Examine individual changes

'{{for|the video game series|Assassin's Creed (series)}} {{Infobox VG |title = Assassin's Creed |image = [[Image:Assassin's Creed.jpg|250px]] |caption = European cover |developer = [[Ubisoft Montreal]] |publisher = [[Ubisoft]] |designer = [[Patrice Desilets]] (creative director), [[Jade Raymond]] (producer) |composer = [[Jesper Kyd]] |series = [[Assassin's Creed (series)|Assassin's Creed]] |writer = [[Corey May]] |engine = [[Anvil (game engine)|Anvil (Scimitar)]] |resolution = [[720p]] |released = '''PlayStation 3''', '''Xbox 360''':<br/> {{vgrelease|NA=November 14, 2007<ref name="Assassins creed Dated">{{cite web | url = http://ve3d.ign.com/articles/news/35048/Jades-Ass-Has-Gone-Gold | title = Launch date announced | work = IGN | accessdate = October 25, 2007}}</ref>|EU=November 14, 2007<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.xbox.com/en-au/games/a/assassinscreed/ | title = Assassin's Creed game detail page at Xbox.com | accessdate=2008-04-04}}</ref>|AUS=November 21, 2007<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.assassinscreed.com/ | title = Assassin's Creed official site | publisher = Ubisoft}}</ref>}} '''Microsoft Windows''':<br /> {{vgrelease|NA=April 8, 2008<ref name="Gamespot_ship_date">{{cite web | url = http://www.gamespot.com/pc/action/assassinscreed/similar.html?mode=versions&om_act=convert&om_clk=gssummary&tag=summary;versions | title = Unofficial PC ship dates on Gamespot | work = Gamespot | accessdate = February 26, 2008}}</ref>}} {{vgrelease|AUS=April 10/11, 2008<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.ebgames.com.au/PC/product.cfm?ID=7546 | title = Assassin's Creed | publisher = EB Games Australia | accessdate=2008-04-04}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.ebgames.co.nz/PC/product.cfm?ID=7546 | title = Assassin's Creed | publisher = EB Games New Zealand | accessdate=2008-04-04}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.game.com.au/viewtitle?code=ASSCREEPC | title = Assassin's Creed | publisher = GAME | accessdate=2008-04-04}}</ref>}} {{vgrelease|EU=April 10, 2008}} |genre = [[Third person (video games)#Third person view games|Third person]] [[Action-adventure game|action-adventure]] |modes = [[Single-player video game|Single-player]] |ratings = {{vgratings|ESRB=M|PEGI=18+<ref>[http://www.ubi.com/FI/Games/Info.aspx?pId=4820 Ubisoft – Assassin's Creed<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>|BBFC=15|OFLCA=MA15+|OFLCZ=R13|USK=16}} |platforms = [[PlayStation 3]], [[Xbox 360]], [[Microsoft Windows|Windows]] |media = [[Blu-ray Disc]], [[DVD#Dual layer recording|DVD-DL]], download |input = [[Gamepad]], [[keyboard (computing)|keyboard]] and [[mouse (computing)|mouse]] |version = Windows 1.02 (May 13, 2008)<ref>[http://www.ubi.com/US/Downloads/Info.aspx?dlId=2507 Ubisoft – Assassin's Creed]</ref>, PS3 1.10 (October 16, 2008) |requirements = ''See [[#Development|System requirements]]'' }} '''''Assassin's Creed''''' is a [[historical fantasy]]/[[science fiction]] [[Third person (video games)#Third person view games|third person]] [[Action-adventure game|action-adventure]] [[video game]] developed by [[Ubisoft Montreal]] and published by [[Ubisoft]]. It was released worldwide in November 2007 on the [[PlayStation 3]] and [[Xbox 360]],<ref name="Assassins creed Dated"/> and April 2008 for PCs. The game centers on the use of a machine named the "Animus", which allows the viewing of the protagonist's [[Genetic memory (parapsychology)|genetic memories]] of his ancestors. Through this plot device, details emerge of a struggle between two factions, the Knights Templar and the Assassins, over an artifact known as a "Piece of Eden" and the game primarily takes place during the [[Third Crusade]] in the [[Holy Land]] in 1191. The game received generally positive reviews, and won several awards at [[E3 (Electronic Entertainment Expo)|E3]] in 2006. A sequel, ''[[Assassin's Creed II]]'', was released in November 2009. ==Plot== In September 2012, bartender [[Desmond Miles]] is kidnapped by Abstergo, a company working in the fields of medicine and science. He is to be used as their 17th test subject in the Animus, a device that can read the memories of Desmond's ancestors through the [[genetic memory]] left behind in their descendants' [[DNA]]. Desmond can then simulate the experiences of his ancestors in a [[virtual reality]] environment. [[Dr. Warren Vidic]] intends to put Desmond in the device to simulate the memories of one particular ancestor, [[Altaïr ibn La-Ahad]], the best trained, apart from Al Mualim, in a clan of [[Hashshashin|Assassins]]. Abstergo is specifically interested in Altaïr's experiences during the year 1191 AD, as part of the [[Third Crusade]] in the [[Holy Land]] (primarily the cities of [[Damascus]], [[Acre, Israel|Acre]] and [[Jerusalem]]). Desmond has trouble adjusting to the device at first when Abstergo tries to directly go to the memory they want, so they get as close to it as possible and Desmond relives Altair's exploits over the next several weeks. The game then primarily takes Altaïr's point of view, with occasional