Tag: Ubisoft

  • Cult Shooter on Steam Now Just $4.99 – 75% Off Sale

    Cult Shooter on Steam Now Just $4.99 – 75% Off Sale

    Key Takeaways

    1. Main Character and Villain: Players control Jason Brody, an American tourist fighting for survival against pirates and mercenaries, with Vaas Montenegro as a standout villain.

    2. Open World Exploration: The game features a vast open world with activities like hunting, capturing enemy outposts, and climbing radio towers, along with a variety of weapons and vehicles.

    3. Development and Reception: Developed by Ubisoft Montreal, Shanghai, and Massive Entertainment, Far Cry 3 received positive reviews, with an 89% rating on Steam and a Metascore of 88 on Metacritic.

    4. Visuals and Gameplay Issues: Players praise the game’s immersive environment and graphics, although some criticize repetitive side quests and a predictable story.

    5. Current Sale: Far Cry 3 is currently 75% off at $4.99 as part of the Ubisoft Publisher Sale, with discounts on other AAA games available until March 13.

    In Far Cry 3, you play as Jason Brody, an American tourist who must fight to stay alive on a tropical island overrun by pirates and mercenaries. While he tries to save his friends and find a way off the island, he encounters very dangerous characters, especially Vaas Montenegro. Vaas is a charming yet unstable man who has become one of the most memorable villains in gaming, known widely outside of the game series.

    Exploring the Open World

    The game offers a large open world brimming with threats. Players can engage in various activities such as hunting and the famous Ubisoft radio tower climbing. They also capture enemy outposts, which helps to drive back the mercenaries and gain control of new areas. Far Cry 3 includes a wide range of weapons, from shotguns and pistols to machine guns and rocket launchers. For those who prefer stealth, there are options like silencers or a bow, and the machete is perfect for silent takedowns. Players have access to different vehicles, such as cars, boats, and gliders, making it easy to reach even the most hidden spots on the island.

    Development and Reception

    Ubisoft Montreal, Ubisoft Shanghai, and Massive Entertainment worked together to develop Far Cry 3, which was released in November 2012. Since its launch, it has gathered almost 100,000 reviews on Steam, with 89% being positive. The game has also received a strong response on Metacritic, boasting a Metascore of 88 and a user rating of 8.4. Many players admire its immersive environment and beautiful graphics, which still look great even after ten years. However, some common issues include repetitive side quests and a story that can be seen as predictable.

    Current Sale

    If you haven’t yet picked up Far Cry 3 for your Steam library, now may be the perfect time. The open-world shooter is currently 75% off as part of the Ubisoft Publisher Sale, reducing the price to just $4.99 until March 13.

    Also worth noting: The Ubisoft Publisher Sale features discounts of up to 90% on other popular AAA games and all titles in the Far Cry series. These offers are available until March 13.

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  • $60 AAA Game Joins Xbox Game Pass This Week

    $60 AAA Game Joins Xbox Game Pass This Week

    Key Takeaways

    1. Microsoft is adding Watch Dogs: Legion to Xbox Game Pass, marking its debut on the service.
    2. The game is set in a dystopian London, focusing on themes of hacking and surveillance against a totalitarian regime.
    3. Players can recruit and control any citizen in London, each with unique skills, adding a new dynamic to gameplay.
    4. Watch Dogs: Legion received mixed reviews, with 57% positive ratings on Steam and critiques around technical issues and gameplay repetitiveness.
    5. The game will be available on Xbox Game Pass starting February 25.

    This week, Microsoft is bringing just one new title to Xbox Game Pass, but it’s a big one: Watch Dogs: Legion. This is the third game in the popular open-world action-adventure franchise, following the original Watch Dogs and its sequel, Watch Dogs 2. The game is centered around themes of hacking, surveillance, and digital control. Set in a grim near-future version of London, Legion showcases a city dominated by a totalitarian surveillance state. The private security corporation Albion maintains its power through relentless monitoring, while the hacker group DedSec is ready to fight back.

