Slender: The Arrival Review: Slender 1.5 Not 2.0

The original Slender game, The Eight Pages, was a breath of fresh air for the horror genre. While other games in the genre decided to stray too close to the action side, Slender stayed rooted to the basics of horror: atmosphere and tension. There are no different types of enemies, you know someone is coming for you sooner or later and you don’t really know who (or what) they are. Creators of The Eight Pages, Parsec Productions have teamed up with Blue Isle studios to release a follow-up, Slender: The Arrival. Is this $10 game worth your time?

The game’s premise is simple, you find yourself in an area after your car breaks down and you manage to get yourself to a relative’s house. But she is not there and you are experiencing hallucinations of a tall man in a suit. What follows is your character tracking down what happened to the relative through messages and notes scattered around the environments. There is no need to actually find these and build up the story though, this is purely for replay value and or for personal interest. The person’s whereabouts are explained through an interesting level (I won’t ruin it for you) but it did seem rushed slightly and didn’t live up to the production values of the rest of the game.

Arrival features five levels which basically feature different areas with certain tasks. The first level for example sees your character exploring the house for clues, finding a flashlight for example. The second level is the level that was released as the beta, the re imagining of The Eight Pages with better graphics and new areas. For more about that specific part point your browser here. The game no longer ends when you get the eighth page, pushing you onto a new destination. There is no variation in gameplay though, find ‘x’ number of generators or close ‘x’ number of windows. It feels like the developers wanted the same feeling as the original but in different settings. The problem is, other indie developers have done better Slender environments that the ones featured here. While it is an improvement on the length of the original game, the five levels do not last long, especially if you have played a lot of Slender games before. Another point is that the new enemies that were promised were not all that I hoped for but at $10 though, I cannot really complain that much.

One thing that stands out to you when you start the game for the first time is the graphical improvements. The trees are detailed, the sun shines through the foliage and onto the ground and the screen disorientation that occurs when Slender is near adds to the tension and makes you jump even when you don’t see the eponymous bad guy. If you feel that the upgraded graphics will ruin the simplicity found in the original, try the new version, it adds to the experience and immerses you further into the character’s plight. The character model for Slender is much improved and watching him slowly and calmly walk towards you (rather than stand aimlessly still) can make even the most fearless person start to worry.

This game’s high point is its genius sound design. Walking through the more open areas which look deserted and then hearing quiet footsteps or rustling of leaves behind you tempts you to make sure you are alone. Sometimes screams fill your ears from a distance or recordings play their messages, all sound like they would fit in with this genre. The soundtrack features creepy piano music, bells and strings that wouldn’t be out of place in a Hollywood horror film. In the first level there is even a radio which, if turned on, blasts out some of that old music that you find in many horror films which adds to the tension. Seeing as the beginning of the game is completely new, the game builds your uncertainty up which contrasts to the familiarity of the second level.

The game really succeeds at revamping the original level (which is still amazing after the twentieth time) and working on the already established ideas but the lack of varied gameplay and incredibly linear areas with nothing happening detract from the fun of this game. The ending of the game leaves much to be desired but the game already has a planned sequel so maybe that explains it. For $10 though, the game is a good purchase if you are interested in the Slender back story or were obsessed with the last game. It isn’t a good buy if you were expecting large areas and anything new.

Final Score

7.5

Graphics:7/10

Sound Design:10/10

Gameplay:6/10

http://leviathyn.com/review/slender-the-arrival-review/

Could This Be What Next Generation Call Of Duty Looks Like?

Today at the Game Developers Conference, Activision revealed what their research and development branch have been working on for next generation and it is pretty. Are we seeing the next step in Call of Duty?

Despite the company running Call of Duty on the same engine for years now, only adding in small incremental updates every year rather than a whole engine revamp akin to Battlefield, Activision seem to be taking next gen in their stride. The video and images were revealed during Activision's talk on "Next Generation Rendering" and features a woman called "Lauren" and an unidentified aged man.