swaps to Desmond when he exits the Animus device. Altaïr is first shown attempting to retrieve an artifact which, for now, is unknown to him, from [[Solomon's Temple]] with the help of two fellow Assassins. He is stopped from gaining the artifact by [[Robert de Sablé]], [[Grand Masters of the Knights Templar|Grand Master of the Knights Templar]], the sworn enemies of the Assassins. In a failed attempt to kill de Sablé, Altaïr breaks all three tenets of the Assassin's Creed ("Stay your blade from the flesh of an innocent," "Hide in plain sight" and "Do not compromise the Brotherhood") within the opening minutes of video-gameplay. After escaping the blocked temple and running back to the Assassin Fortress at Masyaf, [[Rashid ad-Din Sinan|Al Mualim]] (The Teacher in Arabic), leader of the Assassins is forced to defeat a retaliatory attack by the Templars. Upon defeating the force and being congratulated for successfully defending [[Masyaf]], Al Mualim appeared to have stabbed Altaïr for the 'hurt he inflicted upon them' in front of all the other assassins. But, in truth, Altaïr is still alive, and Al Mualim demotes Altaïr to the level of an initiate, but gives him another chance to rise through the ranks of the Brotherhood. Al Mualim assigns Altaïr the task of assassinating nine key figures across the Holy Land - in [[Jerusalem]], [[Acre, Israel|Acre]] and [[Damascus]]. The aim of these assassinations is to attempt to bring peace between the [[Crusaders|Crusader]] and [[Saracen]] forces. Each target is based on a real historical figure from around [[1191]]. These historical figures include [[Baha ad-Din ibn Shaddad|Majd Addin]] (Regent of Jerusalem), [[Garnier de Nablus|Garnier de Naplouse]] (Grand Master of the [[Knights Hospitaller]]), [[Ibn Jubayr|Jubair al Hakim]] (an eminent scholar in Damascus), [[Abu'l Nuqoud]] (the wealthiest man in Damascus), Grand Master Sibrand of the [[Grand Masters of the Teutonic Order|Teutonic Order]] and [[William V, Marquess of Montferrat]] (Regent of Acre).<ref>[http://assassinscreed.uk.ubi.com/assassins-creed-1/home.php#/devdiary/ Assassin's Creed Developer Diaries]</ref> Altaïr completes each task. While doing so he learns how each target is connected to Robert and the Templars. Together these enemies aim to use the treasure recovered from the temple (the Piece of Eden, which is actually only one of many) to enslave the minds of the population of the Holy Land, bringing "peace" to the land under their rule by robbing the people of free will. With important and powerful men on both sides killed, Altaïr discovers de Sablé's last plot to attempt to unite Crusader and Saracen against their new common-enemy: the Assassins themselves. Altaïr pursues de Sablé to [[Battle of Arsuf|Arsuf]], and defeats him and his fellow soldiers in [[trial by combat]] before [[Richard I of England|Richard the Lionheart]]. In doing so he convinces the king of de Sable's treason, but not that an end to the war would be welcomed by both sides. With his dying breath, de Sablé reveals that Al Mualim is himself a Templar, and that he used Altaïr to kill the other members so as to keep the treasure for himself. Altaïr quickly returns to Masyaf to accost his master, who reveals the truth: the Piece of Eden which he had received from one of the men in the Temple after Altaïr's transgression creates illusions in the mind. Al Mualim denounces religion and other seemingly supernatural events (e.g. the [[Passage of the Red Sea|parting of the Red Sea]], the [[Ten Plagues]] of Egypt, [[Wedding at Cana|Jesus turning water to wine]] and the presence of the Greek Gods in the [[Trojan War]]) as all being illusions caused by the Piece of Eden. Al Mualim then states his intention to use the artifact to place the whole of mankind into a brainwashed state, and so bring an end to all conflict. Altaïr then had to re-defeat each assassinated target once again; Al Mualim, who split himself into 8 fake copies; then Al Mualim himself. When Altaïr finally recovers the artifact from Al Mualim's dead hand, an imaginary voice of Al Mualim urges Altair to destroy it, but before he can, the Piece of Eden activates, showing a [[holograph]]ic view of the world with numerous locations of the other Pieces of Eden marked across the globe. Whether Altair destroyed the artifact is unknown, as the 1191 game ends with him and a few other surviving Assassins staring at the projection. In between sessions in the Animus, Desmond learns from a friendly technician named [[Lucy Stillman]] that Abstergo Industries is a modern-day version of the Knights Templar, and are now seeking other artifacts at locations identified in Altaïr's memory. Just before the final session, Desmond's fellow modern-day Assassins had tried to "rescue" Desmond before the process was complete - but had failed. Desmond was to be killed after the extraction of the information, but Lucy saves him from death. Though Desmond remains trapped in the Abstergo laboratory, his experience in the Animus has created a "bleeding effect". This effect means that Altaïr's past life flows into his own. This for now grants Desmond