We are in the mist of exciting times in the development of 3D mobile gaming. Game makers are probing at the capabilities of the newer mobile devices and creating richer more involving 3D game worlds. Gameloft, at the forefront of this movement, now offers you Assassins Creed HD joining their stable of other cutting edge 3D titles like the Asphalt Series and Brothers in Arms/Earned in Blood.
If you played the original Assassins Creed released late last year, you know that it was an enjoyable 2D platform romp similar to many others found on mobile devices. Once you play Assassins Creed HD however, you’ll know that HD can only mean one thing - huge difference! Altair has gone 3D in a big way. As the rotating camera sucks you into this world of sheiks, swords, harems and kings you will soon forget you were supposed to be boiling water or looking for your train stop.
While Altair still possesses all his acrobatic skills he now performs high above the streets of Jerusalem jumping from rooftops, running up walls or swinging and balancing on beams while citizens and guards go about their business down below. Altair’s movements are followed by a nice ¾ side angle camera that captures his very smooth and well-detailed moves not only across the screen but in-and-out as well.
When he encounters enemies the camera moves in a little tighter as he performs his deadly kicking and weapons combos. These combos are tied to keypad commands that are introduced slowly throughout the game. Also ushered in slowly are various weapons, upgrades, hand skills like wall-to-wall jumping and the grappling hook, stealth kills and box maneuvering. While all these abilities may seem daunting they really aren’t and you will soon be easily guiding Altair through this 3D world as a fearsome assassin.
And what a beautiful world it is. You are treated to a tapestry of Middle Eastern colors and designs that make these ancient cities, castles and caverns seem vividly real. Adding to the realism are the inhabitants walking the streets and alleys who amusingly run for cover whenever Altair begins his swordplay. You’ll encounter merchants, spies, dancers, fires, waterfalls and more all beautifully detailed as you make your way past traps and guards. It’s simply an amazing world on your mobile phone.
Every level contains several in-game cut scenes with a moving camera that gives a nice movie-like feel to the game. These cut scenes either introduce the level, move the story or give you an overview of upcoming obstacles. Green arrows guide you to your next checkpoint but there is no saving so you must finish the level in one sitting. Most of the 23 levels are short enough but one in particular gave me enough of a problem that I had to leave the game running all day in order to finish. This game does not lend itself to quick 5 minute play bites. It demands to be savored.
The sound is perfect for a silent assassin. Evocative music paves the way for footsteps, grunts and the nice metallic clang of metal swords. There is a landscape mode available but I found myself sticking to the normal cell mode rather than learn new commands. Gameloft also provides a memories option where you can replay completed levels. As if this weren’t enough, there are mini-games sprinkled throughout where you interrogate a character for information by pressing pressure points on his back.
If you’ve been searching for a high quality mobile game you’ve hit the right spot. Assassins Creed HD not only earns 5 stars it leaps into the top 2 or 3 games ever offered on a mobile phone. It’s a brilliantly realized interactive work of art that can only lift the entire field of 3D mobile gaming to new heights.
Reviewed by G. Yamaguchi on Nokia N73
Where To Buy This Game: Gameloft Website