Assassin's Creed 3 Catch-All

SpacePPoliceman wrote:

Oh, internet. Never change.

I don't think I'll get it, though--that level of alternate history is over my particular line for the sorts of outlandish things I want from AC. I prefer the "Secret History Hidden in Plain Sight" level.

We're talking about a series where you box with the pope outside an ancient alien vault inside the Vatican. Oh, and you can relive genetic memories as well.

That's why it's my particular line. The Pope Brawl still falls on the Secret History Hidden in Plain Sight side of it. There are many forms of outlandish. It's the difference between a Blade Runner sci-fi and a Star Trek sci-fi.

SpacePPoliceman wrote:

That's why it's my particular line. The Pope Brawl still falls on the Secret History Hidden in Plain Sight side of it. There are many forms of outlandish. It's the difference between a Blade Runner sci-fi and a Star Trek sci-fi.

I am with you on this one.

So ozgameshop.com now has the option to email you the code to be activated on steam. Pre-order of $41.99.

I'm tempted, but at the same time... ubisoft... activate on steam? Seems unusual. I know ozgameshop and I've ordered from them in the past. I just think it's weird that ubisoft is now allowing the game to be activated on steam. So does that mean it's a steamworks game?

BlackSabre wrote:

So ozgameshop.com now has the option to email you the code to be activated on steam. Pre-order of $41.99.

I'm tempted, but at the same time... ubisoft... activate on steam? Seems unusual. I know ozgameshop and I've ordered from them in the past. I just think it's weird that ubisoft is now allowing the game to be activated on steam. So does that mean it's a steamworks game?

There's no way. Not with their latest Uplay push.

Assassin's Creed 3 - Key only

This is a pre-order - the item will be despatched to you on or before the release date of 23/11/2012 - subject to change by the publisher.

Activation code emailed out, you will need an internet connection to download the game via steam, no disc will be sent out. At this time we don not know the file size of the download. For information on how to do this, use the following address.

https://support.steampowered.com/kb_...

Like it just strikes me as being rather odd. If so, then I may have to get it since I've got $5 voucher which would bring it down to $37.

I think the Tyranny of King George thing a neat idea, it's DLC, like the Undead Nightmare for Red Dead Redemption, so it's allowed to be a little crazy. In fact, I often find it's the DLC that differs wildly from the source game that is often the most interesting, Undead Nightmare was certainly amazing.

I love alternate history, so I can see myself playing through it knowing perfectly well that it's not exactly Assassin's Creed canon.

Hyetal wrote:
BlackSabre wrote:

So ozgameshop.com now has the option to email you the code to be activated on steam. Pre-order of $41.99.

I'm tempted, but at the same time... ubisoft... activate on steam? Seems unusual. I know ozgameshop and I've ordered from them in the past. I just think it's weird that ubisoft is now allowing the game to be activated on steam. So does that mean it's a steamworks game?

There's no way. Not with their latest Uplay push.

Ubisoft's games aren't currently deeply integrated into U-Play in a way that would exclude them from steam. On the business side they seem happy to sell expansions through steam giving valve their cut, and seem willing to maintain a different steam version that uses their systems rather than just selling through steam and updating through U-play.

The examples where a game isn't on steam are where DLC has only been sold through the publisher's own store, such as Mass Effect 3, Crysis 2, Battlefield 3, and I'm sure both Valve and EA would love to have them on steam otherwise.

There are lots of UPlay games on Steam. Anno 2070, Splinter Cell, the other Assassins Creed games...

Yeah, but how many are steamworks? Also, how many can you buy from other distributors that activate on steam?

I'm not aware of any Ubisoft/steam codes, but it doesn't mean they don't exist. I can't see a way to register a cd key with Uplay, either on the client or the webpage, so currently it looks like the only way to get a game on uplay is to buy it direct from ubisoft's store. Even then the client just functions as downloader for the setup files you'd find on a disc, and the store give you a key. After install there's no special functionality such as integrated patching, similar to the difference between old EADM and modern Origin.

I've just never seen it before. It feels dirty.

uPlay is the Ubisoft cheevo system. I think there's a light DRM component to it, because you can spend the cheevo points you earn on in-game content like an extra missions or skins, but that's pretty much all it does.

Overall, it's actually pretty nice, because you're rewarded with content for playing the game.

I think we all know what Uplay is, we've simply never seen a Ubisoft game activate on Steam.

Two days. Get hype, console brethren.

Blind_Evil wrote:

Two days. Get hype, console brethren.

Had to buy tires, so I'm waiting for payday Friday. But I have the hype!

Looking forward to hearing some info and impressions (non-spoilery of course). But we still have to wait till november for PC.

There is going to be an in game currency that can be bought with real money or at least Microsoft points. Eurogamer suggests it will be for multiplayer. I can't blame developers for doing it but it puts me off when I feel like I'm playing a game designed to leach money from me.

Well if it's like Mass Effect where you can buy packs or earn them then I'm not fussed. I'm not really buying this for the multiplayer anyway. If it encroaches into single player and hides things away that can only be purchased with real money then I'm more likely to be a little on the annoyed side.

Otherwise I'll just have to wait and see. The benefit of the PC release being delayed is if it's such a big thing on xbox, then I can always choose to ignore it.

