Assassin's creed

It's a totally sci-fi concept that certain memories and experiences are "hard-coded" into an organism's DNA which are then passed on to his/her descendants (although, of course, s/he can't recall these consciously). It's probably based around the fact that there are certain genetically "programmed" instincts inherent to a species, but of course, speaking in real-life biology terms, it doesn't really work like that.

That's why they call it sci-fi though.
 
I believe there is some evidence of epigenetic inheritance in real life, so experiences now might change gene expression in your descendants, but the DNA sequence remains the same even if bases are chemically modified or interact with proteins.

In terms of suspension of disbelief, I wouldn't mind some sort of time machine viewer, but I find the idea of a "genetic memory" reading machine silly, as it is something that feels plain wrong with that extra bit of unnecessary detail rather than 'the Wizards did it'. It looks like it might be more of a gimmick to allow additional features, but I would probably prefer no sci-fi element rather than this one. I'll have to wait for further information to see though.
 
Bought a PS3 last saturday.
This is one of the games i'm actually waiting for (along with names like Resident Evil 5 and Final Fantasy XIII).
 
quietfanatic said:
In terms of suspension of disbelief, I wouldn't mind some sort of time machine viewer, but I find the idea of a "genetic memory" reading machine silly, as it is something that feels plain wrong with that extra bit of unnecessary detail rather than 'the Wizards did it'.
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*squints a little* Perhaps I misunderstood, but did you just say that a device that allows you to peer through time is an acceptable sci-fi device, but what Assassin's Creed is doing with "genetic memory" isn't? o_0
 
I wouldn't want either, unless the sci-fi element was really so good as to be worth the annoyance. However, simulation via time travel would be more acceptable to me than "genetic memory". They might want to avoid time travel stuff because of Prince of Persia, but this sci-fi element looks like it will be a mistake. Maybe I should have just said "Sci-fi in AC is stupid", but I was suggesting an improvement to what they appear to be doing, even if I don't like it.

Genetic memory as in storing your complete and detailed memory in your genetic code, which will be passed on over several generations with perfect fidelity, immediately comes across as a stupid idea to me. Like the Fatman, I immediately react with "this is BS", even without starting to consider a potential explanation/mechanism and details. And I don't think I am particularly biased by my training (e.g. I coincidentally had a lecture on epigenetics today). Such additional mechanistic details could include transducing the changing structure of the brain into your sperm genome, increasing total genetic material, which would be energetically expensive etc., not to mention the sci-fi interface which suggests that you are controlling/simulating the past. My preference for more believable, appropriate and consistent sci-fi elements is probably not that rare. It is not a black or white thing, but a matter of degree and execution. I don't mind the quadruple-helix from FEV in the Fallout universe for example, but this AC sci-fi stuff looks silly and potentially damaging to the overall quality of the game.
 
Well I just got the game a couple of hours ago and I absolutely love it. I dislike the sci fi part but otherwise the setting is amazing. I love the different mentality of the whole world there. No fluff whatsoever, violence is just the way it would be. Even the "noble" assassins are pretty damn ruthless and violent. I was interested in the setting before but didn't expect it to be this good, you really have to play it to appreciate it.

The gameplay is solid. The fights are great and the assassinations are pretty satisfying. The fight moves are only fancy in the way they were in the Achilles vs Hector fight in Troy (2004); fancy enough without any unnecessary moves. Climbing and leaping, although not very challenging, is a lot of fun and is just impressive to watch.

Sounds and music are 10/10. Graphics are really impressive but not prefect, there are some uglies here and there. The imperfections are mostly seen during fighting. Some moves come out a little too jerky and I hate how you can slash someone across the chest to hear a pretty sick sound and see blood all over but not see
anything on the chest itself, not even a red line.

So far, I'd honestly recommend this to anyone. I already do not regret buying it after just a few hours. There have already been moments that made me wish I could reload the parts to see them again. (I don't think you can or I don't know how yet) If you think you'd like a more serious Prince of Persia in an awesome setting, buy it.
 
Now wait a minute! I wouldn't go to far off the deep end to bash "Genetic Memory" as a scifi concept. The elaborations of genetic memory do stem from certain scifi writers, but the basic concept stems from the work of Carl Jung, and many types of concepts in life work with a general understanding of the same ideas. When I took Krav Maga classes, the whole idea of self-defense is basically "Re-Learning" old basic instincts of hunting and fighting that we have evolved over the years. Kinda the same idea as people with a certain genetic history who have a family of say painters, will have a much better ability to learn different types of artistic concepts involving painting and ect. Same goes with people who have had a long history of relatives who were in wars, or fought in some way. Their offspring are alot more prone to be martial and join military organizations and ect. So anyways,
It's not as bullshit of an idea as it seems.
 
