Assassin's Creed

Publisher Says: ... set in 1191 AD, when the Third Crusade was tearing the Holy Land apart. Shrouded in secrecy and feared for their ruthlessness, the Assassins intend to stop the hostilities by suppressing both sides of the conflict. Players, assuming the role of the main character Altair, will have the power to throw their immediate environment into chaos and to shape events during this pivotal moment in history.

What'll Happen: Assassins will be too ambitious for its own good. Those used to showing off their acrobatic skills in Prince of Persia will get frustrated with trying to pull off successful kills and then making a clean getaway. To its benefit, it will probably pave the way for a stellar 2008 Prince of Persia release and a more evolved Assassin's Creed sequel in '09.

Final Score...From The Future: 7/10

Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell Conviction

Publisher Says: You are a fugitive ... being ruthlessly hunted by the very government you once served. The key to your survival is to improvise, adapt and overcome.

What'll Happen: Splinter Cell fans will feast on this game like it's all-u-can-eat buffet. Its new "fugitive" focus may alienate Splinter Cell fanboys, but it'll still garner good reviews, particularly with the new improvisational action.

Final Score...From The Future: 8/10

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