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Preview: Assassin’s Creed: Rogue

We’ve taken to calling last-gen by another (more disparaging) name — sh*t-gen — on the Friendly Fire Show lately, but it’s not really fair. It’s funny, but it’s not fair.

When we heard that Assassin’s Creed: Rogue would be last-gen only we pounced on the opportunity to deride it and poke fun. After having played through parts of both Sequence 3 and Sequence 5… well let’s just say Rogue made me shut my big fat mouth. It seems to stand on the shoulders of those Creeds that came before as a culmination of all the best bits. Combining elements of ACIII (easily the worst of the series) and Black Flag, Rogue is the culmination of every Creed on last-gen. While Unity is looking forward, Rogue looks set to be the series’ fond look back. And hugely successful look at that.

While we’ve read about protagonist Shay Cormac and his tiff with the Assassin’s that leads to his joining the Templars, the time I spent with the game didn’t touch on it. I’m assuming Ubisoft wants to play it close to the chest for maximum story impact. Shay also seems like a bit of a nothing character. He’s certainly more interesting than Connor, but from what I’ve seen he doesn’t hold a candle to series’ standouts Ezio and Edward. Maybe it’s something to do with the letter ‘E’? Probably not though. Shay’s Irish accent is so far the most interesting thing about him, though without a proper introduction to him and his arc I’m likely being a bit harsh. Though Assassin’s Creed generally has a poor track record when it comes to memorable leading characters. Why do you think Ezio got to star in three consecutive titles?

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So Shay doesn’t seem to be a powerhouse of personality; so what? You’re playing as a Templar for (well, kind of) the first time in franchise history. How does that change the gameplay, I hear you ask? It doesn’t at all. Not really. Everything players have grown accustomed to and expect from the previous six (count them, SIX!) games is present and accounted for and it’s all been refined to a tight, streamlined package.

This is Assassin’s Creed at its Creediest. Climb, stab, shoot, sail, hunt, synchronise, assassinate, participate in an improbably large role  in great historical moments and most of all pet dogs. Thank goodness Assassin Creed III’s best feature is still being included. In all seriousness though, Rogue could have been a simple cash grab for those fools who have yet to upgrade to current-gen. It’s not. Ubisoft has clearly dedicated just as much effort to it than it has with past games. Forget that it’s on last-gen only, fans of the series will get an almighty kick out of the setting, story and simply from having a new(ish) world to explore.

I say newish because Rogue returns to pre-Civil War North America, particularly New York. It’s clear that a lot of effort has been spent ensuring that the Big Apple is not the Boring, Lifeless Apple as it was in ACIII.Despite being set some time before and during ACIII, New York is actually an interesting place to Assassin’s Creed in Rogue. There are some great free-running lines to find and a good mixture of building and trees. The wide roads help to give it a greater sense of depth and exploring doesn’t feel such a chore.

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As per usual the map is absolutely plastered with icons. Viewpoints, chests, shanties, strongholds, Animus fragments and so on and so forth. It’s all there to give you Obsessive Compulsive anxiety and provide glittery objects to distract you from your latest stabbing based mission. Missions have been significantly improved since ACIII. Barely any of the ones I played required me to walk slowly next to another character and listen to them talk or forced me to fail if I deviated even slightly from the set path. Instead, they were based around Shay’s skills as an Assassin. Or is that a Templar? Templassin?  Whatever he is, climbing, shooting and stabbing are the name of the game for missions. Optional objectives — introduced in Brotherhood — make a welcome return, especially since they’re not so onerous in Rogue.

The one major difference in playing as a Templar is that the world is literally filled with Assassins, just waiting to take you out. Elements of multiplayer have crept into single player and it adds a layer of danger and difficulty not previously seen. Whilst exploring, the player will hear the familiar whispers from multiplayer that indicate an enemy is nearby. Switching to Eagle Vision brings up the danger circle which shows the direction and proximity of the hidden Assassin. If you’re able to locate the Assassin and sneak up on him or her, Shay can take them out. If they see Shay first and you’re not quick enough to counter, they’ll stab him in the gut and run off. Shay is left with a sliver of health and becomes easy pickings for guards and other enemies.

While it happened a little too frequently during the preview I’m of the impression this was to give an idea of the new system. Hopefully it’s toned down for the full game. It’s a great addition, but if it’s constant it will become annoying.

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Assassin’s Creed is a lot of things, but difficult is not one of them. In my time with Rogue I died probably more times than the combined deaths of all other Assassin’s Creeds I’ve played. It’s much harder than any of the others and in being so, actually plays into the narrative and notion of Shay being outcast. Veterans will certainly find it challenging, which after so many sequels is sorely needed.

Assassin’s Creed is an annual franchise for a reason and that’s its huge popularity. The reason it’s popular is because it’s a lot of fun. While Unity is going to be a fairly big departure from the franchise norms, it’s still going to be Assassin’s CreedRogue is one last look at everything that’s been accomplished, added and incrementally changed over the six past games. It takes the series’ achievements and missteps and combines them into the perfect blend of last-gen Creed.

If you’re wanting a fresh Assassin’s Creed, then play Unity. If you want one more go around with the ways of old, play Rogue. If you want both, play Rogue first. It stands as the pinnacle of last-gen Assassin’s Creed, which, if you think about it, is the epitome of last-gen. It all started with the first Assassin’s Creed and maybe Rogue is a fitting end. I know it will be for me.


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DeltaPhoenix08