BECAUSE TWO HIDDEN BLADES ARE ALWAYS BETTER THEN ONE!

The original Assassins Creed developed by Ubisoft Montreal Studios met with mixed reception upon it's release back in 2007, despite offering a rather unique take upon time travel and historical settings, many felt that the whole experience was let down by repetitive gameplay mechanics and a less then well developed story. But even with such flaws it became a hit with many gamers and sold reasonable well, so of cause both Ubisoft and gamers saw future potential in a sequel. Roll on the year 2009 and we sit only weeks away from that anticipated sequel, Assassins Creed 2.   
 
From the start, the development team from Montreal spoke of offering more variation in almost every department to improve the overall flow of the experience had by the gamer. This meant more ways to assassinate, more activities to participate in within cities and a more rewarding linear story. That tale tells the story of Ezio Auditore Di Firenze, a young nobleman from the Italian city of Florence. The confident young Ezio lives the rather normal life of a teen aged nobleman until he and his family are betrayed, he soon witnesses the hanging of his father and brothers, promising that vengeance will be had. Of course also being part of the Assassins Creed time line, Ezio is also a descendant of Desmond Miles, a key figure of the first game and connected to the original games protagonist Altair.  
 
Ezio's tale promises to be richer then that of Altair's, while also answering questions first asked in the original Assassins Creed. It's a much more linear experience, with the developers wanted to concentrate on the story being told. One of the larger complaints aimed towards the original game was it's almost mechanical gameplay order, Altair was ordered to kill a number of targets, not leaving a great deal of options for a true story to be told and so it eventually felt somewhat flat. The sequel will offer deeper character development and even see Ezio mix with some of histories most iconic figures such as Leonardo Da Vinci.  
 
The way the story is told doesn't just apply to Ezio's renaissance time, Desmond to will be seen doing much more then simply walking about in a office. The development team have stated that although he will feature less, Desmond will have a much bigger part to play, one that will see him understand his ancestral ways. The sequel looks to please those who were left disappointed by the ending of the first game while also providing more details of the endless fight between the Knights Templars and the Assassin order. The story will also feature key historical events of the time and as Ezio, the player will play their part in experiencing such events.
 
While gameplay hasn't seen vast changes, the experience as been better defined with more options and more variations. Ezio is now equipped with two hidden blades instead of Altair's one blade and his combat style is both more rugged and violent then that of Desmond's other assassin minded ancestor. In a rather interesting twist, Ezio unlike that of Altair, is not born and bred to be an assassin so must learn the ways of combat, parkour and stealth from other factions of whom the player will commonly interactive with. Factions themselves will play a much larger part, Ezio won't always be fighting alone and can rely on the help of friends from time to time. Another new addition to Assassins Creed 2, is an economic system which will allow the player to buy many varied items for Ezio to use or even wear. New armour types are available as the story progresses and the player will also be able to loot from downed targets, cause distractions with the scattering of money and much more.  
 
Graphically Assassins Creed 2 looks to offer the great degree of immersion of that found in Altair's tale, with unique settings based upon real iconic locations of the featured cities and deeper more involved crowds. Ezio carries with him a somewhat more cheerful tone then that of Altair and one that the player should find easier to interact with, while also a great sense of anger in his movement and animations. While there clothes might seem alike, it's clear that Ezio and Altair are two vastly different assassins with the time in which they live affecting their personalities greatly. While the first game had some graphical issues here and there, it was still a great looking game and the sequel promises to be the same. Key historical events will also see cities themselves change, for example the one seen in the E3 presentation a few months back. 
 
How well these changes will be met is yet to be seen, the original was loved by some, disliked by many. So while the franchises current fan base will thoroughly be pleased that the developers have stuck to the fundamental gameplay mechanics of the first game, as enough been changed to interest those who disliked Altair's adventure back in 2007, only time will tell. Still, despite being a sequel Assassins Creed 2 looks to offer one of the more intriguing videogame tales of this year. It's a concept with great potential and if done right could be worthy of something great. If the Montreal development team can match the historical immersive atmosphere of the first game while also improving on as much of the content as possible, then maybe Ezio's search for vengeance is one we can all anticipate.   
 
