Assassin’s Creed Unity is only days from release. You may be wondering what’s new in this current-gen console only title. For that, we have your answer.
Assassin’s Creed Unity is diverting from the common path of the franchise, aiming ambitiously for a new target. It aspires to be what gamers think of when they imagine a next-gen Assassin’s Creed . We’ll find out next week if it hit its mark.
Related: AC Unity Preview
For now, we have listed eight ways that Assassin’s Creed Unity spices things up for the franchise. You can see them in the gallery below.
What's New: 8 Things Assassin's Creed Unity is Doing to Spice Things Up
Meet Arno Dorian, Unity's Protagonist
Arno Dorian is a brand new character for the franchise. He grew up as a member of a French-Austrian peasant family, but hasn't let that keep him down. His main objective is to find out who has caused the revolution, and why.
Massive Crowds
A lot of Assassin's Creed 's spectacle comes from its huge open-world environments populated with dynamic people. Unity is pushing that one step further by tossing thousands of units, each with their own A.I., into the game world. You'll feel the roar of chatter and shuffling of feet all around you. The crowds will also provide ample opportunity for escape.
Welcome to the French Revolution
Unity is set during the French Revolution of the late 18th century. This is a period that had significant ramifications not only on the continent of Europe, but at the global scale.
You'll dive straight into this period and be able to take part in missions that are inspired by real world history. If you pay attention, you may learn a lot from your stay in Unity .
Fencing Inspired Combat
Unity 's combat is more defensively oriented than previous games. Fencing has been a mainstay in French culture for many years, and the combat takes cues from its 'patience and timing are rewarded' style.
You won't be able to button mash your way through this game. You'll need to employ timely dodges and parries in order to open up opportunities to attack. It isn't too far off from the Batman Arkham series or Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor , only it has Assassin's Creed flavor.
Four-Player Co-Op
Assassin's Creed has had multiplayer elements added in recent years, but it's been integrated in a way that has made the experience still feel isolated. That changes this year with Unity .
You'll be able to group with up to three other friends in online campaign co-op. Using social hubs throughout the game world, you can initiate missions that require teamwork from your group to complete successfully. You'll be rewarded, too.
The Phantom Blade Joins Your Arsenal
Unity features around 85 different weapons, which is a big step up from previous games in the series. One of those weapons is the Phantom Blade, which replaces the Hidden Blade. It functions similarly in that it allows you to stealth kill enemies with a blade attached to a wrist gadget, but it also has a small crossbow integrated into the system. With it, you'll be able to take down enemies from range throughout your journey.
Eagle Pulse Makes Tracking Easy
Eagle Pulse is a new system that replaces Eagle Vision. It allows you to detect guards and acquire useful information about your surroundings at the press of a button. There are also other systems in place that allow you to read your environment more easily than ever before.
A New Way to Customize Your Looks
There are a few new menus in Unity that refine the Assassin's Creed formula. One of them is the equipment window, where you can customize your weapon and armor loadout. Each item has its own attributes and looks, so you'll definitely want to go out of your way to collect new equipment.