Review: Assassin’s Creed: Revelations (PS3)

By Wayne Webb

Assassin’s Creed was the game that I got for free when I first bought the new PS3. This was a game that was truly stunning, looked beautiful and one that was very engaging. The latest episode in this series returns to that established and appreciated template to provide a new, better looking and playing version of what was already an outstanding game.

Revelations brings us to the Autumn years of an older Ezio Auditore now travelling to Constantinople in search of the puzzle that Altair has left behind. That’s the main thrust of the story, Ezio unraveling the mystery – interspersed with sections from Altair’s history and Desmond’s Inception-like existence in the prison of his own mind. From there you will have hours and hours of fun following the plot, unlocking various features and doing all the side missions and tasks that fill out Ezio’s Istanbul experience.

The controls have improved a little. Not that there was much wrong with them, but they seem more fluid and have less button presses required to switch weapons or select items. You can now also learn bomb crafting and have bombs that kill, distract or disable depending on how they will be utilised. For the patient, there is plenty to learn and collect for crafting these bombs, but for those just interested in getting on with it there are plenty of other ways to kill.

The bright and highly detailed cityscape brings the storyline to life, as does the excellent voice acting – fleshing out the various characters in the distant past, the renaissance and the near future. There’s plenty to do and see in the city and the fast travel network of tunnels means you can get where you want with little hassle. There’s also a new mode, which is essentially a mini-game of Tower Defense where you barricade and snipe at enemies at your Den’s gates. Ultimately it’s more of a distraction than a valuable addition. Likewise the online modes; I felt no need to push that boundary as the single player campaign is satisfying and engaging enough on its own.

Revelations is a fitting finale to the story of Desmond and his ancestors, with plenty of value in scope and gameplay for most players. It stands aside as one of the better games released this year. If you liked previous versions then you will not be disappointed.

Pros: Amazing design, great acting, top notch visuals, improved controls, loads to do, huge world to explore, all the good things from previous episodes.
Cons: Some mini games are distracting, no desire to play online.

4.5 Shacks Out Of 5