RipTen Videogame Blog » Assassins-Creed

Soulcalibur V Has Gone Gold

Catherine Cai — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 02:18:19 +0000

With still little less than a month away from its release date, Soulcalibur V has gone gold.

Set 17 years after its predecessor, Soulcalibur V and follows Sophitia’s son Patroklos and daughter Pyrrha. The game is to feature improved character customization, the new Brave Edge and Critical Edge gameplay mechanics, and Assassin’s Creed‘s Ezio Auditore de Firenze as a playable character.

A Collector’s Edition of the game is set to ship with the original retail version. It includes the original soundtrack, a making-of DVD, an art book, and DLC cards for the Dark Knight and White Knight armor sets for all your character creation needs.

If you happen to preorder the game, the preorder exclusives vary for each retailer. The GameStop and EB Games Canada exclusive is the Ivy Valentine bobble head, although supplies are limited so get your tiggle-bitty head-bobbing toy while its hot. The Best Buy exclusive (for U.S. and Canada only) is a downloadable code for Dampierre. Future Shop and Walmart both will give you a laser art cell, although in order to get the laser art cell, you have to pick up your copy at a Walmart within the first 24-hours of release. Given the choice, I’d probably opt for the Ivy bobble head… because how awesome is that?

Pick Up Ezio’s Threads in Final Fantasy XIII-2

Justin Carter — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 15:30:36 +0000

Assassin’s Creed protagonist Ezio has been all over the place. First came the news that he’d be playable in Soul Calibur V, then he returned in Assassin’s Creed: Revelations (which was a resounding success). Now he’s joining Lightning and Serah in Final Fantasy XIII-2.

Well, sort of. His clothes will be in a DLC pack for playable character Noel Kreiss. At the time of writing Square Enix and Ubisoft have not given out pricing or a release date, or even if Ezio’s gear will be retailer-specific. Still, you get to travel the Final Fantasy world as Ezio. Pretty cool, right?

Final Fantasy XIII-2 hits shelves January 31, 2012 for Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3.

Via IGN

RipTen Review: Assassin’s Creed Revelations

Murray Hibble — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 16:00:44 +0000

When it comes to annual franchises, nobody does it like Ubisoft. Each Assassin’s Creed title has improved subtly on its predecessor by folding in new activities and gameplay elements scattered across gorgeous city traverses. Revelations offers perhaps the smallest list of enhancements in the series but when the core gameplay is so good, and the complex, unwinding narrative surpasses itself, you’ll again find yourself drawn into many hours of running, murdering and boggling at what’s on offer. The franchise hasn’t lost step as it confidently reveals stunning new insights and revelations, so while the slick gameplay isn’t markedly different, the narrative is in the driving seat and offers every motivation that you’ll need to discover the last days of Ezio and Altair.

The setting for Revelations is a divided 15th century Constantinople, where the Ottoman King’s attention is held to other fronts allowing the Byzantines and Templars full run of the city. Ezio Auditore arrives in town seeking a weapon to fight the Templars, a weapon once weilded by Altair Ibn-Lahad himself, and the fight will take him across Constantinople to the underground city of Cappadacia and to the hallowed ground of Masyaf itself. Throughout the journey you’ll befriend local Assassin’s Guild Master, Yusuf, discover a new love interest for Ezio in the form of passionate bookstore owner Sophia and play through intertwining narratives for the two other main characters in surprising and incredibly fulfilling ways.

Narrative is clearly at the forefront in Revelations so much so that even the cityscape feels like it has its own monologue. It’s not just the colour; the beautiful swathes of pastel rainbows in the local people, stallholders and the strong visual representation when seen from a vantage point and it’s not just the fantastic presentation of hostile soldiers, particularly the masked faces of the Ottoman’s ‘Janissaries’ troops, or the level of detail in the lead characters. The story is in the amalgamation of these elements and is rooted in the architecture of the city itself through the subtle use of undulating structures and zip-lines (accessed using Ezio’s new hookblade or parachute). Constantinople is a gorgeous gamespace and thanks to its clever structure you spend less time finding the right lines and more time flowing across the city.

As an ancient history GTA, Ubisoft have again refined and expanded on the side-missions and for the most part it works. One of the major new additions is bomb-crafting. You’ll be able to choose a shell, an explosive element and an extra effect and these are grouped under further banners for Offensive, Tactical and Diversionary. These can be crafted at various bomb-stations throughout the game world and you’ll pick up the components from looting bodies or the almost overdone abundance of containers, purchase them from bomb-makers or from historical figure Piris Reis. Bombs, secondary weapons and primary weapons are all now selected cleverly from a single hold of the right button allowing on-the-fly changes to your entire weapon set, but the problem is that bombs are never really needed outside of forced moments in some missions thanks to the overly-effective primary weapon counter-strikes and insta-kills. Trip-mines take too long to activate, explosives can often kill citizens and with swordplay that is as fun to play as it is easy to do, there’s little incentive to employ your arsenal.

