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Assassin's Creed: Valhalla - Review Thread

Assassin's Creed: Valhalla Review thread.

82 Meta, 83 Opencritic

Gaming Instincts - 9.0
Assassin's Creed: Valhalla is a fantastic send-off as the last game in the series for this generation of consoles. It combines the best elements of Origins and Odyssey and makes it even better; it has great storytelling, a lovely cast of characters, a beautiful world, plenty of areas to explore, and it is a lot of fun and feels great.



ACG - Wait For Sale



Gamespot - 8.0
Despite its strong connection to past games, Assassin's Creed Valhalla is more than capable of standing on its own. It takes a little while to build momentum, but when it hits its stride, Valhalla is a confident Assassin's Creed title that takes a few narrative risks which, as a whole, pay off.

IGN - 8.0
Assassin’s Creed Valhalla is a big, bold, and ridiculously beautiful entry to the series that finally delivers on the much-requested era of the Viking and the messy, political melting pot of England’s Dark Ages.




PC Gamer: 92/100
Bloody and captivating, Valhalla is Assassin's Creed at its best.

Polygon: Unscored
Valhalla’s most intriguing story is one about faith, honor, and family, but it’s buried inside this massive, massive world stuffed with combat and side quests. That balance is not always ideal, but I’m glad, at least, that it forces me to spend more time seeking out interesting things in the game’s world.

Usgamer: 3.5/5
Assassin's Creed Valhalla's vision of ninth-century England is a beautiful place to explore, populated with a great cast of characters who make up for the bland new protagonist, Eivor. Nevertheless, the tired overarching story of Templars and Assassins, and a design ethos that overstuffs the setting with side activities, add unnecessary bloat and distractions to the experience. Valhalla's a solid action-adventure game that does well to capture the turmoil of its historical era, but it's weighed down by the increasingly ponderous legacy of the series it represents.

Destructoid: 6.5/10
But I also found myself making excuses for Assassin's Creed Valhalla until I couldn't any longer. It mimics the Odyssey formula but takes a step backward in almost every way. It sacrifices story for scale. It's designed to discourage stealth in favor of epic battles. It's true to the Viking experience, but it isn't true to the Assassin's Creed experience. That's why it comes off feeling like the least essential game in the whole series. Impressive in some of its accomplishments, but inessential all the same.

Wccftech: 8.5/10
Assassin's Creed Valhalla is a definite step up for the series, thanks to the many tweaks made to the RPG mechanics that powered the previous two entries in the series, better storytelling, great atmosphere, and meaningful side-content. Even with the tweaks, however, Assassin's Creed Valhalla is still an Assassin's Creed game at heart, so those who are not into the Ubisoft open-world game design will hardly change their opinion with the game. Everyone else will probably love every second of Eivor's adventure, especially if they are into Vikings and ancient Norse culture.

GamingBolt: 9/10
Assassin's Creed's third crack at the massive open world RPG formula is also its most confident, making for a streamlined yet sprawling adventure that ranks as one of the best the series has delivered since its inception over a decade ago.

Eurogamer: Recommended
Valhalla is another enormous Assassin's Creed saga, lavishly designed, with its sights set on story direction over narrative choice.

Game Informer: 9.3/10
Assassin's Creed Valhalla is full of interesting stories and fun interlocking systems, making it an engrossing world you can easily get lost in

Games Radar: 4.5/5
With a sprawling world to conquer and gory combat but also the chance to use that iconic hidden blade, Assassin's Creed Valhalla brings a triumphant balance to the series.

FextraLife 9.0



Gamereactor.eu 90

DailyStar - 100
Assassin’s Creed Valhalla is another success in the series. We love that it’s starting to look back at older, more classic elements of the franchise and finding ways to reimplement them in an ever-evolving, fresh feeling new game.

GamersHeroes - 95
Assassin's Creed Valhalla is the best tale the franchise has ever told, featuring the most varied and rewarding gameplay the series has seen in years. Valhalla will forever dine in Odin's Hall as one of the greatest RPGs of this generation.