Assassins Creed 2 is to be released on 17th of November (US), 20th of November (EU). 
 
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KEEPING TO THE CREED - ASSASSINS CREED STYLE.

Now I shan't deny my love for the original Assassins Creed game upon it's release back in 2007, I thought so much of it that I named it my game of the year. Which is kind of a big deal in my own little universe, though it will mean bugger all to most of you. But even I will admit the game had it's many flaws, flaws that took over the overall impression of what was a wonderful game. Ask your average Joe Gamer for their own opinions and they'll probably say one word, 'repetition' and there right to say such a dull word. But look past it's flaws and you had one unique and wonderful gaming experience.  
 
While most of you (and gaming media) await their chance to play Infinity Ward's latest shooter in Modern Warfare 2 hitting stores on the 10th of November (that's like, in less then two weeks time), I and I suspect many others will be rather excited for Assassins Creed 2. That's the sequel to 2007's Assassins Creed if you weren't to sure. Don't get me wrong, I'm looking forward to experiencing Modern Warfare 2, but when it comes to the sequel wars the silent assassin stabs the Modern Warfare game right in it's armoured chest (I realize that probably wouldn't kill someone with armour protection, but give me a break).  
 
Despite my excitement for the game, I have odd feelings for it to. After all, I have just begun playing through Uncharted 2: Among Thieves for the second time and I honestly can't see any game beating that for one of the best experiences this year. Even Modern Warfare 2, which will no doubt sell so well that the robbing gits at Activision will be taking baths in pools of money and gold diamonds probably won't beat Uncharted 2 for many of this years GOTY awards. Though saying that after hearing some rather respectable gaming folk wet themselves over the latest Call of Duty title in a recent podcast (I shan't name them) I do have to wonder. Still, I really hope this latest Assassins Creed game gets some worthy attention over the insane gunfire of Modern Warfare 2.  
  
Only Ubisoft (and EA maybe) would be brave enough to compete with Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2, with insane sales predictions already going through the roof it's no surprise that Ubisoft are doing big things to keep their specific game at the forefront of gamers minds. The surprisingly good Assassins Creed: Lineage part one was released this past week and developer videos and interviews are seen around the web endlessly. Now one thing that as surprised me is the fact that Assassins Creed 2 as been receiving much more publicity then Modern Warfare 2. Maybe there is a reason for this and some agreed deal is in place for no information to be leaked about the finished product but so far it's been quiet on the Activision front.
 
Still, I know I can't wait to experience both. Especially Assassins Creed 2 which will hopefully bring some conclusion to the horrid ending of the first game. Man did I feel deflated after completing the original title. After what was a fantastic weekend of endless playing, immersed in a world and time of itself. It went and did an Halo 2 and ended all suddenly and rather poorly. It felt as if I was a rabbit and the developers had put a tasty carrot in front of my eyes but the carrot was on a stick and they made me chase it for the slightest taste of pure fresh juicy carrot. If your wondering why I'm comparing myself to a rabbit, it's because I had one of the most haunting of rabbit related dreams last night.   
 
But I and many others found themselves looking deeply into the smallest pieces of information for clues on what would happen next and the slight reveals made in the first game, one as to admit though that it was fun and the new game will hopefully both answer some of those questions, and provide us with all new exciting ones to discuss on forums for months to come until we finally see Assassins Creed 3. But seriously speaking if there is one game that could topple Uncharted 2 as my GOTY, it's Assassins Creed 2. Have to wait and see how it will turn out, I intend to play through the original at some point in the next week or so to catch up on a few things. I've also yet to officially preorder the game as I'm choosing between the White Edition or the Black Edition, which one shall I get? 
 
Which version of the game have YOU ordered? 
 
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NATHAN DRAKE'S LATEST ADVENTURE, IS ONE OF GAMINGS FINEST.