the use of Altaïr's "Eagle Vision" ability, which enables him to identify friendly and hostile individuals. Through this ability, Desmond learns that Lucy is his ally. Lucy shows him a bent-down ring finger, bent in the same manner that the Assassins severed their ring fingers to mark their allegiance to the Assassin Order. This ability also allows him to see strange, otherwise invisible messages painted in blood on the floors and walls of the laboratory and his room. They depict images of the Illuminati, numbers and stars, and on Desmond's bedroom wall, a chilling face with no features other than eyes. Two of the messages on the lab floor are written in a basic code; one reads "They drained my soul and made it theirs, I drain my body to show you where I saw it", the other "Artifacts sent to the skies to control all nations, to make us obey a hidden crusade. Do not help them". The messages can be interpreted as clues to the whereabouts of other Pieces of Eden - such as [[Yonaguni]] and areas of Mexico related to the [[Mayan]] culture. There are also several references to the "doomsday" date [[2012 Doomsday prediction|December 21, 2012]] when Abstergo plans to launch a satellite that will... "permanently end the war". It is hinted that this will use the same method of illusion that Al Mualim used, only on a larger scale. The game ends with Desmond wondering what these images mean, and who could have drawn them. ===The Assassins=== {{Assassin's Creed chronology}} The character of Al Mualim and his clan are based on an [[Islam]]ic sect known as [[Hashshashin|the Order of the Hashshashin]] from which the term assassin is believed to originate. The Assassins follow a strict code of honor called the "Assassin's Creed", which consists of three basic rules: 1) Do not harm the innocent; 2) Hide in plain sight; and 3) Do not compromise the Brotherhood. They also follow the famous rule of Hashshashin founder [[Hassan-i Sabbah]]: "Nothing is true; everything is permitted". ==Gameplay== ''Assassin's Creed'' is an action-adventure video game in which the player primarily assumes the role of Altaïr as experienced by Desmond Miles. The primary goal of the game is to carry out a series of assassinations ordered by Al Mualim, the leader of the Assassins. To achieve this goal, the player must travel from the Brotherhood's headquarters in Masyaf, across the terrain of the Holy Land known as the Kingdom to one of three cities, Jerusalem, Acre, or Damascus, to find the Brotherhood agent in that city. There, the agent, in addition to providing a [[safe house]], gives the player minimal knowledge about the target, and requires them to perform additional [[intelligence (information gathering)|intelligence gathering]] missions before attempting the assassination. These missions include [[eavesdropping]], [[interrogation]], [[pickpocketing]] and completing tasks for informers and fellow assassins. Additionally, the player may take part in any number of side objectives in these [[open world]] environments, including climbing tall towers to map out the city, and saving citizens who are being threatened or harassed by the city guards. There are also various side quests that do not advance the plot such as hunting down and killing [[Knights Templar|Templars]] and flag collecting. After completing each set of assassinations, the player is returned back to the Brotherhood and rewarded with a better weapon and then given another set of targets, with the player free to select the order of their targets. [[File:800px-AssassinsCreed Dx10 2008-06-11 20-20-16-49.png|right|thumb|200px|Sitting on a bench allows the player to blend in and avoid being spotted by guards.]] The player is made aware of how noticeable Altaïr is to enemy guards as well as the current state of alert in the local area via an alertness level meter. To perform many of the assassinations and other tasks, the player must consider the use of commands distinguished by its type of profile. Low profile commands allow Altaïr to blend into nearby crowds, pass by other citizens, or other non-threatening tasks that can be used to hide and reduce the alertness level; the player can also use Altaïr's retractable blade to attempt low profile assassinations. High profile commands are more noticeable, and include running, scaling the sides of buildings to climb to higher vantage points, and attacking foes; performing these actions at certain times may raise the local area's awareness level. Once the area is at high alert, the crowds run and scatter while guards attempt to chase and bring down Altaïr; to reduce the alert level, the player must control Altaïr as to break the guards' [[line of sight]] and then find a hiding space such as a haystack or rooftop garden, or blend in with the citizens sitting on benches or wandering scholars. Should the player be unable to escape the guards, they can fight back using swordplay maneuvers. [[Image:Assassinscreed dna.jpg|left|thumb|200px|During gameplay, intentional glitches that include [[nucleotide]]s (which compose DNA) and computer messages flash on the screen.]] The player's health is