Review by: Matt Hastie
Multiple Systems, 800 Microsoft Points ($9)
For those of you who have been roped in by Ubisoft's amazing Assassin's Creed series, you're in luck with the new DLC package for Assassin's Creed Brotherhood. Featuring both single player and multiplayer elements, there's certainly something here for everyone. To break it down for you in general terms here is what you are getting: additions to the single player campaign, one new multiplayer level, two new modes, and four new characters. The good news is that since you get a little bit of everything you are getting your moneys worth, but it'll ultimately depend on where you stand with ACB. Is the first piece of paid DLC worth it? Read on!
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| You'll get to know these cloaked guys pretty well |
First off is the single player portions. If you enjoyed the game then it's time to celebrate because you have more to do. Sadly you won't be doing them for long. From start to finish you're looking at maybe one more hour of game play, but for some any reason to hop back into the Animus is a good reason. The story picks up after the events of ACB have unfolded, Ezio has returned to Rome for a brief stint and he seeks out his old friend Leonardo Da Vinci. Your first task is to track down Da Vinci's assistant who finds more thrills gambling and boozing than learning his master's craft. Once you've found him you'll have your first of many encounters with the Hermetics who will pursue you along the way back to Da Vinci's workshop. Upon arrival you'll find that they've taken your Da Vinci away and it's high time you get him back! The game play doesn't change much here, you're tasked with tracking down five paintings that contain clues to where Da Vinci might have been taken. Along the way you'll tail this guy, beat up that guy, and be told not to be noticed. Hey, why change what's working? On top of the missions you have some Templar Lairs to clear and a new dice game to check out.
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| Ahhh, multiplayer chaos |
If the DLC pack was the single player alone this wouldn't be too great of a value, conversely if it was just new multiplayer content it probably wouldn't work too well either. Multiplayer DLC can be a risk if it doesn't catch on, you'll have maps that most people aren't playing and it can get hard to find a game. The new map Alhambra is a good addition, featuring a large multi-leveled, indoor and outdoor environment. It's a great place to get lost in the crowd. Your new modes offer little change from the mold, but both are quite challenging to pick up. VIP features two four man teams in hunt/protect roles. There's multiple VIPs scattered throughout levels so the name of the game is team work and subtly, leave an unguarded VIP and the enemy team will quickly over take you in score. On top of that, when you attack a false target you will now net the enemy team 100 points per player! Keep those blades in check! Assassinate is the second new mode, featuring a six - eight player deathmatch without the aid of knowing who you are supposed to kill. You'll have a general idea where targets are but once you get there you'll have to look for someone who doesn't act like the crowd and ID them by locking on. Only then do you get the chance to kill them. This mode is very difficult to get the hang of once you are used to being told who your target is.
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| L to R: The Pariah, The Marquis, The Knight, The Dama Rossa |
So is it all worth it? It's a tough call and that's coming from a fan of the series. People who didn't get into the multiplayer section will likely find the price a little steep. The new game play features only net you about an extra hour of time free running around Rome. On the other hand it is an interesting addition to the story and has a good if cliff hanger ending. If you have enjoyed multiplayer or need a reason to go back, the new map and modes are a good addition to a solid experience. The multiplayer side of ACB in general takes some getting used to and when playing with high level enemies you will be frustrated more than several times. There's a steep learning curve to all the modes, but that's what gives it some lasting power. All in all it's a solid piece of DLC that delivers a wide array of content that will hopefully appeal to the masses.
