Review: Assassin's Creed

With Assassin's Creed: Revelations on the horizon, I figured I'd go back and review the original.  Even better, my girlfriend, Opp1123, has volunteered to write this review for me.  So without further ado, take it away, hon!

Publisher: Ubisoft
Rating: Mature
Content: blood, strong language, and violence
System(s) Compatible: Windows PC, Playstation 3, XBox360

I had initially become interested in playing Assassin's Creed when Brotherhood had come out but due to lack of compatible systems I was unable to play. The ease of getting into the controls is makes it a game that can be picked up by just about anyone. It includes a basic tutorial that explains movement which is the perfect length of time and introduces the next abilities as they become available again.

The overall gameplay is excellent, however many of the tasks or quests that are given to the character are repetitive and can get old. What makes up for the repetitive nature of these tasks is the storyline. I have yet to finish the game but I can see a rich storyline being threaded into the gameplay. It contains aspects of character development, plot development, and constructions the scenes of the two stories so that the viewer can understand what is happening.

The most fascinating aspect about this game are the historical aspects that are interwoven into a fictional plot. While purusing the interenet I found quite a few people offended by the fact that people were portrayed in certain ways, such as the fact that the assassin's are middle eastern. What they are missing by pointing this out is that much of what occurred during the crusades include invading towns, plundering them, raping them women, and then leaving them essentially deserted. This may not have happened in Jerusalem and the other cities mentioned but it had happened in other locations. Essentially the clash between the Knights Templar and the Assassin's is over land and a pervasive religious symbol.

Part of the reason the storyline is so rich and successful is that it was created:

"Inspired by historical events and characters. This work of fiction was designed, developed, and produced by a multicultural team of various religious faiths and beliefs."

Note: Video game rating is according to the information posted on the ESRB website; information on crusades was learned in a course on Chaucer
For your Enjoyment:
Opening Cinematic
The Website