Assassin's Creed = a Crackdown Experience. Good or bad?

webdanzer · Post by **webdanzer** » Fri Nov 09, 2007 5:40 pm

What say you?

This is almost pure speculation, so take it with a grain of salt, but rumor and early impressions from some folk lead to Crackdown comparisons to Assassin's Creed, in the manner that both have a cool immersive world for the player to immerse themselves in and play around with, but the main gameplay mode doesn't have much in the way of length or variety to it. Similar to how you take out the bosses in Crackdown, there are apparently 9 main targets that you have to find, scout, and then eliminate. You can do it in a stealthy manner or you can go in swords swinging.

Other than that, there are some 50 other side targets that you can encounter in the streets -similar to fighting the gangs in CD- and you can possibly have a lot of fun just running around fighting guards and exploring the city.

At the end of the day, Crackdown ended up being a divisive title. Some people loved the sandbox play while others felt that the game didn't deliver enough meat in its main gameplay.

Assuming some of these initial impressions prove to be true, I'm curious to see how DSPers feel about this design decision. Did enough of you like the 'make your own fun' style of crackdown, or were you disappointed by the main game and left wanting more?

WillHunting · Post by **WillHunting** » Fri Nov 09, 2007 5:51 pm

If it is as shallow as Crackdown, then I am not interested in buying it. Renting yes.

Slumberland · Post by **Slumberland** » Fri Nov 09, 2007 6:03 pm

I'm totally fine with that, maybe prefer it even, but rental all the way.

GB_Simo · Post by **GB_Simo** » Fri Nov 09, 2007 6:07 pm

I'm the opposite of WillHunting. I'm playing through Crackdown now (it's been in my rental queue for a while, and when finally they sent it I managed to spend six weeks misplacing it) and while it feels like even a bullet magnet like me could get through the main objectives in a few hours, I really like the freedom within the gameworld.

Sometimes just jumping along the rooftops is great fun - just doing it for the sake of it, because I fancy it, not because I'm looking for orbs or anything. If I see something and think, "Hey, wouldn't it be cool if I could climb all the way up there?" or whatever, I love that I'm able to stop and do it without my progress through the game being affected, and that I can plough on with the bosses as and when I'm ready to stop arsing around. I know there's not a lot of depth to it, but the ability to just cruise around doing what I want is an ability I like having.

It was all I ever did in GTA games too - I haven't made it to the end of a single one, because I'm always too busy driving around doing stunts with the radio on. Even Just Cause had an element of that to it until I realised that jumping out of planes was the extent of it. If they've got the gameworld to justify the freedom, which Crackdown has in my view, then I'm all for the 'make your own fun' idea, and if Assassin's Creed has it too then it'll be making a sudden appearance on my must-play list.

RobVarak · Post by **RobVarak** » Fri Nov 09, 2007 6:55 pm

I loved Crackdown. Still have it just for the occassional joy of running around throwing s&it.

If AC is as fun as Crackdown, that's a winner in my book.

Zeppo · Post by **Zeppo** » Fri Nov 09, 2007 7:05 pm

I'm firmly in the 'this is better than the alternative' camp. I loved crackdown; it's just fun all the time, from moment to moment. Co-op made that game for me, though, it has to be said, but even so the playground concept is right up my alley. I felt it gave just enough of a skeleton of a story/ mission layout to keep me going when I got bored of exploring around and searching for orbs, or looking for stunt rings and ramp trucks, doing the car races, and so on. That said, I recently finished Bioshock, and I think that game is in a class by itself, so it's not like I don't enjoy heavily rigid plots and linear games. What can I say, I like games!

I've been keen on Assasin's Creed for some time. There is a lot of bad stuff being said about the control scheme and whatever else, and the game seems to me to have a bad rep. I guess a few shoddy early displays at some game shows will do that, but for me the concept and the areas where they are trying to push the envelope are very intriguing. The whole crowded streets thing, the big cities there to explore, the side quests, and so on are what I like about the idea, not so much the central story or the plot.