Dopemine Cleric said:
When I took Krav Maga classes, the whole idea of self-defense is basically "Re-Learning" old basic instincts of hunting and fighting that we have evolved over the years.
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Well... just because that's the stated "purpose" of Krav Maga doesn't mean that's what is actually going on. Many martial arts have mythical premises (ninjutsu anyone?). Even if Krav Maga is an effective martial art (I know little about it, personally), that doesn't speak as to whether or not the premise is accurate. Plus, honing fighting instincts isn't exactly the same thing as tapping into a "genetic memory" as demonstrated in Assassin's Creed.
Kinda the same idea as people with a certain genetic history who have a family of say painters, will have a much better ability to learn different types of artistic concepts involving painting and ect.
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Easily explainable through genetics and the influence of growing up in a family that's artsy-fartsy. Doesn't necessarily have to involve the genetic memory concept.
Same goes with people who have had a long history of relatives who were in wars, or fought in some way. Their offspring are alot more prone to be martial and join military organizations and ect.
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Even more easily explainable as a probable result of parental pressure, tradition, and possibly genetic predisposition.
It's not as bullshit of an idea as it seems.
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It may not be entirely a bullshit idea, but obviously anything like the concept of tapping into an actual recollection of historical events as goes on in Assassin's Creed is entirely sci-fi and not really within the realm of plausibility.

Oh, and I'm still greatly looking forward to playing the game. Should get to tomorrow, actually.
 
Dopemine Cleric, your defense only seems to implicate genetic predisposition as a cause, but nowhere does your explanation tell how or if that skill was acquired by actions of the relatives.

Your genes, as far as modern science has come to know, do not 'learn' based on life influences. Unless those life influences involve genetic engineering :/

It's been demonstrated recently that rats only flee based on their sense of smell, that without a sense of smell they will not flee from predators. This strongly implies that their actions and predispositions are hard wired, and not at all learned. But also, a mouse can eventually learn not to run away, or a mouse with no sense of smell can actually learn to run from predators, so there are multiple levels of this. but thats only a determination of instinct, it says nothing for fine skills such as sword fighting.
 
I sometimes have memories of coming back to a cottage in Germany...I've never been to Germany. Spoooooooookyyyyyyyyyy.

I want to play this, but all I have right now is a Wii. :\ (Even though the Wii is awsome. I liek teh zeldrrz.)

Edit: Genetic Memory sounds like re-incarnation.
 
Okay, so I will be honest.

Assassins creed is great, and I love the story.
The sci Fi element fits perfectly, and is not at all stretched or retarded (albeit a tiny bit cheesy, but its sci fi, who cares)

This game is epic.
I love it.

It's so beautiful to look at, and while there seems like they could have put more quests into the game (although I am admittedly not even half-way done with it) there is a massive amount of things to do, although modstly just collecting flags. The comabt system is pretty.

Overall, I give this a 9 out of 10, on par with Bioshock.

I can think of tons of personal improvements I would have added, but the way they handled some aspects of the game, such as climbing and movement, seem like they could not be any more perfect.

This game is a piece of art.

Replay value seems only to be just above minimal though, which is sad.
 
Is it just me, or when you ride around on your horse, any guard (outside major cities) you "run" past tries to attack you?

That's my only gripe thus far, although it is a highly annoying one.
 
Duckman said:
Is it just me, or when you ride around on your horse, any guard (outside major cities) you "run" past tries to attack you?

That's my only gripe thus far, although it is a highly annoying one.
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Yea, there were pretty harsh speeding laws apparently. The guards will attack you if you ride or run too fast near them in the Kingdom (country side).

When you hear a beeping sound it means you're being watched by the guards but doesn't necessarily mean they will attack you. Just slow down and look around. If the guards are not very close you can just go on. However, if they are nearby or on top of towers, you should hold A (the "blend" button). You will slow down to a crawl but they won't attack you (you can do that on a horse)..
 
Yeah I understand that you can blend and get around them, it's just a pain in the freakin' ass!

Anywho, what I have played is awesome, those fly-arounds of the viewpoints are amazing.
 
xdarkyrex said:
I've been hunting the templars out, those bitches are tough.
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Tough to find for sure. I'm trying to get them too and the freaking flags, I got like 94 out of 100 (king richard's flags) and there is no way to find out which ones I'm missing or where the hell they are. I can only find them by accident at this point. :evil:
 
I've only killed 1 of 60 Templars thus far, but then again I have only completed a good 2% of the game :P

How many Saracen flags have you found? There are so many things to find!
 
I found all the assassins' flags (30?) and 97/100 of the KR's flags, killed about 45 Templars, most of them in the Kingdom. I don't know how many other flags I've got cause I'm concentrating on those right now but I definitely got some of each type.

It's driving me nuts that I can't find the 3 flags I need, the country side is huge and they could be friggin anywhere.

All that collecting shit is evil.
 
One of the best games I've ever played. Repetitiveness didn't really matter when the gameplay concept and game mechanics were so off the charts. And the crusaders speaking different European languages... Very nice touch. Great acting too. Got around 75 of Kingdom flags, 70% of all Templars, and so on. Nothing fully, it's impossible unless you're either very lucky or you follow a walkthrough from the start to get all the flags. Didn't really matter though, once I had my life bar to 100%, I didn't really care anymore.

Without spoiling too much, ending forces a sequel.


This is the kind of game where I would gladly pay for expansions, if they were to release them over Xbox live. It's too bad this is such an untapped field for game developers, they would make lots of money.


9/10.
 
I heard there's still lots of bugs on the game and that you can finish it within few hours (like less than 6)

I'm wondering if it's worth spending 65€ on it.
 
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