Zero Punctuation Season 9 Episode 43 Assassin's Creed Syndicate

Zero Punctuation is a popular web series from the Escapist Magazine, where the infamous game reviewer, Yahtzee Croshaw, shares his unfiltered opinions and critiques on the latest video games. In the 43rd episode of the Ninth season of Zero Punctuation, Yahtzee reviews "Assassin's Creed Syndicate," the ninth major installment in the popular action-adventure stealth game series developed by Ubisoft.

The episode starts with Yahtzee explaining how "Assassin's Creed Syndicate" is set in Victorian era London, and introduces the twin protagonists, Jacob and Evie Frye, who are part of the Assassin Brotherhood and fighting against the Templar order. Yahtzee then dives into his criticisms of the game's combat system, saying that it feels "floaty" and lacks weight, which makes the player's character feel like they are "wading through a sea of tapioca pudding."

Yahtzee also points out how the game's storytelling is divided between the two protagonists, with Jacob being the more action-focused character, while Evie is more stealth-oriented. He notes that while this approach provides some variety in gameplay, it also means that the overall narrative suffers, as the two characters' stories don't intersect as much as they should.

The next aspect that Yahtzee takes issue with in "Assassin's Creed Syndicate" is the game's mission design. He criticizes how most of the missions involve the player having to follow a predetermined path and complete certain objectives, which makes the game feel "railroaded." Yahtzee says that he prefers games that give players more freedom to tackle objectives in their own way, instead of dictating exactly what needs to be done.

Yahtzee also touches on the game's graphics, praising the attention to detail in the environment and character designs. He specifically notes how the game's rendition of Victorian London is both beautiful and grimy, with a lot of immersive details that make it feel like an authentic representation of the time period.

The episode then moves on to Yahtzee's thoughts on the game's open-world elements. He praises how the game allows players to explore London's various boroughs and interact with a variety of historical figures, stating that it adds to the immersive experience. However, he does criticize how some of the game's activities, such as the carriage races and bounty hunts, feel like "filler content" that doesn't add much to the overall game experience.

Towards the end of the episode, Yahtzee wraps up his review by summarizing his thoughts on "Assassin's Creed Syndicate." He says that while the game has some flaws, such as the mission design and combat system, it is still an enjoyable experience that offers a unique setting and a well-implemented open-world environment. He also recommends the game to fans of the "Assassin's Creed" series, stating that it offers enough new features to keep players interested but isn't a revolutionary leap forward for the franchise.

Overall, the 43rd episode of Zero Punctuation provides an insightful and humorous look at "Assassin's Creed Syndicate," highlighting both its strengths and weaknesses. It offers an entertaining critique of the game that will appeal to both fans of the series and those who are curious about it.