Jorge Jimenez, Activision reasearch and development of graphics, revealed on his website the features of the engine. He says it brings "We believe this technology will bring current generation characters, into next generation life. At 180 fps in a Geforce GTX 680." He also says that "...the challenge goes beyond entertaining; it’s more about creating a medium for better expressing emotions, and reaching the feelings of the players." Yes gamers, Activision is talking about games with EMOTION!

Here are some of the other images:

As you have probably asked yourself already, "But these aren't in motion!" Well Activision R&D also released a video of a man talking about frozen fruit while showing off some facial expressions which are truly astounding. Check it out below:

[youtube id="l6R6N4Vy0nE" width="600" height="350"]

Are you amazed yet? If not, Jimenez happened to mention that the video is "running in our two-year old laptop". The general speculation is that we will be seeing these kinds of graphics present in future Activision games. Namely Call of Duty (as it is one of the company's biggest franchises). If these are capable of running on PlayStation 4 and the next Xbox, we may have nearly achieved the glorious photorealism that some gamers crave.

What do you think of the graphics? Would you like to see this in your next Modern Warfare game?

http://leviathyn.com/games/news/2013/03/28/could-next-generation-call-of-duty-look-like-this/

Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag Gameplay Trailer Released

The latest trailer from the upcoming Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag has been released featuring in-game footage and giving us some details on the game. In addition, new collector’s editions have been announced for the US and Europe.

The trailer, released today, features protagonist Edward Kenway partaking in more fights, piracy and generally hanging out with Blackbeard a fair bit. To distinguish the trailer from the previous ones, much more underwater sections, including plundering sunken treasure and a man being eaten by fish. To round up the gameplay, Ubisoft even took the trouble to include even more scenes featuring whales, in case they hadn’t annoyed PETA enough with their promise of killing whales with harpoons. The graphics shown look very tasty indeed, however the small niggle with the previous games in which enemies attack one by one and not simultaneously is still clearly present. Nonetheless here is the trailer:

Not to leave out any possible way that Ubisoft could entice customers to pre-order so early, they announced five collector’s editions. The first edition is called the ‘Black Island Pack’ and is exclusive to Gamestop in North America. The edition features an extra quest, a ship, special pistols and various multiplayer items. In the UK and Ireland however, four different editions will be available. The largest is the ‘Black Chest’ edition which features and abundance of items, such as a figurine of the protagonist, a black flag replica and more, that collectors can own for what is likely to be a high price and will be exclusive to Ubisoft’s Uplay service. The other three, the ‘Buccaneer’, ‘Skull’ and ‘Special’ Editions are all available from GAME UK and feature fewer items than the first, presumably at decreased prices.

Lastly, a new pre-order bonus, a VIP service for the UK retailers and Uplay, has been announced by Ubi called ‘The Watch’. This will give “exclusive access to additional information, bonus content, rewards and… an exclusive quest designed specifically for VIP members.” The members will also be able to have online discussions, upload content and compare achievements with each other.

With Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag releasing in October, expect more details to drift in soon.

http://leviathyn.com/games/news/2013/03/25/assassins-creed-iv-black-flag-gameplay-trailer-released/

The Croods Review: Prehistoric Farmville Is Good?

The Croods is a film that has been released in the last week. It follows a family of neanderthals racing to escape the “end of the world”. While the film brings in the same audience as Ice Age did for Dreamworks before, the company drafted in Angry Birds developer, Rovio, in an attempt to crack the mobile audience. Boy have they succeeded.

First off, do not expect any deep storyline or character development. The characters have a name and speak in grunts accompanied by subtitles. But this is not a typical by the books film tie-in. This game assumes you know or do not care for the characters that you are seeing and focuses on the building of a prehistoric farm. Grug, the father in the film, has an idea called “hunt and gather” which very simply sums up the aim of this game.