Twinfinite - 90
For the time being, then, Valhalla is a superb but familiar open-world experience. It’s sure to excite fans of the series with another impressively content-rich and beautiful sandbox to explore, and it might just interest newcomers and lapsed Assassin’s Creed players with the intrigue of its setting and more streamlined overall design. Ultimately, though, it falls just shy of true excellence — a high benchmark to meet, but one Assassin’s Creed should be held to after so many years of trying to get it right.

Gamer Escape - 90

If the game can be accused of anything, it might be that it plays things a little too safe… but even that feels a little disingenuous. Yes, it’s more of an evolution than a revolution, but it’s easy to forget that the series slowly embraced “action RPG” in its path from being a pure stealth-based series. This is definitely the most hack-and-slash-y of the titles yet, but it feels natural, and it does still feel like it deserves to be called Assassin’s Creed. So… yeah, this game is darn good, and if you’ve liked prior installments you’ll almost certainly like this one. Darn it, I really like it. Oh no, I get to really enjoy this viking game. Quelle horreur.

GameMag - 90
Assassin's Creed Valhalla is still an Assassin's Creed title, but the one that manages to left behind some questionable things from the last two games, all the while presenting us with a much greater direction, a really dense map, engaging plot, and a breathtaking setting.

DarkStation - 90
What Valhalla lacks in originality the visceral and fun combat makes up the deficit—and that speaks volumes to me given that Assassin’s Creed never quite found its footing in this area. Packed with enough content on the disc and planned future DLC, Assassin’s Creed Valhalla is another hefty and captivating entry in Ubisoft’s long-running historical franchise.

Digitally Downloaded - 90
My criticisms of Assassin's Creed are nothing unusual for the series, and I've always enjoyed the series previously despite its issues. The appeal of each individual game to each person depends greatly in their interest in the location, setting, and period of history that the game depicts, and I've got to say that Valhalla, in impressing me with its nuanced depiction of Viking culture and their role in history, has ended up being an Assassin's Creed that I'll think I'll remember fondly across the breadth of the series. That being said, as far as the gameplay is concerned, this series is going nowhere interesting at this point there while there will be more, and I really implore Ubisoft to take a good, hard look at the bloat and consider whether a more streamlined approach that doesn't get in the way of the best feature (the history, and narrative) would not be wiser next time around.

Hey Poor Player - 90
At the end of the day, Assassin’s Creed Valhalla is an exceptional adventure that should please fans of the series. Ubisoft Montreal has succeeded in crafting a striking medieval world that’s just begging to be explored. I loved the new town-building mechanic. It was hugely addicting and provided a satisfying sense of progression. Speaking of progression, while initially overwhelming, the staggeringly deep skill tree and wealth of unlockable combat abilities combine to give the player an incredible amount of freedom when it comes to customizing their ideal assassin. If you’re a fan of the series, don’t sit this one out. Assassin’s Creed Valhalla is an adventure fit for Odin himself.

Noisy Pixel - 90
Assassin's Creed Valhalla takes the advancements of the series found in Odyssey and applies it to a whole new setting. As brutal as the period of Vikings is, there's something beautiful about this adventure. Every action is rewarded with some great moments of storytelling, and aside from a few narrative roadblocks tied to the player's level, there's an amazing world here just waiting to be discovered.

AreaJugones - 89
With some gameplay systems that are more polished than ever in the saga, Assassin's Creed Valhalla rises as a worthy continuation of the stele that Origins created a few years ago and that, in the other hand, respects the essence that the franchise has always preserved. inside itself. Therefore, we are facing a title that will be able to captivate both the most veteran players and those who enjoy the new formulas of the series.

Meristation - 86
As good as Assassin's Creed Odyssey, but a bit continuist. Great mixture between new RPG mechanics and some classic elements.

IGN Italia - 85
Assassin's Creed Valhalla is an epic journey through the identity of the saga. Ubisoft Montreal achieved to merge the old urban assassin gameplay with the new RPG system thanks to a dense, vivid and handcrafted open world. It may be a little bit clunky in terms of visuals and optimization and not very original in its mechanics, but the experience is overall very solid, entertaining and astonishing in terms of scope.

