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No demo planned for Assassin's Creed
More fresh news from E3, Joystiq learned during their hands-on (don't worry, ours is coming) that Ubisoft has "no plans" to release a demo for Assassin's Creed. If you've been sitting on the fence about this title, it looks like it's time to put it in the ol' rental queue. We wouldn't worry too much though. So far, all signs point to "Yes."
Ubisoft: no demo for Assassin's Creed
During our recent hands-on session with Assassin's Creed, which we found to be very impressive overall, we were also greeted with some unfortunate news. We hope you don't have your heart set on trying out Altair's acrobatic antics via an Xbox Live Marketplace or Playstation Network demo, because our Ubisoft rep informed us that the company has "no plans" of releasing a demo for the game. Disappointing news to be sure, but then again, you probably already knew whether or not you were going to buy it anyway.
Joystiq hands-on: Assassin's Creed
Fueled solely by caffeine and pure grit, we managed to get some hands-on time with Ubisoft's much anticipated action game, Assassin's Creed at E3. Our session with Ubisoft began with a representative walking us through a sample mission (which, incidentally, is the same one Jade Raymond walked us through last night at the MS press conference) to show us the ropes. Of course, like any good company rep, he also made sure to lay down some readily quotable stats. First of all, the city featured in the demo, Jerusalem, is fifteen times larger than the city featured during last year's E3. Pulling the camera back, we could see that the city was indeed pretty damned big. What's more, our rep informs us that all of it is interactive. You can climb it, throw enemies into it, use it to hide, whatever. Every surface that extends more than 2" from a wall is scalable, and Altair -- AC's protagonist -- will make his hand-holds realistically. In other words, there is no canned climbing animation. Finally, the city is populated with lots of NPCs, some of which can be hostile (guards and mad vagrants), others can be helpful, and the rest are neutral. And of course, they all have dynamic AI and other quotable features. But how does it play?
Assassin's Creed shows chases, combat, and Matrixish code
Ubisoft shed some more light on Assassin's Creed with a demonstration, where plenty of tidbits could be gleaned. The level demonstrated was Jerusalem, using ancient texts as a source for creating the environment. Speaking of the locale, every building visible in the city can be climbed by you, and all are accessible, which definitely is good news. The combat system is allegedly advanced, where your performance is dependent on well timed button combos, and countering your opponent's attacks, based on their animation. When hunting down a target, you may end up chasing them through the city streets. The "Chase AI" is advanced and will make each chase a different experience, especially since your target's mannerisms are dependent on their personality. Also, through the demonstration, characters and the immediate area around your character would see flickering and feedback, giving it a psuedo "Matrix Code" feel. All in all, Assassin's Creed is looking like a solid winter release, though we'll have to see how it compares to the big guns.
Shhh ... Assassin's Creed gets cover arted
We already know that Assassin's Creed will be hitting retailers sometime in November, but now we have the pleasure of previewing what we'll be looking for on store shelves. Ubisoft just released the official Assassin's Creed cover art (viewable after the break) in all its simplistic assassin glory. Notice the subtle use of motion blur, soothing color blue, and how our assassin friend's hood perfectly shields his identity. Or maybe you didn't notice any of that and just zeroed in on the retractable and highly concealable hand knife. Oh yeah, we're going to love using that piece of hardware.