To achieve the hunting part of the game, you are tasked with building up enough money and resources to build traps for the various kinds of animals on offer. Once these well designed traps are built, animals will begin to flock around it and allow you to catch them. Upgrading the traps with money allows you to have a greater chance of capturing the first or second time. If the capturing of the animal is not successful, Grug drops a cage on himself and gets annoyed which isn’t a problem… the first time. If your attempts at capturing the animals fail numerous times, this mechanic becomes tiresome and, without any money to spend on upgrading, does start to grate on your patience. After the animal has been caught, the game makes you “tame them” using the animal’s preferred food. While being tamed, you build a home and stock up on the food for it. Once a sufficient number of animals are caught you can start with the “gather” side of the game.

This consists of making sure your animals have enough food to keep them producing the precious materials that are needed to feed other types of animals or to build new features which evolve the current animal’s homes, your own home (which stores your raw materials) or to access a new area which includes new animals. These also allow you to create soup which upgrades each individual animal’s abilities. Missions are given by another imaginatively named character, Gran (seriously), who pushes you along and after each set of missions upgrades your level. It may sound mundane but the game is seriously addictive and sufficiently rewards you for each of your actions.
If you cannot wait for the animals to finish creating things or for the homes to build / upgrade, you can purchase one of the many microtransaction options available. There are gems (shortcuts to speed the game up) and coins in different sized packages in varying price from $4.99 to $59.99. These become necessary at some point to upgrade one of the crucial elements of the game, the Berry Bush, and to get additional Bear Owls (an animal that mines berries for coins).

The graphics, while basic, are suitable for this kind of game. Essentially 2D models that move round the map, the characters and animals are not exactly what you would call advanced, but if you think of it as a prehistoric set game, the basic approach seems perfect. The charm and ingenuity of the animal design is where this game shines however. Animals such as the Girelephant and the Albatroceros are examples of how the animals are inventively created. They become tired-looking when out of food and roam around their homes while creating your materials.

The sound design is similarly basic. Clicking on the characters rewards you with basic grunts or grumblings, presumably to save on the cost of hiring Mr. Nicholas Cage and Ms. Emma Stone to voice their characters Grug and Eep respectively, while clicking on animals gives you various different noises. If you choose to have your media volume up for longer than five minutes, you will notice a soundtrack of basic and repetitive drum, xylophone and bird noises over and over until you turn it off.
A last gripe with the game is its dependence on an internet connection at all times, even when you don’t sign into Rovio’s own service. It prevents people like me who do not have much internet allowance on their smartphones from playing out and about, limiting the amount of time people can spend with the game. Despite this, the game still manages to send you constant notifications with the mobile data off.

The game is basic in its premise and its execution but somehow makes you keep crawling back for more, no matter how hard you try to stay away. I have invested a fair amount of time in the game and with the addition of the friend feature allowing you to visit other people’s land will only serve to make me return to it more.

Final Score

6.3

Graphics:6/10

Sound:4/10

Gameplay:9/10

http://leviathyn.com/review/the-croods-android-review-prehistoric-farmville-is-good/

Battlefield 4 Revealed With 17 Minute Gameplay Trailer

The fourth game in the powerhouse franchise Battlefield has finally been unveiled with a gameplay trailer and a release window.

EA revealed the game this morning with a 17 minute demo of in game footage. The demo begins with the Bonnie Tyler song “Total Eclipse of the Heart” before plunging the viewer into the perils that the playable character, Recker, is facing. The team which includes your character is trapped in a car which is rapidly sinking. After failing at getting another character to safety, you are ordered to shoot the windscreen to save the “intel”. Flash back to minutes earlier where you are sneaking around a crumbling building, providing cover fire for a team mate and flanking a turret gunner. There seem to be a fair few giant set pieces akin to other FPS games, with a building crumbling around you, sliding you down the levels of the building, helicopter blades inching towards you and shooting another helicopter in slow motion hanging out the side of a vehicle. In addition to these, DICE have included more social aspects into their single player game. While playing the game, EA say that the game will “track players’ progress, adding an element of persistence and friendly competition.”