described as the level of synchronization between Desmond and Altaïr's memories; should Altaïr suffer injury, it is represented as deviation from the actual events of the memory, rather than physical damage. If all synchronization is lost, the current memory that Desmond is experiencing will be restarted at the last checkpoint. When the synchronization bar is full, the player has the additional option to use "eagle vision" which allows the computer-rendered memory to highlight all visible characters in colors corresponding to whether they are friend or foe or even the target of their assassination. Due to Altaïr's memories being rendered by the computer of the Animus project, the player may experience "[[glitch]]es" in the rendering of the historical world, which may help the player to identify targets, or can be used to alter the viewpoint during in-game scripted scenes should the player react fast enough when they appear. ==Development== On September 28, 2006, in an interview with IGN, producer [[Jade Raymond]] confirmed that Altaïr is "a medieval hitman with a mysterious past" and that he is not a time traveler.<ref>[http://ps3.ign.com/articles/736/736393p1.html IGN: Assassin's Creed Preview<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> In a later interview on December 13, 2006, with [[IGN]], [[Kristen Bell]] (who lent her voice and likeness to the game) talked about the plot. According to the interview, the plot centers on [[genetic memory]] and a corporation looking for descendants of an assassin.<ref>[http://tv.ign.com/articles/750/750843p3.html IGN: IGN Exclusive Interview: Kristen Bell<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> {{Bquote|"It's actually really interesting to me. It's sort of based on the research that's sort of happening now, about the fact that your genes might be able to hold memory. And you could argue semantics and say it's instinct, but how does a baby bird know to eat a worm, as opposed to a cockroach, if its parents don't show it? And it's about this science company trying to, ''Matrix''-style, go into people's brains and find out an ancestor who used to be an assassin, and sort of locate who that person is."|||[[Kristen Bell]]}} Raymond also stated in an interview that the game takes inspiration from [[Vladimir Bartol|Bartol's]] novel ''[[Alamut (1938 novel)|Alamut]]''.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.computerandvideogames.com/article.php?id=148805 | title=Interview: Assassin's creed | work=Computer and videogames | accessdate=November 3, 2008}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.ps3fanboy.com/2006/11/10/assassins-creed-producer-speaks-out-we-listen-intently/ | title = Assassin's Creed producer speaks out, we listen intently [update 1] | author=Nick Doerr | accessdate=November 3, 2008}}</ref> On October 22, 2007, in an IGN Australia interview with [[Patrice Desilets]] mentioned that the lead character's climbing and running were done by "Alex and Richard – the same guys from ''[[Prince of Persia]]''".<ref>[http://xbox360.ign.com/articles/829/829067p1.html IGN: Assassin's Creed AU Interview: Patrice Desilets<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> Altaïr is voiced by actor [[Philip Shahbaz]],<ref>[http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1717255/ Philip Shahbaz<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> and his face is modeled on Francisco Randez, a model from Montréal.<ref>{{fr icon}} [http://www.lienmultimedia.com/article.php3?id_article=13885 [Assassin's Creed<nowiki>]</nowiki> Francisco Randez prête son visage à Altaïr] lienmultimedia.com. Retrieved April 15, 2008.</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.modelresource.ca/Bios/Randez/motw.shtml | title=Francisco Randez | work=modelresource | accessdate=2009-04-15 }}</ref> Al Mualim's character is roughly based on [[Rashid ad-Din Sinan]], who was the leader of the Syrian branch of the Hashshashin in 1191 and was nicknamed "The Old Man of the Mountain". ===Music=== [[Jade Raymond]], producer of ''Assassin's Creed'' said "For ''Assassin's Creed'' we wanted the score to capture the gruesome atmosphere of medieval warfare but also be edgy and contemporary."<ref>{{cite web |url = http://kotaku.com/gaming/soundtracks/assassins-creed-score-is-baftastic-311580.php |title = Assassin's Creed Score Is BAFTAstic |accessdate = 2008-05-11 |author = McWhertor, Michael |date = 2007-10-16 |publisher = Kotaku}}</ref> The musical score was composed by [[Jesper Kyd]] in 2007. Six tracks were made available online to those who have purchased the game; a password was given to people to insert at the soundtrack section of the Ubisoft website.<ref>{{cite web |url = http://assassinscreed.us.ubi.com/soundtrack/index.php |title = Soundtrack's - Assassin's Creed - Ubisoft |accessdate = 2008-05-11 |publisher = [[Ubisoft]]}}</ref> Several tracks are also available to listen to on Kyd's MySpace and his official website. The released tracks as a whole have the archaic [[Latin]] chorus and dark orchestral music, while the track ''"Meditation Begins"'' features a kind of [[Saltarello]] with a very ominous, dark, ambient overtone with men whispering in Latin. The atmosphere in these tracks is what Jesper Kyd is known for and is effective [[in situ]].