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E3 2015 Preview: Assassin’s Creed: Syndicate

It’s easy to feel like a bad-ass in Assassin’s Creed: Syndicate.

I was one of the lucky ones who really wasn’t affected by any bugs in Assassin’s Creed: Unity. As such, I enjoyed the game immensely. Arno and Paris energised me and reminded me of all the warm, fuzzy feelings that washed over me when I played Assassin’s Creed II so many years ago. Syndicate keeps that up, this time with some pretty fancy additions.

Going hands-on with Jacob Frye, I got to test out his new grappling line and the game’s close-quarters combat revamp. They’re both delightful.

syndicatetrain

I was concerned that the grappling hook would be difficult to use, but that couldn’t be further from the case. Using a PS4 controller, all it took was a simple tap of the L1 button whenever an anchor point flashed on screen. Instantly, Jacob fired the launcher to the top of a roof and zipped straight up, almost at the speed of the rope lifts that sit at the bottom of some buildings. Once on the roof, another tap can create a tightrope between two buildings of similar heights, or a zipline with those that are lower than where you are. Using the grappling line provides for a sense of freedom and speed that is quite exhilarating.

Combat’s been changed to be ever so brutal, with Jacob looking like he’s fighting with the same tenacity as Brad Pitt in Snatch. For an honourable Assassin, he fights dirty, using his surroundings to his advantage when putting enemies down. As improved as Unity’s combat was, Syndicate is entirely different beast, and though it pains me to say it (oh, stereotypes), is quite visceral. Sure, you can use Jacob’s hidden cane blade, but fists just proved to be so much more satisfying.

syndicatecombat

Sneaking has also been greatly improved; a push of a button toggles between stealth and normal profiles, changing the way you carry yourself and move through the world. It was quite useful to get the drop on those you’re wishing to silently take out… or simply avoid.

The other big addition to Syndicate is the ability to use vehicles in the open world. Near the end of the hands-on demo I was able to play, I was tasked to chase down a running female target. As I approached, she grabbed a nearby horse and carriage and sped off. That’s only fair – if you’re able to use vehicles, so too should your opponents. You’re able to control the carriage as you wish, but can also jump up onto its roof and have it auto-drive in pursuit of a target.

Unity was a great step in the right direction for the Assassin’s Creed franchise, and Syndicate uses that momentum to push ever forward. The only thing that’s missing is a continuation of the modern storyline that I’m sure fans adore and miss.

Assassin’s Creed Syndicate arrives 23 October for PS4 and Xbox One, with no release date announced for PC.

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About the author

Steve Wright

Steve's the owner of this very site and an active games journalist nearing twenty (TWENTY!?!) years. He's a Canadian-Australian gay gaming geek, ice hockey player and fan. Husband to Matt and cat dad to Wally and Quinn.