Be an assassin, film it, win cash and prizes
The time has come to blend your fanboy love of Assassin's Creed with your movie making talents. IFC and Ubisoft are hosting an Assassin's Creed Short Film Contest where they want you to film an assassin inspired short film and send it in for a chance to win cash and prizes. Sounds fun doesn't it? Entries must be six minutes or less focusing on the assassin lifestyle, history, and the overall stealth killing mystique. The top three short films will be included in the limited edition version of the game and be aired on the IFC network. Not only that, but the grand prize winner will also receive $10,000 cash ($2,500 for runners-up) and Xbox 360 hardware. Get your assassin film making material together as entries are being accepted from now through August 20th. Happy filming.[Via IGN]
Ubisoft yanks Haze 360, PC from release list
Didn't we play this game already? After unleashing yesterday's avalanche of release dates and promptly crushing the month of November in the process, Ubisoft has removed any date and mention of the PC and Xbox 360 versions of Haze from the list. Speaking to an Ubisoft UK representative, Joystiq was told that the mysterious disappearance could be attributed to the PlayStation 3 being "the only confirmed platform for Haze." Oh dear, it's Assassin's Creed all over again.Just last month, Ubisoft described the politically charged shooter as "leading on PS3," noting that "no exclusivity for any platform has been officially announced." Despite Free Radical's director, Steve Ellis, stating that the developer's chief challenge was "designing a solution that will work well across the platforms," Haze was theorized to be at the very least, a timed PS3 exclusive. The week-long release gap between the PS3's Haze and other versions shown on Ubisoft's initial schedule rendered such a conclusion comical, but not untruthful. What of the vanishing Xbox 360 and PC versions then?When we asked directly whether Haze was a PS3 exclusive or not, Ubisoft simply reiterated that the system was "the only confirmed platform." It's the same line we kept hearing when Ubisoft was dodging questions about the exclusivity haze surrounding Assassin's Creed -- a game which started out on "PlayStation 3 and at this time, no other platform has been confirmed." Ubisoft later admitted a PC version would "indeed see the light some day" (the same day, actually) and then finally confirmed an Xbox 360 version to an unsurprised audience. Can we expect the same sequence of events for Haze, or are negotiations between suits still active? We expect to get some answers (simple "yes" or "no" ones, preferably) at next month's Min-E3.
Ubisoft dates Haze, Splinter Cell, Raving Rabbids 2, more [update]
Ubisoft has revealed the release dates for all of its major 2007 titles, asking the majority of them to form a neat line in November and proceed to remove the contents of your wallet one by one. You're more than welcome to make a fuss about it, but having the sneaky men of Assassin's Creed and Splinter Cell: Conviction within grasp of your neck renders such action unwise. A more notable entry in the release schedule (as posted by Eurogamer) is Free Radical's sci-political first-person shooter, Haze, previously described as "leading on PS3" in a display of timed exclusivity: Haze (PS3) -- 23 November Oh, you'll be wanting the release date for the other platforms as well: Haze (Xbox 360, PC) -- 30 November [Update: Oh dear, Ubisoft has removed the Xbox 360 and PC versions of Haze from the current release list. We're waiting to hear back from Ubisoft on the matter.] Other key titles dated after the break include Assassin's Creed, Dark Messiah: Elements, Rayman Raving Rabbids 2, Brothers in Arms: Hell's Highway, and Splinter Cell: Conviction.
Ubisoft dates its winter titles
It's been said by many people for months now: 2007 looks to be a big year for gamers. It seems like every company is pulling out all the stops and quality games are getting ready to rain from the heavens. Some say that 2007 may be the best year EVAR. True or not, Ubisoft is playing a large role in the 360's holiday season. As proof of that, Eurogamer has unveiled Ubisoft's official release list for this holiday season, including planned release dates for major titles like Assassin's Creed and Splinter Cell Conviction. Check out the list after the break.
New Assassin's Creed info, demo next month?
Speaking to Eurogamer, Ubisoft's Jade Raymond revealed some tasty new bits of info regarding Assassin's Creed, one of the Xbox 360's most anticipated titles. First and foremost, a demo is evidently planned for next month, though the article makes it unclear whether this will be an Xbox Live Marketplace demo or a public demonstration. Of course, we'd be excited about either, but just a twinge more excited about a playable demo. Raymond also refuses to comment on theories around the game's plot elements, though Veronica Mars fans already know the full story.Raymond does reveal that helping certain people in the game will net players several new strategic options. Previously, we heard about helping monks in order to gain their help in later missions. Apparently this extends to other groups. Apparently, each group will inhabit different areas of a city, allowing players to utilize them during escapes. For example, save village women from military abuse, and their husbands will block guards that chase you. All you have to do is remember where these men live when you're making your escape.Finally, remember the leap of faith that ended the recent trailer? That is a move taken directly from the game, though conceivably a player would know where he was going to land. In context, a player might climb a tall building to evade capture and then leap off the top into a bale of hay. When guards finally make it to the top of the building, the player will seem to have disappeared.All in all, it sounds like great stuff. Here's hoping we do see a demo next month.