<ref>[http://tracksounds.blogspot.com/2007/10/assassins-creed-soundtrack-by-jesper.html Tracksounds Now!: Assassin's Creed (Soundtrack) by Jesper Kyd<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> The soundtrack is available in [[iTunes Music Store]]<ref>[http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAlbum?id=308141120&s=143441 iTunes Store - Jesper Kyd - Assassin's Creed (Original Game Soundtrack)]. Itunes.apple.com. Retrieved on 2009-06-26.</ref> and [[Amazon MP3]]. {{Tracklist |collapsed=yes |headline=''Assassin's Creed'' Soundtrack |title1=City Of Jerusalem |length1=3:11 |title2=Flight Through Jerusalem |length2=3:39 |title3=Spirit of Damascus |length3=1:31 |title4=Trouble In Jerusalem |length4=4:04 |title5=Acre Underworld |length5=3:24 |title6=Access The Animus |length6=9:34 |title7=Dunes of Death |length7=1:46 |title8=Masyaf In Danger |length8=3:43 |title9=Meditation Begins |length9=2:47 |title10=Meditation Of The Assassins |length10=3:43 |title11=The Bureau |length11=3:12}} While the song "[[The Chosen (Assassin's Creed)]]" by [[Intwine]] featuring [[Brainpower]] was made contributing to the game, it was not featured in the game nor it's soundtrack. Other songs that were used in previews and trailers such as "Teardrop" by [[Massive Attack]] and "Lonely Souls" by [[UNKLE]] (featuing Richard Ashcroft) also aren't present on the soundtrack. ===Windows version=== {{VG Requirements | useminandrec = yes | platform1 = [[Microsoft Windows]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://kotaku.com/347797/assassins-creed-pc-specs-your-pc-will-weep-like-a-scolded-child|title=Assassin's Creed PC Specs: Your PC Will Weep Like A Scolded Child|last=Plunkett|first=Luke |date=January 22, 2008|publisher=Kotaku|accessdate=2008-10-14}}</ref> | os1 = [[Windows XP]] with Service Pack 2 or [[Windows Vista]] | cpu1 = [[Intel Corporation|Intel]] [[Pentium D]] 2.4 [[Hertz|GHz]] or [[Advanced Micro Devices|AMD]] [[Athlon 64 X2]] 3800+ (Dual Core) [[Central processing unit|processor]] | cpu1rec = [[Intel Core 2 Duo]] 2.2&nbsp;GHz or better/AMD Athlon 64 X2 4200+ or 4400+ | memory1 = 512&nbsp;[[Megabyte|MB]] (XP), 1&nbsp;GB (Vista) | memory1rec = 2&nbsp;GB | gpu1 = 256&nbsp;MB DirectX 9.0c Graphics Card with Shader Model 3.0 or higher. | gpu1rec = 512&nbsp;MB DirectX 10.0–compliant video card. | sound1 = DirectX 9.0 or 10.0–compliant | sound1rec = [[5.1]] channel surround | hdspace1 = 9.0&nbsp;GB}} It was made public in April 2008 that ''Assassin's Creed'' would be sold electronically and available for pre-order through [[Valve Corporation|Valve]]'s software distribution program, [[Steam (content delivery)|Steam]]. The PC version of ''Assassin's Creed'' was released on April 8, 2008, in North America. Four bonus mission types, not seen in the console version, are included. These 4 new missions are archer assassination, rooftop race challenge, merchant stand destruction challenge and escort challenge.<ref>[http://news.spong.com/article/14941/Assassins_Creed_PC_New_Investigation_Types?cb=496 Assassin's Creed PC: New Investigation Types – News<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> A [[Copyright infringement of software|pirated]] version of the game has been in existence since late February 2008. According to Ubisoft a [[Computer bug|bug]] was purposely inserted into the pre-release version of the game by the publisher itself to unpredictably crash the game and prevent completion as a security measure, though players were able to use extra content available on the Internet to bypass it.<ref name="gamespot piracy lawsuit">{{cite web | url = http://www.gamespot.com/news/6195570.html | title = Ubisoft sues over Assassin's Creed leak | publisher = [[GameSpot]] | first = Brendan | last = Sinclair | date = 2008-08-06 | accessdate = 2008-08-07}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.rockpapershotgun.com/?p=1254 | title = So... Assassin's Creed PC? | first = Jim | last = Rossignol | date = 2008-03-04 | accessdate = 2008-03-06 | publisher = Rock, Paper, Shotgun}}</ref> The pirated version of ''Assassin's Creed'' was one of the most popular titles for piracy during the first week of March 2008.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.rockpapershotgun.com/?p=1263 | title= The Yarr-ts: Piracy Snapshot 5.3.2008 | first = Kieron | last = Gillen | date= 2008-03-05 | accessdate = 2008-03-06 | publisher = Rock, Paper, Shotgun}}</ref> The presence of the bug and performance of the pirated version of the game was believed by Ubisoft to lead to "irreparable harm" for the game and resulted in low retail sales; [[NPD Group]] reports that 40,000 copies of the PC title were sold in United States in July, while more than 700,000 copies were illegally downloaded according to Ubisoft.