Unfortunately, for me this game is most likely going to be a victim of bad timing. With Mass Effect on the way (I'm a little nervous about that one's basic combat system, but even so it's a no-brainer, first day purchase for me), CoD4 having just arrived (I am really enjoying the single player game in that one), HL's Ep1 and Ep2 still waiting for me, and my having barely started into Portal, FIFA and PGR4 taking up my gamefly slots (Maybe PGR4 will have to go back, I just don't find the urge to put it in with all this other shooter and sports stuff going on), and not to mention K&L which boasts an MP mode that could be really different and fun, I just don't know when AC is going to make its way into my library. Really, I've been more interested in AC than K&L, but the MP factor trumps everything for me, and K&L's unique MP is very hard for me to resist. And let's not even talk about College Hoops, which I am planning on ignoring completely.

warnerwlf98 · Post by **warnerwlf98** » Fri Nov 09, 2007 7:10 pm

webdanzer wrote:What say you?

This is almost pure speculation, so take it with a grain of salt, but rumor and early impressions from some folk lead to Crackdown comparisons to Assassin's Creed, in the manner that both have a cool immersive world for the player to immerse themselves in and play around with, but the main gameplay mode doesn't have much in the way of length or variety to it. Similar to how you take out the bosses in Crackdown, there are apparently 9 main targets that you have to find, scout, and then eliminate. You can do it in a stealthy manner or you can go in swords swinging.

Other than that, there are some 50 other side targets that you can encounter in the streets -similar to fighting the gangs in CD- and you can possibly have a lot of fun just running around fighting guards and exploring the city.

At the end of the day, Crackdown ended up being a divisive title. Some people loved the sandbox play while others felt that the game didn't deliver enough meat in its main gameplay.

Assuming some of these initial impressions prove to be true, I'm curious to see how DSPers feel about this design decision. Did enough of you like the 'make your own fun' style of crackdown, or were you disappointed by the main game and left wanting more?

I only played Crackdown for about a month or so after it came out then I had no time up until a week ago. I was able to wipe out the first gang, but then it got harder for me. I'm still having a great time with it.

I don't mind if AC is like this, but the only thing that's been in numerous reviews is that all the missions/tasks are somewhat repetitive - something I didn't feel Crackdown was at all.

Anyhow, AC looks great and is very immersive. If the new control scheme makes it more fun instead of a burden, then I think anyone who disliked Crackdown will enjoy AC.

Post by **ScoopBrady** » Fri Nov 09, 2007 7:33 pm

If that's how it is that is good news indeed! I love Crackdown and still have it. In fact I've put in at least 20-25 hours and still have 3 or 4 Shai Gen left to kill (Zep it only seems right that you help me finish them off one night). Like Zeppo mentione the co-op was fantastic but I was also really keen on collecting the green orbs. I've always felt that Crackdown was severely underrated and unfortunately it was seen as a game people had to buy to play the Halo 3 beta.

As for Assassin's Creed, I've been interested in this one since the beginning. Before it was announced for the 360 it was the only title coming out for the PS3 that made me jealous. Of course now I have a PS3 but that's irrevelant. I can't wait for this game.

Zeppo · Post by **Zeppo** » Fri Nov 09, 2007 7:40 pm

ScoopBrady wrote:Like Zeppo mentione the co-op was fantastic but I was also really keen on collecting the green orbs.

One of the things about the co-op that I really like in C-down is that both players can just go off and do their own exploring or roof-top racing or whatever, and that stuff counts on his game. No real need to do anything truly cooperatively in the game, and it was just fun as hell to explore around as if you were in single player, but have a conversation the whole while. And then sneak up on the other guy and blast him from a distant rooftop with a rocket!

