STACK NZ Nov #57

GAMES

FEATURE

Strife on the OceanWaves Weigh anchor shipmates, we’re heading back out to sea.

icy North Atlantic, made including naval combat in the game an easy decision.” For the first time in the series, the French publisher is giving gamers the opportunity to play as aTemplar, and this will also have advantages in the naval combat stakes. “As aTemplar you’ll have access to cutting edge technology of the time,” says von der Luhe. “Your ship, the Morrigan, is equipped with the Puckle gun (an advanced free-aiming machine gun of the time) and burning oil, which can devastate pursuing ships. Other new weapons include the front carronades, charge ram and double round shot.” The naval gameplay in Rogue will feature off the East coast of Canada and will stretch up into theArctic, too. As such, players will be presented with a new set of challenges and strategic options while clashing with the enemy gameplay innovations involving ice ingredients,” notes von der Luhe. “Icebergs form temporary cover can be destroyed, forming ripple waves that disrupt enemy ships. Ice sheets can be smashed through to discover long lost locations, and the freezing water will hurt any player brave enough to swim through it.” Finally, we ask the producer whether we’ll be able to skipper more powerful ships in the game; unleashing a broadside from Blackbeard’s QueenAnne’s Revenge was a memorable experience in Black Flag , and something we want more of. “Controlling more powerful ships will be possible at certain moments in the storyline,” in these new environments to the series. “This striking new location brings new

U bisoft gave us a taste of it in Assassin’s Creed III , and dedicated a full game to it last year with Assassin’s Creed: Black Flag . We clearly all love the nautical aspect of theAssassin’s Creed franchise, so the publisher has brought it back for one last voyage. In Assassin’s Creed: Rogue , the action moves to the SevenYearsWar, a convoluted conflict between the great European powers in the middle of the 18th century. Known by historians as the first true world war, the warring countries battled right across the globe.The French and British clashed in NorthAmerica, and this forms the backdrop to Rogue. But just what is our obsession with sailing ships and maritime warfare? “I believe there are many reasons that attribute to the excitement surrounding the naval experience inAssassin’s Creed,” says Karl von der Luhe, producer on Rogue . “Firstly, it is a highly visceral experience with peerless ocean simulation technology that looks amazing and has real gameplay impact. Waves that range from tiny to monstrous completely change the navigation challenges

Unleashing a devastating broadside is a powerful feeling that never gets old.

for a seafaring vessel, with unpredictable weather conditions keeping the experience fresh. “Furthermore, the combat has gameplay depth with several different attack options depending on scenario and player preference. Seeing enemy ships de-masted or sinking after unleashing a devastating broadside is a powerful feeling that never gets old.” With this in mind, Ubisoft decided to conclude what is now known as the ‘North American trilogy’ with Rogue, and set its studio Sofia, located in Bulgaria, to the task. “The nautical component was very well received in both AC3 and AC4 , and we are happy to introduce a new and improved naval experience in AC Rogue ,” explains von der Luhe. “When considering whether to include naval in a full AC game, we need to make sure it is true to the fantasy. “ AC Rogue is set during the SevenYears War, which was a truly global conflict with battles occurring on land and at sea – this setting, combined with the fun that can be had being aTemplar ship captain within the

reveals von der Luhe. “Furthermore, with the advancedTemplar weaponry upgrades available for the Morrigan, the player will have even more incentive to max out

Assassin’s Creed: Rogue is out November 18

their ship and devastate the toughest of naval enemies.”

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