Expanding on the Assassin’s Guild mini-game, this time you’ll not only recruit new killers to your ranks and send them on missions but each mission will reduce Templar control in a city, with the goal of controlling the entire Mediterranean area. Templars fight back however, so you’ll need to keep revisiting the tougher ‘Reclaim The City’ missions to retain your hold. Your recruits tie into the other mini-games as well, and there are various Assassin’s Guild buildings across the map and once a recruit has become a Master Assassin a simple mission alongside them will give them control of that den.

To unlock new recruit slots you’ll need to find a Templar stronghold, locate the Captain and kill him which can be tedious as it entails walking around in blue-tinted Eagle-vision to find him standing out in gold. At times you’ll also be given the option to defend your Assassin’s Dens which are assaulted by templars if you gain too high of a public profile. These offer ‘tower defense’ gameplay and involve setting up barricades and manning rooftops with Assassin’s against waves of incoming enemy soldiers. Unfortunately this is way too fiddly to work and the constant requests to recapture your dens means this element is as frustrating as dealing with girlfriends in GTA. Clearly though, with these side missions and even more there is a ridiculous amount of content for fans of the series to be had.

Cosplay Spotlight: Malfatto (Assassin’s Creed: Brotherhood)

Stephanie Gutowski — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 01:35:44 +0000

In honor of Assassin’s Creed: Revelations’ release and the RipTen Review, I thought we’d celebrate with a little cosplay.

Fans of Ubisoft’s M-rated history lesson will recognize this guy pretty quickly. The Doctor, aka, Malfatto, comes to life thanks to the time and dedication of fans like Anime_freak_kai. Assassin’s Creed fans never cease to amaze me with their willingness to wear intricate, sweltering outfits in all sorts of weather. Kai happens to be something of an animal lover (or fearer of PERA), since all that “leather” is actually vinyl. It’s beautifully sewn, and I’d assumed that the materials were genuine from the start. Once again, I am pleasantly surprised.

... I really don't like needles.

Kai built the mask up out of plaster, foam, and clay, materials that sound incredible uncomfortable to wear. And, of course, it wouldn’t be complete without a weapon of choice. This syringe is hand carved out of wood and looks to be particularly menacing. Not someone you want to engage in stealth combat, that’s for sure.

Once again, we have living proof of just how awesome cosplay can be.

Finally, The Epic Assassin’s Creed: Revelations Launch Trailer

Garrett Hartman — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 21:15:59 +0000

Ubisoft has released some truly fantastic Assassin’s Creed: Revelations trailers, could this be the one to top them all?

It’s all subjective. In this trailer you will see new executions, amazing scenery and an idea of what you can expect from AC: R when it releases on November 15th.

Check it out.

Sources Say Assassin’s Creed Film Gives Ubisoft “Too Much Control”

Justin Carter — Sat, 05 Nov 2011 16:54:21 +0000

When the Assassin’s Creed film was rumored, I myself was pretty hesitant. I don’t know about you, but the last few video game films haven’t been all that they could be. Hearing that Ubisoft would be keeping a close eye on it sounds like it would be a good thing, right?

Well, according to some movie executives, no. Sony and Ubi have got their deal ironed out, but Ubi’s got most of film’s aspects in their control. That means cast, budget, script, and the release date. An anonymous source told Vulture that some big name directors opted out because of that control:

“As a director, even Steven Spielberg cannot get this kind of deal.”

Having someone like Steven Spielberg or J.J. Abrams attached to this film would definitely give it some excitement from non AssCreed fans, but it’s understandable that they wouldn’t want Ubisoft constantly breathing down their necks telling them how to do their job. On the other hand, this shows how devoted Ubisoft is to not having the film suck.

What do you think of an Assassin’s Creed film?

[Via Joystiq]

Assassin’s Creed: Revelations Trailer Details Tower Defense Style ‘Den’ Gameplay

Garrett Hartman — Fri, 28 Oct 2011 14:38:18 +0000

In the latest Assassin’s Creed: Revelations trailer from Ubisoft we get a glimpse at the new ‘Den Defense’ gameplay.

Obviously, operating an Assassin’s Den is a dangerous undertaking and one that occasionally gets the attention of the authorities. How do assassin’s defend against assaults? Tower defense style.

Assassin’s Creed Revelations releases on November 15th for the Ps3 and Xbox 360. Check out the trailer below.

Watch Ezio Swing Swords In This Soul Calibur V Trailer

Aaron Alexander — Fri, 21 Oct 2011 10:27:31 +0000

Yes internet, you called it. Ezio is officially in the Soul Calibur V roster. It makes more sense than a tiny green goblin with a laser sword, so it’s actually a cool addition all things considered. Watch the trailer below;

I guess using stealth is out of the question? Leave your thoughts in the comment section below.