Assassin's Creed set for November worldwide release
Altair has been sent to kill some key players on both sides of the Third Crusade and with you in control of his movements, his survival lies in your skills in stealth and asskickery. Ubisoft wants everyone to enjoy this game at the same time, it seems. They have issued a statement that Assassin's Creed will be launched in "all major territories" this November. So, it may not be a "worldwide" release, but for the gaming market, Ubisoft considers it may as well be. Ubisoft expects the game to exceed all expectations, and expectedly, expect commercial and critical success. Funny how a single word will contort to fill up an entire set of ideas. Or not. Funny to wordsmiths, we guess. The game will ship for the PS3, 360, and the PC with both a regular and special edition. Most people really hyped up for this game should snag the special edition, since it has a decent amount of goodies to keep you satisfied. [via Joystiq]
Assassin's Creed set for November release
There's nothing more pleasing than infiltrating a dense crowd of oblivious strangers, stabbing your intended victim in the back and then making a daring escape by scurrying up walls and leaping across rooftops. Of course, on a rainy day you'll probably just want to play Assassin's Creed. 1UP reports that Ubisoft plans to release the hugely anticipated medieval stalker sim on the Xbox 360, PS3 and PC this November in standard and limited editions.You'll surely want to inform all your friends via your Mybook or Facespace page, so please try to avoid embarrassment by spelling the game's title correctly. We'll advise you to remember the first part by breaking it into three simple and highly memorable words: "ass", "ass" and then "in." Don't bother using this technique to talk about your recent visit to the psychotherapist though, as that becomes an unsettling "Psycho the rapist."[Via Game Stooge]
Assassin's Creed to assassinate in November
If you find yourself harboring a keen interest in both assassins and the creeds to which they are bound, you will no doubt be interested to learn that Assassin's Creed should be hitting Xbox 360s everywhere this November. The announcement comes directly from Ubisoft, though we are left with no specific date. Also "revealed" by Ubisoft, a limited edition of the game will also be sold in addition to the ordinary vanilla edition. The limited edition will retail for $69.99 and comes packed with the game (in a tin box, of course), Penny-Arcade comics, a mini strategy guide, an Altair figurine, as well as plenty of trailers and behind-the-scenes content. The limited edition isn't exactly news -- we've known about it for some time -- but it sounds pretty cool nonetheless. Anyone out there plan no plunking down the extra cash for a spiffy new doll action figure? [Via GameStooge]
Assassin's Creed ... DS?!
GameStop recently listed an interesting title with a September 25 release date: Assassin's Creed for the DS. Videos from the game really tickle our "over the top" meter, but could a DS port be anything but ... shoddy? Admittedly the source is about as reliable as a canoe made out of Cheetos, so we shouldn't get our gamers' hats all in a bundle just yet. Assassin's Creed DS could take the Battles of Prince of Persia route and share very little with its console brethren. Still, our interest has been piqued and we're ready to hear more. If more exists.[Via DS Fanboy]
Assassin's Creed will have limited edition
As our significant others are so keen to remind us, we're easily swayed by advertising here at Joystiq. Take, for example, the announcement that Assassin's Creed will have a limited edition release on PS3 and Xbox 360. Normally we'd like to know a little more about a product before we agree to buy it, but after watching the trailer we posted yesterday, we were ready to mail our credit card to Ubisoft with a heart-shaped slip of paper with our signature on it. For those who demand a little more info with their purchases, we humbly oblige. The $69.99 tin-encased game apparently really will be in limited quantities and will come with a figurine of titular assassin Altair, Penny Arcade comics and some short films, along with some other bonuses that we didn't have time to read before we totally went to the store to buy it. Not that it was on sale yet, but, like we said, we're really susceptible to advertising. Let's just hope there's no marketing for GTA IV or BioShock ... ah, crap, we'd better just start saving. [Via Xbox 360 Fanboy]
Assassin's Creed trailer leaves us wanting more
