Since we witnessed Desmond harness the power of Animus version 1.28 first to portable Brahman V.R. and the latest Animus HR-8.5, many fans have eagerly awaited the day they could step into the shoes of an Assassin in VR. That wait is finally over with the release of Assassin’s Creed Nexus VR on Meta Quest 2 and Meta Quest 3 headsets.
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This unprecedented VR experience places you in the footsteps of three of the franchise’s most beloved protagonists: Ezio Auditore, Kassandra, and Ratonhnhaké:ton (Connor). Seamlessly transition from leaping from the rooftops of Monteriggioni, Italy, to dodging Spartan guards in Greece and sneaking through the alleyways of 18th-century Boston.
Assassin’s Creed Nexus VR seamlessly blends the locations, settings, and stories of three protagonists from across centuries into a captivating narrative, delivering an unparalleled experience never before encountered in the series. If you own a Meta Quest 2 or 3 or are interested in this new game, continue reading to explore our perspective on this innovative AC experience in Assassin’s Creed Nexus VR review.
Assassin’s Creed Nexus VR Review: The Creed Becomes Alive
Assassin’s Creed Nexus VR marks a monumental shift in the franchise’s history, shattering boundaries and redefining the immersive experience of becoming an Assassin. This groundbreaking title introduces three revolutionary aspects that elevate the Assassin’s Creed experience to new heights:
- Unparalleled Virtual Reality Immersion: Nexus is the first Assassin’s Creed game to fully embrace the power of virtual reality, transporting players into the heart of the Assassin’s Creed universe. The game seamlessly blends the thrill of parkouring across rooftops, the adrenaline rush of combat, and the intricate world of historical intrigue into an immersive VR experience.
- True First-Person Perspective: For the first time in the series, Nexus offers an actual first-person perspective, placing players directly in the shoes of the Assassins. This immersive perspective heightens the sense of danger and excitement, allowing players to embody these legendary figures’ skills and agility.
- Embodying Multiple Assassins: Nexus breaks away from the traditional single Assassin narrative, offering players the unique opportunity to embody multiple Assassins across the franchise’s rich history. This allows players to experience the diverse perspectives and challenges Assassins face from different eras and locations, adding a new layer of depth and storytelling to the game.
With Assassin’s Creed Nexus VR, you can immerse yourself in the role of a master assassin as you navigate perilous corridors, execute stealthy takedowns, engage in thrilling swordfights, and leap through the air to perform breathtaking assassinations. Assassin’s Creed Nexus VR is a true leap forward for the franchise, offering unparalleled immersion and authenticity. Whether you’re a seasoned assassin or a newcomer to Creed, this groundbreaking VR experience will leave you breathless.
The unparalleled immersion of virtual reality brings the Assassin’s Creed universe to life like never before. Every stealthy maneuver, every expertly parried swing, and every adrenaline-pumping parkouring delivers an unparalleled sense of realism and excitement.
The innovative Meta Quest Touch Plus controllers capture the essence of the iconic Hidden Blade, allowing you to activate it with a flick of your wrist, just like the legendary Hidden Ones of Alamut. With the Meta Quest Touch Plus controllers, you’ll feel the weight of the Hidden Blade in your hand as you unleash its deadly power. The intuitive controls allow you to execute precise movements easily, replicating the combat prowess of the legendary assassins of the past.
Story
Assassin’s Creed Nexus boldly redefines the franchise’s narrative trajectory, offering a fresh way of telling a new story set in the Assassin’s Creed universe. The game’s compelling storyline and innovative narrative structure promise to captivate players and immerse them in a world of mystery, intrigue, and thrilling action.
Assassin’s Creed Nexus embarks on an uncharted narrative, breaking free from the confines of previous installments and immersing players in a fresh storyline. While the game doesn’t directly follow the footsteps of previous Assassins, it remains true to the franchise’s essence: the journey to becoming a master Assassin.
Players assume the role of an elite hacker working for Abstergo, a powerful organization that has mysteriously acquired an artifact of immense significance. Guided by Dominika Wilk, a captivating character portrayed by Morena Baccarin, players embark on a mind-bending adventure through the genetic memories of three distinct Assassins who have crossed paths with this enigmatic artifact.
