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Assassin's Creed: Unity setting was foretold by AC: Brotherhood ending
Jeffrey Yohalem, writer of Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood, has revealed that, like an Assassin in a crowd of monks, the setting of the next Assassin's Creed game has been in front of us all along. Yohalem was asked by a fan on Twitter if the flashing symbols shown during the ending of Brotherhood were a hint for the upcoming Assassin's Creed: Unity, to which Yohalem responded: "Yup." Yohalem also noted that another symbol shown during the ending, the Eye of Providence, hinted at the setting for Assassin's Creed 3. Oo, this is fun! Let's see, what other symbols can we find? Well, there's what kind of looks like a Shinto shrine and ... is that a cave drawing of a monkey with a super curly tail? Man, we really should have paid more attention in History class. [Image: Ubisoft]
Xbox 360 Ultimate Game Sale Day 2: Farming, fighting, F1-ing
Eight more games are on sale for 24 hours in today's Xbox 360 Ultimate sale, including a few big names from a few years back. If you missed them back in the day, Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood, Lost Planet 2, and Darksiders 2 are all on offer, as are Arcade offerings Hell Yeah! and Fruit Ninja Kinect - check out the full list of discounts on Major Nelson's blog. In terms of more recent games, there's an eclectic mix to choose from. For starters, you can rake in a half-price Farming Simulator at $15/£15/20 euros, or if you'd prefer something a little faster, F1 2013 is two-thirds off at $16.49/£13.19/21.44 euros. Finally, we saw Soulcalibur 2 HD Online go on sale over on PSN recently, and the Xbox Games Store follows suit with a whopping 75 percent discount. That means you can pick up the re-released fighter for just $5/£4/5 euros. Don't forget, there's a bunch of games staying discounted throughout the week. The full list of them is here, but today we'll point your eyes towards the original Mass Effect. BioWare's sci-fi RPG started us on a path that's left us with hours upon hours plunged into deep space shooting, negotiating, and wooing, and if you've somehow avoided it over the last six years or so, it's a steal at $3.74/£3/3.74 euros. [Image: Focus Home Interactive]
Assassin's Creed celebrates its heritage in new collection
There has been a whole mess of Assassin's Creed games leading up to this year's Assassin's Creed 4: Black Flag. In an attempt to catch players up on the battle between assassins and templars, Ubisoft is releasing the Assassin's Creed Heritage Collection in Europe. The Assassin's Creed Heritage Collection bundles together Assassin's Creed, Assassin's Creed 2 (the Game of the Year edition which includes the Battle of Forli and Bonfire of the Vanities add-ons), Assassin's Creed Brotherhood, Assassin's Creed Revelations and Assassin's Creed 3. The Heritage Collection will launch in the UK on November 8, for Xbox 360, PS3 and Windows PC. When asked whether this bundle would come to the US, Ubisoft reiterated that it was for Europe only.
Assassin's Creed games make half-price dive in today's Xbox Live sale
The Assassin's Creed series is next up for some savin' in Xbox Live's week-long Ultimate Game Sale. Leaping into the half-price haystack for today only are the first four Creeds on Xbox 360, with Revelations at $14.99, and the others - AC1, AC2, and Brotherhood - $9.99.A plethora of Games on Demand content is staying discounted until March 4, with some serious bargains up for acquirement. El Shaddai, for example, which JC gave four and a half stars to back in 2011, can be yours for just $2.99, a measly amount for a game that's "heavenly in both inspiration and execution."