<ref name="gamespot piracy lawsuit"/><ref name="gamasutra piracy lawsuit">{{cite web | url = http://www.gamasutra.com/php-bin/news_index.php?story=19736 | title = Ubisoft Files $10M Suit Over Assassin's Creed PC Leak | publisher = [[Gamasutra]] | first = David | last = Jenkins | date = 2008-08-07 | accessdate = 2008-08-07}}</ref> In July 2008, Ubisoft sued disc manufacturer Optical Experts Manufacturing, believing the company to be the source of the leak, citing poor security procedures that allowed an employee to leave with a copy of the game.<ref name="gamespot piracy lawsuit"/><ref name="gamasutra piracy lawsuit"/> ===Demos=== On July 10, 2007, during [[Microsoft]]'s [[E3 (Electronic Entertainment Expo)|E3]] press conference, a demo was shown using a previously unseen city, [[Jerusalem]]. Features that were demonstrated included improved crowd mechanics, the "chase" system (chasing after a target trying to flee), as well as deeper aspects of [[parkour]]. This was the first time when Altaïr could be heard speaking. It was again showcased for 20 minutes on July 11, 2007. The video showed an extended version of the E3 demo, and included Altaïr trying to escape after his assassination of Talal the Slave Trader. On August 26, 2007, an 11-minute demo of ''Assassin's Creed'' was shown at the [[Penny Arcade Expo#PAX 2007|Penny Arcade expo]]. The level that was shown was the same as in the E3 demo; however, a different path was taken to reach the target. At the end of the demo, a conversation between Altaïr and Malik, the head of the Assassin's bureau in Jerusalem, was shown. ==Limited edition== The North American limited edition on Xbox 360 and PS3 contained: the game, a 3-inch Altair figurine, Penny Arcade comics, a miniature strategy guide and DVD Bonus Disc featuring winners of Assassin’s Creed short film contest, Behind-the-scenes videos, Developer diaries, Trailers, Producer interviews, Downloads. There were three European limited edition packages on Xbox 360 and PS3. The first contained: the game and a 8-inch (210&nbsp;mm) painted resin Altaïr figure. The second contained the game, 4 bonus postcards and housed within steel case packaging. The third contained the game, a PC DVD ROM Bonus Disc, 17 page comic book and housed within steel case packaging. The European limited edition on Windows PC contained the Directors Cut game housed within steel case packaging. ==Reception and sales== {{VG Reviews |GR = 79.14% (PC)<ref name="grpc">{{cite web|title=Assassin's Creed for PC - GameRankings|url=http://www.gamerankings.com/pc/935316-assassins-creed/index.html|accessdate=2009-08-15|publisher=[[GameRankings]]}}</ref><br/> 78.94% (PS3)<ref name="grps3">{{cite web|title=Assassin's Creed for PlayStation 3 - GameRankings|url=http://www.gamerankings.com/ps3/930022-assassins-creed/index.html|accessdate=2009-08-15|publisher=[[GameRankings]]}}</ref><br/> 82.24% (360)<ref name="gr360">{{cite web|title=Assassin's Creed for Xbox 360 - GameRankings|url=http://www.gamerankings.com/xbox360/930278-assassins-creed/index.html|accessdate=2009-08-15|publisher=[[GameRankings]]}}</ref> |MC = 79/100 (PC)<ref name="mcpc">{{cite web|title=Assassin's Creed Director's Cut (pc) reviews at Metacritic.com|url=http://www.metacritic.com/games/platforms/pc/assassinscreed|accessdate=2009-08-15|publisher=[[GameRankings]]}}</ref><br/> 80/100 (PS3)<ref name="mcps3">{{cite web|title=Assassin's Creed (ps3) reviews at Metacritic.com|url=http://www.metacritic.com/games/platforms/ps3/assassinscreed|accessdate=2009-08-15|publisher=[[GameRankings]]}}</ref><br/> 81/100 (360)<ref name="mc360">{{cite web|title=Assassin's Creed (xbox360) reviews at Metacritic.com|url=http://www.metacritic.com/games/platforms/xbox360/assassinscreed|accessdate=2009-08-15|publisher=[[GameRankings]]}}</ref> |ATrip = 69/100 |EGM = 58/100 |EuroG = 7/10 |Fam = 37/40 |GI = 9.5/10 |GamePro = 5/5 |GRadar = 10/10 |GSpot = 9.0/10 |GT = 9.1/10 |GTM = 4/10 |Hyper = 95/100 |IGN = 9.2/10 |1up = 7.0/10 |Play = 10/10 |PSM = 5/5 |OXM = 8.5/10 |XPlay = 5/5 |IGN = 75/100 |GSpy = 3.5/5 |1UP = 70/100}} ''Assassin's Creed'' has received generally positive reviews, although several publications such as ''Eurogamer'', while still awarding the game decent scores, pointed out a number of significant shortcomings. ''Eurogamer'' stated that the gameplay "never evolves and ultimately becomes a bit boring, and quite amazingly repetitive."<ref>[http://www.eurogamer.net/article.php?article_id=87432&page=3 Assassin's Creed Review // Xbox 360 /// Eurogamer<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> In Andrew P.'s review for EGM (Kage), he wrote that the game features "a challenging [[Parkour]] path of escape..."<ref>Andrew P., "Review of ''Assassin's Creed''," ''Electronic Gaming Monthly'' 224 (January 2008): 89.</ref> [[Famitsu]] awarded the Xbox 360 version of ''Assassin's Creed'' a 36 (9, 9, 9, 9), while the PS3 version received a 37 (10, 8, 9, 10) out of 40, positively citing the story, presentation, and acrobatics, while criticizing the one button combat, map layout, and camera problems.