Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood

Brotherhood is the franchise's best entry to date and one of the best games of 2010.

Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood brings to the table so much more than was ever expected. Not only is it perhaps the best in the franchise, but is also an easy Game of the Year candidate.

Brotherhood lacks that generational leap we saw from Assassin's Creed to Assassin's Creed II, but it more than makes up for that with a full-bodied single-player experience teeming with interesting gameplay additions and a risky multiplayer component.

What makes the multiplayer so much fun is the constant balance between being the hunter and the prey. Stalking enemies around the map is a lot of fun (even when I end up on the business end of a blade before I can make my kill), and patience has never been so important.

With a campaign worthy of sequel status and a multiplayer mode full of fresh, entertaining ideas, there isn't enough praise I can lay on AC: Brotherhood.

This is a fantastic game, but only if you desperately crave the second half of the Assassin's Creed 2 experience. If you hated the original game, there's nothing here to sway you and the story certainly doesn't welcome newcomers. The multiplayer adds a nice diversion.

It amazes me that a game of this caliber – that is to say, a game that is ridiculously good in spite of its missteps – comes just one year after its predecessor. It improves a lot, adds even more, and changes nothing I already adored. It's a shorter game than Assassin's Creed 2, if that matters, but aside from the storyline it's better in almost every way.

A masterful combination of the many things that have striven to define the series in the past, each presented at its best and accentuated by considered design.

Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood isn't as much a sequel as a completion to the second game, and while this is certainly the best game of the three so far, you probably don't want to jump into the story without having played at least the second game first.

Every bit as essential as it's forebear, an outstanding achievement and a magnificent game in its own right.

But what sets Brotherhood apart from the rest of the series is the inclusion of Multiplayer.

Assassin's Creed Brotherhood builds on the foundations laid by the previous two games, expanding the gameplay with some very welcome additions, ultimately Brotherhood is by far the best Assassin's Creed game we've seen so far and one of the standout games of the year.

The game may have the odd technical flaw, but it still stands out as the best in the franchise so far. Oodles of fun with an epic campaign and slick multiplayer, Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood is a serious contender for Game of the Year.

Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood is a deep, rich, and sublime experience in both single player and multiplayer.

Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood is one of this year's finest releases, and improves on everything we loved about the previous title, while adding plenty of its own excellent features.

Against all odds, Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood exists in 2010, and it not only lives up to the hype, but it manages to completely outclass its predecessor. Brotherhood is a game that Assassin's Creed fans simply cannot afford to miss, and one of best games this year.

Don't even consider skipping the game for a second. While the story doesn't progress as much as we had hoped, it still adds some new questions and twists into Desmond's dilemma. The ever so fresh guild mechanic and addictive as hell multiplayer already feels like essential components in the series.

Extraordinary in sheer scope, breadth and execution. [Jan 2011, p.72]

This is a truly worthwhile upgrade on the Assassin's Creed experience and sets the bar dangerously high for the next iteration.

Definitely the apex of the Assassin's Creed series thus far. The story does a great job of furthering both the historical plot as well as the overarching sci-fi elements of the story (Desmond has a much larger role here), and the game's new structure is refreshing for those who may have found the back-and-forth structure of last year's title to be a bit tedious.

Achingly beautiful to behold and incredible to play, Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood will be the best Roman holiday you'll ever have.

Undoubtedly the best game in the series: varied, with longevity and extremely charming, it improves every feature of the previous game while adding several well thought-out novelties.

Its new gameplay elements and other additions like the multiplayer modes makes this one the most complete Assassin's Creed thus far. Brotherhood is an amazing follow-up to the sequel and an amazing way to conclude Ezio Auditore's adventures.

The moment you finish the game, you'll be chomping at the bit for the inevitable Assassin's Creed III. [Dec 2010, p.112]

Story limitations and a few failed mission experiments cement our statement that it's not Assassin's Creed 3 - but with a lick of paint it would've come dangerously close.

With new gameplay mechanics, improved combat, exciting new online multiplayer options and a brand new storyline, Brotherhood is packed with an overwhelming amount of content!

But even without this clever take on online play, Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood would be a strong outing. With the addition firing on all cylinders, it's a real killer.

Ubisoft has taken the time to develop a massive amount of innovations which help bring the already epic story to life like never before; and while ensuring an epic single player experience, Ubisoft put one right between the eyes with their multiplayer gametype. With all of these new innovations, a very in-depth story, and a great multiplayer gametype, Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood is one that you must have in the collection.

Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood has everything you loved and hated about AC2, but it has shined up the positives to a sheen I didn't expect. Toss in the fantastic multiplayer with its persistent experience and leveling system and you have a solid and worthy successor to an already great series.

