This is a great game for hardcore fans of the Assassin's Creed series. There's not much deviation from the formula here: historic location, tie-ins to historic figures (with the expected artistic liberties of tying Assassin relationships to them), viewpoints, liberation missions, etc. The additions are few, but welcome. You will switch off regularly between two Assassins in this game. While this sounds promising, there isn't much difference gameplay-wise. Outside of a couple unique upgrades, they play similar. You'll really get more out their differences as characters in the context of the story than you will choosing one or the other for a specific mission. This is fine, but having to upgrade each separately can prove tedious. You will establish and develop a gang as your ally base in Syndicate, which can be a great help. At times, however, their willingness to combat the enemy without direction from you can cause stealth issues and prevent you from performing some specific kills (for those who are completionists and want those secondary objectives). Overall, though, it's a nice tool to have at your disposal and upgrading them early makes life much easier. For those who tire of the climbing portions of the game: fear not. You are provided, very early, with a grappling hook that allows quick climbing and traversing building-to-building. This is a huge help when detected and trying to escape, as climbing usually resulted in a bullet in the back. It's also a lifesaver on time-driven missions and side activities. There will be some gripes that it's too Batman-esque, but it really does help in some critical situations. I was disappointed in the modern day sequences. I had come to enjoy being able to interact in the modern settings in these games and it offered a nice break from the grind of the historic settings. However, that was removed in Unity, and it again fails to appear in Syndicate. There is a slight increase in the number of modern cutscenes from Unity, but you still get no control in them. That change of feel would have been welcome. Overall, this is a solid title and a great addition to any fans of the series. At this point, you know what you're getting with an Assassin's title, and this doesn't disappoint that expectation. Those who are looking for a radically different game: stay clear, this is not for you. Syndicate continues the Assassin's canon while offering familiar gameplay and mechanics.