Higgledy wrote:

There is going to be an in game currency that can be bought with real money or at least Microsoft points. Eurogamer suggests it will be for multiplayer. I can't blame developers for doing it but it puts me off when I feel like I'm playing a game designed to leach money from me.

That's found its way into Forza Horizon, too. But be careful and make your own judgments. Despite the opportunity to buy car unlocks, you can still unlock them in a traditional manner, and it's never felt at all like the game was designed differently because of it. It's just for people with more money than time.

I'm curious to know if anyone has pre-ordered this on PSN. I decided to, that way I wouldn't have to stand in line and so I could get the Benedict Arnold missions exclusive to PS3, but I'm wondering what time the download will go live. Does anyone have an idea?

Launch Trailer

MountaineerWR27 wrote:

I'm curious to know if anyone has pre-ordered this on PSN. I decided to, that way I wouldn't have to stand in line and so I could get the Benedict Arnold missions exclusive to PS3, but I'm wondering what time the download will go live. Does anyone have an idea?

I don't know, but if I had to place bets I'd say sometime tomorrow night. PSN updates are notorious for being all over the place.

So when should we plan for some goodjer MP action? I have a friend in town Friday/Saturday this week, but can do thursday or any time after sunday. Maybe start planning for next Friday?

I find DLC is only offensive if you choose to be offended. I will play the MP to get the achievements, and to enjoy as well as the MP is surprisingly fun (especially with goodjers and a couple drinks).

The only thing you could really buy with ingame currency in revelations was cosmetic items, and even those were level locked. If this gives Ubi more money to keep making incredible games - more power to them. I see this as a non-event.

SallyNasty wrote:

I find DLC is only offensive if you choose to be offended. I will play the MP to get the achievements, and to enjoy as well as the MP is surprisingly fun (especially with goodjers and a couple drinks).

The only thing you could really buy with ingame currency in revelations was cosmetic items, and even those were level locked. If this gives Ubi more money to keep making incredible games - more power to them. I see this as a non-event.

Agreed. Also, Slate has a great article up about the historical aspect of AC3.

Picking this up tomorrow for 360 unless the reviews are terrible. Target has a B2G1 sale going on, this is definitely in the mix.

Higgledy wrote:

I can't blame developers for doing it but it puts me off when I feel like I'm playing a game designed to leach money from me.

We can blame developers. I find this kind of thing not only bad for gamers and gameplay, but also terribly lazy. I don't see any innovation in these models; any attempts to really make things fair for all parties, where the devs can earn more money without penalising gamers in gameplay terms.

If you feel they're not treating you well, don't give them any money. Wait until there's a version of the game that feels fair to you, then buy it. And, given time, you're likely to get a version that contains all DLC and is cheaper.

I'll consider renting AC3 for the SP once I've played Revelations. I will also keep an eye on how the microtransactions work, just in case I think they've got a fair system.

EDIT:

Added a clarification.

SallyNasty wrote:

The only thing you could really buy with ingame currency in revelations was cosmetic items, and even those were level locked. If this gives Ubi more money to keep making incredible games - more power to them. I see this as a non-event.

If they only sell cosmetic items, more power to them. Release a whole load of crazy stuff and sell it however they want.

Blind_Evil wrote:
Higgledy wrote:

There is going to be an in game currency that can be bought with real money or at least Microsoft points. Eurogamer suggests it will be for multiplayer. I can't blame developers for doing it but it puts me off when I feel like I'm playing a game designed to leach money from me.

That's found its way into Forza Horizon, too. But be careful and make your own judgments. Despite the opportunity to buy car unlocks, you can still unlock them in a traditional manner, and it's never felt at all like the game was designed differently because of it. It's just for people with more money than time.

Yeah I'm not too upset about it. The only detriment comes in when normal play i.e. not paying to advance, feels too slow. In some games I feel like they have carefully tuned the rewards system so that it takes a little too long to advance without paying. It may well not be the case in AC3.

Btw, thanks for recommending the Dragon Age games It turns out they are actually quite good.

1Dgaf wrote:
Higgledy wrote:

I can't blame developers for doing it but it puts me off when I feel like I'm playing a game designed to leach money from me.

We can blame developers. I find this kind of thing not only bad for gamers and gameplay, but also terribly lazy. I don't see any innovation in these models; any attempts to really make things fair for all parties, where the devs can earn more money without penalising gamers.

If you feel they're not treating you well, don't give them any money. Wait until there's a version of the game that feels fair to you, then buy it. And, given time, you're likely to get a version that contains all DLC and is cheaper.

I'll consider renting AC3 for the SP once I've played Revelations. I will also keep an eye on how the microtransactions work, just in case I think they've got a fair system.

My perspective on not blaming the developers (even though I'm not over joyed that they are going this way) is that they are only following their customers. It appears that many gamers were happy to had over small fortunes to anonymous Chinese gentlemen in order to advance in a game. Developers are saying, well if you are going to throw your money at people, it might as well be us.

In a way if this is a chance for them to bridge the gap money wise while still making games I enjoy then perhaps it's a good thing but it could easily get out of hand (Has a mental image of an EA executive excitedly saying, "Let's charge them for bullets!!")