If you’ve played Assassin’s Creed, then you know its titular maxim: “Nothing is true; everything is permitted.” While the first part of the statement feels very true to the world around us these days, the latter does not. While COVID-19 restrictions are beginning to ease slightly, many of us are still stuck at home — and even when we do go out, our options seem limited to the same old grocery stores, pharmacies and parks.
The desire to go somewhere exotic is stronger than ever, but that’s not a very good idea in the physical world. Instead, I’ve found myself immersed in the Assassin’s Creed series once again.
After I reviewed the positively massive Assassin’s Creed Odyssey, I was ready to step away from the series for a good, long while. But when Ubisoft announced Assassin’s Creed Valhalla few weeks ago, I decided to boot up the historical action/stealth series once again, and made a fortunate discovery: Assassin’s Creed is perhaps the next-best thing to taking a real overseas trip. While before, the prospect of traipsing around the Greek islands for 80-plus hours sounded exhausting, it’s now just the kind of escapism that I didn’t even know I needed.
If you’ve never played an Assassin’s Creed game before, allow me to lay out the case for why now is a better time than ever to give it a shot. And if you have, now is the time to pick a location and take a virtual vacation there — just with a lot more violence and mayhem than real life usually allows.
Assassin’s Creed’s meticulous recreations
For those of you who haven’t played Assassin’s Creed before, the pitch is pretty simple: For millennia, two secret societies have been at war for the future of mankind. The Templars believe that they must control mankind for its own good. The Assassins believe that freedom is a better alternative, even if they have to commit murder to preserve it. In each game, you take control of an Assassin at a vital point in history, such as the Third Crusade, the Industrial Revolution or the Peloponnesian War, and participate in some of the time period’s most important events.
The story in Assassin’s Creed is half science-fantasy mumbo-jumbo, half historical tourism. And it’s the latter concept that makes the series such an excellent quarantine companion. Ever since the first entry, Ubisoft has prided itself on doing a tremendous amount of historical research, then recreating ancient (or medieval, or early modern) cities just as they might have appeared hundreds or thousands of years ago. Even if you don’t care for the gameplay (which can be clunky ) or the narrative (which can be convoluted), the sheer amount of detail that Assassin’s Creed puts into recreating the past is impressive.
Assassin’s Creed Origins (Image credit: Ubisoft)
While every game has some rural or wilderness areas to explore, the cities are usually the big draws. From medieval Jerusalem in the first game to ancient Athens in the most recent one, the cities in Assassin’s Creed are filled to the brim with period architecture, streets bustling with people, animals and vehicles, and recognizable landmarks.
Earlier editions of Assassin’s Creed catalogue all of these landmarks in an informative codex that you can access at any time; the two most recent games instead offer “Discovery Tours,” which let you explore landmarks like a virtual museum, free from combat or story objectives. (If you’re a nonviolent type of gamer, you can actually buy the Discovery Tours on their own as standalone games.)
I’ve always enjoyed the level of verisimilitude in Assassin’s Creed, but it wasn’t until recently that I realized just how much I needed the facsimile of travel in my life. Lots of games conjure up beautiful fantasy worlds, but they’re very clearly not real. Other games bring you to real locations, but only for short, linear levels. Assassin’s Creed lets you explore at your leisure, and gives you plenty of objectives to complete across a gigantic map.
As I rode my horse down a Greek mountainside, the city of Athens and the Aegean Sea stretched out before me, blue skies above and flowers all around, I realized how much I missed the simple joy of going somewhere new. Granted, we can’t go to Greece every weekend, even under normal circumstances. But most of us are only a car or train ride away from somewhere we’ve never been before, and it’s healthy to go exploring now and then. Assassin’s Creed is about as close as you can get to that sense of exploration in the digital space.
Assassin’s Creed time periods and locations
The trick to enjoying Assassin’s Creed as a digital travel replacement is to treat the series like a travel agency. Start with a destination in mind, then select the package that includes all the sights you want to see. Without spoiling anything, the story is roughly the same in each game: The Templars want to control mankind with a powerful ancient artifact, and the Assassins have to take out a number of key historical figures in order to stop them. The narrative quality varies from game to game, but the location and time period are really what set one game apart from another.
