Abide with Rubicon.
I'll admit that I am somewhat biased with this review, I have played almost every AC game, from 1 to Verdict Day, and am overall a really big AC fan.
With this in mind, how's the game? It's almost everything I wanted.
The gameplay is a blend of 4th gen and 5th gen, focusing on the bigger setpieces and bosses like 4th gen, but being slower, further allowing for more strategies. Add a Sekiro-esc stagger system and you got the best gameplay loop in the series.
Furthermore, it has the best story in the series, every character is entertaining, and I love the little additions new game+ and ++ add.
I also appreciate the level variety, while it is somewhat of a shame that there's few levels where you fight gigantic machines ala For Answer, it is good that even the simplest levels at least have a gimmick or two to spice things up.
My only real complaint about the game is that the OST is disappointing, it feels like Frequency/Kota Hoshino focused too much on atmospheric tracks, and while that fits the mood, I expected a lot more songs with vocals, or at least rock ones. That said, there are some songs which do scratch the itch.
Overall, the game is amazing, feeling like a mix-match of everything good from all AC games in every sense. If you keep your eye out, you'll notice indirect references to the other games, evolutions of their themes and style. I'm really hoping FromSoft looks at the success of this game and keeps the series alive and well in the future.
I'll admit that I am somewhat biased with this review, I have played almost every AC game, from 1 to Verdict Day, and am overall a really big AC fan.
With this in mind, how's the game? It's almost everything I wanted.
The gameplay is a blend of 4th gen and 5th gen, focusing on the bigger setpieces and bosses like 4th gen, but being slower, further allowing for more strategies. Add a Sekiro-esc stagger system and you got the best gameplay loop in the series.
Furthermore, it has the best story in the series, every character is entertaining, and I love the little additions new game+ and ++ add.
I also appreciate the level variety, while it is somewhat of a shame that there's few levels where you fight gigantic machines ala For Answer, it is good that even the simplest levels at least have a gimmick or two to spice things up.
My only real complaint about the game is that the OST is disappointing, it feels like Frequency/Kota Hoshino focused too much on atmospheric tracks, and while that fits the mood, I expected a lot more songs with vocals, or at least rock ones. That said, there are some songs which do scratch the itch.
Overall, the game is amazing, feeling like a mix-match of everything good from all AC games in every sense. If you keep your eye out, you'll notice indirect references to the other games, evolutions of their themes and style. I'm really hoping FromSoft looks at the success of this game and keeps the series alive and well in the future.