Assassin's Creed Identity review
:: HIDDEN IDENTITYPrice: $4.99
Version: 2.4.0
App Reviewed on: iPad Air 2
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Assassin's Creed Identity is a mobile take on the franchise that, while screenshots and trailers might suggest otherwise, isn't the complete Assassin's Creedexperience -but that's not necessarily a bad thing.
But, I can still stab people, right?
For the most part,Identity involves you sneaking around, climbing buildings, and, of course, stabbing a bunch of people - all of which control well enough, if not always perfectly. Thankfully, there's controller support if you feel a bit iffy about virtual controls.
The missions you're sent on are pretty typical of the franchise, and require you to loot, trail, and kill a bunch of people.
What's different then?
Well, you may be a tad disappointed if you're expecting an engrossing storyline and large open world to explore, asIdentity is almost solely focused on completing contracts in individual levels to level and gear up your assassin.
In fact, the game's story mode is a brief ten mission stint with a few codex entries to fill you in on what's happening.
The hidden blade
The "meat" ofIdentity lies in it's contracts mode - particularly when you unlock the heroic shop. Contract missions are basically side missionsthat include their own challenge objectives and reward you with items used to customise and upgrade your character.
The loop of completing these objectives to buy new skill points, unlock new gear, and purchase new modes is largely what Identity hangs its hat on, so if the thought of creating and upgrading your own custom assassin excites you then Identity will make you happy.
While the game does an exceptionally slow and poor job of illustrating the differences between classes, abilities, and stats, they naturally end up revealing themselves, particularly as you start taking on heroic missions.
The bottom line
Assassin's Creed Identity feels like a mobile hybrid between the consolegames and Bungie's Destiny. While it does feel like Assassin's Creed, the focus is more on building your own custom character to take on increasingly difficult self-contained missions.
As a result, it could be disappointing to those already invested in the series. But, for those looking for a new and satisfying experience, it's well worth checking out.
