It's a given that Ubisoft is working on the next installment in the highly esteemed and extremely popular Assassin's Creed franchise, and there's a chance Assassin's Creed III could drop towards the end of next year.

The publisher has hinted at an annual release program for their vaunted series, although it's possible that ACIII won't make it until 2012. Either way, it seems they're already thinking about it, as several sources are reporting that Ubisoft has sent out a user survey to obtain AC-related feedback for the next entry. The survey can be seen in its entirety ; there are plenty of "what would you like to see…?" questions. Depending on how the fans reply, we could get new features like enhanced Eagle Vision, faster free-running, the ability to create custom bombs, a new objective where you and your Assassins battle the Templars to gain control of a city, and online/offline cooperative multiplayer modes. Most of the questions are in fact multiplayer-oriented, which may be both good news and bad… Brotherhood didn't suffer due to any perceived focus on multiplayer but if they care about it this much, ACIII might…

Then again, maybe it just means they won't fiddle with the single-player as much. This AC fan hopes he's in the same boat with other followers of the series- enhancements and improvements are fine, provided the core gameplay mechanic and quality presentation remains the same. The hero should never be changed into a superhero, the game should never leave its stealth roots behind (I'll just stop playing if this happens), and a focus on creating the most vibrant and believable living, breathing atmospheres shouldn't change. By the way, the survey also asks if you'd rather have a whole new setting and main character, or if you want to see Ezio return in a new story.

Well then, it seems they have a lot to hammer out before work actually begins. Hard to believe it'd make it for November 2011. Still, heed the words, Ubisoft…don't you do something dumb.

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BeezleDrop
BeezleDrop
12 years ago

Interesting, I still need to finish AC2 man am I behind. Everyone enjoying AC: Brotherhood? The beta did not impress me.

The idea on an annual AC game doesn't sit well with me, it makes me think of Madden or CoD. But then again, Ubisoft understands what quality is and doesn't cut corners.

WorldEndsWithMe
WorldEndsWithMe
12 years ago

see: screen tearing madness

Temjin001
Temjin001
12 years ago

World, there's gotta be at least something you like about AC, right?
=)

maxpontiac
maxpontiac
12 years ago

It seems Ubisoft is following the pattern set by annual sports titles.

Assassins Creed 2011, here we come.

big6
big6
12 years ago

I must say, I've loving AC:Brotherhood right now. I'm purposely taking it slow, so enjoy every bit of the game!

Having said that, I think they can properly retire Ezio after Brotherhood, as I don't see them continuing with Italy as a location.
I heard a rumour the next location would be Russia. So, a new assassin character who's Russian would be more appropriate.

Lawless SXE
Lawless SXE
12 years ago

The comic was set in Russia. I've heard Egypt, Feudal Japan and Medieval England as possible settings for the Animus of the next game. So far as I'm concerned, they're free to take their pick.
Peace.

big6
big6
12 years ago

If I could change a few things with Assassin's Creed…
Off the top of my head, they'd be:

— better fight controls. L1 locking on opponent is too flaky and the fighting is not that responsive.

— better use of the monetary system. New ways to make and spend money. The current system is OK, but could definitely be improved.

— have a short level or two where you play as someone else. Another assassin or family member or something.

— remove all missions that have a time restriction. I hate having to run through a gauntlet under a certain time. It's annoying, and I can't enjoy the scenery/environment.

Ben Dutka PSXE
Ben Dutka PSXE
12 years ago

I'm with you on the last one (HATE time-based crap in games like this), and there are indeed other ways of earning income. The lock-on can also be a little iffy, especially when you're honing in on one particular target.

Can't say the fight controls aren't responsive, though…they're about clean and reliable as can be, in my eyes.

erislocker
erislocker
12 years ago

I'm really enjoy AC:B. am a huge fan of the series. i agree as well that this should be Ezio's last adventure. in fact, i'd like some major change in scenery.

– SPOILER – (sorta)

AC1 had the middle east, but the buildings didn't look THAT different. AC2 and AC:B feels still somewhat similar (in looks) to AC1…
in the game they talk about São Paulo, Russia, and Japan.
quite frankly i would LOVE Japan. that would probably be my favorite place. or Russia. but a significant change in environment…

i like the combat. the target could be better (maybe hold and aim to target and then it locks on?
and i dislike the 50% completion if you mess one tiny thing…
that's stupid. at least do 80% or 90%, but 50%?
what the hell?
in all, i'm still loving it, but not as much as i did AC2 and AC1

so yea. JAPAN!

WorldEndsWithMe
WorldEndsWithMe
12 years ago

If they want to compete with CoD so much just put the guy in an assassin in Vietnam or something and make him a sniper. Release that every year.

</Sarcasm>

PS. Imagine how cool it would be to have a bunch of assassins in your family tree?

