Assassin’s Creed: Rogue Review for PlayStation 3 (PS3)

System: PS3*, Xbox 360, PC
Dev: Ubisoft
Pub: Ubisoft
Release: November 11, 2014
Players: 1
Screen Resolution: 480p-1080p	Blood, Strong Language, Violence

Environment design is also a little bit disappointing. It’s really hard to tell what you can jump on and what you can’t, although this really isn’t anything new for the Assassin’s Creed franchise. The paths that the designers want you to take are kind of hard to figure out, and there is a lot of trial and error in every mission you undertake. You’ll find yourself failing a lot because you missed a particular ledge or tree or something. It’s a bit frustrating, but as I said before, it’s nothing we haven’t grappled with in other Assassin’s Creed titles.

Assassin’s Creed: Rogue Screenshot

There is also a problem with the way progression works in the game. A lot of content is locked off to you, until you progress through certain story missions. This keeps you on an incredibly linear path for most of the game, which kind of goes against the game’s “open seas exploration” theme. In fact, I’d say it’s one of the most linear Assassin’s Creed titles out there. But once again I’ve had limited time with the game and it’s possible that the game opens up near the end, but for now I kind of feel like I’m mostly being railroaded from place to place.

A new Assassin’s Creed means a few new toys, and the new tricks that Cormac has under his belt are pretty cool. This time around the big new thing is grenades and explosives. Some do damage, some just confuse the enemy, and all are kinda neat, but so far they haven’t become a serious staple in my Assassin’s repertoire. The trusty sword and a good bit of stealth and parkour are all I really need.

So far I have to say that Assassin’s Creed: Rogue is a lot of fun. It’s not really hugely new or innovative. Frankly it feels like Assassin’s Creed: Black Flag all over again. However, Black Flag was an OK game so that isn’t necessarily a bad thing. We will have to see how it eventually stacks up against Unity, but as the “booby prize” so to speak, the consolation effort for people who are still stuck in the last generation, Rogue is still a solid and interesting game. It may feel a bit dated, but for some of us it almost feels nostalgic. I’m frankly happy to be sailing on the high seas one more time, before docking on the shores of the next console generation.

By
Angelo M. D'Argenio
Contributing Writer
Date: November 12, 2014

RATING OUT OF 5

RATING DESCRIPTION

3.9

Graphics
The graphics look good, but dated when compared to next-gen systems.

3.5

Control
You are basically playing Black Flag again, although you do have some problems with jumping at times.

3.5

Music / Sound FX / Voice Acting
The voice acting is really hit or miss.

4.5

Play Value
Frankly, it’s a fun game, even if it isn’t the headlining title.

4.1

Overall Rating - Great
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:

Experience the Assassin's Creed universe from the perspective of a Templar. Play as Shay, who, in addition to the skills of a Master Assassin, also possesses new abilities, like enhanced eagle vision, and weapons, such as the air rifle and grenade launcher.

Witness Shay's transformation from an adventurous Assassin to a grim Templar willing to hunt down his former brothers. Experience the events that lead Shay down a dark path and set him on a course that will forever change the fate of the Brotherhood.

C New and Improved Naval Gameplay: Assassin’s Creed Rogue builds on the award-winning naval experience from Assassin's Creed IV Black Flag with all-new gameplay, including new weapons and enemy tactics.

Vast and Diverse Open World to Explore. Shay's story will allow you to explore three unique environments: the artic North Atlantic, American River Valley, and New York City.