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Assassin’s Creed Pirates is not the Assassin’s Creed game you'd expected to come to mobile, as it's more of a straight-up pirate adventure with boats than any kind of character-based action game. Of course, the recent console release kind of took its own path by shifting to a piracy theme, and the mobile game goes whole hog into the concept. Players take command of their own pirate ship, starting off with a small schooner but eventually make their way to becoming a pirate king while wreaking havoc all over the Caribbean.

Gameplay consists of several different phases: there’s a top-down navigation mode, where players can sail around looking for treasure and to take on other captains on the high seas. It’s possible to go into a 3D view of the action, and is necessary for some events, to try and chase down other ships. Then there’s combat, which involves trading cannon volleys, trying to dodge enemy attacks, and exploit their weaknesses.

The connection to the traditions of Assassin’s Creed seems tenuous at best, at least initially: there’s the famous iconography of the series but Edward Kenway, the protagonist of the console game, isn’t anywhere to be seen - at least early on. This is an entirely separate experience, though the game certainly could link up to AC4’s narrative at some point later on (I won’t give away any secrets). In reality, it gives off the appearance of trying to fit in thematically with the game, but in my playing of it, it seems to stand up well on its own.

As a whole, it gives off the vibe of being like Infinity Blade in a fleeting sense. A large part of it is the combat being based off of dodging enemy attacks, and then delivering timing and precision-based weapon strikes from one’s boat back at the enemy – or enemies! The ability to level up and get upgrades for the boat and crew feels like a familiar aspect too, but that’s true of most any iOS game nowadays. But really, it feels like the developers paid attention to making a game in the same sort of vein - of exploring and becoming stronger - but decided to use the concept to fit in with what the piratical theme.

Assassin’s Creed Pirates releases on iOS on December 5, and even for people who aren’t too exposed to the series this shows some promise as a high-seas adventure.

Pirates are on their way to the App Store as Assassin's Creed: Pirates will launch this December 5th for $4.99. The game features naval combat, exploration, and a quest for gold, and it's the player's job to manage their crew, upgrade their ship, recruit new members, and partake in real-time naval battles while exploring new land and searching for treasure.

Players take the role of a young captain by the name of Alonzo Batilla, and they'll come across Assassin's, Templars, and famous buccaneers as they set sail on this journey.

Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag released a couple of days ago, giving all who play a taste of a pirate’s life. Of course, as we all know, it tastes a lot like rum! Ah, yes, what better way to enjoy the pirate lifestyle than with a large bottle of rum! It certainly makes a fun game even funner! Funner? The drinking has begun!

What’s special about this version of Assassin’s Creed is that it comes with a golden app known as the Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag Companion. I’ve spent the last few days being a pirate and familiarizing myself with the app so that I can give all other pirates a rundown. I will say right away that this app is definitely for those who enjoy the pirate lifestyle and singing songs. What? Singing songs?

So what makes the companion app worth it for players? Why should they go and download the app? First of all it’s loaded with extra information about the game and its characters. Nothing too exciting, but it’s great for those who like to read further information about them. It also includes information on ships, locations, documents, art collections, and more. Players will even find their Abstergo files that they receive in the office, which includes videos that they can watch. This part of the app is basically a study tool for everything Black Flag.

Players can use the app to check out the world map, which can also be done in-game of course. However, it’s nice to have access to the map without needing to control it on the console or without having to turn the console on. That’s the nice thing about the app; that players can research all areas without having to log in to the game. This makes it nice for those who are out and about with nothing to do as it lets them view a map that contains missions, shops, collectibles, side activities, and locations, as well as informs them of how many items they've collected, how many locations they've synced with, and how many contacts they've completed. It’s pretty nice that it goes that extra step, making it absolutely worth navigating through.

One last stop before I get into the really good stuff is that it also has the progression tracker that allows users to quickly see their total time played, total sync, and percentage of main and secondary missions completed. It even includes the the percentage of collectibles earned and activities completed.

Now for what makes the app even more interesting and fun: Kenway’s Fleet! This is where users control Edward Kenway’s entire fleet, sending them on missions and battling against route patrols to keep the routes safe while ships are out on missions. All of this can be controlled in the actual game as well, in the captains quarters. It’s still nice to be able to do it immediately as things happen, without having to return to the captain’s quarters. This can also be controlled when the game isn’t even turned on, giving players control of their fleet through the app from anywhere.

Players earn their fleet of ships, one ship at a time, by defeating them in battles in Black Flag. Once players have beaten a ship, they have the option to repair the Jackdaw (Edward's flagship) or to send it to Kenway’s Fleet. This is where players can use the app to add the ship to their fleet or salvage it for crystals, which are used to repair ships.

Kenway’s Fleet is a simple game of strategy, but it’s more about commanding ships and making sure their success rate is high. There are a number of routes that players use to complete missions, earning them money to use in Black Flag. These missions are time-based, meaning it can take minutes or hours for them to finish. Obviously the longer the mission, the more the player earns in reward. Longer missions also usually mean more cargo, which means the player needs a big ship to handle that cargo.