EA also released a press release which details some other information. Two bits stood out to me with the first being that the game is “launching  in Fall 2013.” And also that the game is running on “Frostbite 3 — a new standard for interactive entertainment in 2013.” A new engine for a new generation of Battlefield? The graphics of the trailer are truly beautiful, explosions, destructible environments and character models are all very well built and sit well alongside the typical lighting effects that DICE love to show off.

When pre-ordering the game on Origin, EA have said that a Deluxe edition will be available. This will include the base game, bonus in game items plus access to the Battlefield 4 multiplayer beta. If you are not so into Origin, pre-ordering at any “participating” retailer will bag you a Premium expansion pack. No details of what this includes.

We are sure to get more details coming in over the next while so stay here at Leviathyn for more Battlefield news.

http://leviathyn.com/games/news/2013/03/27/battlefield-4-revealed-with-17-minute-gameplay-trailer/

How Will An Always Online Xbox Change Next Gen?

The amount of leaks for the next generation consoles have been building up for a while now and an interesting feature was included in the most recent one: The next Xbox will be online only. Obviously we will not know anything concrete till the inevitable announcement of the console but the prospect of an always connected console is intriguing.

The Xbox 360 was Microsoft’s answer to Sony and Nintendo this generation and one of the major reasons they kept in the game was the stellar Xbox Live service. While many people (many PS3 gamers) ridicule the service for the cost of playing online, the quality is undeniable. Comparing personal experiences on PS3 and Xbox 360, the online play, the store and the presentation of Live is ahead by a country mile. However, this success with millions of people using the service is not enough, in my opinion, to guarantee a successful always on the internet console.

The leak detailed what the Xbox 720 / Durango / NextBox (whatever you would like to call it) states that the console will not support “play from the optical disc” and will “always maintain a network connection so that console software and games are always current.” Now this being implemented could be for various reasons. One being to check used games and another to keep an eye on its users.

The aforementioned leak in all its glory

Firstly, the war against used games has been talked about for a while now, Crytek have previously talked about blocking used games (Thanks CVG) saying that ”from a business perspective that would be absolutely awesome.” Rumors have also been swirling about Microsoft being desperate to block the second hand market. Being online constantly would allow the console to make sure the game you are playing is new and your own without you even having enough time to say “Damn that console!” Leviathyn have in fact written about why the next Xbox won’t block used games, but what if we are wrong and Microsoft does. The online keeping games “current” could be PR speak for your own games only. Good for developers but what about consumers?

Secondly and on a note I support, users who want to mod their console, bypass certain transactions or hack games and subsequently ruin it for everyone else could be found out instantly. As much as creative modifications to games can be genius, some people abuse this, look at Call of Duty 4 on PS3 for example, invincible players who fly around killing everyone in seconds. Microsoft’s apparent closed off approach to its content would prevent anyone from abusing the powers of the console. That can be a controversial topic for some, if you buy the console, you should be able to use it how you see fit… but not at the expense of another player’s gaming. If this is one of the reasons going through Microsoft’s lofty heads, expect backlash from some areas of the gaming community.

There is a problem that while millions of people do own an Xbox 360 and have Live connected, there are many of those who have unstable connections. Are we supposed to deal with a console telling us half way through a single-player game that we have lost connection and therefore access to our games? It is impossible. But spare a thought for the poor souls who cannot access the internet at all for whatever reason, Microsoft will have discounted millions of gamers instantly.

As much as I think that online is the way forward in terms of gaming, it is not the time to force it on us. This decision may end up swaying people who are sitting on the fence over to Nintendo or Sony’s console.

Is there a market for always online consoles in the world today? Let me know in the comments.

http://leviathyn.com/games/opinion/2013/03/23/how-will-an-always-online-xbox-change-next-gen/

How Skype Could Give Xbox 720 The Upper Hand Next-Gen

Skype was created in 2003 and in 2011 was bought by Microsoft for $8.5 billion. The service caters to over 600 million users worldwide and offers free communication over the internet using video and voice. And this could be the key for the Xbox 720 to keep the voice features for the new console ahead of the PlayStation 4.