    Gameplay and Features

    In Watch Dogs: Legion, players take on the role of a DedSec agent, utilizing advanced hacking tools to combat the oppressive regime. The game includes typical open-world features like missions, exploration, and driving, but it particularly highlights hacking – from seizing control of cameras and drones to shutting down entire transportation systems. Players have the freedom to approach missions stealthily or go in with guns blazing. A unique aspect of this entry is the ability to recruit and control any citizen in London, whether they are taxi drivers or spies, each offering distinct skills. In addition to the main storyline and a variety of side quests, the game also presents an online mode for cooperative missions.

    Reception and Pricing

    Created by Ubisoft Toronto, Watch Dogs: Legion was released in 2020 and is priced at about $60 on Steam. However, it has garnered a mixed reception from players. With over 9,000 reviews on Steam, only 57% of them are positive. On Metacritic, it has a Metascore of 76 and a User Score of 5.9. Many critiques have pointed to technical problems, a lackluster storyline, and repetitive gameplay. Bugs, crashes, and performance issues were notably prevalent on older consoles. The absence of a main character led many players to describe the dialogue as bland and emotionless. Additionally, the weak AI of enemies and the repetitiveness of missions added to the frustrations. Nonetheless, for those with an Xbox Game Pass subscription who haven’t tried this open-world experience yet, it might be worth checking out. Watch Dogs: Legion will be available on Game Pass starting February 25.

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  • Assassin’s Creed Shadows Physical Copies Leak, Gameplay Uploaded

    Assassin’s Creed Shadows Physical Copies Leak, Gameplay Uploaded

    Key Takeaways

    1. Game Leak Details: Physical copies of Ubisoft’s Assassin’s Creed Shadows have been spotted, with players sharing images and gameplay videos weeks before the official release on March 20.

    2. Social Media Evidence: The leak began on social media, where a user posted a copy of the game alongside gameplay clips, showcasing features like character selection and Animus Anomalies.

    3. Older Version: Discussions on Reddit suggest that the leaked version of the game is an older build, missing some final enhancements that Ubisoft intended for the official launch.

    4. History of Leaks: This incident adds to a trend of major game leaks, similar to past leaks involving titles like The Last of Us Part II and God of War Ragnarok, often due to mishandled retail shipments.

    5. Concerns for Ubisoft: The leak poses a risk of unfiltered gameplay and spoilers affecting public perception of the game, prompting Ubisoft to potentially take measures to prevent further leaks before the launch.

    Ubisoft’s new game, Assassin’s Creed Shadows, has been leaked ahead of its planned release on March 20. Physical copies of the game have appeared in various locations, and some players have shared images and gameplay videos online, indicating that they’ve gotten their hands on the game weeks before it officially comes out.

    Initial Leak Details

    The first signs of the leak were seen on social media platform X/Twitter, where a user posted a physical copy of Assassin’s Creed Shadows for PlayStation 5, along with a screenshot showing a download in progress. Although some were doubtful at first, skepticism turned to belief when the user released actual gameplay clips that showed the game in action on their console. This included a character selection screen with “Naoe,” one of the main characters, and a preview of Animus Anomalies— a gameplay element from earlier Assassin’s Creed games that involves disrupting the historical simulation in the game world, first introduced in Assassin’s Creed Valhalla.

    Discussions on Reddit

    A Reddit discussion thread also highlighted that this leak seems to be based on an older version of the game, likely lacking some of the final enhancements and refinements Ubisoft intended for the official launch. While leaks like this are common with major game releases, Assassin’s Creed Shadows is now part of a growing list of significant titles that have been revealed before their official debut. For example, in 2020, The Last of Us Part II faced a major leak that disclosed key story details months in advance. Similarly, in 2022, God of War Ragnarok had its physical copies sold nearly two weeks prior to the release, resulting in many players and developers frustrated over story spoilers.