With that in mind, here’s a handy chart that includes the locations, time periods and major historical events from each mainline Assassin’s Creed game:
Location
Major Cities
Year
Historical Event
Assassin’s Creed
The Holy Land
Jerusalem, Acre, Damascus
1191CE
Third Crusade
Assassin’s Creed II
Italy
Florence, Forli, Venice
1476 CE
Italian Renaissance
Assassin’s Creed: Brotherhood
Italy
Rome
1499 CE
Italian Wars
Assassin’s Creed: Revelations
Turkey
Constantinople
1511 CE
Şahkulu Rebellion
Assassin’s Creed III
Thirteen Colonies
Boston, New York
1760 CE
American Revolution
Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag
Caribbean
Havana, Nassau, Kingston
1715 CE
Golden Age of Piracy
Assassin’s Creed Unity
France
Paris, Versailles
1789 CE
French Revolution
Assassin’s Creed Rogue
North Atlantic
New York
1752 CE
Seven Years War
Assassin’s Creed Syndicate
England
London
1868 CE
Industrial Revolution
Assassin’s Creed Origins
Egypt
Alexandria, Memphis
49 BCE
Roman Conquest of Egypt
Assassin’s Creed Odyssey
Greece
Athens, Sparta, Korinthia
431 BCE
Peloponnesian War
Assassin’s Creed II, Assassin’s Creed IV and Assassin’s Creed Origins are good jumping-on points for the series, although most of the games work as standalone experiences. The only major exceptions are Brotherhood, Revelations and Rogue, which are part of larger ongoing story arcs.
While it may be a while before real-world travel returns to normal, Assassin’s Creed gives us a way to see the world and learn a thing or two about history along the way. The series can be pretty violent, and the games can get a little long and repetitive, if you want to complete every last objective. But at least there’s some gorgeous scenery along the way.
CHICAGO (AP) — United Airlines has struck a deal with Elon Musk’s SpaceX to offer satellite-based Starlink WiFi service on flights within the next several years.
The airline said Friday the service will be free to passengers.
United said it will begin testing the service early next year and begin offering it on some flights by later in 2025.
Financial details of the deal were not disclosed.
The announcement comes as airlines rush to offer more amenities as a way to stand out when passengers pick a carrier for a trip. United’s goal is to make sitting on a plane pretty much like being on the ground when it comes to browsing the internet, streaming entertainment and playing games.
“Everything you can do on the ground, you’ll soon be able to do on board a United plane at 35,000 feet, just about anywhere in the world,” CEO Scott Kirby said in announcing the deal.
The airline says Starlink will allow passengers to get internet access even over oceans and polar regions where traditional cell or Wi-Fi signals may be weak or missing.
Sony has made it easy for Canadian consumers to preorder the PlayStation 5 Pro in Canada directly from PlayStation’s official website. Here’s how:
Visit the Official Website: Go to direct.playstation.com and navigate to the PS5 Pro section once preorders go live on September 26, 2024.
Create or Log in to Your PlayStation Account: If you don’t have a PlayStation account, you will need to create one. Existing users can simply log in to proceed.
Place Your Preorder: Once logged in, follow the instructions to preorder your PS5 Pro. Ensure you have a valid payment method ready and double-check your shipping information for accuracy.
Preorder Through Major Canadian Retailers
While preordering directly from PlayStation is a popular option, you can also secure your PS5 Pro through trusted Canadian retailers. These retailers are expected to offer preorders on or after September 26:
Best Buy Canada
Walmart Canada
EB Games (GameStop)
Amazon Canada
The Source
Steps to Preorder via Canadian Retailers:
Visit Retailer Websites: Search for “PlayStation 5 Pro” on the website of your preferred retailer starting on September 26.
Create or Log in to Your Account: If you’re shopping online, having an account with the retailer can speed up the preorder process.
Preorder in Store: For those who prefer in-person shopping, check with local stores regarding availability and preorder policies.
3. Sign Up for Notifications
Many retailers and websites offer the option to sign up for notifications when the preorder goes live. If you’re worried about missing out due to high demand, this can be a useful option.
Visit Retailer Sites: Look for a “Notify Me” or “Email Alerts” option and enter your email to stay informed.
Use PlayStation Alerts: Sign up for notifications directly through Sony to be one of the first to know when preorders are available.