The Xbox 360 launched with the ability for voice chat. This was available to players to talk to friends and enemies in your game and, crucially, across different games. This ability made the console a much more social experience and became a much coveted feature in the console fanboy wars. The PlayStation 3 could not offer their user base the same feature, limiting its users to a basic voice feature that could only be used within the very game that they were in. This restriction was due to differences between the two console’s RAM usage with the Xbox 360 being able to split the memory between the game and the voice chat, while the PS3 forced all the memory into whatever game you were playing.

Like this… But in-game and less family around!

This feature proved a sore point for Sony with the users regularly requesting the feature. Sony could not do anything about it, however, until they announced the PlayStation 4. In details released by Sony, the feature was mentioned “Through PS4, users are able to deepen their connections through co-op play or “cross-game chat”.” If this promise is fulfilled, this shows that the competition is catching up to the features that Microsoft held strong with for the last generation.

The key to keeping ahead of the market is to fully integrate the company that the Xbox developer already owns into games, into films, into television and more. By integrating cross-game video chat would extend the social future that next generation seems to be taking past Sony and Nintendo. But the software must be implemented effectively.

Windows 8 integrated Gamertags into its operating system effectively and uses that to buy films and music on the PC using the same accounts as you would on the Xbox 360. Do the same with Skype. Integrate the Xbox with Skype on PC, tablets and mobile phones. For example, while using the PC you see the little green tick letting you know your friend is on Skype. Alongside the tick is a green ring of lights letting you know that person is available to video chat while they play. A great option would be to allow friends on PC to watch them play their game while you are on PC similar to the screen sharing options that Skype offers between Windows users.

This is a mom’s reaction to Dead Space 2

Imagine watching your friend cower in horror at the latest Dead Space or seeing them jump for joy at beating your time in a Need For Speed game. Or, similar to Sony’s strategy, let people watch you play on your phone when out and about or calling your friend’s iPhone or Android (dependent on your preference) to tell your best friend to get on Skype and watch this game that you are playing!  There are so many opportunities for this to be used it would be ridiculous for Microsoft not to use them if you really think about it!

Xbox are thought to be revealing their newest hardware in a special event in April, we may find out if they use this essential feature then.

http://leviathyn.com/games/opinion/2013/03/07/how-skype-could-give-xbox-720-the-upper-hand-next-gen/

PS4 Announcement: Was It Purely To Force Microsoft’s Hand?

The PlayStation 4 Meeting last month was a great announcement. The games shown looked great, the controller was fresh and the specifications were released to great fanfare. This has spurned reports that Microsoft will announce the Durango / Xbox 720 at a similar type of event in the next couple of months. But they should not be forced into a panic announcement. The Sony conference was smoke and mirrors.

Now I do not mean smoke and mirrors in the sense that the show was faked in any way. What I mean is that the PlayStation Meeting was deceptively vague. Yes they detailed the specs and they showed amazing looking games but did they really show one thing that they can’t revisit and change once Microsoft have hastily announced their next generation console? The console itself was not shown, the controller is still in development, the release date was not announced, the price was not even mentioned and the majority of games shown were already announced or were pretty much certain to be coming. The games that were new IPs not previously heard of were not shown in a gameplay form. These things, I think, were not shown for a reason more than that the designs are not final yet. The Meeting was a move by Sony to force Microsoft’s hand without making any moves that would offer the American company an easier next-gen future.

The console no-show was put down to that it’s “just a box” and it is not a final design. The console design is the first thing that you see on a shelf when buying the new hardware and so the aesthetics of a console is one of the major pulls of hardware along with specifications, games and peripherals. The decision not to show it may just be Sony waiting on the design of the Xbox. What are its strengths and weaknesses? Is it aesthetically pleasing or is it just another piece of tech to hide under the television? Sony can tweak these things immediately after they have forced Microsoft into their reveal, creating a superior look and feel.