Killa Tequilla
Killa Tequilla
12 years ago

lol

Lawless SXE
Lawless SXE
12 years ago

Y'know… Co-op in Assassin's Creed would instantly bump this up from a Platinum Edition purchase. The multiplayer may be good, but that would just be a whole new level. I'd like to see a new setting, and character, if only so that they follow the precedent that they've already set. Everything else for me is sort of up in the air… I think I'l get a copy of AC2 off of Ebay… I want it, and it needs to be the GotY and Platinum Edition of it… And they just don't have that in stores here.
Peace.

big6
big6
12 years ago

I'm not a fan of the multiplayer in AC:Brotherhood. I gave it few tries and leveled up to level 6 or something, but it just didn't click with me.

Gonna just finish the single-player and move on…

Hezzron
Hezzron
12 years ago

I found the first AC to be decent, but it didn't leave me wanting more, causing me to hold off on playing AC2 until recently. AC2 blew my socks off, what an improvement! If anyone felt the same way about the first, I implore you to get back into the series! I have Brotherhood here now ready to go.

I don't mind annual installments of games, as long as the quality remains acceptable. I believe gaming companies have to strike while the iron is hot.

Amazingskillz
Amazingskillz
12 years ago

People just don't give AC1 enough credit. AC1 had a better lead character and a much better final boss fight than AC2. AC2 was more expansive. I haven't played ACBrohood yet but I'm hearing its nice. The true question is, does quality have to drop off if theres an annual installment? Who says so?

mehrab2603
mehrab2603
12 years ago

A new setting would be nice.I thought AC was a trilogy.So shouldn't Desmond be the main character of AC3?
PS. For some reasons I like Altair more than Ezio.

Killa Tequilla
Killa Tequilla
12 years ago

I have a question… When you're playing ACB, in the top of the screen is the white contrast all over? Is it part of the game or is it just me?


Last edited by Killa Tequilla on 12/7/2010 2:32:41 PM

Ben Dutka PSXE
Ben Dutka PSXE
12 years ago

Is what now? I'm not sure what you're asking…

Amazingskillz
Amazingskillz
12 years ago

@Mehrab…..I totally agree Altair was so much better. My favorite line of his was "oh theres just one more thing left" then the informant says, "what?", then Altair says "this" then he guts the guy. I loved it every time he did that.

Ben Dutka PSXE
Ben Dutka PSXE
12 years ago

That was…exceedingly lame. I cringed when he said that line.

Teddie9
Teddie9
12 years ago

yeah I was intrigued by Altair by his quiet nature and his ruthlessness, sure Ezio was more relatable but I liked the mystery surrounding Altair's character. I also enjoyed Altair having a logical mind. He was skeptical about the mystical powers of the apple like any normal person would be, whereas Ezio kinda just goes with the flow.


Last edited by Teddie9 on 12/7/2010 4:26:21 PM

Teddie9
Teddie9
12 years ago

I loved Ezio but his story is over for me. I'm liking either medieval England or the Russian Revolution…feudal japan isn't clicking with me even if people want ninjas.

X_shadowkilla_X
X_shadowkilla_X
12 years ago

They are probably asking all the online questions for the next AC. They said that its a yearly thing…maybe the next AC will be online only…ala…socom confrontation & MAG

WorldEndsWithMe
WorldEndsWithMe
12 years ago

squeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeezed.

booze925
booze925
12 years ago

2 things.
1.) ezio is done. italy is done. move on.
2.) who's excited 4 the new tomb raider?

SubjectiveTruth
SubjectiveTruth
12 years ago

The survey just told me I'm not part of their demographic after making me answer a bunch of questions. Guess who's either renting or buying used copies of AC games now? How do you like that F**ker? Shove your DLC too because I'm not buying it.

I don't think there should be anymore Ezio, were done with that. I never really care for the ancestor stories anyway, I'm interested in the sci-fi stuff. Like most people I think Japan would be awesome, Ninjas and all that BUT you know what could rival Japan? Ancient Egypt…It has so much mystery around it, not to mention they had all kinds of crazy rituals etc….But they probably wont go for that because you would have to jump a crazy distance to eagle drop from a pyramid, so I guess its goodbye Egypt.

YashaZz
YashaZz
12 years ago

I would love Russia as the setting for the next AC (particularly the revolution).
There is so many time spaces and famous historical events that they can put in AC games, c'mon, if they end it with Dezmond it wouldn't be very appealing to me, as I'm a huge history lover.

PS4_Mom
PS4_Mom
12 years ago

I am a big fan of AC2 and Brotherhood. I have a few comments/questions.
1. Why is the 4th installment ACIII?
2. A new version every year would most likely mean no Brotherhood DLC like AC2 had. Wouldn't it?
3. I think they should add game play levels (easy, normal, hard) like every other game does. Some of us need to level down and then replay at a harder level later. Just the core memories. Side missions can all stay at one level since they are optional anyway.
4. We buy and rent A LOT of games in my house and I don't know of another game that gives you more for your money than Brotherhood does. I hope annual releases won't cheapen it.
5. Maybe the same 3 Abstergo researchers could take the Animus to different places with different subjects. I like Desmond/Ezio, but a change would be nice, too.

That's all for now!