    Implications for Ubisoft

    These types of leaks usually happen due to poorly managed retail shipments, where stores mistakenly sell copies before the designated release date. Sometimes, it’s warehouse employees or distributors who are to blame for these incidents. Ubisoft has encountered similar situations in the past, with Assassin’s Creed Mirage leaking before its launch, and even Assassin’s Creed Odyssey was available to play early due to loopholes in digital preloads.

    The premature release of Assassin’s Creed Shadows should be a concern for Ubisoft, as unfiltered gameplay and spoilers could spread widely before the official embargo ends. Although the leaked version reportedly lacks some last-minute polish, it might still influence initial thoughts about the game— and fans of the series might become more critical. With just under a month remaining until launch, the French game publisher may take measures to prevent additional leaks. However, it’s likely that some damage has already occurred.

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    Assassin’s Creed Shadows Physical Copies Leak, Gameplay UploadedAssassin’s Creed Shadows Physical Copies Leak, Gameplay Uploaded
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  • Ubisoft Stays Course Amid Setbacks: No Changes Ahead

    Ubisoft Stays Course Amid Setbacks: No Changes Ahead

    Key Takeaways

    1. Ubisoft reported a 31.4% revenue decrease and a 52% fall in net bookings for Q3 of the 2024-2025 fiscal year, linked to disappointing game launches.
    2. CEO Yves Guillemot reaffirmed commitment to their strategy of focusing on open-world action adventures and games as a service.
    3. The upcoming release of Assassin’s Creed Shadows on March 20, 2025, is seen as critical for Ubisoft’s future success.
    4. Community concerns highlight dissatisfaction with Ubisoft’s repetitive game design and reliance on similar concepts across franchises.
    5. Skepticism exists about Ubisoft’s ability to remain independent, with calls for a redesign or potential acquisition to improve the company’s prospects.

    Ubisoft has released its financial report for the third quarter of the 2024-2025 fiscal year, showing a significant 31.4% decrease in revenue and a 52% fall in net bookings when compared to the same time last year. These financial troubles are likely tied to a series of disappointing launches in 2024, which include Skull & Bones and Star Wars Outlaws, both of which did not meet expectations. Additionally, the arena shooter XDefiant was stopped after only six months of operation.

    Commitment to Strategy

    Even with these losses, Ubisoft is remaining committed to its strategy. CEO Yves Guillemot mentioned during the conference call (around minute 15:50) that the focus will continue to be on open-world action adventures and games as a service. These titles regularly receive content updates and include popular series like Rainbow Six: Siege and The Crew. The upcoming significant open-world title, Assassin’s Creed Shadows, is set to debut on March 20, 2025. Industry insider Jason Schreier has noted that Ubisoft’s future may rely heavily on the success of this release.

    Community Concerns

    The Reddit community seems puzzled by Ubisoft’s determination to maintain its current strategy. Many users argue that the so-called Ubisoft formula may be the exact reason for the company’s present difficulties. This formula typically involves a repetitive game design style, featuring expansive open worlds filled with fetch quests, base captures, and map unlocking through climbing towers. Series like Assassin’s Creed, Far Cry, and The Division all adhere to this pattern. Critics have pointed out that Ubisoft often recycles similar concepts instead of pursuing fresh ideas. Pay-to-win elements, where players can buy in-game benefits, are another common complaint.

    Future Outlook

    Numerous Redditors express skepticism about Ubisoft’s ability to continue as an independent publisher. In conversations, a well-known quote from Far Cry 3 about insanity frequently comes up: “Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.” While some fans hope for the revival of beloved franchises like Splinter Cell, Prince of Persia, or Rayman, others contend that only a comprehensive redesign or even an acquisition could potentially rescue the company.