GRYonline.pl - 80
Despite numerous technical issues, Valhalla is still a very good game. It's the best one among the RPG-oriented Assassin's Creed titles and one of the best games in the series. Ubisoft listened to the fans' complaints about Odyssey and created a game that successfully pleases the entire fanbase.

Everyeye.it - 80
The latest chapter is an experience that moves in balance between continuity and timid attempts at innovation, which brings with it some shortcomings from the previous episode (above all a poor general cleaning and an unresponsive AI), but which manages to compose an epic full of events, situations and possibilities. In short, of fun. Anyone willing to turn a blind eye to some technical and gameplay edges will therefore experience one of those adventures that the skalds would not hesitate to sing in the Norse courts. Odin is with Ubisoft.

Trusted Reviews - 80
Assassins Creed Valhalla is hugely enjoyable entry to the series, offering an enthralling Viking RPG experience with super-satisfying combat and exploration of medieval England. However, as a consequence the series has drifted away from its stealth roots, giving the Creed series an identity crisis.

Comicbook - 80
Those are minor nitpicks of course, and shouldn't take away from all of the things Valhalla does well. Valhalla builds one of the most immersive and lived-in worlds of the series so far and expertly ties in all of its various mechanics and elements into one delightfully fulfilling experience. It delivers thrilling action and a gratifying narrative while also giving older concepts like the settlement the impact on gameplay they should have always had. Assassin's Creed Valhalla is yet another captivating chapter in the story of the Assassins, and you won't want to leave this warrior's world anytime soon. Skal indeed.

GamingTrend - 100
Assassin’s Creed Valhalla is the best open world RPG this year. It’s colorful locals are a joy to discover, combat and stealth feel deep and rewarding, and there’s a viking hoard of things to do.

Game Revolution - 50
Vikings may be a promising starting point, but Valhalla is aimless and bloated beyond recognition, making for a dull and par for the Norse installment in the franchise.



Ragequit.gr - 91

Multiplayer.it - 85
 
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regawdless

Banned
My head just can't process that this game already gets released. Isn't it more or less a direct competitor to WD Legion?

Watch Dogs is basically a different taste of Assassin's Creed with hacking and cars.
 
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Lanrutcon

Member
Minimum of 80. If they can get away with a relatively bug-free launch and the online features work as intended: upper 80s.
 
Can't wait as I'm getting both consoles but held off pre ordering this and Cyberpunk since I didn't know what the advantages/disadvantages of each format would be.

We have reviewed Xbox One X version on our end. You can pre order a ps4/xbox one and get a free upgrade if you are concered about that. Although, some of the Series X footage I've seen looks great.
 
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SCB3

Member
My head just can't process that this game already gets released. Isn't it more or less a direct competitor to WD Legion?

Watch Dogs is basically a different taste of Assassin's Creed with hacking and cars.


Watch Dogs was delayed for a year, was supposed to be out for holiday last year
 

Stuart360

Member
My head just can't process that this game already gets released. Isn't it more or less a direct competitor to WD Legion?

Watch Dogs is basically a different taste of Assassin's Creed with hacking and cars.
WatchDogs was already delayed, and there is a 2 week gap. Plus its the time of year where people tend to buy multiple games.
I also wouldnt be surprised, at least on PC, if they have done it like this to get some Uplay+ subs, get a bit of that Gamepass hype.
 

Hostile_18

Banned
We have reviewed Xbox One X version on our end. You can pre order a ps4/xbox one and get a free upgrade if you are concered about that. Although, some of the Series X footage I've seen looks great.

Yeah it's mainly between the two next gen versions I'm interested in. Rumors are its native 4k Xbox vs upscaled PS5. But theres also how VRS is handled and its effects and also how the difference in the SDD/CPU and GPU speeds are utilised between machines.
 

Vae_Victis

Banned
Is this finally the time we will know the differences between the XBSX and PS5 versions?
In the PS5 UI video made by Digital Foundry you can see the game completing download on their console, so PS5 review codes have definitely been sent out. And since the game has a marketing deal with Microsoft, it would be very strange if XSX copies were not also provided.

So most likely yes, review copies for both next-gen consoles have been sent out, and a few people will have access to both versions.
 

