Impressions of Assassin's Creed Chronicles: China

I finished the first of the three Chronicles entries. I bought the whole trilogy during the recent Ubisoft sale.

The game has an interesting story. On one hand it is about China, and on the other hand it is connected to the previous Assassin's Creed games — the ones with Ezio Auditore. According to the plot, in his old age he trained Shao Jun, the main heroine of the game.

It seems like all the action is two-dimensional, but at the same time there are various three-dimensional transitions inside the levels. The levels themselves are large and interesting. There is a level map view and even Eagle Vision.

The game is beautifully drawn, as if painted on canvas.

Most levels have several ways to complete them. In fact, depending on the style you use, you receive corresponding rewards at the end of the level. You can complete levels quietly in stealth style, eliminating enemies with hidden takedowns. You can also go through them without taking out or touching anyone at all. Or you can openly fight the enemies. You can mix the approaches too. The mechanics for each style are implemented wonderfully. As you progress through the game, new moves, abilities and tools appear. Parkour is there too.

I thought this would be some throwaway game released to make money between main Assassin's Creed installments, but it turned out to be a full-fledged game with excellent mechanics and gameplay. Off to play the other two parts now :)