A Video Game I Play, Mostly For Story

This year I've been half-heartedly watching the E3 coverage. I used to follow it a lot closer when I had more time for video games. But that's a topic for another day.

One of the series I do keep up with is Assassin's Creed and the E3 trailer for the latest in the series looks awesome.

Looks are the only the reason I still play this game. It tells a great story and that's what keeps me coming back to it. The first game had mediocre gameplay, but the story was so fresh and original that I wanted to see more. Especially, after finding out that the second in the series would take place in the Renaissance instead of The Crusades. And I'm psyched that Assassin's Creed 3 takes another jump to the American Revolution.

For anyone who doesn't know the story, the basics involve the war between Assassins and Templars which has been going on for hundreds of years. It starts in modern day though with a man named Desmond who goes into a machine that goes through his genetic memory to get the secrets of his ancestor assassins which could potentially save the world. And from there, there's little I can say without prefacing with the word "Spoiler." Trust me though that it's a great story if you just accept the idea of "genetic memory."

It's a series filled with conspiracy, different locations spanning different times, and interesting characters. Gameplay is also much improved from the first one. Incorporating parkour without making it obvious that you're doing parkour for the sake of the game. But it's really the story, the characters, and the mystery that keeps me coming back.

I also like that these guys are smart enough to keep the games coming quickly enough so that we don't lose focus on such a complex story. (Unlike the great, but spread out Metal Gear Solid series.)

I just realized that there are more videos online. I'll be unreachable for a while. Somebody get my Drool Guard...