Review: Assassin's Creed - Altair's Chronicles
by Matt Fox
May 18, 2009
Overview
Play a direct prequel tie-in to the critically acclaimed game: Assassin's Creed. Once again you take control of master assassin, Altair, as you traverse 1191 AD Jerusalem in search of "The Chalice". An object said to end the Crusades depending on which camp owns it.
Features
The game includes a variety of different combat and acrobatic moves to choose from as you progress through the game. There are over six different weapons to use as you collect orbs to upgrade your weapons and health. These include a wide range of close combat and long range weaponry from things like swords and daggers, to grappling hooks and bombs as well.
The game also features a couple of different mini-games included in it to change up the gameplay and pace. The first is a pickpocket mini-game where the object is to take a specific item out of someone's purse without touching the sides or any of the other objects. Kind of like the game Operation. You also have a time limit here as well so don't take too long or you will be discovered.
The second one involves tapping the correct pressure point at the correct time in order to persuade your captor to divulge information. This is all about timing and accuracy and involves a lot of patience. Still fun though.
Breakdown
The Good:
Easily the graphics and the gameplay. Both are top notch in this game. As with another of Gameloft's titles, Terminator Salvation, this is an incredibly impressive looking and sounding game for the IPhone/IPod Touch.
The game also features a pretty in depth storyline that directly ties-in to the previous Assassin's Creed game for the 360 and PS3. If you're a fan of the previous title, this game is definitely made for you.
The Bad:
The only thing that really bothered me here are the controls. Again, the virtual keyboard feels a little off and at times you will find yourself falling off a roof or getting killed because you moved incorrectly. You get used to them eventually, but they can get frustrating at times.
The Verdict
This is a great game and well worth the price. Fans of the series should grab this up as it doesn't disappoint. It doesn't have much wrong with it and the good far surpasses the bad in another great title from Gameloft.