4. Prepare for High Demand
Preordering the PS5 Pro is expected to be competitive, with high demand likely to result in quick sellouts, just as with the initial release of the original PS5. To maximize your chances of securing a preorder:
Act Quickly: Be prepared to place your order as soon as preorders open. Timing is key, as stock can run out within minutes.
Double-Check Payment Information: Ensure your credit card or payment method is ready to go. Any delays during the checkout process could result in losing your spot.
Stay Informed: Monitor PlayStation and retailer websites for updates on restocks or additional preorder windows.
Final Thoughts
The PlayStation 5 Pro is set to take gaming to the next level with its enhanced performance, graphics, and new features. Canadian gamers should be ready to act fast when preorders open on September 26, 2024, to secure their console ahead of the holiday season. Whether you choose to preorder through PlayStation’s official website or your preferred retailer, following the steps outlined above will help ensure a smooth and successful preorder experience.
For more details on the PS5 Pro and to preorder, visit direct.playstation.com or stay tuned to updates from major Canadian retailers.
Since the PlayStation 5 (PS5) launched four years ago, PlayStation has continuously evolved to meet the demands of its players. Today, we are excited to announce the next step in this journey: the PlayStation 5 Pro. Designed for the most dedicated players and game creators, the PS5 Pro brings groundbreaking advancements in gaming hardware, raising the bar for what’s possible.
Key Features of the PS5 Pro
The PS5 Pro comes equipped with several key performance enhancements, addressing the requests of gamers for smoother, higher-quality graphics at a consistent 60 frames per second (FPS). The console’s standout features include:
Upgraded GPU: The PS5 Pro’s GPU boasts 67% more Compute Units than the current PS5, combined with 28% faster memory. This allows for up to 45% faster rendering speeds, ensuring a smoother gaming experience.
Advanced Ray Tracing: Ray tracing capabilities have been significantly enhanced, with reflections and refractions of light being processed at double or triple the speed of the current PS5, creating more dynamic visuals.
AI-Driven Upscaling: Introducing PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution, an AI-based upscaling technology that adds extraordinary detail to images, resulting in sharper image clarity.
Backward Compatibility & Game Boost: More than 8,500 PS4 games playable on PS5 Pro will benefit from PS5 Pro Game Boost, stabilizing or enhancing performance. PS4 games will also see improved resolution on select titles.
VRR & 8K Support: The PS5 Pro supports Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and 8K gaming for the ultimate visual experience, while also launching with the latest wireless technology, Wi-Fi 7, in supported regions.
Optimized Games & Patches
Game creators have quickly embraced the new technology that comes with the PS5 Pro. Many games will receive free updates to take full advantage of the console’s new features, labeled as PS5 Pro Enhanced. Some of the highly anticipated titles include:
Alan Wake 2
Assassin’s Creed: Shadows
Demon’s Souls
Dragon’s Dogma 2
Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth
Gran Turismo 7
Marvel’s Spider-Man 2
Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart
Horizon Forbidden West
These updates will allow players to experience their favorite games at a higher fidelity, taking full advantage of the console’s improved graphics and performance.
Design & Compatibility
Maintaining consistency within the PS5 family, the PS5 Pro retains the same height and width as the original PS5 model. Players will also have the option to add an Ultra HD Blu-ray Disc Drive or swap console covers when available.
Additionally, the PS5 Pro is fully compatible with all existing PS5 accessories, including the PlayStation VR2, DualSense Edge, Pulse Elite, and Access controller. This ensures seamless integration into your current gaming setup.
Pricing & Availability
The PS5 Pro will be available starting November 7, 2024, at a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of:
$699.99 USD
$949.99 CAD
£699.99 GBP
€799.99 EUR
¥119,980 JPY
Each PS5 Pro comes with a 2TB SSD, a DualSense wireless controller, and a copy of Astro’s Playroom pre-installed. Pre-orders begin on September 26, 2024, and the console will be available at participating retailers and directly from PlayStation via direct.playstation.com.
The launch of the PS5 Pro marks a new chapter in PlayStation’s commitment to delivering cutting-edge gaming experiences. Whether players choose the standard PS5 or the PS5 Pro, PlayStation aims to provide the best possible gaming experience for everyone.
Preorder your PS5 Pro and step into the next generation of gaming this holiday season.