Shiny!

The controller is, by Sony’s own admission, not finished. Shuhei Yoshida, President of Sony Worldwide Studios, said that the DualShock 4 is only “near the final” product and that there is possible “small tweaks” to be done.  But what they showed was a much improved controller. The pad for the PlayStation 3 was hit and miss on certain aspects of it (the damn triggers!) which created a rift between console gamers about which manufacturer’s controller was better for what. My personal preference was the Xbox 360 controller but the PS4 controller looks to have taken on criticisms and I may have to change my mind once I get a hold of it. The controller added in certain features that allowed it to be a serious contender and will force Microsoft into revealing something that may have been rushed to keep up with it. If Microsoft already had a superior controller and were laughing among themselves, showing it at a meeting that has been rushed to combat Sony will give the PlayStation manufacturer the ability to tweak the features to make it even better.

Not finished?

The new games on show looked amazing but most of them were shoe-ins for next-gen titles: Killzone, inFamous, Media Molecule making a new project along with previously announced games Watch Dogs and Destiny. The surprises came from CGI demos and promises of more at E3. This has allowed Sony to woo gamers with promises of great new experiences without showing their whole hand. If Microsoft come out in their announcement being typically gung-ho and forward (like I assume Sony hope they will be), they could show off their hand too early, allowing Sony the upper hand in showing off more amazing experiences, new worlds and interesting characters at E3 safe in the knowledge that Microsoft won’t be able to out-do them as they have so often in the current generation.

Pretty… But we knew it was coming didn’t we?

Lastly, with the release date and the pricing, Sony will want to wait to see the decisions that the Xbox manufacturer will take. Sony will not rush these crucial details. The PS3 was disadvantaged from the outset because of allowing Microsoft to take a year head start in the war for the then next generation while being priced ridiculously high making it a purely luxurious console and not a practical one. Something to show off to your poor friends and colleagues saying “I have more money than you!” Sony have learned from their mistakes and will wait to decide the loss that they will make on each console.

VAGUE!

Sony have previously admitted they wanted to wait for Microsoft to announce their console first. Kaz Hirai said, “Why go first, when your competitors can look at your specifications and come up with something better?” They then announced the console and released specifications a month later… before the competition. Suspicious?

What do you think, has Sony pulled the wool over our eyes in an attempt to scare Microsoft?

http://leviathyn.com/games/opinion/2013/03/04/ps4-announcement-was-it-purely-to-force-microsofts-hand/

Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag Trailer: What Does It Mean For The Game?

Yesterday, the trailer for the newest chapter of the Assassin’s Creed franchise was “leaked” on the internet. After quickly being taken down, details were still found within the trailer that may give us insight into how the game will turn out.

We will join forces with Blackbeard? – The trailer begins with a man who says “All right lads, I’ll give you Blackbeard’s honest opinion.” The man is obviously important, and he looks experienced and battle-worn. He is talking to a group of pirates who have asked him about the game’s protagonist, Edward Kenway. The man seems to know Kenway very well, even so much as to be slightly afraid of him, saying “there is more mystery to that man than even I dare ask.” If this man is indeed Blackbeard as he states, this could open up the possibility of fighting alongside the legendary pirate. Blackbeard says “I seen him clear the deck of a Spanish Galleon like it were nothing,” suggesting he has been with him while Kenway did this feat.  However, Blackbeard died in 1718, three years after the game is supposedly set, so maybe our time with him will not be lengthy.

The new guy is definitely Edward Kenway – According to the Blackbeard, Kenway is “ranked amongst the most clever” pirates in the West Indies. He is also described as “a fearsome dog… fighting like a devil dressed as a man.” The protagonist wears a cross between pirate wear and the traditional Assassin clothing, using the hood to hide his face while fighting and sneaking similar to past heroes. The man fights brutally in the trailer, using his dual swords and QUADRUPLE pistols to overcome his enemies.