Teal · Post by **Teal** » Fri Nov 09, 2007 9:42 pm

I'm more interested in the 'alternate history set in real history' thing. I'm a sucker for epic times, and the times between the second and third crusades was indeed epic. A classic case of missing the POINT, but epic, nonetheless.

I'm really, really looking forward to this one. For me, Mass Effect will be the one having bad timing...story is great and all, but if the game mechanics are as janky as the GI review would have it, I won't do anything more than possibly GF it.

I can see myself playing through a medieval sandbox game like AC multiple times.

webdanzer · Post by **webdanzer** » Tue Nov 13, 2007 3:42 pm

So Eurogamer was all over the crackdown comparison as well. Similar to crackdown, they say, but worse:

'By contrast, Crackdown is a much better and more imaginative free-roaming action game, and its very existence dulls the impact of a lot of Assassin's Creed's inventions. Creed's collectibles - flags hidden around each city - are less visible but also less exciting than Agility Orbs. Having to reach the peak of viewpoint towers is less satisfying than getting to Agency Supply Points because, despite articulating one of the best and most interesting platform game schemes in memory, Ubisoft doesn't really challenge you with it. In fact, there are only one or two viewpoints you'll have trouble reaching in the whole game.

It might seem a bit unfair to make such a song and dance of a comparison with a game that - on one platform at least - Creed isn't even up against, but by the end the glove fits so completely that it's impossible to ignore your fingers poking out of the holes, feeling around for missing comforts. For two such similar games to succeed in the same year, the second one has to be up to the quality of the first, or distinguish itself enough to evade comparison. Assassin's Creed sadly doesn't.'

http://www.eurogamer.net/article.php?article_id=87432

There's some fishy stuff going on with the review release dates as well, where only the scores and reviews on the very high end of the scale were out early, while other sites and publications had to wait for an embargo date.

It's gone from a must buy to a rental for me. I still think I'll have fun with it, but it sounds like it's more of a 'try before you buy' for me now.

Oh, and to answer my own question, I enjoyed Crackdown a bunch for a relatively short while.

bdunn13 · Post by **bdunn13** » Tue Nov 13, 2007 3:48 pm

Crackdown was a blast online and off. It was one of the few games my wife would stay away to watch me play(the other is Viva Pinata).

I played crackdown last week and found a hidden and green orb! Of course my guy is 100% maxed out now so the orbs did not do anything for me.... I think I need 21 more orbs(green) to get them all, something I will likely never do as I have searched and searched for the missing ones.

I will likely get AC sometime this week. It looks cool. It it weren't for gamer points on the 360, I would likely pick it up for the PS3 instead.

Are the two games identical?

MizzouRah · Post by **MizzouRah** » Tue Nov 13, 2007 3:54 pm

I was going to pick up AC today, but this is the 2nd mention I've heard the game isn't all that great.

Disappointing to say the least..

WillHunting · Post by **WillHunting** » Tue Nov 13, 2007 4:00 pm

GB_Simo wrote:I'm the opposite of WillHunting. I'm playing through Crackdown now (it's been in my rental queue for a while, and when finally they sent it I managed to spend six weeks misplacing it) and while it feels like even a bullet magnet like me could get through the main objectives in a few hours, I really like the freedom within the gameworld.

I thought the game was great.... but after one week, I never touched it again. That's all I am saying. A perfect rental.

webdanzer · Post by **webdanzer** » Tue Nov 13, 2007 4:00 pm

MizzouRah wrote:I was going to pick up AC today, but this is the 2nd mention I've heard the game isn't all that great.

Disappointing to say the least..

IGN is really harsh in their video review:

Hilary: "I would go on to say that Assassins Creed would be the top 5 most dissapointing games of all time." and "...this is a rental, there is no need to go back to play it more than once...in fact, you probably won't even finish it once."

I love the concept of this game, but it sounds like maybe it needed more time in the oven. Can't wait to hear what some DSPers have to say about it!

EDIT: And then the IGN guy goes and scores it a 7.7 in his text review.

