[Update: Based on community response, we have decided to remove the video displaying an actual knife. We'd like to point out that it was never our intention to endorse the creation or use of such a device, but rather to point out an interesting bit of gaming culture. We have replaced the video with the LEGO version, which, nerds that we are, we found much more interesting anyway.]
We really have no idea how we missed this. It seems some enterprising Assassin's Creed fan created his own hidden knife similar to the one used in the game. It was created way back in July though, so those of you allergic to old news had best look away. The rest of you can marvel at the craftsmanship and ingenuity of the thing. The creator, known as sandman_seven, detailed the construction of the device on the Ubisoft forums (and apparently attempted to sell them as well).
Now, while we can't deny the inherent coolness of such a device, it also creeps us out just a bit. So, we urge you to enjoy the coolness, but don't try this at home. If you must make a shank, may we suggest you make one out of LEGOs. To see what that looks like, you need only watch another video embedded after the break.
As if we needed further proof that November will assassinate your wallet, Famitsu has heaped glowing praise atop Assassin's Creed. According to a forum post on the Ubisoft forums, Famitsu has given the title a very respectable 37/40, with the individual reviews standing at 10, 8, 9, and 10. Incidentally, Famitsuhanded the same overall score to Halo 3. There are some tiny scans of the reviews on the forums, but our Kanji is a little rusty. Thankfully, someone went to the trouble of summing things up. Apparently, the Famitsu reviewers were impressed by the story, presentation, and addicting acrobatics, noting that Assassin's Creed is a true next-gen title. Some knocks against it are the one button combat, confusing map, and occasional camera problems. All in all, it sounds pretty solid. Good news for gamers, bad news for bank accounts.
We'll kids, we've got good news and bad news. The good news is that Ubisoft's medieval sneak-a-thon, Assassin's Creed, has gone gold and has a confirmed release date of November 13. The bad news is that you now have one more game to add to the list. You know the one. That list with all the games you need written on it. Everybody keeps one of those, right? Right next to the list of all the essentials you can live without to save money. You know, things like laundry detergent and toothpaste. You don't really need those things, do you?
Joystiq recently got a chance to sit down with Jade Raymond, producer of the upcoming super sneaky kill-a-thon Assassin's Creed. Don't let her harsh, unforgiving exterior fool you. She's actually quite personable, apparently. The interview discusses all things Assassiin's Creed, including crowd-based gameplay, personalizing Altair (the game's protagonist), and the whole "games as art" debate. It's a short read, but it is most definitely sweet. Oh, and the interview contains the word "Holodeck." That alone should be enough to get some of our Trekkie readers to click through. Seriously though, hit the "read" link and check it out.
A new trailer for Assassin's Creed has sneaked onto the web (see what we did there?). The trailer, which looks to be a cinematic from the game, features a group of apparently evil men trying to figure out what to do about a particularly nasty problem. As you can imagine, Altair, the game's eponymous assassin, has caused this group no end of trouble. Without ruining it, let's just say that they don't figure out what to do by the end of the trailer. Honestly, the more we see of this game, the more excited we are. Check it out (see it in HD here) and tell us what you think.
Remember the Assassin's Creedshort film contest that was announced earlier this summer? Well, the deadline is drawing near (August 20th if you don't know) and entries are starting to find their way onto the internet (as videos tend to do). The entry above was sent to us by Charles Pham of Missing Link Cinema. Entitled "neca ne neceris" which roughly translated means "kill or be killed," the film tells its story entirely through visuals. It's short, sweet, and to the point. It's sure to give other entries that we've seen a run for their money. Give it a watch and tell us (and the fine folks of Missing Link Cinema) what you think. If any of you out there are also entering the Assassin's Creed contest, let us know. We'll try and feature some more here on X3F.
During Microsoft's E3 press conference, Ubisoft decided to demo their golden child Assassin's Creed, but things did not go as smoothly as they had hoped. You see, the demo was a tad buggy and suffered from bad collision detection, floating bodies and a somewhat questionable framerate. And everyone noticed. Assassin's Creed has suffered some negative press these past few days as some gamers have been bashing the on-stage demo and the game.
Enter G4 TV's Adam Sessler who climbed atop his soap box to tell gamers that we have no right to judge the game based on the bugs, because it just isn't finished. Sessler makes a great argument stating that video games are one of the only artistic mediums in which the artists allow fans to preview their work before it's complete. Bugs are normal in unfinished products, it's as simple as that. And we have to agree. Let's just take a deep breath and ignore Assassin's floating bodies. See, we bet you feel better already.
Earlier today we got a chance to sit down with Ubisoft and get shown Assassin's Creed up close and personal, while at the same giving us a chance to actually control Altair ourselves. The demonstration was the of the same mission shown at Microsoft's Press Briefing from Tuesday night. Fortunately, we got to see the objective through to its completion, whereas Jade Raymond's cut off as soon as the slaver was assassinated. After our Ubi rep went through the mission, he handed us the controller and let us have a go at the streets and rooftops of Jerusalem, which is 15 times larger than the previously demoed city at E3 06. Did it play as good as it looked?