Not to do away with the traditional Assassin blade, the end of the trailer suggests he has a personal agenda (likely against Templars) and he uses his blade to silently kill his target without blinking. Maybe this protagonist has a dark secret or two?

The trailer also gave us our first full look at the man we will take control of:

Underwater sections – The trailer shows us Kenway swimming down to the depths of the ocean towards a large shipwreck. This opens up tons of possibilities. Could we find old treasure under the sea? Or are there other things that were left in the old ships to help the Assassins? As a side note, there is a shark in the frame below. Underwater shark fighting or just for show? I hope for shark fighting!

Shark!

 There will be good ol’ piratey sections! – The trailer shows two parts where the new protagonist and his crew could be doing piratey deeds. The first showing the crew on a tropical island with a fire. Edward Kenway is talking to a crew member walking off with him. Could this be the crew landing to find a hidden treasure?

The second is the shot of Edward Kenway blocking off soldiers carrying a large chest. Presumably the chest contains treasure or booty or the like. But the interesting part is the crew member hiding in the foliage next to the soldiers. This could show a new way of being tactical in missions. You could order your crew to take up flanking positions or make distractions while you take the enemies out. This part is especially exciting.

Peekaboo!

Classic Assassin’s gameplay – A frame from an over-the-shoulder perspective shows Kenway in full Assassin mode, perching on a rooftop while surveying his surroundings. This is the first part of the trailer showing classic gameplay. This is similar to the View Points in previous games where the player could expand the map and see targets from afar.

Insert Eagle sound here.

Kenway is a charmer – One of the final parts of the trailer shows Edward Kenway leaving a room with where two naked women lie in bed. This could be Ubisoft pointing at Kenway being more of a similar character to Ezio where he could charm the women fairly successfully. If this is a return to the charming central character, then we may have a character to rival that of Ezio Auditore Da Firenze.

Date and Consoles announced – We already knew that the game would be released this year, as Ubisoft releases an Assassin’s Creed game every year. But what we didn’t know was that it is being released for next generation consoles. The logo for the PlayStation 4 is there, and the “consoles” suggests multiple releases, Xbox Durango is extremely likely.

Is there anything you have noticed from the trailer? Let me know in the comments below.

http://leviathyn.com/games/lists/2013/03/03/assassins-creed-iv-black-flag-trailer-analysis/

Assassin’s Creed: Black Flag Screenshots and Trailer Leaked

More Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag leaks have reached us! Screenshots and a trailer have been released, however the trailer has now been pulled from YouTube and various other sources.

Leaked yesterday, the trailer was not game-play footage but shows some details about the game nevertheless. It showed Blackbeard enthralling a large group of pirates with talk of main protagonist Edward Kenway, father of Assassin’s Creed 3′s Haytham Kenway. He calls Kenway the “new captain”, suggesting that you will start as a captain in the new game, rather than building up to captaining your own vessel.  Over the top Blackbeard’s narration, the trailer shows Edward Kenway’s weapons and brutal fighting style. He carries four pistols and dual wields swords. Other details that are of interest are the shot of swimming underwater to find a shipwreck and the hint at the new protagonist being a bit of a ladies man (there is a shot of him leaving a room with two naked women lying on a bed). The trailer is unusually high quality for a leaked version and it was quickly removed from the sources. An interesting thing to point out is that the trailer ended with the announcement that the game is “coming to next-gen consoles” after previously being announced only for PS3, Wii U and Xbox 360.

Screenshots were leaked today showing new environments and more of the protagonist in action. The shots are posted below, complete with a WHALE! We had previously speculated that a whale should be an enemy in the game, could this come true?

With all the high quality leaks of late, it makes me wonder if Ubisoft is just orchestrating the “leaks” to build a bit of hype around the announcement of the game. Do you think that Ubisoft could be faking the “leak” to help their game start the hype train.

http://leviathyn.com/games/news/2013/03/03/assassins-creed-black-flag-screenshots-and-trailer-leaked/