This narrative twist, seamlessly intertwining the tales of three Assassins across different eras, creates a captivating tapestry of historical intrigue and action-packed sequences. Unraveling the secrets surrounding the artifact and its connection to Abstergo’s hidden agenda becomes the driving force behind the game’s captivating story.
Assassin’s Creed Nexus’s decision to utilize established characters rather than introducing a new Assassin is commendable. Given the current limitations of VR technology and the relatively shorter length of VR games, introducing a new character would have been a missed opportunity.
By employing familiar faces, the game avoids the burden of establishing a new protagonist. Instead, it focuses on delivering an immersive and engaging VR experience that capitalizes on the strengths of existing characters.
This decision is a testament to Ubisoft’s commitment to understanding the unique demands of VR gaming and their willingness to adapt their approach accordingly. It strongly indicates that Ubisoft is poised to deliver even more compelling VR experiences as the technology matures.
Visuals
Meta Quest 3’s cutting-edge 3067 GFLOPS SoC helps to render immersive and realistic environments (compared to current VR games) that players can explore freely. In the 5th century BC Greece, players can climb citadels, explore the ruins of the ancient temples, and witness the ancient Greece during the Peloponnesian War. In 16th-century Italy, players could wander the streets of Venice, sneak into Venetian palaces, and witness the Renaissance firsthand. In the 18th century United States of America, players can fight alongside Thirteen Colonies against the Loyalists in the American Revolution, explore the frontier, and experience the birth of a nation.
Even though Meta Quest 3’s 3067 GFLOPS is less powerful than PlayStation 4 Pro with 4190 GFlops, it is more powerful than PlayStation 4’s 1840 GFlops. The environments are incredibly detailed and realistic. The developers have spent years researching and recreating these historical eras, which shows. From the bustling streets of ancient Greece to the lush landscapes of colonial America, every environment is packed with detail that will make you feel like you’ve been transported back in time.
Here are the areas you can explore with the periods they are set in:
- Delos, Greece, 405 BCE
- Athens, Greece, 404 BCE – 403 BCE
- Monteriggioni, Italy, 1509
- Venice, Italy, 1509
- Boston, Massachusetts, 1775-1176
- Newport, Rhode Island, 1777
Assassin’s Creed Nexus VR is a must-play for fans of history and gaming. It is a truly immersive experience that allows players to travel back in time and experience some of the most important moments in history firsthand. If you want a truly immersive and unforgettable VR gaming experience, I highly recommend Assassin’s Creed Nexus VR.
Gameplay
So we will talk about three main things:
- Stealth
- Combat
- Parkour
Stealth: The Art of Unseen
From the first mission, you will realize this is a world of stealth as you navigate through captivating environments, utilizing your physical, real-world movements with “Touch Plus” controllers and quick thinking to outwit your enemies. In the hushed corridors of ancient civilizations and the bustling streets of iconic eras, stealth becomes your ultimate weapon. Utilize your surroundings to blend seamlessly into the environment, evading the watchful eyes of your enemies.
You will engage in seamless stealth maneuvers, peeking around corners with a simple grab-and-pull motion with your hands, using cracks and holes in walls to peek and learn enemy movements to gain a strategic advantage. They feel the thrill of taking down unsuspecting guards, with the game tracking your every move, which is unparalleled compared to playing an Assassin’s Creed game on a 2D screen with a normal controller.
As you step into the shoes of a stealth master, every interactable object around you becomes your ally. Picking up a plate or bottle or any nearby object and hurling it toward the ground creates a distraction that draws the attention of unsuspecting guards. This is the only way to experience the kinetic sensation of throwing objects like coins in any game from the series, and it makes you feel as if your actions directly influence the game’s narrative.
You can also harness the power of the famous Assassin Whistle from the series, a unique feature that adds an extra layer of strategic gameplay. Form a ring with your hands, raise it to your mouth, and your in-game Assassin will let out a captivating whistle that calls guards toward your position. You often use this feature to lure them to your location, setting the stage for a decisive strike with your Hidden Blade.