So: One of the most disappointing games of all time that you probably won't even finish = a 7.7?!?! Geez, IGN, that's a pretty ridiculous disparity you got going on there...

GB_Simo · Post by **GB_Simo** » Tue Nov 13, 2007 4:36 pm

WillHunting wrote:I thought the game was great.... but after one week, I never touched it again. That's all I am saying. A perfect rental.

I got that, mate. Clunky wording on my part - what I was wanting to say was that I'd buy it and happily dip back in every few months to arse around in the gameworld for a couple of hours here and there.

Suddenly I too am a little less enthusiastic about this whole Assassin's Creed business. UK release is Friday, so I shan't be making with the impressions yet, but I'm keen to hear how you all feel about the game.

Slumberland · Post by **Slumberland** » Tue Nov 13, 2007 4:43 pm

These early reviews make it easy to wait on... this sounds like a great title to check in with during the February gaming doldrums.

pk500 · Post by **pk500** » Tue Nov 13, 2007 5:02 pm

Man, sounds like this game will be in the bargain bin almost as fast as possibly the most overhyped game of this decade, State of Emergency.

Take care,
PK

Slumberland · Post by **Slumberland** » Tue Nov 13, 2007 5:32 pm

There is only one thing that can save this title... a Jade Raymond swimsuit calendar pack-in.

RobVarak · Post by **RobVarak** » Tue Nov 13, 2007 5:41 pm

Slumberland wrote:There is only one thing that can save this title... a Jade Raymond swimsuit calendar pack-in.

I'm convinced this game wouldn't have half this amount of hype if it weren't for that chick. Not that there's a problem with that...

Spooky · Post by **Spooky** » Tue Nov 13, 2007 5:45 pm

Pass.

I thought things seemed fishy when pretty much no info and gameplay videos were being published anywhere the month before it's release.

Post by **ScoopBrady** » Tue Nov 13, 2007 5:55 pm

Still a day one for me. After watching the IGN video review the game looks to be exactly what I was expecting. I loved the exploration aspect of Crackdown and this one looks to be the same. Rooftops rock! Hell, most reviewers castrated Two Worlds and I really enjoyed that one.

My Toys R Us Buy 2 get 1 Free will finally be complete!

MizzouRah · Post by **MizzouRah** » Tue Nov 13, 2007 6:37 pm

After reading this from Gamespot:

http://www.gamespot.com/xbox360/action/ ... id=6182793

Assassin's Creed will stay with you long after you finish it. Here is one of the most unique gameworlds ever created: beautiful, memorable, and alive. Every crack and crevasse is filled with gorgeous, subtle details, from astounding visual flourishes to overheard cries for help. But it's more than just a world--it's a fun and exciting action game with a ton of stuff to do and places to explore, rounded out with silky-smooth controls and a complex story that will slowly grab you the more you play. Make no mistake: Assassin's Creed is one of the best efforts of the year and a must-own game for Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 owners.

I'm ready to pick this up again or at least I'm throughly confused.

Teal · Post by **Teal** » Tue Nov 13, 2007 9:08 pm

Making a purchase decision based upon anything from IGN is akin to looking to Maxim for your golf club decisions. I mean, yeah, they cover 'em and all...but they're far from professional opinion. IGN is one of the worst review sites in the world.

Buying it tomorrow.

MizzouRah · Post by **MizzouRah** » Tue Nov 13, 2007 9:15 pm

tealboy03 wrote:Making a purchase decision based upon anything from IGN is akin to looking to Maxim for your golf club decisions. I mean, yeah, they cover 'em and all...but they're far from professional opinion. IGN is one of the worst review sites in the world.

Buying it tomorrow.

Look foward to reading some impressions!!

Digital Sportspage

Assassin's Creed = a Crackdown Experience. Good or bad?

Assassin's Creed = a Crackdown Experience. Good or bad?

Re: Assassin's Creed = a Crackdown Experience. Good or bad?