Assassin's Creed Anthology is 'EMEA exclusive,' not coming to North America 'for now'
Ubisoft today confirmed Assassin's Creed Anthology for PS3 and Xbox 360 in Europe, but for now it's not coming to North America. Reached for comment, Ubisoft told us Anthology isn't currently confirmed for the US, and is only slated as an "EMEA" release, meaning it's only currently releasing in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. We should mention Ubisoft did use hedging language like "exclusive for now" and "isn't currently confirmed for US release" in our follow-up.The collection contains Assassin's Creed 1, 2, and 3, Brotherhood, and Revelations, along with all of those games' expansion packs and other DLC. Ubisoft confirmed that includes Assassin's Creed 3's Season Pass. Also bundled in are five lithographs, one for each game, and an exclusive steel book, all in a chunky-looking collector's box.Anthology is priced at £119.99 in the UK, and €150.00 in Europe. It's exclusive to Amazon in the UK, and is being released there November 30. Based on listings on Amazon Germany and Amazon France (now taken down), it's coming to the rest of Europe November 29.
Assassin's Creed Anthology listed on Amazon France, official unveiling this week
'Assassin's Creed Anthology' is currently listed on Amazon France, possibly representing a collection of all the home console games in the series, along with all the DLC. It's priced at €150.00, which converts to around $191, and is coming to PS3 and Xbox 360 on November 29. There is no North American listing at present. Reached for comment, Ubisoft told us it should be making an official announcement further detailing the anthology later this week.Based on the current Amazon France listing, the collection only includes Assassin's Creed, Assassin's Creed 2, and Assassin's Creed 3; but not AC2: Brotherhood or AC2: Revelations. However, Russian fan-site Assassin's Creed RU claims it pulled an image from the listing (now apparently taken down) which says the anthology includes all five games, and all available single-player and multiplayer "bonus content." The image also details lithographs for each game and a steelbook case.Given that Amazon France is selling Assassin's Creed 1-3 separately on Xbox 360 for just under €76, a 3-in-1 collection at double the price would seem, to be kind, ambitious. To be less kind, it would be downright crazy, and very odd given the already announced Ezio Trilogy coming to PS3 next week. Once we confirm what's included in the anthology and where it's headed, we'll be sure to let you know.[Image Source: Assassin's Creed Wiki]
Assassin's Creed 'Ezio Trilogy' exclusive to PS3, launches November 14
It's a day of trilogies! Hot on the heels of EA's Mass Effect Trilogy compilation announcement is word of a PS3-exclusive bundle from Ubisoft. Assassin's Creed Ezio Trilogy will launch on November 14 for $39.99, bundling Assassin's Creed 2, Assassin's Creed Brotherhood and Assassin's Creed Revelations.In addition to the stock games, Assassin's Creed Ezio Trilogy also tosses in all of the Assassin's Creed 2 DLC, which should mean the Bonfire of the Vanities and additional Templar lairs. We've inquired with Ubisoft to confirm the precise DLC inclusions, and will update accordingly.Update: Ubisoft says the Assassin's Creed 2 DLC included is Bonfire of the Vanities and Battle of Forli.
PS3 Essentials announced for European PlayStation Network
Sony announced the "PlayStation Essentials" program this morning for Europe, hot on the heels of yesterday's "PSN Day 1 Digital" program. The difference between the two PlayStation Network initiatives is that while Day 1 Digital is all launch titles, Essentials covers the classics – well, some are classics, others are just old and tired.Highlights of the of program include the first three Assassin's Creed, Deus Ex: Human Revolution, Far Cry 2 and Infamous. The prices begin at £9.99/€14.99, which may be a tough sell as a "bargain," since you can pick up many of these games for less by walking (ew, who wants to do that?) to the store. The main point here is that Sony continues drawing attention to its digital distribution of full games.Check out the full list on the PlayStation EU blog, more games will be added this year to the current offerings.