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  • Assassin’s Creed Shadows Release Date Set for March 20th

    Assassin’s Creed Shadows Release Date Set for March 20th

    Key Takeaways

    1. Assassin’s Creed Shadows has faced multiple delays, with the current release date set for March 20, 2025.
    2. The game is set in feudal Japan and features a female shinobi and an African samurai, sparking debates over historical accuracy.
    3. Pre-order interest is strong, with about 300,000 pre-orders already, comparable to Assassin’s Creed Odyssey.
    4. Ubisoft is aiming to improve gameplay with enhanced stealth mechanics and a larger game world.
    5. Reviews for Assassin’s Creed Shadows are expected to be published on March 18, 2025, just two days before the official launch.

    Ubisoft’s latest installment, Assassin’s Creed Shadows, has experienced two delays, but it seems the third time might just work. According to sources from Insider Gaming, the game is finished, and the developers are feeling good about the March 20 launch date. Additionally, reports indicate that Assassin’s Creed Shadows, which takes place in feudal Japan, is seeing strong pre-order interest.

    Release Changes

    Originally, the 14th entry in the Assassin’s Creed series was set to launch in November 2024. However, Ubisoft decided to push back the release to February 14, 2025, to give the team more time to polish the game. Then, just a month prior to this date, the date was moved again to March 20. Understandably, many gamers are doubtful that the game will actually be available on that date. Despite a rocky development journey, Ubisoft is confident that they have addressed player concerns and believe it’s the right moment for release.

    Character Controversy

    As the first Assassin’s Creed title based in Japan, Assassin’s Creed Shadows introduces players to a female shinobi and an African samurai. This choice of characters has led to some criticism and debates over historical accuracy. Still, Insider Gaming reports that the game has garnered around 300,000 pre-orders. This figure is comparable to the successful 2018 title, Assassin’s Creed Odyssey. To further enhance sales, Assassin’s Creed Shadows will be sold on platforms like the Epic Games Store, Ubisoft Connect, and Steam.

    Looking Ahead

    Ubisoft is optimistic that the distinct setting, improved stealth gameplay, and expansive world of Assassin’s Creed Shadows will appeal to doubters. The challenges faced by the publisher are well known, making the success of this game essential for their financial stability. Insider Gaming is predicting that reviews for Assassin’s Creed Shadows will be published on March 18, just two days ahead of its launch.

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    Assassin's Creed Shadows Release Date Set for March 20thAssassin's Creed Shadows Release Date Set for March 20th

     

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  • Ubisoft Announces Rainbow Six Siege X and New Operator

    Ubisoft Announces Rainbow Six Siege X and New Operator

    Key Takeaways

    1. Rainbow Six Siege X is an advancement of the original game, not a completely new installment.
    2. Significant graphical and sound enhancements are promised, along with new gameplay mechanics.
    3. A new operator named Rauora has been introduced, featuring unique abilities and a Deployable Omnilink Mesh Launcher.
    4. The game continues to evolve within the live-service model, maintaining familiarity for long-time players.
    5. A full reveal of Rainbow Six Siege X is scheduled for March 13th, following a brief showcase at the Six Invitational.

    Rainbow Six Siege enthusiasts anticipating a follow-up to mark the game’s 10th anniversary might feel a tad disappointed. During the Six Invitational tournament, Ubisoft revealed that Rainbow Six Siege X is more of an advancement of the original game rather than a completely new installment. Nevertheless, the publisher assures players of notable graphical and sound enhancements, along with fresh gameplay mechanics for the tactical shooter. A short video showcasing Rainbow Six Siege X was presented at the event, while a complete reveal is scheduled for March 13th.

    Unique Gameplay Approach

    Launched in 2015 on PC, Xbox One, and PS4, Rainbow Six Siege has maintained its popularity through a distinctive take on the first-person shooter category. In contrast to the faster-paced Counter-Strike series, Ubisoft’s game emphasizes careful strategy. Effective communication is vital, and the destructible settings provide various methods for teams to achieve their goals.

