Assassins Creed : Brotherhood
The success of a franchise is dependant on the amount of improvement shown for each new addition. If there is no improvement there can be no immersion, basically the franchise or series will fail. Allowing oneself to fall into the world of Ubisoft Montreal's Assassins Creed Brotherhood can be compared to waking up in the morning for work. You can't not do it, and believe me you don't want to sleep through this Renaissance classic.
You revisit the role of Ezio Auditore da Firenze, dashing to women, deadly to any who cross his path, picking up right where Assassins Creed 2 finished. You find Ezio under covers, no seriously he is in bed with another woman. Sadly life decides to throw a curve ball at Ezio, one thing leads to another and suddenly he is taking revenge on the rulers of Rome and the whole corruption of Catholic church. The Templars versus Assassins template is still in the background, but the forefront of evil is shown in the persona of the Borja army and its leader , Cesare Borja. While the story is not as strong as Assassins Creed 2, it's written well enough to keep you ploughing through the missions like butter.
Assassins Creed's gameplay is overhauled with each addition to the series, Brotherhood proudly flying the flag above it's predecessors. Ezio seems to be gaining agility with age as he completes feats which would be deemed impossible by any normal standard. Free running from building to building over the rooftops has been made to feel even more flowing as you move swiftly around Rome with ease. Cutting down enemies fast is clearly now the focus of the series, unlike in previous instalments which required you to counter at the right time for a kill. Now you are given the tools to mow down large groups of enemies quicker than a poloticians twist of tongue. The developers have even gone so far as to let you build your own assassin army, comprising of citizens that you liberate from the Borja reign. You can then send the recruits out to various missions, or keep around, to dispatch of unwanted attention. Of course the number of assassins available for use depend on your influence on the city. Much like Grand Theft Auto San Andreas you raise your reputation by taking out enemy strongholds, Assassins Creed Brotherhood's version being the many Borja towers spread through the vicinity.
Graphics have been upgraded ever so slightly on the last game, now showing the aging Ezio with every wrinkle and grey hair standing out from the rest. The scenery is beautifully perfected, from the bricks and pavement of Rome to the outlying farming regions. Rome itself will grow from a decrepit city to a flourishing populous if certain requirements are met by the player. It is clear that much work has gone into the creation of such a visually stunning world in which the player can fully interact with. It is a pleasure to stand atop one of the towers and look out upon the skyline in all in all it's glory, or to ride through the farming communities surrounding the populous.
Completely engrossing the player into the Renaissance period is complete in Brotherhood. Each character is voiced superbly from the main characters doen to the most miniscule citzen. Ezio Auditore da Firenze comes alive with his suave persona being conveyed just as well, if not better, than the previous installment. Even the less important sounds such as the pedestrians walking around the city and its outlying regions are given the full treatment through to the very small one liner parts. It's hard not to immerse yourself in Ezio's quest for revenge when it feels so alive.
If killing the CPU is starting to bore your assassin nerves Ubisoft have the perfect solution for you. New to the series is an online multiplayer option which allows the player the opportunity to act out their murderous desires in games of cat and mouse. it is Implemented well, as you are given a target to assassinate, while simultaneously being targetted by another player. You are given the chance to break the chase using objects such as massive gates which actually are very effective. For the thrill seekers however you are still able to free run the rooftops to find your escape.
Ubisoft Mobtreal have made it a habit to improve their mechanics with each release. This principle is especially true with Assassins Creed Brotherhood, it is an improvement on essentially every aspect, save for maybe the narrative, and is especially enjoyable. The sounds, however well enacted, tend to wear thin nearing the end game through the limited in-game script, although do not detract from the experience. The facial effects tend to be overshadowed only by games such as Rockstars very recent LA Noire, which is nothing to detract from the total playing experience.
With the quality of game Ubisoft Montreal have churned out of the factory lately, expectations are high for the new installment, Assassin's Creed: Revelations. If you are an avid follower of the historically epic series Assassin's Creed, this game is a must have. If you tend to play games casually, Assassin's Creed Brotherhood creates quite a case for itself to slide it's way into your personal collection. Either way this game is a must play for anyone and stands on it's own as much as a singular game in addition to Ubisofts epic adventure series.
Score:
Story: 8
Gameplay:9
Visual:8
Audio: 8
Multiplayer: 7
Overall: 8/10
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