Links

Amazon

Twitch

CRITIK

Assassin's Creed Unity

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Assassin's Creed Unity
Item: Assassin's Creed Unity
Author: Critik Editorial Team

2014

GenresAdventure, Action, Third Person Perspective, Open World, RPG, Single Player, Multiplayer

AvailableNov 11, 2014

PlatformPC, Xbox One, PlayStation 4

DeveloperUbisoft, Ubisoft Montreal

Overview

Paris, 1789. The French Revolution turns a once-magnificent city into a place of terror and chaos. Its cobblestoned streets run red with the blood of commoners who dare to rise up against an oppressive aristocracy. Yet as the nation tears itself apart, a young man named Arno will embark upon an extraordinary journey to expose the true powers behind the Revolution. His pursuit will throw him into the middle of a ruthless struggle for the fate of a nation, and transform him into a true Master Assassin.

Elsewhere

Game analysis

Critik Scorecard

EXPAND ALL

Story and Narrative

Click for more details

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive (80-100)

36%

Mixed (50-79)

53%

Negative (0-49)

11%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The story of Assassin's Creed Unity received praise for its rich historical setting during the French Revolution, engaging protagonist Arno Dorian, and the introduction of player choices. Critics like XGN appreciated the immersive experience offered by the game's historical backdrop, while GameWatcher highlighted the likeable protagonist and entertaining plot. The narrative's focus on themes of order and freedom, as explored by USgamer, added depth to the overall storytelling. On the downside, the story of Assassin's Creed Unity faced criticism for being underdeveloped, lacking depth, and featuring predictable plot elements. Thunderbolt and Digital Trends pointed out the underdeveloped characters and conflict between the Templars and Assassins, while Giant Bomb and Critical Hit highlighted the lack of substance and depth in the storyline. The story's predictability, as noted by GameSpot and Digital Spy, contributed to a sense of familiarity and lack of originality, with some critics feeling that the narrative failed to fully utilize the historical context of the French Revolution. Overall, the consensus among critics regarding the story of Assassin's Creed Unity leans towards a mixed reception. While some praised the game for its immersive historical setting and engaging protagonist, others found the narrative lacking in depth and originality. The balance between personal vendettas and historical significance, as mentioned by LaPS4, was a point of contention, with some critics feeling that the story failed to fully capitalize on its potential. Despite the varied opinions on the storytelling, it is evident that Assassin's Creed Unity's narrative had its strengths and weaknesses, ultimately leaving room for improvement in delivering a more compelling and memorable storyline.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Assassin's Creed Unity's story praised for historical setting and engaging protagonist Arno Dorian, but criticized for lack of depth, predictability, and underdeveloped characters. Mixed reception among critics with some praising immersion while others finding it lacking in originality. Overall, narrative shows potential but needs improvement for a more compelling storyline.

Gameplay Mechanics

Click for more details

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive (80-100)

48%

Mixed (50-79)

45%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

In analyzing the opinions of the critics regarding the gameplay of Assassin's Creed Unity, several positives stand out. Critics like ActionTrip and God is a Geek praise the improvements in free-running mechanics, combat, and assassination missions. The addition of new elements such as realistic settings, character customization, and cooperative missions, as noted by MondoXbox and NZGamer, enhance the overall gameplay experience. The diverse mission structures, refined stealth mechanics, and engaging challenges in combat, highlighted by Push Square and DarkStation, contribute positively to the gameplay. On the other hand, there are several criticisms regarding the gameplay of Assassin's Creed Unity. Critics such as Digital Trends and Giant Bomb point out issues with imprecise navigation, problematic cover systems, and dull side missions lacking challenge. Technical problems like frame rate issues and control difficulties, as mentioned by Giant Bomb and DarkZero, hinder the overall gameplay experience. The sluggish combat system and frustrating traversal mechanics, noted by PC Gamer and Hardcore Gamer, also detract from the enjoyment of the game. Overall, the consensus among the critics regarding the gameplay of Assassin's Creed Unity is mixed. While some critics appreciate the improvements in stealth mechanics, diverse mission types, and cooperative gameplay, others criticize the dated feel of the gameplay, lack of innovation, and technical issues. The game seems to offer a blend of old and new gameplay mechanics, with some critics finding the challenges and customization options appealing, while others find the gameplay lacking finesse and precision. Despite the varied opinions, it is evident that Assassin's Creed Unity presents a mix of hits and misses in its gameplay, leaving room for improvement in certain areas to satisfy a wider range of players.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Critics praise Assassin's Creed Unity for improved free-running, combat, and missions, as well as new elements like realistic settings and character customization. However, they criticize issues with navigation, cover systems, and side missions, along with technical problems like frame rate issues. The game offers a mix of old and new gameplay mechanics, with some finding it appealing but others noting a lack of finesse and precision. Overall, opinions on the gameplay are mixed, with room for improvement to please a wider audience.