    New Operator Announcement

    The operators in Rainbow Six Siege play a crucial part in how the games progress. Whether they are attacking or defending, these characters bring varied abilities, weapons, and gadgets to the table. Alongside the Rainbow Six Siege X announcement, Ubisoft introduced the new operator, Rauora. Part of the first season of Year 10 content, the New Zealand-based Rauora will be equipped with a marksman rifle, machine gun, and pistol. However, it’s her DOM (Deployable Omnilink Mesh Launcher) that could make the most difference. This bulletproof barrier adds a new defensive layer to any offensive plan.

    Evolving Game Landscape

    In the realm of live-service games, the distinction between sequels and their original versions often becomes unclear. Since its launch, Rainbow Six Siege has seen numerous updates that brought new modes and crossplay capabilities. For example, Counter-Strike 2 didn’t fundamentally change the series. It integrated many features already present in Counter-Strike: Global Offensive. In a similar vein, Rainbow Six Siege X is expected to boast improved graphics but will likely feel familiar to long-time players.

    The footage shown at the Six Invitational was quite brief, leaving fans eager for a more detailed showcase on March 13th. Nonetheless, the appearance of helicopters was enough to ignite excitement within the Rainbow Six Siege community.

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    Ubisoft Announces Rainbow Six Siege X and New OperatorUbisoft Announces Rainbow Six Siege X and New Operator
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  • Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Remake: New Gameplay and Graphics

    Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Remake: New Gameplay and Graphics

    It’s well-known now that Ubisoft is creating a remake of Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag. The original game was released in October 2013 and was met with high praise and excitement. Players loved its setting, storyline, and the ship combat features. With the upcoming remake, Ubisoft is set to update this classic for 2025, breathing new life into the beloved title.

    New Features and Enhancements

    A recent report from MP1ST reveals that the Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Remake will come with a complete graphical upgrade, courtesy of the advanced Anvil engine. Additionally, it will introduce fresh gameplay mechanics, including wildlife encounters that will enhance the immersive experience of the game.

    Ubisoft placed significant emphasis on wildlife encounters in Assassin’s Creed Origins, filling the expansive open-world with fun activities and resource-gathering chances. This feature was carried over to later AC titles, such as Odyssey and Valhalla, and it’s expected to play a major role in AC Shadows as well.

    Iconic Ship Combat

    The ship combat in the original AC IV Black Flag was a major highlight. It was so popular that Ubisoft initiated work on an online feature for AC Black Flag that focused solely on naval battles. After a series of delays and some controversy, this online feature eventually launched as a separate game called “Skull and Bones” in February 2024.

    While players have had a taste of the ship combat from AC Black Flag with the updated graphics in Skull and Bones, many gamers are eager for the complete AC Black Flag experience. Therefore, Ubisoft might incorporate elements from Skull & Bones, like the ability to use multiple ships and extensive customization options, into the new remake.

    Release Expectations

    Back in October 2024, we mentioned that Ubisoft might launch the AC Black Flag Remake in November 2025 or even sooner. However, the delays with AC Shadows may push the release of Black Flag back further than anticipated.

    As it currently stands, we’re hopeful that the AC Black Flag Remake will be released before the end of the year. This timing would allow Ubisoft to have a major AAA title ready for the holiday season in 2025.

    In conclusion, we’re looking forward to a well-crafted Assassin’s Creed experience, especially since Ubisoft has faced some challenges recently.

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  • Assassin’s Creed Shadows Previews Coming Next Week Despite Delay

    Assassin’s Creed Shadows Previews Coming Next Week Despite Delay

    Ubisoft is moving forward with its plans for the Assassin’s Creed Shadows preview event next week, even though the game has been delayed. Gaming insider Tom Henderson has confirmed that this event will give media and content creators a chance to get an early glimpse of the game. However, the exact date when coverage can be shared is still not known.

    Game Delay Details

    Originally, Assassin’s Creed Shadows was set to release on February 14, 2025, but it has faced several delays, with the latest push moving it to March 20, 2025. Ubisoft explained that they needed more time for development to enhance gameplay and respond to player feedback. Despite this delay, the preview event is still happening as planned.