Ubidays 2007 has brought us a brand new Assassin's Creed trailer (kindly embedded above) and after giving it a watch, we just want more. Maybe it's the whole assassin mystique or the way he gracefully climbs about the town, we aren't sure. What we do know is that Ubisoft's little gem gets us feeling all funny inside and we want more. It's like crack, we just want more. Assassin's Creed impresses us and we have yet to play it or even get our head around its mysterious time traveling story. But enough about our opinions, what do you think about Assassin's Creed?[Via Joystiq, Thanks to everyone who sent this in]
Assassin's Creed gets LE; Consumer Whores rejoice
Assassin's Creed is getting the special treatment, and will have a Limited Edition packed with goodies to net an extra ten bucks out of you. Althought, it actually will be "Limited" in that the distribution will be less than that of the run-of-the-mill standard edition. Extras include the expected tin packaging, an Altair figurine, a mini strategy guide, AC comics by Penny Arcade, as well as behind the scenes footage with interviews and other unannounced content. So, with that as a start, and the fact it is indeed limited, do you has what it takes to get your assassinatory exploits on this fall?
New Assassin's Creed details sneak out
CVG has posted a three part interview with the scriptwriter for Assassin's Creed, Cory May. While few gameplay details are revealed, Cory sheds some light on the story of Assassin's Creed (though he's a little more tactful about it than Kristen Bell). May goes into detail about the game's plot, which is based on the Third Crusade. While the plot is fictional, it is based on real historical figures and events. As two factions wage war (the Crusaders and the Saracens), the Assassins seek only to end the fighting. It turns out that another secret group seeks to extend the hostilities for as long as possible, as they profit from the violence. So, it's up to the Assassins to put a stop to it all. May also mentions the Templar Treasure, which should make fans of The Da Vinci Code positively giddy.May reveals that the Assassin's motto is "Nothing is true, everything is permitted." While this motto applies historically to the Assassin's actions, May says it also applies to the philosophy behind the game. The design team has thrown out traditional assumptions about action games and has given players the freedom to play as they wish. May also notes that he hopes Assassin's Creed will create a real emotional connection with the player (seems like the "it" thing to do these days, doesn't it?). Follow the links below for each part of the interview.Part 1Part 2Part 3
Sci-fi author tackling Assassin's Creed books
Pro-G reports that a trilogy of Assassin's Creed books are to be written by best selling science fiction author, Steven Barnes. The first book is a prequel to the game and is set to release in October. The books will center on the backstory of the game's main character, Altair. Having written for television series such as The Twilight Zone and The Outer Limits, Barnes seems like a natural choice (360 Fanboy readers will remember the recently leaked info that Assassin's Creed actually has a science fiction plot). We're curious to see how many of the game's sci-fi elements make it into the books.So, will you be picking up the books, or will you be saving your scratch for the game?[Via Game Stooge]
Doh! Assassin's Creed plot leaked
In an interview with Kristen Bell, IGN TV asks about her roles in Veronica Mars, Fanboys, and the upcoming not-so-PS3 exclusive (yes, we're going to keep saying that) Assassin's Creed. Everything in the interview seems pretty safe, no real dirty secrets revealed, that is until Kristen talks about her roll in Assassin's Creed, where she gives a little glimpse into what the story is really about saying ... It's sort of based on the research that's sort of happening now, about the fact that your genes might be able to hold memory. And you could argue semantics and say it's instinct, but how does a baby bird know to eat a worm, as opposed to a cockroach, if its parents don't show it? And it's about this science company trying to, Matrix-style, go into people's brains and find out an ancestor who used to be an assassin, and sort of locate who that person is. So there you have it. Assassin's Creed may not only be about killing in the Crusades, but may be a sci-fi mind traveling adventure where you go back to live the life of your assassin ancestors ... and yes that came out of left field. Commence discussion as we're out to find the meaning of life, why cockroaches are so ugly, and why the Matrix movies got progressively worse.