Combat: The Essence of the Assassin
In the captivating world of Assassin’s Creed Nexus VR, combat is not just about pressing buttons or mastering complex combos; it’s about embodying the essence of a master Assassin. Nexus offers a dynamic and engaging combat system that caters to players of all skill levels. Whether you’re a seasoned action aficionado or a newcomer to the genre, Nexus has something to offer everyone.
The hidden blade, the hallmark of any Assassin, takes on a new dimension in VR. With a flick of your wrist, you unleash the deadly blade, feeling its weight and precision as it extends from your forearm. For the first time, players can wield Kassandra’s hidden blade, experiencing the raw power of this iconic weapon in her own hands.
Combat in Nexus is a symphony of motion-controlled actions. You’ll slash your sword, block incoming attacks, and dodge with fluidity and grace, just as a true Assassin would. The game’s “opportunity windows” reward your timing and precision, allowing you to unleash devastating strikes upon your foes.
Each Assassin brings their unique arsenal to the battlefield. Connor wields his trusty tomahawk while Ezio and Kassandra command the swiftness of swords. Ranged weapons like bows and crossbows provide strategic options, and throwing knives and smoke bombs adds an element of surprise.
The iconic air assassination takes on a new level of thrill in VR. Leap from rooftops, your hidden blade poised, and experience the exhilarating rush of taking down your enemies mid-air. The game’s slow-motion feature allows you to savor the moment, firing an arrow in mid-air with the precision of a true master Assassin.
Variety in Combat Styles
The game puts you in control of three distinct Assassins: Ezio, Kassandra, and Connor. Each Assassin brings a unique combat style, ensuring every encounter feels fresh and exciting. Ezio and Kassandra wield swords, blending swift slashes and powerful stabs. On the other hand, Connor utilizes his iconic Tomahawk, opening up additional avenues of attack and delivering satisfying throws.
Strategic Blocking and Parrying
Blocking is essential to combat, allowing you to deflect incoming attacks and protect yourself from harm. Timing your blocks perfectly grants you an opportunity window, a moment to unleash a devastating counterattack. Parrying, the art of deflecting an attack just as it lands, is a more advanced technique that requires precise timing and block direction. Successfully parrying not only disrupts the enemy’s assault but also leaves them vulnerable to a follow-up strike.
Ranged Options and Combat Dash
When enemies maintain their distance, don’t hesitate to switch to your ranged weapons. Let arrows fly from your bow to take down distant enemies or unleash throwing knives to stun them momentarily. The combat dash, a versatile maneuver, proves invaluable in closing the gap between you and your adversaries. It can also be used to knock enemies off balance, creating an opening for further attacks.
Hidden Blade Lunge: A Swift and Lethal Takedown
As enemies weaken, unleash the Hidden Blade Lunge, a powerful finishing move that delivers a critical blow. Watch for the icon above an enemy’s head, signaling their vulnerability. With the Hidden Blade extended, execute a thrusting motion, impaling the unsuspecting foe.
Enemy Types and AI Behavior
Nexus pits you against four distinct enemy types with unique strengths and tactics. Soldiers form the backbone of enemy forces, posing a greater threat in groups. Agiles, true to their name, move with swiftness and agility, demanding quick reflexes. Commanders, seasoned leaders, pose a formidable challenge with their ability to summon reinforcements. And finally, Brutes, hulking warriors, pack a heavy punch and can overwhelm you with their brute strength.
Enemies exhibit intelligent behavior, working together to coordinate attacks and overwhelm you. They’ll support their comrades in combat, rushing to the aid of wounded or downed allies. Prolonged engagements trigger heightened aggression, with enemies launching more frequent and coordinated assaults.
Difficulty Settings for All Players
Nexus caters to various skill levels, offering three difficulty settings: Casual, Normal, and Hard. Casual mode reduces enemy aggression and provides ample time to react to attacks, making it ideal for newcomers. Normal mode balances challenge and accessibility, offering a satisfying experience for most players. Hard mode dials up the intensity, demanding precise timing and strategic execution, catering to those seeking a true test of their skills. Additionally, a combat visibility option can be enabled, providing visual cues to assist players in anticipating enemy moves.
