I've never even seen Assassin's Creed played, but I hear enough about it to know that for a certain segment of the population, it's the main thing they know about popular medievalism.
This Christmas, Assassin's Creed II might be the most popular medievalist product out there. Here's Medievalists.net story about it.
Has anyone out there played it yet? How is it in terms of historical accuracy or literary themes?
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I know nothing about AC II but some of my "Crusade and Jihad" students last fall found that AC I added to their appreciation of the course, or vice versa.
ReplyDeleteI think you wanted to link to my article at http://medievalnews.blogspot.com/2009/11/assassins-creed-ii-sees-high-sales-and.html
ReplyDeleteI have a pile of notes and quotes on my computer about Assassin's Creed so I can write up an article about how (much) effort they did to make it historically realistic. I hope to get it posted over the weekend.
I've wanted to play the first one for quite a while, simply because for esoteric reasons (I like the particular company that made the graphic engine for it). I've heard the actual game is quite repetitive and quickly grows boring -- but damnit, it looks great while its doing it.
ReplyDeleteYou should try it soon, what with the new video card you're getting and all. :P
I have played the original extensively. It is a very good game. I'm an anglo-saxononist by trade (well, not anymore), so I can't vouch for historical accuracy. That said, many of the characters in the original, which takes place in Crusade-era Jerusalem, are actual historical figures (some of whom are killed during the course of the game), and is very concerned with the Templars. It's been a while so the details are fuzzy, but I can say that the cityscapes are apparently accurate.
ReplyDeleteI recommend it for the medievalism aspect, even if you're not a gamer. It's beautiful and interesting at the least.
Fixed the link.
ReplyDeleteI've never been a gamer, but I am a medievalist who's interested in the Crusades. My son just bought ACII and now you've got me interested in checking it out. If I turn into one of those people who eschews sleep and work in order to get to the next level, I'll be back here to blame you!
ReplyDeleteACII takes place in Davinci era Italy. The original AC is during the Crusades. All indications are that ACII is a better game, though if you're interested in the Crusades, the original is a must.
ReplyDeleteAssassin's Creed is an entertaining game, and as Chris points out it is the "popular medieval" entry into the series.
ReplyDeleteACII is "popular renaissancism."