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I will focus on the encyclopedia edition first and then comment on the game.
My encyclopedia edition came in the mail safely and undamaged with the normal retail version of the game, the hefty encyclopedia, and the graphic novel. If your edition was damaged from shipping I believe that is worth noting in a review but NOT worth taking off stars for.
Now, regarding the encyclopedia, it is gorgeous. It is a high quality hardcover edition with an exquisite dust cover. The binding seems to be solid so I do not anticipate the book wearing out from excessive use. Speaking of excessive use, the encyclopedia covers a lot, including summaries of events and characters. Spoilers are present so finish up AC 3 before gazing. There is also much high quality art. I would say approximately 40% of the book is art and 60% is wording. It is easy to look up a video of someone flipping through the pages online so consider doing that before investing. For me, as someone who ordered this edition to better understand my favorite storyline of any video game I have played, this was a real treat.
Next, the graphic novel: _Assassin's Creed Subject 4_. It is a combination of the AC comics series _The Fall_ and _The Chain_ which tell the story of Daniel Cross, an important character in the AC world. I was surprised at the quality of the book. It is soft cover, but the binding and the covering is very durable. Ubisoft did not spare any expense in producing these. I will say I am disappointed that Ubisoft did not include the original covers for each comic, but that is a small issue. Regarding the story, at first I thought that it was merely a way to make money by promoting a side story, but it is interesting in itself and it also covers some important information not available in the game series. In particular, knowledge of it will give you insider-knowledge in regards to a particular part in AC 3. ;)
Regarding the game itself, I do not see what all the hate about AC over the past few weeks has come from. I just finished it as I write this review and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Having played the entire series I can say that AC 3 is one of the best. The story, both past and present, was satisfying, and, of course, the ending is a cliffhanger (go figure). But does that mean another AC game?? Hopefully not for at least 2 years. Many have complained about bugs in the game: I experienced very few and none were game breaking or overly distracting. The graphics are delightful, a serious step up from Revelations. The music is fantastic and the voice work is exceptional. The gameplay has changed from previous AC games. For example, it took some time to get used to the "not holding A to run" and to press "B" to block. I was still not entirely comfortable by the end. There is plenty to do throughout the many locations, although I avoided the hunting, the minigames, and the investing, because they simply did not appeal to me. Surprisingly, I entered a shop only once in the entire game, purchased NO additional weapons than the ones I started with, and I had absolutely no trouble as a result of not "upgrading" my character.
The missions of AC 3 are mostly thrilling. Not perfect: there are too many chase missions, the full-sync bonus objectives often clog the screen and pressure you during a mission, and there are many surprisingly frustrating bits. You can participate in several historical events (ex: the midnight ride of Paul Revere) which is exciting for any history buff.
Here are my complaints about the game. First, I did not feel any obligation or desire to do any side missions. There are a lot of side missions. The controls were somewhat difficult to get used to. The game starts a bit slow (but it is worth it). Connor is a total jerk at times. The ending is one of the worst cliffhangers in the series. There are occasional bugs. Finally, and most significantly for me, who am very interested in the story, the events that happen in AC 3 feel a bit disjointed. I occasionally had trouble figuring out why I was doing this or why I was killing this person or why this was significant. Also, there are some jumps in the story that lead to a, how shall I say it. . . less than seamless story.
In the end, AC 3 may have been slightly rushed, but it is an exciting addition to the series and, as you will find out, is by no means The End. Be wary of people who give this game low reviews: look for their reasoning (hint, they are often whining about bugs or cliffhanger endings). The encyclopedia edition is for hardcore fans only. AC 3 is not exactly the game I was hoping for but I am still very pleased with it. Of course, you should also check out the most popular AC 3 review for the normal edition of the game. The person who gave it 3 stars has many good points to make. I agree with some points and disagree on others. Consider renting or purchasing cheap on Black Friday if you are wary about this game.
And remember, the unexamined life is not worth living.
EDIT: Update
I have had time to reflect on my experience in AC 3 and find myself agreeing more and more with people who were disappointed with it. The story AND gameplay was slightly lacking and the game could really have done with several extra months of development. I have settled on a score of approximately 8/10. That is not to say that this 5 star review is inaccurate. The encyclopedia has turned out to be very informative and pleasing to read. The graphic novel was also excellent, though I do not have a desire to read through it a second time. However, the price of AC 3 is decreasing, and you can purchase the encyclopedia for $40 on ubiworkshop (usually with added shipping of up to or approximately $10). Let me emphasize you renting this game before purchasing it. Even the most ardent AC fans (such as myself) have been -at least slightlydispleased with the overall product.
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This encyclopedia edition is one best edition yet. I like the fact that has all the information in the AC Universe. A recommended buy for everyone who wants to know more about the AC and to the Veterans of the saga.Best Deals for Assassin's Creed III Encyclopedia Edition -Xbox 360
I think Encyclopedia Edition is the best edition I ever had in my life time. It came with two books comic book and encyclopedia. When you read about comic book then play game. The story line is easier to understand. It about Daniel Cross (Subject 4) about his life and his ancestor. The encyclopedia has really awesome illustrations and stories lines about different characters.Honest reviews on Assassin's Creed III Encyclopedia Edition -Xbox 360
Playability is good. Graphics are great.I have to suspend playing it as I got to go back and finish the previous titles for the storyline.
1 star off only because Boston looks and feels soo dreary, like if the artists painted mud on the buildings to make them more so. The Frontier seems so much chipper. Big difference from the streets of Renaissance Italy. I can only hope New York feels livelier.
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This encyclopedia edition is just GREAT! I remember when I got the firs Assassin's Creed, got it because the gameplay that I saw on youtube was just something entirely new. But when I got the game, the gameplay was the last thing on my mind. How the story line of this game gets you attatched to it is amazing! This is HISTORY with a little twist (a great one) that makes any gamer of any age wanna get more of it. The second one, Italy, Leonardo, Rome, Vatican city... WOW! Ubisoft got how we (the gamers) got attatched to Ezio and his travesy and the gave us Brotherhood and Revelations also killing tittles that will always be classic. Now They bring the story closer in time, but here! in America, making the game more interesting of knowing how assassins from different centuries connect and act for the same purpose.Now, The Encyclopedia.
I got the first one and it was remarkable. Giving every detail of every key caracter and every move by Altair and Ezio. Now this one, the updated version including Assassins Creed III content is just amazing. Got it as a gift from my girlfriend (yes, I'm lucky) and is just something every AC fan should have, so much info from our 3 favorite Assassins and the ones between them makes it just the best AC experience.
Strongly Recommend
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