<ref>[http://www.n4g.com/News-86589.aspx Famitsu reviews Dragon Quest IV, Assassins Creed, Guilty Gear 2 and more]</ref><ref>[http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/02/assassins-creed-nabs-37-40-from-famitsu/ Assassin's Creed nabs 37/40 from Famitsu]</ref> [[Game Informer]] awarded ''Assassin's Creed'' a 9.5 out of 10, praising the control scheme, replay value, and intriguing story, but expressing frustration over the "repetitive" information gathering missions.<ref>''Game Informer'', December 2007 issue</ref> On The Hotlist on [[ESPNEWS]], ESPN's Aaron Boulding called the game's concept of social [[Stealth game|stealth]] "fairly original" and added, "Visually, the developers nailed it."<ref>[http://sports.espn.go.com/videogames/news/story?id=3129115 ESPN – Easy Points – 'Tis the Season – Videogames<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> [[GameTrailers]] similarly praised the story (giving a 9.7 score to its story), and also cited repetitive gameplay and "moronic" AI as somewhat stifling its potential. "''Assassins Creed'' is one of those games that breaks new ground yet fails in nailing some fundamentals", said Gametrailers.<ref>[http://www.gametrailers.com/player/27754.html GameTrailers ''Assassin's Creed'' Video Review]</ref> The game also received a 10 out of 10 from GamesRadar, and has a [[Metacritic]] score of 80/81 (PS3/Xbox 360 respectively).<ref name="metacritic">{{cite web |url=http://www.metacritic.com/games/platforms/xbox360/assassinscreed?q=Assassin's%20Creed |title=Assassin's Creed (xbox 360: 2007) Reviews}}</ref> According to [[GamePro]], ''Assassin's Creed'' is one of the "finest gaming experiences ever created" if you are willing to be "patient" due to the lack of fast-paced action.<ref name="GamePro">{{cite web|url=http://gamepro.com/microsoft/xbox360/games/reviews/146348.shtml|title=''Assassin's Creed'' review|author=Melick, Todd|date=November 14, 2007|publisher=[[GamePro]]|accessdate=2008-01-08}}</ref> ''[[Hyper (magazine)|Hyper]]'''s Darren Wells commends the game for its "great story, great graphics and intuitive controls". However, he criticises it for "some missions that don't feel right on the PC and its loopy menu system".<ref>{{cite journal|last=Wells|first=Darren|date=June 2008|title=Assassin's Creed|journal=[[Hyper (magazine)|Hyper]]|publisher=[[Next Media]]|issue=176|page=54|issn=1320-7458}}</ref> ''Assassin's Creed'' won several awards at [[E3 (Electronic Entertainment Expo)|E3]] 2006. Game Critics awarded it "Best Action/Adventure Game,";<ref>{{cite web| title = 2006 Winners | url = http://www.gamecriticsawards.com/2006winners.html | publisher = gamecriticsawards.com | accessdate = 2008-03-23}}</ref> from IGN, "Best Action Game", "PS3 Game of the Show", "Best PS3 Action Game", "Best PS3 Graphics"; from GameSpot and GameSpy, "Best PS3 Game of the Show"; from GameTrailers "Best of Show", and from 1UP.com, "Best PS3 game". ''Creed'' was nominated for several other awards by X-Play<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.g4tv.com/xplay/features/54789/XPlay_Best_of_2007_Awards_Nominations.html |title=2007 X-Play Best of 2007 Award Nominations |accessdate=2007-12-10|work=[[G4 (TV channel)|G4]]}}</ref> and Spike TV.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/news/6182621.html?sid=6182621&part=rss&subj=6182621 |title=Halo 3, BioShock top Spike TV noms|author=Magrino, Tom|date=2007-11-11|accessdate=2007-11-11|work=[[GameSpot]]}}</ref> Sales for ''Assassin's Creed'' were unexpectedly high according to the publisher. An official press release from Ubisoft stated: <blockquote>''Assassin's Creed'' has greatly outstripped Ubisoft's sales expectations and currently ranks among the top two or three best-selling games for the PlayStation 3 computer entertainment system and Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system in the vast majority of geographical regions. In less than four weeks ''Assassin's Creed'' recorded more than two and a half million units in sell-through sales worldwide, and is the fastest-selling new video game intellectual property ever in the U.S. Consequently, Ubisoft now forecasts that it will sell a minimum of five million units of the game in 2007–08 compared with its previous estimate of approximately three million.<ref name="Ubisoft">{{cite web | url = http://www.ubi.com/US/News/Info.aspx?nId=5017 | title = Ubisoft Announces Outstanding Sales Performance For Assassin's Creed and Raises Guidance for Fiscal 2007-08 | work = Ubisoft | accessdate = January 4, 2008}}</ref></blockquote> In the UK, ''Assassin's Creed'' debuted at number one, knocking [[Infinity Ward]]'s [[Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare]] from the top; the majority of the debut sales were on the Xbox 360, which claimed 67% of the game's total sales.<ref>[http://www.mcvuk.com/news/28912/Chart-Assassination-for-Call-of-Duty]</ref> On April 16, 2009, Ubisoft revealed that the game has sold 8 million copies to date.<ref name="Ubisoft Unveils Assassins Creed II">{{cite web | url = http://www.ubisoftgroup.com/gallery_files/site/270/574/1956.pdf | title = Ubisoft Unveils Assassins Creed II | work = Ubisoft | accessdate = June 4, 2009}}</ref> ==Franchise== A [[prequel]] for the game, titled ''[[Assassin's Creed: Altaïr's Chronicles]]'' and developed by [[Gameloft]],<ref>[http://www.pocketgamer.co.uk/r/DS/Assassin%27s+Creed%3A+Altair%27s+Chronicles/review.asp?c=5722&srch=assassins+creed "Assassin's Creed: Altair's Chronicles"] PocketGamer. Retrieved October 7, 2008.