PSN update includes some sweet sales, permanent price changes
Sony has updated the PlayStation Network with a slew of semi-high-profile prices, on sale and with permanent price changes, including Resident Evil: Code Veronica X HD on sale for $10, the God of War: Origins Collection for $28, Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood at $21, and Just Cause 2 with a permanent price drop to $20.This has been a busy week for PSN, with Plus subscribers getting Journey one week early and a bunch of other goodies, and the PSN Gamers' Choice Awards announced and discounted. Peek the price fixes for PSN this week below:
PSA: AC Revelations 'Mediterranean Traveler' DLC out today
It's not unusual to feel as if you can't get enough of Ezio -- that's part of his legendary charm, after all -- and today you can break off a little more with the Assassin's Creed: Revelations Mediterranean Traveler DLC pack. Mediterranean Traveler includes new trophies/achievements, and three new and three fan-favorite maps from Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood: Jerusalem, Constantinople and Dyers for the new, and Firenze, San Donato and Siena for the old.Mediterranean Traveler is part of the Revelations Season Pass for PC, a $23 deal that includes all DLC for 20 percent less than purchasing the packs individually. For those condemned to paying full price, Mediterranean Traveler is available to download for $9.99 on PSN and PC, and for 800 MS Points (while they last) on XBLM.%Gallery-145549%
Amazon discounts the entire Assassin's Creed franchise for one day only
We warned you yesterday, so if you picked up a copy of Assassin's Creed: Revelations yesterday afternoon and it wasn't severely discounted, that's kinda on you, dawg. Anyway, Amazon is holding a one-day-only sale on everything Assassin's Creed, from the first game all the way through to Ezio's closing act. That means Revelations for $36 (40 percent off), Brotherhood for $20 (that's half off), and AC1 and 2 for $15 a pop (pop, pop). The PC versions offer similar discounts, though the DS and PSP games aren't discounted at all. Then again, let's not kid ourselves, you're really just looking for the major releases, aren't you? That's okay, we are too.
Soulcalibur V launches on January 31, 2012; Ezio sneaks into the game
The rumors are true! Assassin's Creed: Revelations protagonist Ezio Auditore de Firenze is the secret guest character in Soulcalibur V, the latest trailer reveals, and it looks like he's coming packed with all of his trusty pointy objects. And a crossbow! Namco Bandai also revealed a January 31, 2012 launch date for Soulcalbur V, and handed over the above trailer. Hidden wrist-blade Soul Edge, anyone?
Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood stealthily reduced to $25 on Amazon today
If you've yet to partake in some of the most interesting multiplayer of 2010, you can now snag (and stab) Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood for a mere $25 on PS3 or 360 (today only). We're not sure how many Florins $25 is, but it can't be much.
Amazon Lightning Deals get grounded today
Amazon's Lightning Deals are generally super-effective, and today looks like no exception. Amazon has some some smokin'-hot goodies up for grabs this afternoon, including what appears to be the Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood Collector's Edition. Check out the schedule of game deals below, along with our interpretations of Amazon's oh-so-sneaky clues: 2 p.m. EDT: Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood Collector's Edition (Take to the rooftops of Italy with this limited edition) 2 p.m.: Marvel vs. Capcom 3 (Ryu vs. Thor) 4 p.m.: Call of Duty: World at War (Wage war from the remains of Russia and the ruins of Berlin) 4 p.m.: Call of Duty headset (Hear the Call of Duty) 6 p.m.: Body and Brain Connection for Kinect (Solve puzzles using your mind and body) 6 p.m.: Brunswick Pro Bowling for Kinect (Hit the lanes with your Kinect)
PSA: Steam Summer Camp Sale ends today
It's time to strip down your bunks, throw your macaroni necklaces in a suitcase and get back to town -- it's the final day of the Steam Summer Camp Sale. Today Steam is featuring some of the sale's biggest titles (which means you probably already have them), including franchise deals on Fallout, Battlefield, Borderlands, Just Cause and Assassin's Creed. One game you may not have bought yet, Terraria, is also 50 percent off today. If there's a better way of forming one last Summer Camp memory than a 2D, Minecraft-inspired sidescrolling goldmine of fun, we can't think of it.