The credits began to roll down the screen, there was I seated with goosebumps and shivers of excitement rattling through my body. Knowing I had just experienced one of the finest adventures to ever grace any form of entertainment. A shining example of not just how far videogames have come, but how they have the ability to reach new levels of immersion only films could dream of. Uncharted 2: Among Thieves is a very rare case, a rare case indeed. It's doesn't just define the action adventure genre, it defines what gaming as become. It's easily one of the best titles of this generation.  
 
The original Uncharted game was a forgotten gem in the early days of the Playstation 3, developers Naughty Dog created a wonderful but flawed tale, one that clearly had potential. Rich characters, stunning graphics and a fantastic story was let down by a general lack of polish throughout. Still, the groundwork had been put in place and it's intriguing characters clearly had more adventures to come. So came Uncharted 2: Among Thieves, taking a place a year after protagonist Nathan Drake's search for Sir Francis Drake treasure, he awakens bloody and bruised on a train in a snowy and mountainousness environment. So begins a tale worthy of your attention.  
  
Among Thieves takes a unique turn with it's story, Drake is soon offered a chance for excitement and intrigued by an old acquaintance called Harry Flynn. This boisterous Brit wants help in steeling an ancient oil lamp with links to Marco Polo, and with the help of Aussie Chloe Frazer, Drake soon agrees when he realizes there might be more to this oil lamp then meets the eye. It's your classic Indiana Jones like story, but one so well thought out that it stays fresh and unique throughout the games twenty eight chapters. 
 
Nathan Drake soon runs into a familiar face in TV reporter Elena Fisher, and so begins a love triangle of sorts. Romance in videogames is either done so poorly that it's laughable, or so harshly that it comes across obviously fake. Among Thieves finds a nice niche for itself, it never feels to forced and when romance is attempted it feels quite natural. This is partly thanks to superb cut scenes throughout, with a fantastic mix of emotion and humour spliced together to almost perfect effect.  
 
Humour in particular is done well, on many occasions the game made me chuckle or laugh, especially when Drake would interact with those around him. For example, when Drake is pleasantly walking around a beautiful Tibetan village he can interact with it's people and even a few of the animals. One instance saw Nate attempting to find someone who spoke English, and after failing to find anyone, he eventually resorts to asking a nearby Yak. It's often silly humour, but it works well in a videogame environment and will bring a smile to even the gloomiest player. 
 
While a great story is key to a good game, it's nothing without the gameplay mechanics to travel it along and in this department, Uncharted 2 as seen vast improvements. One of the largest complaints aimed towards the original game was it's messy gun play, which suffered from overpowered AI and a true lack of precision. It could often take a full clip of pistol ammo before an enemy would go down, this is no longer the case and the sections of gun on gun action is some of the best. No longer frustrating when you get stuck at a certain section of the game, your more then happy to experience the action all over again. Aiming is tighter, controls are better streamlined and hand to hand combat is both easier to attempt and often quite challenging.  
 
The cover system as also seen some improvements, but it's still the weakest part of the combat. It's not always as responsive as it should be, and can on occasion get you killed. Though despite saying that, these are issues many cover based games suffer from and when one considers Among Thieve's multiple environments, from broken down ancient tombs to snowy iced covered caves, the cover system does a solid job. What issues it does suffer from come nowhere near affecting the overall thrill of this wonderful game. Plus all in all, it's still better then most cover based games out there. It's just when compared to the superb excellence of the full package, it's one area that falls short of perfection.   
 
Graphically Uncharted 2: Among Thieves is simply breathtaking, the original game is still one of the best looking titles currently available on console but the sequel takes things to an whole new level. The pots and pans scattered throughout the apartments of the war torn Nepal city have more detail then some games alone, I'm not joking. This level of detail is rarely ever seen in videogames and one that will leave you speechless. From the wonderfully realized ice covered caves to the stunning action sequences that some games would simply show you in a poorly made CG cut scene. In Uncharted 2, developers Naughty Dog clearly want you to experience it all and your rarely not in control of Nate.  
 
If I'm honest with you dear reader, I could write a totally separate review for graphics and presentation alone. It's the type of game you'll be desperate to show off to friends and family. But rather then me rambling on about how stunning Among Thieves visual offerings are. I think it best that you experience it for yourself, you'll find it to be pleasing to the eye in all departments from beautifully rendered cut scenes to epic destructive action sequences. Remember that unforgettable Uncharted 2 presentation at this years E3, the one where Drake's inside the building as it collapses to the ground, Well that's a rather small sequence when compared to some of the others. Need I say more? 
 