Assassin’s Creed Revelations – ‘No Mercy’ Trailer Is the Most Epic Yet

Garrett Hartman — Fri, 21 Oct 2011 02:29:02 +0000

Wow! Count me as impressed. Im always on here writing about how awesome Ubisoft‘s Assassin’s: Creed Revelations trailers are and for good reason – they rock! Check out this new appropriately named ‘No Mercy’ trailer.

The action comes fast and hard as it showcases the merciless fighting prowess of master assassins Ezio Auditore and Altaïr Ibn-La’Ahad as they join the ancient war between Assassins and Templars.

Two Assassins united by a single destiny: To defy those who want to control the will of man. Show no mercy.

Sony Reportedly in Final Assassin’s Creed Movie Negotiations with Ubisoft

Justin Carter — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 23:30:22 +0000

Video game films don’t have a good reputation, and it’s easy to see why. Most of them have come from fighting games that have little to no story, and the films based on games that do have actual stories are usually pieces of crap. Then, there are the five or so game films currently in development hell that probably have no chance of ever happening.

Ubisoft is hoping that’ll change pretty soon. Variety is reporting that the publisher is very close to making a deal with Sony Pictures to distribute a movie based on their flagship Assassin’s Creed franchise.

Ubisoft plans on being very very close to the development of the film franchise, just to make sure everything’s exactly what fans have come to expect. I’m also guessing they’re willing to sneak up and kill anyone who looks like they could be a problem and drop them in a bale of hay.

Do you think Assassin’s Creed could work as a film franchise? Stay tuned to RipTen as the story unfolds.

Assassins Creed: Revelations – The Life of Ezio Auditore Trailer

Chris Carlson — Tue, 04 Oct 2011 19:30:01 +0000

Ubisoft has released a brand new trailer entitled “The Life of Ezio Auditore” for their upcoming action-adventure game, Assassins Creed: Revelations.

The newest trailer dives into the world of Ezio Auditore and his life as a master assassin in the war against the Templars. Ezio walks in the footsteps of the legendary Altaïr on a journey of discovery and revelation(s). It is a perilous path – one that will take Ezio to Constantinople, the heart of the Ottoman Empire, where a growing army of Templars threatens to destabilize the region.

Assassins Creed: Revelations is set to release on November 15th for Xbox 360, PS3 and PC.

AC: Revelations Gets a Double Dose of Awesome Trailers (Hook Blade & Beta)

Garrett Hartman — Thu, 29 Sep 2011 19:20:06 +0000

Ubisoft has released two new Assassin’s Creed Revelations trailers. One of the videos shows off a new weapon called a ‘Hook Blade’, while the other celebrates the recently ended Beta. In typical Ubisoft fashion, both are awesome.

Assassin’s Creed: Revelations releases November 15th on the PC, PS3, and Xbox 360.

Watch the trailers below.

Assassin’s Creed: Revelations Extended Story Trailer Impresses

Garrett Hartman — Mon, 26 Sep 2011 21:30:52 +0000

Ubisoft has done a commendable job hyping Assassin’s Creed Revelations. The E3 2011 AC:R Story trailer was simply amazing. Prepare to be amazed again as Ubisoft releases an extended story trailer featuring music from Woodkid Iron:

Assassin’s Creed Revelations is set to release on all platforms on November 15th.

New Assassin’s Creed Revelations Multiplayer Trailer

Chris Carlson — Fri, 23 Sep 2011 01:50:52 +0000

Ubisoft has released a brand new multiplayer trailer for Assassin’s Creed Revelations. In Assassin’s Creed‘s newest multiplayer, gamers will take control of a brand new set Templars in Constantinople as they battle in new modes, including Deathmatch and Artifact Assault.

The multiplayer looks more of the same, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing considering multiplayer was first introduced in Assassin’s Creed Brotherhood and quickly became a hit.

Assassin’s Creed Revelations is set to release November 15th for Xbox 360, PS3 and PC.

AC: Revelations on PS3 Will Include the Original AC as a Bonus

Garrett Hartman — Tue, 20 Sep 2011 00:40:47 +0000

Thanks to the storage capacity of the PS3′s Blu-Ray Disc – It looks as if Altaïr has an even larger role in the PS3 version of Assassin’s Creed Revelations than we originally thought! Ubisoft has decided to add the original Assassin’s Creed onto the Revelations disc as a free bonus.

Ubisoft released this statement:

In Assassin’s Creed Revelations, master assassin Ezio traces the footsteps of his predecessor, Altaïr Ibn-La’Ahad. Now, gamers will be able to go back to the beginning of the Assassin’s Creed storyline as the day one copies of Assassin’s Creed Revelations on PlayStation®3 will include a copy of the original Assassin’s Creed.