'UbiCollectibles' shop offers exclusive Assassin's Creed, Might & Magic swag
For die-hard fans of Ubisoft's major franchises, the company offers a new way to own physical totems of those fandoms. It just launched a line of exclusive "UbiCollectibles" available exclusively through its online shop (and, at the moment, exclusively in Europe). For those of us outside of Europe who get redirected out of that region's online shop, Ubiworkshop posted images of two of the first offerings: an Assassin's Creed Brotherhood "Ezio's Fury" statue, limited to 2,000 units, that depicts Ezio furiously skipping on some broken columns, and a statue of Might & Magic Heroes VI's Archangel Michael, limited to 500. The shop will also sell Ghost Recon "Production Team" t-shirts, as seen on ... the Ghost Recon production team at E3.%Gallery-127589%
Amazon offers buy one, get one half-off on select games
If last week's video game industry festivities filled you with an unquenchable thirst to buy more video games, you should turn your unhealthy impulses towards Amazon. For a limited time, the retailer's offering buy one, get one-half off on a beefy list of 186 titles across various platforms.
Assassin's Creed Brotherhood: Designing the Considerate Kill
Before playing the upcoming Assassin's Creed: Revelations, Joystiq looks back at the creation of the franchise's first multiplayer installment, Brotherhood. "It was a very difficult game to design, and making it accessible was even harder. We were starting from scratch, with no benchmarks. It's not like a shooter where all you need to know is how to shoot the bad guys." If there's one thing we get, in every way that anything can possibly be gotten, it's the shooting of the bad guys. Games don't even bother to include tutorials for that part anymore, and reviewers treat it as a begrudging axiom when they have to differentiate between the year's big multiplayer offerings. When Damien Kieken, multiplayer game director for Assassin's Creed Brotherhood, says it was difficult to make the game -- and then to make it accessible -- he's speaking to a peculiar and notable absence. If you're shooting the bad guys in Assassin's Creed, you're doing it a bit wrong.
Ubisoft continues to just dance around fiscal year losses
A year ago, as Ubisoft reported net losses of €43.671 million for its 2009–10 fiscal year (ending, March 31, 2010), CEO Yves Guillemot brushed aside concern, saying, "We forecast a return to profitable growth in 2010–11." Well, here we are -- and Ubisoft isn't exactly basking in the sun. For the 2010–11 fiscal year ending March 31, 2011, the publisher's net losses slumped further to €52.120 million (about $74 million). Yet Guillemot again played the role of the optimistic fortuneteller as he looked to the company to "post further growth in both sales and current operating income in 2011–12 and 2012–13." (Notice how he didn't drop the P-word this time.) He put a positive spin on the 2010–11 fiscal year, too, observing "a sharp upturn in revenue." Indeed, sales were up 19 percent over the previous fiscal year to €1.039 billion. In addition to "another success" with Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood, Guillemot attributed much of the sales growth to a rebounding casual market, which Ubisoft dominated with its (just) dance game segment, as well as strong support for the Kinect and 3DS launches. Notably, 38 percent of the publisher's game sales over the 12-month period came from Wii titles. Ultimately, Ubisoft's bottom line suffered from reorganization costs, which amounted to €95.9 million in non-recurring charges, including unspecified project terminations (so, Am I Alive?). Presumably, if Ubisoft is now appropriately restructured, it can focus more effectively on making successful products again. "For example," Guillemot offered, "we plan to launch a free-to-play world based on our highly popular franchise for young girls, Imagine."
Ubisoft's Chris Early on Assassin's Creed: Project Legacy and other 'companion games'
Ubisoft's VP of digital games, Chris Early, delivered a talk last week at SXSW Interactive on the rising phenomenon of "companion games"; small, downloadable or web games that use the same IP as and link in some way to a larger retail product. These games include Dragon Age Legends and Ubisoft's own Assassin's Creed: Project Legacy for Facebook, but also, he explained, titles like Dead Rising 2: Case Zero. After the presentation, we talked with Early more about companion games, their value to core gamers, and how they can be used to completely dominate a player's life.
