Assassin’s Creed: Brotherhood Review – There’s No Place Like Rome

The new addition, multiplayer, is definitely the finest addition to the game and series by far. Assassin’s Creed: Brotherhood offers a very new and creative set of multiplayer modes that is quite unlike anything you will have played before.

Players populate a world where many of the NPC’s (non-player characters) look the same as them. In the Wanted mode, all players are assigned other players to assassinate, while simultaneously having other players assigned to hunt them too. You are required to maintain a balance between hunting down your opponent, but also keeping a look out for anyone who looks like they are following you in a suspicious manner.

The idea of the game is to try and blend in with the NPC’s as much as possible. When you are hunting someone, your HUD gives you a rough idea of what direction they are in, what their character looks like and when they are getting closer. When you are very close to them however, the compass fills, meaning that they are in close proximity. The problem now is that unless they are the only one of that character type in the vicinity, you don’t know which one to assassinate. Assassinate the wrong person and you lose the contract, and they gain points.

As you progress you level up as well, and are able to create “load-outs” with perks that allow you to disguise yourself, run faster or carry concealed weapons.

The multiplayer really is a serious load of fun. The unique gameplay and tension generated in the modes will have you freaking out when you think the AI next to you is actually hunting you, or grinning in delight as you catch your target off-guard.

As a last note, when it comes to the sound and visual effects nothing has changed from Assassin’s Creed II, but don’t let that sound like a bad thing. The game looks crisp and beautiful, textures are sharp, music is fantastic and the voice-overs good.

Conclusion:

Assassin’s Creed: Brotherhood is a fantastic continuation of Ezio’s story and brings with it a solid new story campaign as well as very unique multiplayer modes. If you are looking for a completely brand new Assassin’s Creed experience then you won’t really find it here as this is more an improved and feature-filled continuation of the last title.

We are however, ready for Assassin’s Creed 3, as major expansions like this can still feel a little tired after spending so many hours with the previous game already.

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Gameplay: 9/10

The same Assassin’s Creed gameplay that we loved from AC2 is back with even more elements and features to play around with.

Presentation: 9/10

It may be the same engine as last year but make no mistake, this is still one astonishingly good looking game. Frame-rate is also smooth at all times.

Sound: 9/10

Beautiful soundtrack that ranges from atmospheric and elegant to fast paced and exciting. Good voice acting and effects that create a thick atmosphere of the times.

Value: 9/10

A 15 hour campaign is included inside a world that could easily soak up 20-40 hours with its challenges, side quests and extra goodies. Multiplayer is great fun and the leveling system gives good reason to keep coming back.

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Overall: 9/10 (Not an average)

Fans of Assassin’s Creed II can look forward to more of the same, with additional features, story and settings as well as very good multiplayer modes.

[Review on Xbox 360]

Last Updated: November 24, 2010