Assassin's Creed Syndicate: PS4 Review

Assassin's Creed Syndicate: PS4 Review

Platform: PS4
Released by Ubisoft

To be frank, the latest Assassin's Creed had a lot of ground to cover.

From the disastrous launch of a bug ridden Unity, it was clear the franchise needed to concentrate on the basics and deliver a game which retained the vibe of the series and also delivered graphics that worked properly when they needed to.

Thankfully, Assassin's Creed Syndicate is a return to form with the series.

Set in a wonderfully executed London, in the time of the Industrial revolution, the story follows twins Jacob and Evie Frye. Yep, that's right a woman protagonist. Navigating the crime corridors of London and fighting against the Templars, it's the usual story for the Assassin's series as the duo tries to find a Piece of Eden in the capital.

The dual approach of the game is a welcome touch, and gives the Assassins a chance to mix it up. On the one hand, Evie prefers stealth, whereas Jacob's more handy with his fists, giving you an opportunity to execute different gameplays and shape the game. Equally, the sibling bond and banter is a much welcome touch, bringing down the level of stuffiness to a more recognisable and likeable relationship that's worth sticking with.

Graphically, the game is excellent. Its Industrial Revolution setting and execution of London landmarks is thrilling and beautiful in equal measure. From Big Ben to the streets and factories with their ever present layer of steam, this is a game that gets the grit and grime of the era perfectly and evocatively right.

Equally gritty is some of the action.

Combat's fluid, the switch between assassins is also fluid, but there's also a layer of grit from the era. Jacob can get involved in fight clubs underground, a chance to build XP and also test out your fighting skills. Using a build up of beatdowns the game lets you take control of the fights a little easier, but it's still sometimes better to run away and survive the day, rather than risk death.

All in all Assassin's Creed Syndicate is a welcome revival for the franchise. Its dual leads, its natural banter and its executions of stealth make it a thrilling breath of air for a series that's started to feel staid. Well worth your time, this Assassin's game is very close to killer, not filler.

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