Assassin's Creed 3 fans are enraged at the possibility of having the long awaited game delay its release due to a copyright infringement case between Ubisoft and novelist John L. Beiswenger.
Game development company Ubisoft is being sued by the science fiction writer claiming that "Assassin's Creed 3" stole ideas from his novel "Link." The author plans to block the game's release along with seeking up to $5 million in damages.
According to Beiswenger's claim, Ubisoft copied plot elements that involves the main character experience past ancestor memories throughout history using a time machine called Animus. He also claims that the use of spiritual and religion tones in Assassin's Creed 3 involves the theme of the battle between good and evil.
Upset fans visited Amazon website to track down Beiswenger's book listing and began a barrage of one-star review postings. There may be good reason for gamers to feel discouraged as Ubisoft plans to pack good amount of new features into Assassin's Creed 3.
Assassin's Creed 3 Creative Director Alexander Hutchinson describes the game as completely new and fresh. Everything from the enemies, animation, camera, combat, and more were all revisited and improved. Here is a look at some of the features fans may need to wait if the game delays its release.
COMBAT
The game's new protagonist, Connor, will employ new two handed combat mechanics using a knife, tomahawk ax, and assassin's blade.
Artificial intelligence for enemies have improved as they will maneuver into groups or firing line aisles when combat threat arises. Players will also have new gameplay controls such as a stalker mode and predator combat. Connor will be able to avoid detection if he is moving slowly and surprise attack enemies or assassinate targets before escaping out of sight in one fluid motion. Connor will also be able to regenerate his health automatically if removed from combat, that's a new feature.
MAPS & Wii U CONTROLS
Nintendo and Ubisoft are collaborating to give Wii U gamers a more unique experience using the new tablet controllers. Using the tablet displays, players can instantly access maps and information within the Animus Database.
Players can also swap out weapons during combat and have the ability to control camera views. The controls suit very well with the game's fast paced action and larger maps.
"They are going to be big, big playable environments," Hutchinson said.
"The cities won't resemble modern New York and Boston, save for a landmark here or there. "Unlike European cities, which are sort of made of stone and have stuck it out over time, America has a habit of burning everything down and rebuilding it. Even though it's familiar, it's not," added Hutchinson.
REALISM
The amount of detail Ubisoft poured into the game shows. Developers looked to make the game realistic in terms of Connor's interaction with the environment, climbing and combat actions along with the epic crowd battles. The environment levels are fully rendered from buildings to the trees and vines that Connor utilize during his stealth missions.
Certain army battle sequences can include up to 2,500 people on screen. Connor will be able to run, climb, hide, and attack in swift motions. He reacts to the environment by jumping from branch to branch, holding onto limbs to sustain balance.
DESMOND MILES
Fans will learn more about the "other" main character Desmond Miles as Ubisoft has integrated him into the overriding story arc.
"Desmond is going to be a bigger part of this game than ever before," says Hutchinson
Hutchinson was careful not to reveal too much of the plot, but fans of the Assassin's Creed franchise will be seeing a new side of Desmond as he deals with new set of challenges and situations.
Assassin's Creed 3 is expected to hit stores on October 30th and will be available for all major consoles and PC. Check out leaked screenshots for AC3. Click "START" to begin.
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