Kaser Focus: Like a dragon, like a farmer, like a tired game writer

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What happened this week, huh? I'm taking a few days off, and suddenly Nintendo, Sony, Ubisoft, and Sega all decide they need to hit the ritz as soon as I get back? That's not even mentioning all the Tokyo Game Show news. I'm exhausted - a good exhausted, but yes, still tired. The irony is that I actually didn't have the time or energy to play many games this week, except for a brief look at Assassin's Creed Valhalla DLC.

This will be one of my longest focuses, as so much has happened this week. I'll be talking mostly about the shows, but I'm going to have to stop talking about some of the TGS news and the Xbox/Twitch show just because I'm pressed for space. It's been a long week, and I'm just glad to have the chance to talk about it, even if I sound a bit grumpy doing it.

Ubisoft has this awesome idea for a stealth game y'all

No surprise, Ubisoft is doing more Assassin's Creed. I have no doubt that Mario+Rabbids: Sparks of Hope will be a good game, and that Skull & Bones will definitely be a game. I'm also extremely happy that we're getting a new Valiant Hearts game. I'm not sure if it will be exclusive to Netflix, but whatever, I'm playing it. But the AC showcase was where Ubisoft really showed its vision for the future.

I feel conflicted with the whole projection. On the plus side, the CGI trailer for Mirage was cool, and Basim might be the show's most interesting protagonist, considering some facts about him that I won't spoil. Assuming the theories about Hexe set in 16th century Germany are true, it sounds incredible - it's an obscure historical setting I know little about, exactly what I want from Assassin's Creed.

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As for the negative side. . . Have you ever tried to present an idea to someone, like a boss or a friend, that they will reject, only to later present it as their own idea in all sincerity? This is what the AC showcase looked like and it was a bit unbearable. Fans have been asking them to "go back to their roots" (i.e.: make an AC game that focuses on actual stealth and assassination) since around Assassin's Creed 3. But no, Ubisoft wanted AC to be an open world action collectathon game. Oh, isn't that what Assassin's Creed is about? We'll do what it is. Same with Feudal Japan - we've been asking for it since the second game launched. It's kinda rich to wait for a pat on the back for doing it now, Ubisoft.

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