More fresh news from E3, Joystiq learned during their hands-on (don't worry, ours is coming) that Ubisoft has "no plans" to release a demo for Assassin's Creed. If you've been sitting on the fence about this title, it looks like it's time to put it in the ol' rental queue. We wouldn't worry too much though. So far, all signs point to "Yes."
Ubisoft shed some more light on Assassin's Creed with a demonstration, where plenty of tidbits could be gleaned. The level demonstrated was Jerusalem, using ancient texts as a source for creating the environment. Speaking of the locale, every building visible in the city can be climbed by you, and all are accessible, which definitely is good news.
The combat system is allegedly advanced, where your performance is dependent on well timed button combos, and countering your opponent's attacks, based on their animation. When hunting down a target, you may end up chasing them through the city streets. The "Chase AI" is advanced and will make each chase a different experience, especially since your target's mannerisms are dependent on their personality.
Also, through the demonstration, characters and the immediate area around your character would see flickering and feedback, giving it a psuedo "Matrix Code" feel. All in all, Assassin's Creed is looking like a solid winter release, though we'll have to see how it compares to the big guns.
We already know that Assassin's Creed will be hitting retailers sometime in November, but now we have the pleasure of previewing what we'll be looking for on store shelves. Ubisoft just released the official Assassin's Creed cover art (viewable after the break) in all its simplistic assassin glory. Notice the subtle use of motion blur, soothing color blue, and how our assassin friend's hood perfectly shields his identity. Or maybe you didn't notice any of that and just zeroed in on the retractable and highly concealable hand knife. Oh yeah, we're going to love using that piece of hardware.
The time has come to blend your fanboy love of Assassin's Creed with your movie making talents. IFC and Ubisoft are hosting an Assassin's Creed Short Film Contest where they want you to film an assassin inspired short film and send it in for a chance to win cash and prizes. Sounds fun doesn't it? Entries must be six minutes or less focusing on the assassin lifestyle, history, and the overall stealth killing mystique. The top three short films will be included in the limited edition version of the game and be aired on the IFC network. Not only that, but the grand prize winner will also receive $10,000 cash ($2,500 for runners-up) and Xbox 360 hardware. Get your assassin film making material together as entries are being accepted from now through August 20th. Happy filming.
It's been said by many people for months now: 2007 looks to be a big year for gamers. It seems like every company is pulling out all the stops and quality games are getting ready to rain from the heavens. Some say that 2007 may be the best year EVAR. True or not, Ubisoft is playing a large role in the 360's holiday season. As proof of that, Eurogamer has unveiled Ubisoft's official release list for this holiday season, including planned release dates for major titles like Assassin's Creed and Splinter Cell Conviction. Check out the list after the break.
Speaking to Eurogamer, Ubisoft's Jade Raymond revealed some tasty new bits of info regarding Assassin's Creed, one of the Xbox 360's most anticipated titles. First and foremost, a demo is evidently planned for next month, though the article makes it unclear whether this will be an Xbox Live Marketplace demo or a public demonstration. Of course, we'd be excited about either, but just a twinge more excited about a playable demo. Raymond also refuses to comment on theories around the game's plot elements, though Veronica Mars fans already know the full story.
Raymond does reveal that helping certain people in the game will net players several new strategic options. Previously, we heard about helping monks in order to gain their help in later missions. Apparently this extends to other groups. Apparently, each group will inhabit different areas of a city, allowing players to utilize them during escapes. For example, save village women from military abuse, and their husbands will block guards that chase you. All you have to do is remember where these men live when you're making your escape.
Finally, remember the leap of faith that ended the recent trailer? That is a move taken directly from the game, though conceivably a player would know where he was going to land. In context, a player might climb a tall building to evade capture and then leap off the top into a bale of hay. When guards finally make it to the top of the building, the player will seem to have disappeared.
All in all, it sounds like great stuff. Here's hoping we do see a demo next month.
If you find yourself harboring a keen interest in both assassins and the creeds to which they are bound, you will no doubt be interested to learn that Assassin's Creed should be hitting Xbox 360s everywhere this November. The announcement comes directly from Ubisoft, though we are left with no specific date. Also "revealed" by Ubisoft, a limited edition of the game will also be sold in addition to the ordinary vanilla edition. The limited edition will retail for $69.99 and comes packed with the game (in a tin box, of course), Penny-Arcade comics, a mini strategy guide, an Altair figurine, as well as plenty of trailers and behind-the-scenes content. The limited edition isn't exactly news -- we've known about it for sometime -- but it sounds pretty cool nonetheless. Anyone out there plan no plunking down the extra cash for a spiffy new doll action figure?
Joystiq recently got a chance to sit down with Jade Raymond, producer of the upcoming super sneaky kill-a-thon 
More fresh news from 
We already know that Assassin's Creed will be hitting retailers sometime in 
