Review: Assassin's Creed Brotherhood (Multiplayer)
Released: 19th November 2010 (UK) (Out Now)
Platforms: XBOX 360 Also: PS3, PC
I admit right now that I hardly had any interest in buying Brotherhood on day of release, mainly because I've bought the previous two and have yet to play them. So what makes Brotherhood different? It added a multiplayer component that interested me greatly after watching numerous beta videos of the multiplayer. Assassin's Creed Brotherhood multiplayer is pretty much the best and most addictive multiplayer I've played in ages and it’s not even a first or third person shooter. The thing about the multiplayer is its actually unique since there is nothing like it out there (I think) and it’s just one of many things it has going for it.
 |
| Manhunt game mode |
 |
| Alliance game mode |
There are four gameplay modes Wanted, Manhunt, Alliance and Advance Wanted with the last two unlocked after reaching a certain rank. The idea behind the multiplayer is the same across all four modes with slight variations with how things play out. Basically you are given a target to assassinate but you are also at the same time someone else’s target who they must assassinate. It’s like one big chain everyone has a target but everyone also has someone that is assigned to assassinate them. This basic idea goes for both Wanted and Advanced Wanted gameplay modes however Manhunt and Alliance change things slightly as they are both team based game modes. The idea is essentially the same it’s just that now you’re in teams. In Manhunt there are two teams of 4 and two rounds taking turns being the hunter and the hunted. In round one you are either the hunter or the hunted and in round two you switch. Now you can work together or go out on your own but of course this is a team based mode and the best results come from working as a team. I haven’t spent much time with the Alliance mode but it is a team based mode with three teams of two. Each team has an assigned target which is one of the other two teams. Out of the two team modes this is the harder version and if you don’t work as a team you will find yourself in third place throughout the match.
 |
| Blending with the crowd |
 |
| Jumping out in the open isn't the best idea |
The different modes really do encourage slightly differently playing styles and there are loads of things for you to do depending on whether you are hiding or trying to find your target. In Wanted and Advanced Wanted you want to find your target without giving away your whereabouts to both the target and the hunter assigned to assassinate you. You could climb up to rooftops which would help find and kill your target quicker, but also makes you more noticeable and easier for your hunter to kill you. You can also take the other approach and stay low, blend in with the crowed taking it slow but this takes time. The main difference between Wanted and Advanced Wanted is that the latter is a lot more difficult. What makes it difficult is the compass at the bottom of the screen which helps locate your target doesn’t give away their exact location. It only tells you if you are close to your target, but doesn’t indicate in which direction they are or whether they are higher up or lower down from your current location.
 |
| Smoke bombs work a treat |
 |
| Profiles for every occasion |
Each map contains a whole town of NPC characters wondering around. Each player can blend in with other NPC characters that look like the ones they are playing as. Talking of characters players can pick from a range of characters before starting each game. There isn’t much difference between the characters in terms of what they can do but they each have their own unique appearance and assassination animation. Players can pick from a range of characters such as Doctor, Blacksmith, and Soldier etc. One the things that I didn’t notice or realise at first is that some of the characters blend in better on some maps then they do on others, which in effect adds another layer strategy to the game. It’s not just blending in with the crowd and climbing rooftops the game gives players new abilities, perks and streak bonuses as they level up. So the more you play the more experience you get to level up and gain access to new stuff to help kill your targets and hide from your hunters. There are a range of things to unlock such as smoke bombs, throwing knifes to take out targets from a far and the ability to disguise yourself as another NPC character for a short period of time.
The controls for the multiplayer are also straight forward and easy to get use to, along with decent tutorial to walk you through the basics. “X” allows you to assassinate your targets while “B” allows you to stun those that are hunting you. You move your character with the left analogue stick pressing “A” allows your character to walk faster and climb. Holding “RT” causes your character to run, while holding “A” at the same time allows your character to run faster. When you unlock abilities you can assign and use them with the press of the “LB” or “RB” buttons. I've barely played any of the previous games and to be able to jump into the game without any trouble is fantastic.
Graphically the multiplayer looks great and with some great looking environments. There are a variety of maps to play on with each one very detailed and unique.
 |
| The good Doctor |
Maybe it’s due to me inexperience or maybe it is because there are a lot players that are better than I am, but if there is one gripe I must pick with the multiplayer it is that as soon as I kill my target the person assigned to assassinate me is right there behind me ready to kill. It is something that I find happens frequently within the Wanted game mode. Apart from that I love the Manhunt and Alliance game modes. The blending in gameplay mechanic works a treat while trying to find your target and avoiding the person assigned to kill you. Add to this the use of abilities and perks, which create some great intense, satisfying and memorable moments.
Assassin’s Creed Brotherhood Breakdown
GAMEPLAY
Tutorial makes it easy to learn how the multiplayer works and with straightforward controls. I find the multiplayer stands out amongst other games simply because there is nothing else quite like it.
GRAPHICS & PRESENTATION
The setting does this game justice it looks fantastic and is highly detailed. I have found myself looking at my surroundings during rounds, which I don’t recommend doing for a long period of time.
LONGEVITY
The multiplayer will last as long as you want it to. I could play it all everyday and I have since it came out. Some may not take to it but others will love it and come back to it for a very long time.
AUDIO
There isn’t much music playing during the multiplayer apart from on the menu screen and the high beating music that plays during a chase.
FINAL OPINION: MUST PLAY / REFRESHING MULTIPLAYER
