Today is American Assassin’s Creed Day – and that just tickles my emotion chip in all the right ways. I’ll be starting my foray into the American assassins with Aveline in Liberation on PS Vita. I’ll definitely be playing Connor’s adventure too, just not today. But, despite my excitement for that nice, white Vita and lovely leading lady, there are other games with big news this week.
First among them is Grand Theft Auto V. This is completely unconfirmed by Rockstar, but a couple of promotional posters have leaked to the internet at large. Nothing surprising about them, they’re just like every other GTA poster, including the PEGI 18 (European ratings sytem) logo. But it does advertise pre-ordering being open, and a Spring 2013 release date. The original announcement of the game indicated it would happen in 2012, but no one believed it. Rockstar has had a steady flow of releases in May (Red Dead Redemption, LA Noire, Max Payne 3) and it seems to be a good time of year for them. I’d still like a confirmation from the developer and/or publisher, but I’d put my reservation money on a May release. Any later and they could find themselves releasing a last-gen title.
No need to speculate on a release date for Ratchet & Clank: Full Frontal Assault, Insomniac has announced it will be available on November 27th. While it was previously planned only for a PSN release, they have revealed that a retail copy for PS3 is coming at the same time. Whether you purchase the disc or the download, you’ll get a digital copy for the Vita included. Two copies of a game for $19.99? That’s a steal. Sony also says they have a plan in place to prevent customers from buying the retail disc, cashing in the free Vita copy, then selling off the disc. I’m awaiting details on how that will work.
Now that Cliff Bleszinski has moved on from Epic and Gears of War, he seems to be looking for work. But he’s definitely going about it all wrong. Apparently not pleased with the Resident Evil franchise after the recent release of the sixth numbered title in the series, he tweeted “Hey, Capcom. Call me. We can fix Resident Evil. Together.” Not the most polite job application I’ve seen, even if he did add a smiley face emoticon. Capcom UK apparently saw some humor in the concept, replying with “bring Pizza.” Frankly, I’m not sure what elements Cliffy B thinks he can fix. The guy’s been working on one of the premier action shooters for 10 years. If anything is wrong with Resident Evil, the most vocal complaint is that they’re moving too far from the survival horror roots and making the series into a third person shooter. Don’t get me wrong, he’s a great creative mind and I’m sure his talents can extend beyond guns with chainsaw bayonets. It just seems his influence on the industry has already done the classic franchise enough harm. Maybe I’m just taken aback by the arrogance. Had he made less public contact with Capcom, resume and concepts in hand, and said he’d like to be involved in the next game, I think I’d be happy to see his name in the credits during the reveal.
I normally close with a bit of an editorial, but I think my Cliffy rant there is probably sufficient. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m off to meet Aveline.