So for your buck you get a hell of a single player campaign, which is worth the entry fee alone. But I haven't even touched on the multiplayer, which takes the wonderful gameplay of the single player story and transfers it into a multiplayer environment. You'd be right in first thinking that such a move could be horrid and I at first thought the same. But Uncharted 2's multiplayer is fantastic, handled with care and understanding it stands out as one of the most interesting multiplayer modes since Modern Warfare. While many of the modes are the common crowd, the unique climbing and jumping gameplay of Among Thieves helps create some intriguing and unique multiplayer action.  
 
Like most multiplayer modes of today, you can level up your profile and receive boosters (which are basically perks). You will also obtain cash which can be spent on multiplayer extras like new skins and specific weapon upgrades depending on what weapons you use the most and boosters vary from being able to carry more ammo then usual and even a revenge booster much like the famous martyrdom perk seen in Modern Warfare. There are multiple maps which are taken from sections from the game with some adjustments for gameplay reasons and Naughty Dog have already promised future DLC featuring more maps to enjoy. Overall it's a blast and is the icing on an already tasty cake.  
 
There is a hell of a lot more I could talk about in this review, but I think it best that I end by saying some simple things. Uncharted 2: Among Thieves is superb throughout, few game developers can even hope to create such a polished and wonderful gaming experience. It's an almost perfect example of why you and I love videogames and why they deserve so much attention, offering an experience no film or book could hope to achieve. Stunning visuals that surpass anything on both console and PC, not to mention some of the best voice work you'll find in the industry, give Nolan North a videogame Oscar please.  
 
In the end I could have moaned about how Among Thieves doesn't do anything particularly original and how it borrows the gameplay mechanics from other games. But so does every other game made today, that's how the industry works and while it builds upon mechanics seen in past games, as a package Uncharted 2 feels both fresh and exciting. There is not one part of the single player campaign I hated or disliked and it's action packed until the very end, the multiplayer is the icing on this wonderful cake and one you'll be playing for a good while.  
 
Overall, this is a game you don't want to miss. 
 

SCORE: 5 STARS OUT OF 5.

 
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SHORT BUT FUN, HALO: ODST PROVES THE HALO UNIVERSE STILL AS LEGS. 

Playing a first-person shooter based Halo game without being the iconic Master Chief is rather odd at first, though in the end it seems to be a welcomed change. When Bungie Studios first announced Halo: Recon, it was originally intended to be a side expansion built using the Halo 3 engine. A total name change and a new so called 'full game experience' later, ODST looks to offer Halo fans a different take on a now familiar formula. It's a change that proves successful, especially to one who as grown tired of the Spartan/Master Chief story told in recent Halo games.  
 
Halo: ODST takes place in between the events of Halo 2 and Halo 3, you play as The Rookie, a new member of the ODST team. Your about to drop down to assault a covenant ship called the Prophet of Regret but as you fall peacefully down, the ship decides to go into slipspace and disrupt the surrounding atmosphere. This causes a huge wave of energy that damages the HEV's (Human Entry Vehicle) and takes them wildly of course, eventually falling towards the city below. That city is New Mombasa in Africa and is the setting for the rest of the game. It's an interesting choice considering the recent Halo games as the player going from one extreme location to the next, it suffers from a feeling of repetition on a few stages but it also allows for a better tale to be told. The city becomes it's own unique character.  
 
As the Rookie, you escape from your pod and travel through parts of this covenant occupied city. Awakening a few hours after crashing, you travel the city at night in search for your lost team mates, and to find out what exactly as happened here. Eventually you come across specific sites spotted throughout the open city, it's here where you'll see flashbacks upon which you will take control of a different ODST member. It's an interesting change upon the formula seen in past games but one that works rather well.  The story makes a few references to some large Halo events such as the Elites being kicked out of the covenant, but sadly it feels a little to forgettable and as almost no extra impact on the Halo tale as a whole. 
 
