisoft's Assassin's Creed: Revelations.