Graphics and Visual Design

Click for more details

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive (80-100)

59%

Mixed (50-79)

39%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The graphics and visual design of Assassin's Creed Unity received high praise from several critics for its stunning recreation of 18th-century Paris. Critics like Eurogamer Spain and IGN Italia highlighted the visually stunning and immersive experience, showcasing a larger and more detailed open world set in Paris during the French Revolution. Game Informer commended the painstaking care taken in rendering great churches and palaces, as well as the robust crowd system that brought the streets to life. The game was lauded for its impressive scale, detailed architecture, bustling streets, and remarkable attention to detail, making it the best-looking Assassin's Creed game to date. On the flip side, numerous critics pointed out technical issues that marred the visual experience of Assassin's Creed Unity. GamingTrend and DarkZero both mentioned graphical glitches, inconsistent frame rates, and strange crowd behavior that detracted from the overall visual quality. Softpedia and Games.cz highlighted issues like framerate dips, bugs, and lack of anti-aliasing that affected the immersion and visual appeal of the game. Additionally, critics like InsideGamer.nl and Shacknews noted disruptive visual bugs and glitches that hindered the gameplay experience, despite the impressive visuals of the Parisian landscape. Overall, the consensus among critics regarding the graphics and visual design of Assassin's Creed Unity is mixed. While the game received praise for its detailed recreation of Paris, vibrant atmosphere, and impressive character models from critics like Thunderbolt and Polygon, the technical issues such as frame rate drops, glitches, and inconsistent performance were significant drawbacks for many reviewers. Despite the game's ambitious and beautiful environment, the presence of bugs and visual imperfections seemed to hinder the overall enjoyment for a substantial portion of critics. In conclusion, while Assassin's Creed Unity excelled in capturing the essence of Revolutionary Paris visually, the technical shortcomings prevented it from achieving universal acclaim in the realm of graphics and visual design.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Assassin's Creed Unity wows with its stunning 18th-century Paris visuals praised by many critics for its immersive experience and attention to detail. However, technical issues like glitches and frame rate problems detract from its visual appeal, leading to a mixed reception among critics. Despite its impressive graphics, the game falls short due to these technical shortcomings, preventing it from universal acclaim.

Music and Sound Design

Click for more details

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive (80-100)

70%

Mixed (50-79)

30%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

In terms of positives, the majority of critics praised the sound design and music of Assassin's Creed Unity. PSX Extreme commended the audio as a major positive, highlighting beautiful music, captivating effects, and immersive ambient sounds of Paris. PlaySense also lauded the impressive sound design and voice acting that enhanced the immersive experience. The Digital Fix specifically mentioned the fine soundtrack that blended Jesper Kyd's themes with a baroque-classical flourish, enhancing the gameplay experience. Xbox Achievements appreciated the excellent soundtrack and how the sounds of Revolution-era Paris added to the sense of place and time. On the negative side, some critics pointed out shortcomings in the sound design and music of Assassin's Creed Unity. Softpedia noted that while the soundtrack was impressive, there weren't any standout performances in terms of voice acting. COGconnected and Game Over Online both mentioned the lack of French accents for characters speaking English, which detracted from the authenticity of the setting. Ragequit.gr specifically felt that the voice acting could have been more authentic to the game's Paris setting, suggesting a missed opportunity for a more immersive experience. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Assassin's Creed Unity excelled in its sound design and music, with the majority praising the immersive audio experience. While there were some criticisms regarding the lack of French accents and standout voice performances, the general sentiment leans towards the positive side. Critics like PSX Extreme and Xbox Achievements highlighted the strengths of the soundtrack and sound effects in creating a rich and atmospheric gameplay experience. Despite some minor flaws, the overall reception suggests that the sound design and music of Assassin's Creed Unity contributed positively to the overall enjoyment of the game for most reviewers.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Critics mostly praised Assassin's Creed Unity for its outstanding sound design and music, with accolades for beautiful music, captivating effects, and immersive ambient sounds of Paris. Some critics noted shortcomings, like the lack of standout voice performances and French accents for English-speaking characters. Overall, the consensus is positive, with the majority emphasizing the game's immersive audio experience, despite some minor flaws.