I spent a lot of time in the actual game collecting low-level schooners that only hold 15 items in cargo. This isn't helpful as there are missions that require over 55 items of cargo. This means players need to get in the actual game and start hunting down some bigger ships. This is the fun and exciting part, tracking down monster ships that totally outgun the player’s ship. I ran into some tough battles, but I’m the best pirate to ever sail the seas, so it was no problem capturing large enemy vessels. Ok, I lie, because I’m a pirate. I did have tough moments, but it’s worth it once players collect those ships to use in the mini-game to earn extra money.

The routes that ships take play a part in their success rate. Before players choose missions, they need to make sure to battle enemy ships in order to drop the route's danger rating. There are many routes, so players will be battling enemy ships often to ensure routes stay safe. As a reminder, if players lose their ship they’ll need to battle and capture another one in game to replace it. So yes, it’s important to keep those routes secure.

The ship battles are simple engagements that players can watch on-screen. They can even interact by selecting to use an explosive barrel on the enemy ships. At first they’re pointless, however once players come across a treacherous zone with multiple frigates they’ll want to use up every last barrel they have.

Kenway’s Fleet is a fun engagement to experience on the companion app. There is often something to do and some route to clear that will keep players watching closely as their ships are out on hour-long missions. I wish I could see stats for how many ships I've sunk in battle and how many missions I completed, but that’s nowhere to be seen on the app.

I saved the best for last. The companion app even includes all the shanties! This means the user can tap play to hear pirates sing all the wonderful songs in the game, and it includes the words so players can sing along. OH YEAH! [Editor's Note: SOLD!]

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The Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag Companion is certainly an app worth checking out for all fans of Black Flag. It’ll probably interest some more than others, but the hardcore fans can certainly see the value in it as they are able to control a fleet of ships at all times to earn even more money to be used on upgrading the Jackdaw or Kenway himself. It’s also great to look at the map to see where items are located and to quickly discover what still needs to be completed at specific locations. As long as players are engaged in the game, they should definitely have this worthy companion by their side.

Rayman is about to return to your favorite iOS device as Rayman Fiesta Run is set to release on November 7th for $2.99. Get ready for maracas, hot pepper disco balls, and festively decorated backgrounds for Rayman to run through. So who's ready to jump over cocktail umbrellas and punch pinatas while facing new bosses and challenging levels? I am! For now, though, we've got a new developer diary!

The Rabbids are coming, the Rabbids are coming! Get ready for a big bang because Rabbids Big Bang will release next week, October 17th, for $0.99. This game takes players into outer space, which is the new home for the mischievous little characters. The physics-based game has players piloting the creatures by using jetpacks and the gravitation force of planets.

Prepare to navigate obstacles and explore the galaxy! Wahoo!

Might & Magic: Duel of Champions allows for players to get any card they wish to complete their ultimate deck. This comes as the game receives a new expansion pack called Forgotten Wars that adds 150 new cards to the mix. It also adds a new Academy faction, new game mechanics, and the Altar of Wishes.

“The Duel of Champions community has been requesting a way to obtain specific cards, and it was important that we fulfill the request with a solution that is true to the balanced and fair competitive spirit of the game,” said Stephane Jankowski, producer of Might & Magic Duel of Champions, in a press release. “We’re excited to see how gameplay changes with Forgotten Wars’ additions of The Altar of Wishes, the Academy faction, and 150 new cards.”

MotoHeroz gets a brand new update, adding a rival mode that lets players play against each other via challenges. Rival lets players go up against their Facebook friends or random opponents in a randomly selected track where the person with the fastest time wins.

Sounds like some good head-to-head action! Plus, the game is now free, so race on over to the App Store and pick it up!

Hey, all you moto-bike folks. Trials Frontier just got a new trailer and I think it's worthy of checking out! It shows off all the tricks and stunts that you'll be able to perform on your iOS device. It also shows what happens when things go very wrong, so make sure you watch your head at the end of the video! Ouch!

A new Rabbids title is making it's way to iOS devices this fall, bringing 150 missions that will have players crash landing on planets, bouncing off space cows, and reaching specific speeds. Rabbids Big Bang will take players to space to experience all this craziness, and they'll be able to use jetpack boosts and the gravitational pull of planets while exploring the galaxy in this physics-based game.

Players will also be able to customize their Rabbids to make them stand out even further, having plenty of disguises and outfits to choose from. And if it isn't crazy enough, players will be able to meet space duckies, visit cheese planets, and feel the true warmth of the sun if they fly too close.

Rayman is ready to run once again in a new adventure that will arrive to iOS devices this fall. Rayman Fiesta Run will introduce a new world that's full of cocktail umbrellas, limes to leap on, and pinatas to punch. The colorful new fiesta world isn't the only thing new as Rayman will come equipped with new powers that will help him as he travels throughout the game's 75 levels.

I can't wait to begin running, and to share all my experiences by using the new social features!

Ubisoft has announced that Assassin's Creed: Pirates is being developed for iOS devices, bringing players the chance to sail and explore throughout the Caribbean. Players will take on the role of captain Alonzo Batilla, and it's their job to manage the ship's crew, recruit new members, upgrade the ship, and take part in real-time naval warfare. Own the seas!

Assassin's Creed: Pirates is inspired by the naval battles that were seen in Assassin's Creed III, which most certainly was one of my favorite things about the game. I can't wait to take the helm and watch out for those changing weather conditions that will impact the gameplay!