</ref> was released on February 5, 2008 for the [[Nintendo DS]].<ref name="ds">{{cite web | url=http://www.gamespot.com/ds/action/assassinscreed/news.html?sid=6180807&om_act=convert&om_clk=newsfeatures&tag=newsfeatures;title;2 | title=Nintendo lays out Q4 '07, Q1 '08 slate | work = GameSpot | accessdate = December 29, 2007}}</ref> A port of ''Assassin's Creed: Altaïr's Chronicles'' has also been released for the [[iPhone]] and the [[iPod Touch]] and [[Java ME]] on April 23, 2009, as well as for the [[Palm Pre]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ilounge.com/index.php/news/comments/gameloft-previews-assassins-creed-for-iphone-ipod-touch/ |title=Gameloft previews Assassin's Creed for iPhone, iPod touch |author=Starrett, Charles |date=2009-04-14 |publisher=iLounge |accessdate=2009-04-15}}</ref><ref>[http://www.qj.net/Assassin-s-Creed-now-on-App-Store/pg/49/aid/130668 Article Detail - PC Gaming, PlayStation, Wii, Nintendo DS, Xbox 360, News, Reviews, Downloads, Custom Apps, Homebrew and much more]. Qj.net (2009-04-22). Retrieved on 2009-06-26.</ref> On January 21, 2009, Ubisoft confirmed that ''[[Assassin's Creed II]]'' was in production and targeted for release in the company's 2009–2010 fiscal year. It was released in the United States and Canada on November 17, 2009 and in Europe on November 20, 2009.<ref name="IGN: New Ghost Recon, Assassin's Creed 2 Coming">{{cite web|url=http://ps3.ign.com/articles/947/947324p1.html|publisher=IGN|title=IGN: New Ghost Recon, Assassin's Creed 2 Coming|date=2009-07-17|accessdate=2009-04-11}}</ref> <!--ALL FURTHER UPDATES REGARDING THIS SEQUEL SHOULD BE POSTED IN THE MAIN ARTICLE.--> On June 2, 2009, at their E3 Conference, Sony announced ''[[Assassin's Creed: Bloodlines]]'' for the [[PlayStation Portable]] with a release date of November 10, 2010.<ref name="E3 2009: Assassin's Creed PSP Gets Official Name and Date">{{cite web | url = http://psp.ign.com/articles/989/989506p1.html | title = E3 2009: Assassin's Creed PSP Gets Official Name and Date | work = IGN | accessdate = June 5, 2009}}</ref> Also at E3 they announced that there would be at least a third game.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.videogamesblogger.com/2009/06/10/assassins-creed-3-will-see-desmond-become-the-ultimate-assassin.htm |title=Assassins Creed 3 will see Desmond become the Ultimate Assassin |publisher=Video Games Blogger |date=2009-10-20 |accessdate=2009-11-21}}</ref> In an earnings call on January 14, 2010, Ubisoft confirmed that a new ''Assassin's Creed'' game would be released before the end of the firm's fiscal year in March, 2011 - and that it would star Ezio Auditore da Firenze, the protagonist of the second game. CEO Yves Guillemot said that the game would have a "multiplayer component".<ref name="Assassin's Creed 3 to star Ezio">{{cite web | url = http://www.computerandvideogames.com/article.php?id=231616 | title = Assassin's Creed 3 to star Ezio | work = CVG | accessdate = February 1, 2010}}</ref> A teaser trailer for the game, called ''[[Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood]]'' was released on May 10, 2010, and the game was officially announced at a ''[[Ubisoft]]'' press release on May 11, 2010 <ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.1up.com/do/newsStory?cId=3179244 |title=Assassins Creed: Brotherhood official announcement|publisher=1up |date=2010-05-11}}</ref> , while the official release date is November 16, 2010. It has been confirmed that ''Brotherhood'' is not "''Assassin's Creed 3''", and that the third instalment will not star a pre-existing character. {{-}} ==References== {{Reflist|2}} ==External links== *[http://assassinscreed.uk.ubi.com/assassins-creed-1/home.php ''Assassin's Creed'' UK website] {{Assassin's Creed}} [[Category:Assassin's Creed]] [[Category:2007 video games]] [[Category:Action-adventure games]] [[Category:Medieval video games]] [[Category:Nonlinear video games]] [[Category:Open world video games]] [[Category:PlayStation 3 games]] [[Category:Stealth video games]] [[Category:Video games developed in Canada]] [[Category:Video games set in Asia]] [[Category:Windows games]] [[Category:Xbox 360 games]] {{Link GA|fr}} {{Link FA|fa}} [[ar:أساسنز كريد]] [[bg:Assassin's Creed]] [[ca:Assassin's Creed]] [[cs:Assassin's Creed]] [[da:Assassin's Creed]] [[de:Assassin’s Creed]] [[es:Assassin's Creed]] [[eo:Assassin's Creed]] [[fa:کیش یک آدم‌کش]] [[fr:Assassin's Creed]] [[gl:Assassin's Creed]] [[ko:어쌔신 크리드]] [[it:Assassin's Creed]] [[he:Assassin's Creed]] [[ka:Assassin's Creed]] [[lv:Assassin's Creed]] [[lt:Assassin's Creed]] [[mk:Assassin's Creed]] [[nl:Assassin's Creed]] [[ja:アサシン クリード]] [[no:Assassin's Creed]] [[pl:Assassin's Creed]] [[pt:Assassin's Creed]] [[ro:Assassin's Creed]] [[ru:Assassin's Creed]] [[sq:Assassin's Creed]] [[simple:Assassin's Creed]] [[sl:Assassin's Creed]] [[fi:Assassin's Creed]] [[sv:Assassin's Creed]] [[tr:Assassin's Creed]] [[uk:Assassin's Creed]] [[zh:刺客教條]]'