Assassin's Creed (Kingdom, blood, America, mission, church)

[Cerrax]

This looks like a very interesting game. It is a historical fiction, with a huge emphasis on the historical part.

The game is set in 1191, just weeks after the Christian conquest of Acre. You play as a Muslim warrior named Altaïr (which means "eagle" in Arabic) who is on a mission to stop the Crusade with as little loss of life as possible. But that doesn't mean there's no bloodshed...

Overall, the game will take place in three ancient cities (Acre, Damascus, and Masyaf) and it is even hinted that the climax of the game occurs at the historic Battle of Arsuf. A considerable amount of thought, research and developement has gne into this game, and it just looks and sounds absolutely stunning.

Here is the offical website: http://assassinscreed.uk.ubi.com/

I have an entire article in Game Informer about it if you want to know more ask me! I might add more later. I thought this would be an interesting game for this forum to see!

[Cerrax]

Many sources have been used for inspiration and research for the game, including:
Ridley Scott's film "Kingdom of Heaven"
The History Channel documentary series "The Crusades: Crescent and the Cross
Dan Brown's book "Angels & Demons"
Bernard Lewis's book "The Assassins: A Radical Sect of Islam"
Vladimir Bartol's classic novel "Alamut"


The word "assassin" actually originated around the time that the game takes place. The word is derived from the leader of a radical Muslim group who murdered opposing political figures. His name was Hassan. Not much beyond this is known about the radical Muslim "assassins" and that is where the fictional aspects of the game come into play.

The game will place a heavy focus on the frailty of life and the horror of taking life. Patrice Desilets (the creative director of Assassin's Creed) says, "Our reference for the assassination scene is from Saving Private Ryan, when the German kills the American with a knife and he says 'Shh...Shhh' There's a moment between two human beings. And that's important to me".

[Feathers in Hair]

A video game whose goal is having your character prevent as much loss of life as possible? That sounds interesting!

[Cerrax]

Originally Posted by FeathersinHair

A video game whose goal is having your character prevent as much loss of life as possible? That sounds interesting!

I found it to be incredibly meaningful. Don't get me wrong, it is horribly violent and brutal game, but killing is not the main goal of the game. The whole message of the game is stressing the point that this period in history was so brutal and so sad that it had to resort to violence. Yes you are an assassin and yes you will kill people in the game, but they're doing it in such a way that you never really feel good about it, and it will really make you question what is right and wrong.

[Linus]

The trailer looks cool. It reminds me of the "Thief" series: Sneaking around in the shadows and just trying not to get caught. I'll definitely want to play the demo.

[Cerrax]

Originally Posted by Linus

The trailer looks cool. It reminds me of the "Thief" series: Sneaking around in the shadows and just trying not to get caught. I'll definitely want to play the demo.

Actually they're trying to depart from "Theif" because in reality, the assassins of the Crusades didn't hide in th shadows like ninjas. They were often among the common people, and usually killed in close combat, not from far away. Of course if the stealth approach is your style, you are welcome to use that method. The game will be very open in that respect. There are multiple ways to accomplish the same mission.

Another focus of the game is your relationship with NPC's (computer-controlled characters or Non-Player Characters for you non-gamers). Every single person in each city will have their own personality. And depending on how you treat them, they may help or hinder you during your missions. If you decide to aid the monks in the nearby church, the next time you are chased by guards, they might come out of the church and let you blend in with them to prevent detection. f you don't help them, they will point you out in the crowd and possibly block your path.