Being built upon the foundations of Halo 3, you'd be correct in thinking that the gameplay hasn't seen much change. That's not such a bad thing, after all Halo 3 played great and Halo: ODST is no different. Controls feel sharp and well laid out, and it still offers a great challenge at the right difficulty. It suffers from the expected repetition in areas, the Rookie feels a little to like Master Chief at times and while he is a lot more vulnerable to enemy attack then Master Chief was, he can still take a beating. It's also odd that Bungie decided to bring back health packs, considering it was Halo that made recharging health and shields a common sight in most games today, Still that extra challenge is nice and does bring some character to the main protagonist. 
 
The Halo 3 engine is now over 2 years old, but Bungie have done a great job at creating a rather beautiful and different game. The action that takes place at day is very much your common Halo 3 action, in both look and gameplay. But the night stages are almost artistic, you'll find yourself stopping and standing just to appreciate the beautiful lightning and effects. Graphically ODST is a treat, there is a great contrast between the day and night and while the human character models look a little odd in cut scenes, there still passable and have a charm. For example the visor blacked out effect that takes place, it looks great and is a nice little addition. Great credit should also be put towards the soundtrack, while the Halo games have featured some memorable tunes over the years, ODST features a beautiful mix of jazz and classical that will please any audio loving gamer.  
 
Halo: ODST's campaign is a solid package, but it all ends a little to quickly and doesn't really add anything extra to the whole Halo story. It's also odd that the most interesting tale found within the game as little to do with the ODST's adventure, at points on your travels you'll come across computer units which contain audio files that tell the tale of a young girl and a certain someone called Virgil. I won't give any of the tale away, but it's surprisingly interesting and even overshadows the main story, the audio files are occupied by graphical illustrations that are well drawn and unique. The city itself will direct you to many of these locations to obtain the audio files but there are times when a little adventuring is required to find them all.
 
Of course Halo: ODST isn't just the single player campaign, on the same disc is a multiplayer mode called Firefight and on a second separate disc is everything one would wish for in Halo 3 multiplayer. All currently released multiplayer maps are found within (with three brand new ones) and many of the other key online features are found within such as Forge. It's a great package that makes up for the full price tag, though if you already own much of this content then the price is a little more questionable. Firefight is basically Halo's take on the Horde mode found in Gears of War 2. It's an interesting mode, which suffers from a lack of matchmaking. This means that you'll need to be playing with friends, though you'll probably end up playing the mode with friends anyway, even if a matchmaking mode had been added. 
  
While Firefight is a pleasant take on the Horde Mode so commonly seen in games these days, you will either love it or find it a little to Halo. Much of it will depend on your liking of the Halo Multiplayer mechanics, but it works well and can be fun when your with the right group of friends. The extra disc of Halo content is great for those looking to get back into Halo multiplayer, and as I said it also makes up for the full price unless you already own much of the content included. Like many aspects of ODST, the game is affected by your past experiences with Halo 3. The game does a few things differently, though it's clear Bungie were nervous about moving away from their comfort zones and while that's not always a bad thing, I can't help but feel that this is an opportunity Bungie missed to truly develop the Halo franchise.  
 
Overall Halo: ODST is a solid offering, it won't change your general opinion on the franchise, but may just reignite your interest in both the universe and lore. The unique settings and characters are nowhere near being used to their full potential and in the end Bungie played the experience a little to safe in my personal opinion. The single player campaign feels a little flat towards the end, but it's still a welcomed change to experience the universe through different eyes, even the general actions feel a little to Master Chief like. The extra multiplayer content makes up for the fewer campaign hours and Firefight can be great when your with the right crowd, though there are better examples of the Horde Mode formula out there. The best praise that can be given to Halo: ODST, is that it left me with a reignited interest in the Halo Universe, a flame that had died out after playing Halo 3. So for that Bungie have succeeded in creating an Halo experience that might be welcoming to all.  
 

SCORE: 4 STARS OUT OF 5.

 
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SO I'M TOLD UNCHARTED 2 IS RATHER GOOD.