Overall, Nexus delivers a combat system that is both engaging and accessible, offering a rewarding experience for players of all skill levels. The game’s diverse cast of Assassins, strategic combat mechanics, and intelligent enemy AI combine to create a captivating and dynamic combat experience.
Parkour: The Fluidity of Assassin
Parkour has always been a defining element of the Assassin’s Creed franchise, and Nexus takes it to the next level with its stunning VR implementation. Players can now experience the thrill of running across rooftops, scaling walls, and leaping from great heights with unparalleled immersion.
The team behind Nexus has put tremendous effort into creating open-world environments that are visually impressive and seamlessly integrated with the parkour mechanics. From the bustling streets of Italy to the sun-drenched landscapes of Greece, players can explore these environments at their own pace, utilizing their parkour skills to navigate the terrain and overcome obstacles.
One of the most impressive aspects of Nexus’s parkour system is its intuitiveness. The game world is designed so that players can instinctively identify potential handholds and climbing points. Whether it’s a ledge to grab or a wall to vault over, the game’s design ensures that players can seamlessly transition from one parkour move to the next without any jarring breaks in the flow.
The use of VR technology further enhances the parkour experience. Players can now feel the weight of their bodies as they move through the environment, and the sense of depth perception is truly remarkable. It’s as if you’re standing there, perched precariously on a rooftop or leaping across a chasm.
In addition to the core parkour mechanics, Nexus introduces many new twists and turns never seen in a VR game, such as flinging 180-degree jumps and even using swing bars. These new mechanics add a layer of challenge and excitement to the parkour experience and serve as a testament to the team’s creativity and innovation.
Overall, Assassin’s Creed Nexus sets a new standard for VR parkour. The game’s intuitive mechanics, stunning environments, and innovative features make it a must-play for any fan of the franchise or VR gaming in general.
Assassin’s Creed Nexus VR Review Verdict
Assassin’s Creed Nexus VR is a crowning achievement in virtual reality gaming, deftly interweaving intuitive parkour mechanics, breathtaking environments, and groundbreaking features to craft an enthralling and unforgettable experience. The game successfully lets players step into the shoes of an Assassin, embarking on a thrilling journey through ancient cities with intuitive parkour mechanics, engaging in exhilarating combat, satisfying stealth maneuvers, and unraveling a captivating story set against a backdrop of meticulously crafted historical environments.
Pros:
- Intuitive and immersive parkour mechanics
- Stunning open-world environments
- Innovative new parkour moves
- A true sense of presence and depth perception
- The ability to play as three different Assassins from across the franchise’s history
- A compelling storyline that explores the origins of the Assassins
Cons:
- Some minor motion sickness may be experienced by players who are new to VR
- The game’s length may be too short for some players
- The combat system could be more polished
Overall:
Assassin’s Creed Nexus VR is a must-play for any fan of VR gaming or the Assassin’s Creed franchise. The game’s innovative mechanics, stunning environments, and compelling storyline make it a truly unforgettable experience.
Score: 8/10
Recommendation:
Assassin’s Creed Nexus VR is the perfect game if you’re looking for an immersive and unforgettable VR experience on Meta Quest 3 or Meta Quest 2. Just know that Meta Quest 3 can handle the game’s demanding graphics and performance requirements better than Meta Quest 2. But even on a Meta Quest 2, this is a must-play VR experience that will redefine how you think about parkour in any games released.
That’s all for our Assassin’s Creed Nexus VR Review. If you’re an Assassin’s Creed fan, you won’t want to miss our Assassin’s Creed Mirage Review.
Finally, an Animus at your home!
AC Nexus is an impressive feat of VR gaming, successfully translating the core Assassin's Creed experiences like exhilarating parkour, and satisfying stealth mechanics set in a beautifully rendered open world of ancient cities.
- Story 6.5
- Visuals 8
- Gameplay 9.5