    Event Logistics

    Henderson pointed out that logistical issues played a role in Ubisoft’s choice to keep the event on schedule. The development team was striving for “maximum polish,” but they also didn’t want to disrupt the showcase that was already arranged. There were early rumors that the embargo for sharing information might be lifted around January 20, but this has not been confirmed yet.

    Community Reactions

    Fans on social media sites like X and Reddit are eager for the preview event to address uncertainties about gameplay and overall quality. This is especially true given the recent emphasis on the two main characters, Yasuke and Naoe, and the newly improved parkour system. With many significant game releases in February, March may be a more strategic time for Assassin’s Creed Shadows to launch, especially since this game is critical for Ubisoft’s future.

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  • Ubisoft’s Future Rests on Assassin’s Creed, Insider Claims

    Ubisoft’s Future Rests on Assassin’s Creed, Insider Claims

    During the 2000s and early 2010s, Ubisoft was a top choice for gamers, enjoying huge success with series like Assassin’s Creed and Far Cry. Yet, the company’s luck took a turn for the worse, reaching a new low in 2024. Every major game released that year failed to meet expectations. Some notable disappointments included:

    The Downfall of the Ubisoft Formula

    The excessive reliance on the “Ubisoft formula,” which is characterized by repetitive gameplay, cluttered maps, and a lack of new ideas, has led to rising discontent among gamers and critics. This growing frustration is worsened by technical glitches, frequent bugs, and the presence of microtransactions in games that are already sold at full price. Consequently, Ubisoft faces increasing pressure to implement meaningful changes, with the company’s future possibly resting on developments in this year.

    A Crucial Moment Ahead

    Gaming insider Jason Schreier pointed out Ubisoft’s delicate situation in a recent Bloomberg article regarding the gaming industry in 2025. He portrayed the company as being at a critical juncture, with its future likely determined by how well Assassin’s Creed Shadows performs. The game’s launch, which has already been pushed back to February 2025, could be crucial for Ubisoft’s direction.

    If the game launches successfully, it might provide the necessary space for internal changes, but a poor reception could mean tough decisions ahead. Reports suggest that options like privatization or selling the company are on the table. Companies such as Tencent Holdings Ltd., a Chinese tech giant that already has a stake in Ubisoft, along with Saudi Arabia’s Savvy Games Group, have shown interest in potentially acquiring the company.

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  • Ubisoft Reveals New Combat Mechanics in Assassin’s Creed Shadows

    Ubisoft Reveals New Combat Mechanics in Assassin’s Creed Shadows

    The release of Assassin’s Creed Shadows has been pushed back, with the new launch date set for February 14, 2025. While this news is disappointing for fans eager to dive into the latest installment, there is a silver lining: the developers are actively keeping the community informed.

    New Gameplay Mechanics

    Ubisoft previously shared details about the stealth mechanics, highlighting various innovative features designed to elevate the stealth aspect of Assassin’s Creed Shadows. Recently, they provided insights into the combat gameplay, which also brings fresh mechanics into the mix.

    Character Combat Styles

    In Assassin’s Creed Shadows, players can select between two characters, Naoe and Yasuke. According to Ubisoft’s latest insights, each character has a unique combat approach. Naoe specializes in evasion for defense, while Yasuke leans more towards blocking incoming attacks.

    Tactical Combat Layers

    The game introduces new mechanics that allow players to perform charge attacks, which inflict significant damage, and Posture Attacks that can break enemy defenses. This adds a strategic dimension to the combat in Assassin’s Creed Shadows.

    Additionally, players can put enemies into a vulnerable state, similar to mechanics seen in Ghost of Tsushima. This state is triggered by fulfilling specific conditions, like executing a perfect dodge. Once in this state, players can unleash powerful counterattacks, encouraging them to refine their timing and defensive skills.

    In a recent blog post, Ubisoft detailed various attacks that players should keep in mind while navigating Assassin’s Creed Shadows. Reading through this can provide valuable insights into the game’s dynamic combat systems.

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