If you didn't like Assassin's Creed 2, Brotherhood will hardly convince you, but if you are one of the series followers, this game is a great sequel to the previous one. It polishes its mechanics and includes many things to do in the city, and it adds a very enjoyable multiplayer mode which brings some freshness to PS Network and Xbox Live.

The multiplayer aspects aren't that engaging for me -- there's just not enough to do to balance out the frustration of not being able to defend myself in a fight. However, I love how deep the team has managed to make the single-player portion of the game (again).

Assassin's Creed Brotherhood is a pleasant surprise in every respect, even though some of the concerns you might have had regarding the single map and ageing formula still stand with the final product.

You are looking at about 20 to 30 hours of gameplay in the single player story and more replay value if you enjoy the multiplayer mode. Highly Recommended!

Not only the best Assassin's Creed yet, but one of the meatiest, most engaging games of this generation. [Issue#66, p.78]

Back again in the assassin's role this time we got some help from "business associates". Story, atmosphere of Rome, historical aspects and combat system – everything fits the puzzle that makes new Assassin an excellent game. [Dec 2010]

If you're new to Ubisoft's stealthy series, I recommend starting with AC2; however, if you've already bloodied Ezio's blades, you'll want to begin building your army of assassins in Brotherhood.

Brotherhood manages to stand out as one of the better games in a year that has been fairly lacklustre for sequels. A game once feared to be a mere expansion not only manages to do everything Assassin's Creed II did; it brings a few tricks of its own to the fray.

A very good sequel to Assassin's Creed 2, with an impressive atmosphere, a lot of diversion and a great multiplayer-mode. There are some issues that could have been done better, but in the end they don't matter anyway.

In Assassin's Creed Brotherhood the only place where Ezio is sneaking around is Rome. But thats not bad news because the city of Rome is gigantic. There are some balancing problems and the multiplayer is not that entertaining. Anyway, Brotherhood is a wonderful game.

Nobody could have predicted this. Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood is fan service of the highest order, all the while breaking new ground with a terrific multiplayer experience.

The game features a whole bunch of additions, of which the main innovation is the new multiplayer mode. This new game in the franchise is once again a top shelf production, but it's not for people who like quick action, because the use of stealth is always needed.

With plenty of top-quality content to indulge in, this is far from the lazy sequel many were expecting.

While the core mechanics of Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood are largely familiar, the game still brings fresh ideas to the table with some inspired secondary missions and meta-games. It's in the multiplayer that Brotherhood really beats its wings though, presenting what's arguably the best competitive stealth experience anywhere in gaming.

Crammed full of features, diverse gameplay, energetic combat and the basic stealth/action the series is renowned for and you have a killer of a game for fans and newcomers alike.

Hands down the best game in the series so far. Everything is bigger, better and brighter, the combat system is vastly improved and the new weapons and tricks are very welcome. There's plenty of stuff to do, loads of side missions, and the new addition of recruiting and training other assassins is a brilliant one. The controls feel a bit wonky on occasion, but that's all we can complain about. Heartily recommended for fans and newcomers alike.

Brotherhood is another great chapter of the most thrilling series of this generation. The plot is mature and interesting, and even if some issues with the battle system are still there to bother, the beauty of the landscape and the amount of quests are impressive.

Assassin's Creed Brotherhood is a great way to finish the storyline of Ezio Auditore. The game is a better version of Assassin's Creed 2, and offers a solid adventure with loads of missions and a great variety. The multiplayer needs some improvements and could become really addictive in Assassin's Creed 3, but as for now it looks just like a minor extra.

While its story falls short of the bar set by Assassin's Creed II, Brotherhood packs in more than enough new content and improvements to make up for it. It's not the best of the series, but it's still an essential piece of the ever-expanding AC puzzle.

Hitting the mark in just about every area, Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood is a stunningly considered improvement on its predecessor. Essential for fans of the series, it's also an adventure of tremendous substance and beauty in its own right.

It's thrilling, it's satisfying, it's occasionally terrifying, and it's a completely unique take on multiplayer.

It's an exercise in perfecting what you've already got working; you're not going to find much in the way of completely new material, but this is a superior game to its predecessor and a solid bridge to the next entry in the series.

The multiplayer component definitely has its moments, but serious players will be turned off by how random it can be. For the series to remain elite it will need to evolve, but for now, its unique premise and core gameplay are more than enough to make this brotherhood one worth joining.

A better game than Assassin's Creed II, albeit one with extra niggles to contend with. [Jan 2011, p.]

Brotherhood is an extremely fun game, with some new elements added that keep the series fresh enough that it does not seem like just an extension of Assassin's Creed 2.

While Brotherhood strays farther away from foundation of the original Assassin's Creed, it still has the ability to hold your interest and lock you into an engaging story.

