Great Story Fuels Similar Entry in the AC Series
The game play in this game is fairly similar to the earlier iterations. Some changes were made; most notable for me was the change in the way the viewpoints are achieved. It may seem silly, but I missed the old way and can't quite understand why the change was made. In this way, Assassin's Creed rarely falters. The game play is always consistent from game-to-game, making it easier for fans to flow from one entry to the next. I see far too often sequels changing the entire controller configuration and creating slight confusion when you first start playing. It may seem like they aren't taking advantage of new technology, but they take full use of all the buttons. I think there was a change in the way fighting is achieved, but it was subtle enough for me not to take great note.
There were some additional mini-games added to this game, most notable the Den Defence. This was, by and far, annoying and pointless. I liked how Brotherhood allowed you to send your assassins out, but the concept of defending the den was excessive. When the dens came under attack, to avoid bothering with it, I just ignored it and completed the main story.
When I played the first Assassin's Creed game, I couldn't have possibly imagined something as complex and surreal as what came as the game drew to an end. While I can't say I understood all of it, the nature of the game, the earlier story points, were fleshed out. Being able to play as the original protagonist, Altair, was wonderful. The final sequence of his in the vault had me close to tears, knowing that he knew he was going to die alone in that tomb. When the story moves back to Ezio, and he realises that someone is there, Desmond, that he can't see, the same sort of mood fell upon me. The concept the employed was masterful and while the game may bring nothing new, game play-wise, the story makes up for any shortcomings.
Revelations was a surprisingly good game and I am glad I took the time to get it and complete it. The game play is what you expect, but the story will throw you twists and turns as you can also expect from this series. I look forward to the next game and while I am one of those that laments a yearly entry to this series, each game is tremendous and if they keep up this level of game, I won't ever complain about it.