Assassin's Creed Origins (PS4)

I wasn’t the biggest of fans of the assassins creed series, after playing the first game on release, and finding it not all I thought it would be due to the breaking of immersion between the point in history and the way it kept thrusting you into modern day. It was a formula kept throughout the series, but thankfully the instances gradually got shorter, which is a good thing, because the series has covered some amazing and pertinent points in history, even if they have had to use more than a little artistic licence, to tie you into the major events. This can really pay off if done well, and I can safely say Ubisoft pulled out all the stop with origins, giving us one of the best episodes to date. This applies on all counts, whether it be visually, historically or just as a convincing plot to tie into accepted stages in that time period.The game took a much needed shift from its original formula, but still maintained enough of it key features to keep its identity.The changes made were a much needed improvement in my opinion.Giving the game more of an RPG feel, meant ubisoft could open things up more, and allow the player to feel more immersed in its massive open world, and to feel at one with the main character through a fairly expansive, yet very easy to follow skill system.Without wishing to give away too much of the game, The story follows two intertwining paths between Bayek, who is the main character, and his wife Aya. Bayek is a Medway, which is basically the equivalent of a sherif in ancient Egypt, who is assigned to keep order and protect the Pharoah. This is a role forced sadly on a different path, as he is forced by events to take revenge for the murder of his and Ayas son.I won’t give the whole plot away, but will just say that like all good story telling, nothing is given to you all at once, and is fed to you at pertinent times within the main quest, which incidentally is easily around 90ish hours, taking into account side quests, which I thoroughly recommend you take, as a few of them give little insights into Bayeks piece of mind, as you experience his demeanour change from being a jovial and loving father, through to his now he’ll bent need for justice. Those side quests will serve as undertones to show how Bayek feels a need to protect, especially children, for what I interpret as his need to not fail them, like he likely feels he did with his own child. The odd quests also serve to show that weight shifting accordingly with events you carry out through the game.I mentioned earlier that it was about two intertwining paths. You occasionally take the role of Aya, but she is essentially there to provide extra colour and extra depth to a bleak situation. She like Bayek is twisted on revenge, but you see both take different, yet often enough the same path, due to the excellent story telling, and direction. Allowing them to Shamir in each other’s grief and the common goal.The story can seem a little predictable in places as you find yourself embroiled in the way they must be feeling. Because again through the excellent way everything is put together, you find that your engagement allows you to second guess how these two now damaged individuals must inevitably have now had to change. Which helps, because you get no real insight into Aya before these events. So you are left pretty much to fill the gaps based on her current emotions.Both characters are extremely well acted, and at no time did I ever think that the story was too far fetched. Not even later, when they get tied into historical events. But that is for you to experience.This game alone has renewed my interest within the series, and I have now started to play the titles I previously passed on, and can honestly say that despite some people’s reservations that they strayed too far from what the series was. They have still managed to retain all the elements which in my mind make the game. So maybe give it a try if you have yet to.I urge anyone, that if they are only going to play one game over the next few weeks, make it this one. You won’t regret it .

The best AC game since Black Flag, Syndicate for me was a grind and the combat and parkour clunky. Not so here, both extremely fluid for the most part. True it is more of an RPG which draws you into the game and character far more in my opinion. Stealth can still be used to good effect on the more challenging Roman Forts. The range of weapons and ways to kill enemies (such as burning them with firey oil while they sleep) is far more satisfying and imaginative than Syndicate, The Side Quests are much more varied, some humorous, some quite chilling, with cut scenes and story telling. Not just free the child labourers over and over. The level of difficulty overall is not so tough as levelling up is really quite simple to achieve if you complete a few areas before progressing with the story. I was at level 40 about half way through which meant I could hack and slash my way through the remainder without too much trouble. The war elephants mind, they take some thought and planning in terms of weapon types and approach. The graphics for me were awesome and you could again lose yourself in the varied regions and environs. Syndicate was much of a muchness texture wise, not so here. More diverse than Black Flag by some distance but still has enough gorgeous water to enjoy. Black Flag, GTAV and MGSV were my favourites to date so take this based on that. I don't enjoy fantasy games or collecting herbs for hours on end. Great game although 'Bayek' was a strange name choice, sounded more Yorkshire than Egypt.

Good game

This is the first time I have been drawn to Assassin's Creed since the excellent Brotherhood chapter. The design and scale of this game is incredible, it really maximises the power of the PS4 to produce a graphical masterpiece. The playability is also rather good with the usual development of the skills tree opening up a variety of alternatives in infiltrating areas of the map and eliminating enemies. The skill level required for each area you explore is revealed on the map which is very helpful. Of course, the side missions can feel somewhat repetitive and the main missions can feel like you are always completing a similar objective but there is still a lot of fun to be had there. The mechanics of the game cry out Ubisoft, but in this case its not necessarily bad as the subject matter makes it more unique than its predecessors. The beauty of the graphics in some of the main areas, such as Alexandria, is breathtaking. Its as crisp and detailed as The Witcher 3, but again a little repetitive on closer inspection of the hieroglyphics.I am only 20 hours into this and I have barely scratched the surface. The plot is intriguing and loosely based on what is believed to have happened during that era in Egypt, with a welcome inclusion of Cleopatra and Julius Caesar. For now, I cannot justify giving this game 5 stars but I may come back and amend that if I am blown away by the development of the plot towards the end of the game. The main character, Bayek, is very likeable and has a good sense of humour despite a tragic past. Thought I would be rushing through this so I can get to Far Cry, but you know what, with its beauty and sense of mystery, I think I will savour it.

Went backwards after buying AC Valhalla for PS5 and scooped Origins for a cheeky fiver (£5.00.) on PS4, because I’d heard so much positive about it, and seemingly the accolades were not without merit, very good, open world game, was engaged from the off and have hardly put it down since. Great selection of weapons and the fighting gameplay is superb.I love the fact that PS5 id cross-platform and you can still play PS4 games on it, huge benefit which, grants access to the best of both worlds.