Voice Acting

Click for more details

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive (80-100)

39%

Mixed (50-79)

57%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the voice acting.

The voice acting in Assassin's Creed Unity received a mix of positive and negative feedback from critics. Several reviewers praised the voice performances, with comments such as "top-notch" (Arcade Sushi), "impressive" (PlaySense), and "great" (COGconnected). PSX Extreme specifically highlighted Arno's character as strong and convincing, while Softpedia acknowledged the overall good quality of voice acting despite some accents not hitting the mark. The emotional depth and improvement in drawing out performances were also noted positively by Destructoid. On the flip side, some critics pointed out specific issues with the voice acting in Assassin's Creed Unity. IGN criticized the English accents for characters like Napoleon Bonaparte, calling them "immersion-breaking" on both the PS4 and Xbox One versions. Digital Spy and Metro GameCentral highlighted the lack of French accents in a game set in revolutionary Paris, with accents ranging from received pronunciation to Cockney and West Country dialects, which was off-putting for some players. Critical Hit mentioned that the flirtation between Elise and the lead character felt awkward due to the facial motion capture and voice performance. Overall, the consensus among critics regarding the voice acting in Assassin's Creed Unity leans towards the positive side. While there were some criticisms about accents not aligning with the game's setting and certain character interactions feeling awkward, the majority of reviewers appreciated the strong performances that brought characters like Arno to life. Critics like GameSpot, Hardcore Gamer, and Toronto Sun praised the voice work for enhancing the immersive atmosphere and creating memorable characters within the historical narrative. Despite some shortcomings, the voice acting was generally considered a significant asset to the game's overall experience.

TL;DR

voice acting

Critics had mixed opinions on the voice acting in Assassin's Creed Unity. Some praised it as top-notch, impressive, and great, highlighting strong performances that brought characters to life. However, others criticized the lack of French accents, immersion-breaking English accents, and awkward character interactions. Overall, most critics appreciated the voice acting for enhancing the game's immersive atmosphere despite some flaws.

Technical Performance

Click for more details

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive (80-100)

Mixed (50-79)

63%

Negative (0-49)

36%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

In terms of positives for the gaming platforms, some critics noted that the Xbox One version of Assassin's Creed Unity generally had good performance, with Gamer.no mentioning "generally good performance" and IGN Italia highlighting the game's visual impressiveness on the new generation consoles. On the other hand, the PS4 version was commended by DarkStation for not experiencing major technical problems, and Eurogamer Spain mentioned that while there were some technical issues like frame rate drops, they did not significantly detract from the overall experience. Moving on to the negatives for each gaming platform, the Xbox One version received heavy criticism for its technical performance. Critics like The Jimquisition, Polygon, and Metro GameCentral highlighted numerous bugs and glitches, frequent crashes, long load times, and frame rate issues. Similarly, the PS4 version faced technical abominations, low FPS, graphical glitches, crashes due to server connection issues, and connectivity problems as mentioned by Push Square and GamesBeat. Both platforms suffered from immersion-breaking quirks, NPCs getting stuck, and frame rate drops, impacting the gameplay experience negatively. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that Assassin's Creed Unity was severely marred by technical issues across all gaming platforms. The game was described as a "janky and ragged mess" by GameWatcher, plagued by bugs, glitches, and stability problems. The general sentiment was that the technical issues, such as falling through the map, texture pop-ins, and AI glitches, significantly hindered the player's experience. Critics like Ragequit.gr even mentioned that substantial patches were required to reach the game's full potential. Despite artistically stunning visuals and some minor technical improvements post-release, the overwhelming presence of bugs, crashes, frame rate drops, and other issues led to a consensus that Assassin's Creed Unity's technical performance was a major drawback that detracted from the overall enjoyment of the game.

TL;DR

technical performance

Assassin's Creed Unity received mixed reviews for its performance on gaming platforms. Xbox One was praised for good performance but heavily criticized for technical issues. PS4 also faced technical problems like low FPS and crashes. Overall, critics agreed that technical issues marred the game, with bugs and glitches hindering gameplay experience. Despite some improvements post-release, the consensus was that the game's performance issues significantly detracted from the enjoyment.