Assassins Creed: Brotherhood is another power house in the game series.

Overall, Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood for the Xbox 360 is great bang for the buck.

The real game changer is the Multiplayer experience which brings a tense battle of paranoia to the forefront and rewards stealth over open-attacks. There are subtle techniques to be learned and to succeed you need to play smart.

Ezio's new adventure is an intermediate chapter the fans of the series will certainly like. Unfortunately, it offers a shorter single player campaign, and a fun yet not so deep multiplayer mode.

Those wanting more from Ezio, and to revel in the period set in Assassins Creed II for a little longer, will find fond memories in Assassins Creed Brotherhood; however I couldn't shake the feeling that I'd seen it all before and was being dragged along for the same old ride.

Viewed as a single-player experience, Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood is a sizable addition that does relatively little to advance the Assassin's Creed story or gameplay. The multiplayer, however, is a unique and fascinating offering, a truly refreshing alternative to the plodding iterations of the market-leading shooters. F

There is a stack of gameplay here, both in the singleplayer story (which is heavily connected to Assassin's Creed II) and in the multiplayer, which is a series first.

Series newcomers will be a little confused story wise, but they'll have the benefit of experiencing the game's combat at its highest level; the combat might be a secondary system in the AC series, but at least in Brotherhood it's delivered in a satisfying manner.

Ultimately, Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood is a game that was designed with its fans front and center. If you've played the prior games, then yes, Brotherhood is going to feel much like Assassin's Creed 2.5, but you're still going to love every minute of it.

This may not be Assassin's Creed III, but like Ezio's smirk, Brotherhood is too irresistible to ignore.

Like a bigger, better and more polished version of Assassin's Creed II.

Assasssin's Creed: Brotherhood has great atmosphere, beautiful visuals, and overall excellent craftsmanship… Just don't expect anything new beyond the multiplayer.

Brotherhood shows that Ubisoft has found the heart and soul of this series. A variety of missions, Rome as a playground and an impressive multiplayer make this one of the more engaging games of 2010. A couple of mistakes keep this game from becoming a classic.

This was made for those who loved the second game in the franchise: the story follows the same characters and the gameplay is too similar. The greatest novelty is multiplayer, offering a long and satisfying experience.

I find myself comparing Brotherhood to Fable II; both are incremental releases to a pre-established formula, and both have a ton of ideas that are not implemented to the fullest of their potential. The difference is that what Brotherhood does, more often than not, falls just short of brilliance, yet even when operating at 80 percent Ubisoft has crafted a game far better than most others on the market, and the superb multiplayer puts it over the top.

Even though it lacks polish, Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood is every bit as entertaining as it's prequels. It's still good fun to stand on the top of ancient buildings, just seing the everyday life pass on the streets below and strike the opponents when they least expect it.

We couldn't help but be slightly disappointed with the main plot - it feels flimsy compared to the huge journey the previous instalment treated us to, and the only truly impactful storytelling occurs when you leave Ezio behind. In spite of this, the sandbox is more complex and there's easily as much to do here as in the previous titles.

Even if this new episode feels less surprising and astonishing than its predecessors, it's still very strong and sharpened like its hero's blade.

The game's parts are by turns novel and enjoyable, but when played in longer bursts feel repetitive. Brotherhood is Assassin's Creed II 2, its new mechanics feeling more like extensions of an existing form than innovations. It's a greatest hits disc, then, a weighty, good-value deal that plays the series' best bits – but there's the constant danger that you've heard them before.

Its goals and improvements may be more modest than the last game but this is still an enjoyable return trip to Italy - especially in the company of friends.

Brotherhood isn't trying to make easy money. One can surely grunt at the lack of mythology revelations and average story (but still unmissable for the fan) of the campaign, but its gameplay has been improved in almost every way. It's massive (at least 12 hours if you're not trying to get everything), and rich with a lot of new stuff, both small and big (starting with the assassin's guild mechanics). We'll see in the long run if its multiplayer will prove to have more strengths than weaknesses, but it's already, and unmistakably, one of the most refreshing experiences of late, with games that are an inspiration for ruse, cold-blood, and cunning.

The game doesn't advance the wider narrative very far, the new mechanics don't really add a great deal and the mission designs rarely explore new gameplay possibilities.

For now, it's the single player campaign – filled with stunning cut-scenes, music and voice acting – that prove the most compelling reasons to play this excellent sequel.

In short, I felt like Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood was a rip off. It feels like it was rushed, there are noticeably more bugs (though they are slight). Very little of substance is new or different (apart from the inclusion of multiplayer), all of the same frustrations are there and I mostly felt like playing different games when I was playing Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood.