First Impressions: Assassin's Creed: Syndicate

Assassin's Creed: Syndicate could just as easily be named Grand Theft Assassin, or Saint's Creed. After the first mission to set up the story, most of the gameplay is centered on Jacob and Evie's gang, The Rooks, as the two assassin's try to conquer London by defeating the ruling, Templar led, gang of the city. This concept leads to a completely open London to slowly roam through while taking down opposing gang leaders across the city. It's a mechanic very similar to the ones in Saint's Row, Crackdown, or Infamous.

The gameplay is what players have come to love and expect from AC games. There is parkour running all over Victorian London that usually works the way the player wants, though occasionally it runs up a building when I'm trying to get down. Some were worried about the inclusion of the grappling hook, but it is a welcome addition when scaling some of London's much taller buildings, and provides a new way to attempt assassinations.

Combat is the same counter-based fighting of previous games, but instead of just using a sword or assassin blades, players can chose from brass knuckles, kukri, and the cane-sword. The assassinations look great in this game, and due to some upper level skill differences, playing as Jacob or Evie feels different, and not just a skin change. Also added are a slew of different horse drawn carriages which can be used or stolen to allow for faster transit throughout the city.

Unfortunately, while the game feels like it could have AC: Brotherhood's mission set up for your minions, there is none. The Rooks assist in certain fights, and can be recruited to fight with you in free roam and on certain missions, but have very little impact on the game otherwise. The lack of courtesans and thieves also limits the methods available to distract enemies, as The Rooks will always charge and start a fight. The voice acting is very good, with the stars being the assassin twins, Jacob and Evie Frye. Their banter is just fun to listen to.

Overall, I would definitely recommend AC: Syndicate. While it lacks the unique brand that is AC multiplayer, the single player is lengthy and fun, if repetitive. I have easily played over 10 hours, and have a great deal more to go. I have completed story and side missions, and freed 3 districts of the city. I can't be certain, but it seems as if I'll be able to sink at least 50 - 60 hours into the game, and that's if I don't go back to find every single chest and collectible. As a note, I did not play AC: Unity, so my comments are based on my experiences with every game from AC1 - AC: Black Flag.

 Assassin's Creed: Syndicate - 8.5/10