Replay Value

Click for more details

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive (80-100)

35%

Mixed (50-79)

63%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

In terms of positives regarding the replay value of Assassin's Creed Unity, several critics highlighted the abundance of content and activities available in the game. Critics such as GameSpot and VideoGamer praised the multiple options for approaching missions, encouraging players to revisit them to nail bonus conditions and engage in sandbox-style assassinations. The character customization depth and cooperative multiplayer mode were also noted as significant additions that enhance the gameplay experience, providing players with plenty of activities to engage with beyond the main story. The side missions, base upgrades, and co-op missions were particularly highlighted as elements that contribute to the replayability of the game. On the other hand, some critics pointed out various negatives that impact the replay value of Assassin's Creed Unity. Issues such as technical problems, frustrating checkpoints, lackluster content in side missions, and unbalanced in-game economy were mentioned by critics like PC Gamer and Gamers' Temple. The presence of microtransactions for weapons and armor, as well as certain features locked behind companion apps or external resources, also detracted from the overall replayability of the game. Additionally, some critics highlighted the repetitive gameplay that may arise due to the limited number of missions or the lack of truly harmonious cooperative mechanics, as mentioned by LaPS4. Overall, the consensus among the critics regarding the replay value of Assassin's Creed Unity is mixed. While the game offers a vast amount of content, customization options, and cooperative gameplay that can provide hours of entertainment, there are notable drawbacks that hinder its overall replayability. The technical issues, unbalanced economy, and reliance on microtransactions and companion apps were common concerns raised by multiple critics, impacting the potential for long-term engagement with the game. However, the addition of cooperative multiplayer modes, diverse mission types, and engaging quests were highlighted as aspects that contribute positively to the replay value of the game. Ultimately, the varying opinions suggest that Assassin's Creed Unity offers a blend of engaging content and challenges alongside potential barriers that may affect players' willingness to revisit the game extensively.

TL;DR

replay value

Assassin's Creed Unity's replay value is a mixed bag. Critics praise its abundant content, character customization, and cooperative multiplayer mode for providing diverse activities. However, technical issues, frustrating checkpoints, and reliance on microtransactions detract from the experience. While the game offers engaging quests and multiplayer modes, drawbacks like repetitive gameplay and unbalanced economy may limit long-term engagement. Ultimately, opinions vary on whether the game's positives outweigh its barriers to extensive replay.

Overall Verdict

CRITIK

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Critik Score

Positive (80-100)

39%

Mixed (50-79)

56%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

Assassin's Creed Unity has received praise for its visually stunning and immersive experience, with critics highlighting the game's rich and detailed recreation of Paris during the French Revolution. Eurogamer Portugal commends the compelling blend of historical storytelling, engaging gameplay, and stunning visuals, making it a standout entry in the series. Additionally, VideoGamer appreciates how the game confidently returns to the core concepts of the franchise, fulfilling much of its promise and being considered the best entry since Brotherhood. The game offers a rich and varied gameplay experience, with plenty of content to explore and enjoy, as noted by MondoXbox. On the flip side, Assassin's Creed Unity has faced criticism for its technical issues, lackluster narrative, and unnecessary microtransactions. Metro GameCentral points out that the game is rushed, unfinished, and lacking in ambition, failing to provide the bold reinvention the franchise needed. Digital Trends describes it as a gaudy monument to game design by focus-testing rather than creative vision, with imprecise navigation and soulless storytelling. Furthermore, DarkZero mentions that the game is hindered by technical issues and a disgustingly greedy microtransaction system, impacting the overall experience for players. Overall, the consensus among critics leans towards a mixed reception for Assassin's Creed Unity. While some reviewers appreciate the game's strengths in historical accuracy, engaging gameplay, and immersive setting, others are critical of its technical shortcomings, lackluster narrative, and missed opportunities for innovation. The game is praised for its ambitious scope and captivating adventure, but technical issues and a lackluster narrative hold it back from reaching its full potential, as noted by GamingTrend. The general sentiment suggests that while Assassin's Creed Unity has its moments of enjoyment and offers a visually stunning experience, it falls short of being a revolutionary entry in the franchise due to its various shortcomings.

TL;DR

Assassin's Creed Unity impresses with its visually stunning recreation of Paris during the French Revolution and engaging gameplay, earning praise for its historical storytelling and immersive experience. However, the game is criticized for technical issues, a lackluster narrative, and excessive microtransactions. Reviews are mixed, with some highlighting its strengths while others point out its shortcomings, ultimately preventing it from being a groundbreaking entry in the series.

CRITIK

Reviews

147 reviews found

GamesBeat

Xbox One

Nov 11, 2014