Assassin's Creed: Revelations Review for PlayStation 3 (PS3)

System: PS3, Xbox 360, PC
Dev: Ubisoft Montreal/Ubisoft Annecy
Pub: Ubisoft
Release: November 15, 2011
Players: 1, 2-16
Screen Resolution: 480p-1080p	Blood, Language, Mild Sexual Themes, Violence

The single-player campaign is certainly the game's bread and butter, and though it is fairly underwhelming, most players are picking this game up to continue the saga of our three heroes. However, I would be remiss if I didn't mention the game's multiplayer mode, which has really come into its own. Brotherhood's deception-based multiplayer mode wasn't exactly that deep, but it was surprisingly addictive. In Revelations, the premise is nearly identical. You'll need to use NPCs, your environment, and your own skills to take out targets using earned and inherent character skills.

Assassin's Creed: Revelations Screenshot

The big difference this time around is that there is a greater sense of purpose. Team-oriented missions, greater varieties in match types, and all-new abilities make the multiplayer much better; it's certainly worth your time. Even if you abstained from checking out the multiplayer last time, I would definitely give it a shot in Revelations.

However, that's about where the good news ends. Visually, Assassin's Creed: Revelations is a bit of a wreck. I don't know what went wrong with this entry in the series, but the graphics have seriously been downgraded since last time. Character models feature an unfortunate amount of jagged lines, pop-in is a constant problem, and even the camera suffers from some serious malfunction. Though the world of Constantinople comes to life rather vividly, many of the structures have repetitious design. However, to be fair, Italy has also had its fair share of repetitious structures as well. To top it off, Revelations has an unfortunate amount of visual glitches. Floating weapons, characters that spontaneously freeze, and disappearing body parts are all sadly common in Assassin's Creed: Revelations.

I really wanted to love this game. As a huge fan of the series, I was beyond hyped for the last entry featuring Ezio and the first to blend the three heroes' stories together. However, the game lacks a coherent story, visual polish, and meaningful new gameplay elements. Though running around and stabbing people is still fun, Revelations has lost some of the spark that made its predecessors feel so amazing. I hope the series can get itself back on track soon, because I know the Assassin's Creed series can do better than this. I'm just sad to see that Ezio's last story was not his finest hour, because he deserved a better exit than this.

By Amanda L. Kondolojy
CCC Senior Contributing Writer

RATING OUT OF 5

RATING DESCRIPTION

3.0

Graphics
Visuals are not very detailed, and there's an unfortunate amount of glitches.

3.6

Control
Controls mostly work well, but some unnecessary tweaks have been made that will annoy longtime fans.

4.0

Music / Sound FX / Voice Acting
Controls mostly work well, but some unnecessary tweaks have been made that will annoy longtime fans.

3.5

Play Value
The story is underwhelming and the game's new elements aren't very fun. Prepare for some disappointment.

3.7

Overall Rating - Good
Not an average. See Rating legend below for a final score breakdown.

Review Rating Legend
0.1 - 1.9 = Avoid	2.5 - 2.9 = Average	3.5 - 3.9 = Good	4.5 - 4.9 = Must Buy
2.0 - 2.4 = Poor	3.0 - 3.4 = Fair	4.0 - 4.4 = Great	5.0 = The Best

Game Features:

Become Deadlier Than Ever - Wield the lethal skills of a wiser, more efficient and deadlier Ezio. Swiftly eliminate your adversaries by deploying a new arsenal of weapons and abilities, such as enhanced free-running and hook blade combat. Experience new levels of gameplay customization with bomb crafting, and use heightened Eagle Vision to overcome your enemies and the environment.

Herald the Return of a Legend - Experience the return of Altaïr, the hero of the original Assassin's Creed, as a playable character.

Journey to Constantinople - Discover picturesque settings, from Masyaf, the mountain stronghold of the Assassins during the Third Crusade, to the vibrant and exotic Constantinople, the jewel of the Ottoman Empire in the 16th Century.