Title: Assassin's Creed: Origins
Platforms: Windows, PlayStation 4 and Xbox One
Cost: $59.99
Rating: Mature -- for blood and gore, drug reference, intense violence, nudity, sexual content, strong language, alcohol use
Score: 9 out of 10
Ubisoft's 10th installment of the Assassin's Creed saga, Origins, takes place in Ptolemaic Egypt (about 30 B.C.), and it's a graphical feast for the eyes. You play as Bayek, a medjay, similar to a county sheriff in today's world. Bayek travels down a path of revenge.
The Assassin's Creed franchise depicts a millennia-old struggle between two ancient secret societies -- the Assassins, who fight for peace and free will, against the Knights Templar, who believe peace comes through control of humanity. As the title suggests, this story revolves around the origins of that conflict, presumably making Bayek the very first Assassin. Each game in the franchise focuses on a different place and time but is also told concurrently with events taking place in the modern day.
Origins is the pinnacle of the series thus far in every way. It's a game of stories -- with lots of little stories entwined with bigger ones. Bayek is a protector of the little guy, and his original motivation is a simple one -- revenge -- but as he travels around his homeland, helping people who have been wronged and seeking the people who wronged him, he is thrust into an adventure of epic proportions.
The game is a historical fiction set in a historically authentic world, taking place against the backdrop of actual events. Bayek will meet Cleopatra and Julius Caesar; he will travel to Egyptian, Greek and Roman cities.
The level of detail that has been created is astounding. Every city has its own period-accurate architecture, fashion and citizenry. And what a massive world it is -- far bigger than any previously in the franchise. Bayek can explore anywhere, climb on anything. Even the spaces between cities are fascinating. There are deserts, mountains and rivers, filled with lions, hippos, crocodiles and many other creatures.
GAMEPLAY
The combat system has been completely revamped for Origins. In earlier games, combat was based largely on dispatching small crowds by pressing buttons at the right time, but now combat focuses on combo strikes, dodges and deflections. Bayek has access to an arsenal of weaponry, such as spears for long-rage melee, dual swords for up-close dirty work, and a variety of bows for killing enemies from a distance. There's a surprising amount of depth in the playstyle needed to use the different kinds of weapons well -- and how to combat enemies who are also using these weapons.
As Bayek explores, he will increase in level, unlocking new abilities, gaining more hit points and the ability to deal more damage to enemies. Weapons found in the world also have levels and range in variety from common to epic and legendary. Depending on their rarity, weapons have different abilities, such as being able to cause a bleeding effect on hit, or setting enemies on fire.
Also discoverable along the journey are arenas where Bayek can engage in gladiatorial combat against waves of enemies or ground-pounding horse races, earning rewards for victory.
MICROTRANSACTIONS
Ubisoft loves to make money, and Assassin's Creed: Origins is the cash cow it wants to milk dry. With the in-game currency, drachmas, players can buy new weapons, outfits and mounts from vendors. But there's also a special currency, called Helix Credits, that can only be bought with real money (at a rate of about 100 Helix Credits to $1).
Most of what can be bought in the real-money store in the game can also be obtained just by playing.
Using real money lets players speed up their progress through the game -- they can buy weapons, mounts, special outfits, crafting materials, even ability points that are normally acquired through levelling up or certain quests. For 500 Credits, you can buy a unicorn to ride around.
Last quarter, Ubisoft made more money from microtransactions than it did from digital sales of its games, so this is clearly a strategy that is working for it.
BANG FOR YOUR BUCK
Origins offers scores of hours of play. It's a high-quality game and has a lot to be experienced, explored and enjoyed. The story is emotional and gripping, and it's also for adults or mature teens.
Expansions are planned, as well. There's a $40 Season Pass available that will offer new storylines and features battles against mythical creatures and even gods. Ubisoft is also planning a free update called Discovery Tour that will allow players to eschew the storyline and simply travel as part of a narrated, educational guide to this ancient world.
Assassin's Creed: Origins was reviewed on the Playstation 4.
ActiveStyle on 11/13/2017