Concern

Member
Can't wait as I'm getting both consoles but held off pre ordering this and Cyberpunk since I didn't know what the advantages/disadvantages of each format would be.


Target has that B2G1F deal coming up this week I believe. So if reviews sway you, you may want to take advantage of that.

Im predicting low 80 meta.
 

Stuart360

Member
In the PS5 UI video made by Digital Foundry you can see the game completing download on their console, so PS5 review codes have definitely been sent out. And since the game has a marketing deal with Microsoft, it would be very strange if XSX copies were not also provided.

So most likely yes, review copies for both next-gen consoles have been sent out, and a few people will have access to both versions.
Apparently the game has a day one patch, so it migh be launch day, or the day after, when we get the comparisons.
 

Black_Stride

do not tempt fate do not contrain Wonder Woman's thighs do not do not
Mid High 80s.

AC games review well yet people talk about them like they are bad games.
Ive enjoyed every one of the mainline ones.....even Unity on PC (is actually my favorite one)

Itll review well likely higher than a good amount of launch titles but still be bashed on forums.
 

Kenpachii

Member
Thing that annoys me is how half twitch is somehow already playing it. Unlock the dam game.

Anyway probably gets a low average score because not enough woke shit in it. ~80
 
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borborygmus

Member
My head just can't process that this game already gets released. Isn't it more or less a direct competitor to WD Legion?

Watch Dogs is basically a different taste of Assassin's Creed with hacking and cars.

Don't underestimate how much of an appetite there is for generic Ubisoft-type crap. They've created a huge consoomer segment.
 
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Vae_Victis

Banned
Apparently the game has a day one patch, so it migh be launch day, or the day after, when we get the comparisons.
I think we'll get comparisons the millisecond the embargo lifts and people are legally allowed to show both versions, regardless of coming patches (and the differences they could make).
 

Kupfer

Member
Yes that sounds high, but a few streamers i watch have been very impressed by the game.
Streamers or advertisers? Don't get me wrong, I'd be glad, if Ubisoft did something great here but honestly, I don't think so. People are still going to buy their warmed up products, no matter what, why should they make an effort and be innovative.
 

Stuart360

Member
I think we'll get comparisons the millisecond the embargo lifts and people are legally allowed to show both versions, regardless of coming patches (and the differences they could make).
Well i'd hope some of the more proffesianal sites, like DF, would wait for the patch. The patches could be performance/graphics related.
 

Stuart360

Member
Streamers or advertisers? Don't get me wrong, I'd be glad, if Ubisoft did something great here but honestly, I don't think so. People are still going to buy their warmed up products, no matter what, why should they make an effort and be innovative.
Yeah none sponsored streams. I wouldnt mention it otherwise.
 

Hostile_18

Banned
Well i'd hope some of the more proffesianal sites, like DF, would wait for the patch. The patches could be performance/graphics related.

I disagree here 😊. Its the state the developer has chosen the games to launch at day 1 that should be evaluated. The version customers are buying. You can always wait for future patches that may or may not materialize.
 

Stuart360

Member
I disagree here 😊. Its the state the developer has chosen the games to launch at day 1 that should be evaluated. The version customers are buying. You can always wait for future patches that may or may not materialize.
Er yes of course, i was talking about the day one patch though, not future patches lol.
 

Inviusx

Member
In the PS5 UI video made by Digital Foundry you can see the game completing download on their console, so PS5 review codes have definitely been sent out. And since the game has a marketing deal with Microsoft, it would be very strange if XSX copies were not also provided.

So most likely yes, review copies for both next-gen consoles have been sent out, and a few people will have access to both versions.

True but something tells me direct comparison videos will still be embargoed until the 12th.
 
82...book it. Saw some spoilers, seems that there are 3-4 chunks of land mass the size of origins. Thanks cyberpunk for the delay I can no life valhalla until december.
 

bender

What time is it?
76. I think the fatigue for the modern style of AC is going to be reflected in review scores this time around.
 

Roufianos

Member
I would have been confident with an 84 or so but I remember hearing Yong's preview and he said it was really clunky. No idea how it's gonna score really.
 
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