First Impression: Assassin's Creed Brotherhood

In two parts

The Story

ACB keeps in line by beginning right where AC2 left off. You are returned to the DNA memory of Ezio Auditore. In additon to much more control over your actual character, Desmond. The game mechanics are virtually the same. You move, hide, and fight just as you did in AC2. Sadly, there wasn't much care given to the overall look of the game.

According to the trailers I've seen, there are more mechanics that enhance the gameplay as you progress through the story, but at my 4 hour mark, I was starting to feel this game was a chore. Now, don't misunderstand my conclusion, I'm fascinated by the entire AC universe, but the story has a very very slow start.

Keep your fingers crossed that this isn't a lousy attempt by a game developer to push out another title for the holiday season.

Multiplayer

Here is where I was rather surprised. I watched only 1 trailer about the online multiplayer, and the basics are: Assassinate the enemy. I only played 1 of the available gametypes (Wanted) and I felt a sense of excitement I've missed since my first Halo 2 Matchmaking game.

In Wanted, you have a target and you are a target. You have a few HUD tools at your disposal. The gameplay in Multiplayer is the same as in Story, but your stealth skills must be very sharp. Your target can be alerted to your presence if you aren't careful. In which, you have to chase that sucker down to kil them, and that's a pain in the ass.

Conclusion

Assassin's Creed Brotherhood holds a hopeful place in the continuity of the AC storyline. I believe AC1 was so exciting because it was something fresh and new. AC2 was so exciting because we moved from Altair to Ezio, and the city was a welcome change to the rugged country travel. But now ACB seems to have stepped off the frontline and opted for a more identifiable character by return Ezio to the spotlight. Of course, Rome is your new sandbox, and It's turning out fantastic.

As far as the multiplayer, it seems Ubisoft wasn't afraid to break the barrier of what seems to be expected in matchmaking these days. It gives us something completely new to try.

7 out of 10 (but I hope I'm scoring it too low)