About Kevin Plumtree

Assassin’s Creed Chronicles: China was developed by Climax Studios and published by Ubisoft. It was released on April 21, 2015  for $9.99 on Xbox One. A copy was provided for review purposes.

Going from a game that helped to define the open world genre to a stylized 2.5D side-scroller, the Assassin’s Creed franchise takes a sidestep with the Chronicles spin-off series. Its first game, China, fully embraces both the mechanical and stylistic shift. Set in 16th century China, the game stars Shao Jun, who returns to her homeland seeking revenge for the near elimination of her brotherhood many years ago. Her main goal is to assassinate members of the Tiger Templar group, but since she has little to no support in the region, stealth is more important now than ever.

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Assassin’s Creed Chronicles: China, the 2.5D action game coming out later this month, will not be the only entry in the Chronicles series. Ubisoft recently announced two future titles that will take place in India and Russia; these games will feature new protagonists and distinctive settings. Stylistically, the games will stand on their own. The setting in China, for example, is heavily influenced by 16th century China melded with a more modern ink aesthetic, creating what Art Director Glenn Brace calls a “romantic, impressionist vibe.” He goes on to discuss the importance of rich, bright colors in India and how Russia, which takes place in the 20th century, makes use of the advent of “photography, graphics, poster art, [and] constructivism.”

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During the Game Developers Conference earlier this month, Lionhead’s head of engineering touched on the philosophy and technology that will be used for Fable Legends‘ cross-platform play. Raymond Arifianto explained …
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Microsoft has released a significant update to the Upload Studio for Xbox One. Users now have more control and flexibility with editing their video files. Game videos can now be a maximum of 30 minutes, composed of fifteen separate components. Also new to this update are several cosmetic enhancements: “new transitions, splash screens, templates, intros, double-box and green screen effects,” according to the video guide released by Major Nelson. 

These interface and graphical augmentations provide increased dexterity for video creation. Clips can easily be placed in any order, moved and deleted, with transitions and other effects just as seamlessly applied. In the video released to highlight this update, Major Nelson shows off the new features and how these improvements will make Upload Studio better for all users. Take a look after the jump.

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Playing games from the comfort of other devices in one’s own home holds promise in itself if implemented properly, and with the Xbox One aiming to be the all-in-one …
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Hi-diddly-ho, Minecraftorino.
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Available now, in a galaxy not far, far away — Star Wars skins come to Minecraft. There are 55 total skins, which include characters from Episodes IV, V and VI …
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Costume Quest 2 was developed by Double Fine Productions and published by Midnight City Games. It was released on October 31, 2014 for $14.99 on Xbox 360 and Xbox One. A copy was provided for review purposes.

Appropriately released just before Halloween, Costume Quest 2 has more tricks, treats and timed-button pushes. The sequel to Double Fine’s 2010 Costume Quest, this release picks up shortly after the first game. The two main protagonists, Reynold and Wren, return as playable characters with new companions to battle alongside with, and, not to be forgotten, the supporting cast from the first game, which play an important role in the time-traveling tale.

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Costume Quest is back for more tricks and treats. The sequel, which is available now for Xbox 360 and Xbox One, takes the framework of the original game and builds …
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The December update for the Xbox One will not contain the highly anticipated screenshot feature. Xbox head Phil Spencer has told IGN that gamers should set their expectations appropriately for …
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