We are now in the month of October, which means we are set for some big game releases. From the heavy metal adventures in Brutal Legend to the massive racing simulation that is Forza Motorsport 3 and while most folks might want to talk about November and the obvious release of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2. My personal release of the year is merely two weeks away. I've spoken often in past blogs of my love for the original Uncharted game, yes it had it's flaws and yes it was to linear for some folks (though I'm personal sick of sand boxed open ended games). But the original Uncharted was and still is one of the most enjoyable action adventure games on any console, so to hear that the developers have made an even better game excites me greatly.  
 
Now I've been spending a lot of my time in the Uncharted 2 Multiplayer Beta and have been really digging it. Like many of you, my original thoughts on hearing that multiplayer was being added to the game left me with the feeling that developers Naughty Dog would simply slam a multiplayer mode in there without much care. I could not have been more wrong, I suspect some of you reading this may have already experienced the beta, so I shan't talk about it in any great degree, but all I'll say is that I can happily see myself spending weeks playing online. But, and this is quite the but. I also believe that your average Uncharted: Drake's Fortune fan isn't looking for a multiplayer experience. There looking for the same sort of mix between story and action that the original produced so well, with of course some gameplay and technical improvements.  
 
What as surprised me slightly, is the early reception the game seems to be getting. While I will happily check out a review or two, just to make sure there are no nasty surprises when I purchase a game, I usually don't allow reviews to choose if I am to buy a game or not. But despite the fact that I've had Uncharted 2: Among Thieves preordered for over four months now, I couldn't resist checking out a few of the reviews and even I was somewhat shocked. On average the original Uncharted game receive a score of 88 (8.8), while it seems many a reviewer are falling head over heels for the sequel. One only as to check Metacritic to see how well the game being received by the media. Now I don't wish to start an argument about how Metacritic is false, or how it's biased or any of that garbage. But I do want to point out the scores, scores that come from some well respected media outlets. Hell, even Eurogamer gave it a 10/10 so it must be something special.  

  The beautiful Elena Fisher, of whom I slightly have an odd virtual crush on. Is that weird?  

In two weeks time, the normal folk (meaning you and I) will get our own chance to experience this critically acclaimed title, and I can't deny my excitement is building. This was one of those games that was always going to be high on my 'Must-Buy' list this year and is without a doubt one of the most exciting games to hit the Playstation 3 yet. But with so many other titles being delayed till 2010 and the recent PS3 Slim being launched, hopefully it'll mean that many more folks will get to experience this action packed adventure. I know a number of friends who have chosen to pick up the original and play through that before touching the sequel, it's not a must but something I defiantly recommend. Especially considering what a great game it is.  
 
I to shall be playing through the original again in the next week or so, it will actually be the seventh time I've played Uncharted: Drakes Fortune, that itself speaks volumes I think. Of course you'll get your haters, sadly fanboys and fangirls still surround gaming and they will never truly go away. But as a game, Uncharted 2: Among Thieves could become that killer app for the Playstation 3, something the console as been somewhat lacking lately. As good a game as Killzone 2 was, it never became the key title Sony were hoping it would and LittleBigPlanet was maybe to unique to please the large mixed Playstation crowd. So maybe this latest Nathan Drake adventure could be that killer game. The original Uncharted defiantly showed me the great potential the system had when in the right hands, hopefully Among Thieves will prove that potential.  
 
I'm pretty sure that at one point in the next two weeks I'll be discussing this game further, there's a lot I have on my mind and I'm itching to experience it. It already seems an early candidate for Game of the Year if the Gaming media is anything to go by, but I shall wait and see. Whatever they say, I am rather confident that I'll quite enjoy being Among Thieves, considering how much I loved the original. Plus I yet again push forward my belief that Nathan Drake is the videogame figure of today, yes there are many wonderful characters in gaming, but none quite as likeable and 'human' as Drake. You can choose to disagree, that's your choice after all. But when we look towards the future of how videogames must portray emotion and human likeness, we will all look back to Nathan Drake and clearly see where it all began.   

Uncharted 2: Among Thieves is released on the 13th October (NA) and 16th October (EU).  
 
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