Whether being introduced to the award-winning original Assassin’s Creed for the first time or going back to relive the start of the epic journey, players will be drawn into the secret war between Templars and Assassins in ancient Jerusalem.

If you’re a gamer like me, who missed out on the original Assassin’s Creed, this is definitely a welcome bonus and one that makes for an easier decision in choosing which console to pick Revelations up for.

Assassin’s Creed: Revelations ships November 15th.

Assassin’s Creed: Revelations Beta Will Be Open For All PSN Users

Catherine Cai — Wed, 07 Sep 2011 23:00:33 +0000

If you’ve been itching to be a part of the Ass Creed Revelations multiplayer, but weren’t a PSN Plus or Uplay member, here’s some good news. Ubisoft has decided to open up the multiplayer for a short amount of time for all PSN members to try out. You’ll be able to Ass Creed it up starting tomorrow, September 8, until this offer closes September 11.

The beta allows players to get a taste of what’s to come with 9 playable characters (The Sentinel, The Vanguard, The Guardian, The Vizier, The Thespian, The Deacon, The Bombardier, The Trickster and The Champion), 3 maps (Knight’s Hospital, Antioch, Constantinople), and 4 modes (Wanted, Manhunt, Deathmatch, and Artifact Assault).

Assassin’s Creed: Revelations is slated for release on November 15, 2011.

Gamestop Reveals Assassin’s Creed Revelations Ultimate Bundle

Chris Carlson — Thu, 25 Aug 2011 13:05:39 +0000

After the fiasco of Gamestop removing Deus Ex promotional codes from new copies of the PC version, we have a bit of good news concerning Gamestop. The company has listed the Assassin’s Creed Revelations Ultimate Bundle. Priced at $99.99, the bundle includes:

Assassin’s Creed Brotherhood da Vinci’s Flying Machine – GameStop Exclusive
A highly detailed replica of da Vinci’s Flying Machine, the awesome glider as seen in the Assassin’s Creed Brotherhood videogame. The glider wingspan extends over 2 feet and wings and tail are articulated. A 6″-7″ scale figure can be placed in the harness underneath and the cannon pivots and fires a spring loaded projectile. Note: Closed Box Packaging, some assembly required
Assassin’s Creed Brotherhood 7-inch Ezio Collectable
Highly detailed figure with over 30 points of articulation Figure stands nearly 7″ tall and comes with interchangeable hands and a sword accessory. Each figure features retractable blades on the gauntlets to re-enact Ezio’s stealth attacks.

Assassin’s Creed Revelations is set to release on November 15th for Xbox 360, PS3 and PC.

Assassin’s Creed: Revelations Walkthrough with Commentary

Garrett Hartman — Wed, 24 Aug 2011 02:52:40 +0000

At Gamescom 2011, Ubisoft showcased a new gameplay sequence from Assassin’s Creed Revelations which features master assassins Ezio and Altair in action.

Now Ubisoft has released a director’s cut of the gameplay walkthrough with commentary.

Watch and enjoy below.

Ubisoft’s Reveals its Largest PAX Lineup to Date

Stephanie Gutowski — Wed, 24 Aug 2011 01:00:44 +0000

As we continue to pack our bags for PAX Prime, developers are releasing their much-awaited viewing lineups. Ubisoft will be there in full force with games spanning four booths. These are just some of the more popular titles you can look forward to seeing this coming weekend:

• Assassin’s Creed Revelations
• From Dust™
• Just Dance® 3
• Might & Magic® Heroes® VI
• Might & Magic Heroes Kingdoms™
• Rayman® Origins
• Rocksmith™
• Shoot Many Robots™
• Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon® Online
• Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon Future Soldier™
• TrackMania™2 Canyon

Ubi has also announced a handful of incentives for attendees who reserve these games while at the show. Pre-order at the conference to score these bonuses:

• Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon Future Soldier: Exclusive PAX gun skin
• Assassin’s Creed Revelations: Altair avatar
• Just Dance 3: Neon watch
• Rayman Origins: Rayman T-shirt
• Rocksmith: Exclusive guitar strap

In addition to the extra in-game goodies, Ubisoft will be hosting several giveaways during the convention. You like prizes, right? Well, I hope you scored a PAX pass because Ubi might just be prize central this year. They’ll also host a special Assassin’s Creed panel on Friday from 6 to 7 p.m. at the Main Theatre in downtown Seattle. Be there, or be a templar.

The Assassin’s Creed Revelations Official Gamescom Trailer is Awesome

Garrett Hartman — Wed, 17 Aug 2011 13:46:21 +0000

Ubisoft sure knows how to make a good trailer – that fact is undeniable. The Assassin’s Creed Revelations hype has definitely benefited from the stunning E3 trailer and now the Official Gamescom 2011 trailer below.

See Ezio in all his badass glory when AC:R releases on November 15th.