DEVELOPER: UbiSoft
PUBLISHER: UbiSoft
SYSTEM: Sony PlayStation 3 (PC, Xbox 360)
PRICE: $59.99
ESRB RATING: Mature
REVIEW RATING: 5 stars (out of 5)
Most game series that offer yearly releases suffer from a lack of vision due to short development times. However, the "Assassin's Creed" series breaks that mold and offers compelling game play shrouded by interesting storylines. Just like the protagonist of the game, "Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag" sneaked into my life and blindsided me with an outstanding adventure.
Players assume the role of a ruthless pirate named Edward Kenway who searches for little more than fame and fortune in the Caribbean. He's the captain of a mighty seafaring vessel called the Jackdaw, and this sturdy ship becomes indispensable in his self-serving quest. Like all games in the series, there's a concurrent plot set in modern times, but I prefer playing in the early 18th century.
While this title offers similar game play to it's predecessors, the main focus is the pirate lifestyle. In fact, Edward doesn't even join the assassin's order until late in the game. He does take on occasional assassin missions, but sailing to different islands, attacking rival ships and plundering booty takes precedence.
Sailing the open sea is peaceful and serene until players decide to inject violence into the situation. A handy spyglass lets players see far into the distance so they can decide where to go and what to do. Attacking convoys and exploring islands rewards the player with resources to upgrade both their ship and their own personal arsenal, and it's even possible to explore wrecks at the bottom of the sea.
Fighting enemies in hand-to-hand combat can be overly simplistic because of easy counter-kills, but the addition of pistols changes things up a bit. On the other ... err ... hand, ship-to-ship combat is both varied and rewarding. I also enjoy the ability to choose whether to scuttle a damaged ship or board it for more substantial rewards.
Add an interesting online multiplayer component to the mix, and "Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag" emerges as my favorite chapter in the series.
"Deadfall Adventures"
DEVELOPER: The Farm 51
PUBLISHER: Nordic Games
SYSTEM: Windows PC
PRICE: $39.99 Download
ESRB RATING: Mature
REVIEW RATING: 3.0 stars (out of 5)
It's ironic that the "Indiana Jones" franchise inspired so many video games, but never actually produced a title worthy of its name. Games such as "Uncharted" and "Tomb Raider" took relic-seeking adventures to new heights, but games such as "Deadfall Adventures" merely combine established concepts into a mediocre product that will quickly be forgotten.
For starters, the main character is James Quartermain (grandson of the infamous Alan Quartermain), who joins a plucky heroin to travel the globe in search of the Heart of Atlantis. Of course, this adventure is set in the late 1930s, so the Nazis and Russian communists are also after the ancient treasure.
Fortunately, this adventurer is also highly skilled with a variety of weaponry, and the first-person combat is varied. James can carry three weapons at the same time, and his arsenal includes dual-wield pistols, scavenged shotguns, sub-machine guns and a deadly machete. Explosive barrels can be used strategically, and it's even possible to turn mummies upon hapless enemies.
Another element of the game is exploring for treasure and solving puzzles, but the early ones are all too easy to figure out. Puzzle rooms found later in the game are more challenging, and it's possible to use a notebook for clues on how to solve them. Exploring adds much-needed variety to the game since the combat can become tedious due to lackluster enemy A.I.
Other problems include maddening invisible walls, frustrating boss fights, and the fact that water is the most deadly enemy of all. Simply touching it kills the hero faster than a speeding bullet! However, gamers who can stomach these problems will find "Deadfall Adventures" to be an interesting amalgam of exploration and combat.
REVIEW SCORING SYSTEM
5 stars = Must Have
4 stars = Very Good
3 stars = Above Average
2 stars = Bargain Bin
1 star = Don't Bother
RATINGS KEY
Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB)
E: (Everyone)
E10+: (Everyone 10 and older)
T: Teen (13 and older)
M: Mature (17 and older)
To find out more about Jeb Haught and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.
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