by Ubisoft, the Europe-based publisher known for properties such as Rayman, Splinter Cell, and Assassin’s Creed, recently revealed a new spate of upcoming games — including several that are making their way to iOS and other mobile platforms. If you want to pillage the high seas, pull off some insane stunts, or engage in some classic platforming action, Ubisoft may have just what you’re looking for.
Assassin’s Creed has been emphasizing swashbuckling high-seas adventures in its last few installments, and that focus couldn’t be any more obvious than it is in the aptly named Assassin’s Creed Pirates. The game puts you in control of pirate raider Alonzo Batilla and allows you to explore the Caribbean, build up your crew and your fleet, and set sail to find a legendary treasure. Unlike most Assassin’s Creed titles, this isn’t a third-person adventure; the game is all about real-time ship-to-ship naval combat. Though Pirates is set during the same time period as the soon-to-be-released Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag, you won’t cross paths with that game’s protagonist; however, you will encounter other characters from ACIV, such as the infamous pirate Blackbeard. It should hit iOS devices this fall.
Ubisoft is also working on the next iOS installment of its popular Rayman series. Set for a fall release, Rayman Fiesta Run is the sequel to last year’s acclaimed Rayman Jungle Run, featuring the same kind of frantic gameplay, but with 75 all-new levels, new abilities such a super-punch for Rayman, and even better graphics and lighting. A new Invasion Mode (which lets you play much more challenging versions of the levels) is included as well. Strangely enough, Ubisoft’s interpretation of a fiesta seems to involve lots of food-themed environments, so don’t be surprised if the game leaves your stomach rumbling.
And if you want strange, you needn’t look any further than Rabbids Big Bang. The demented bunnies are back in a physics-based action-puzzle game that’s equal parts Angry Birds and Jet Pack Joyride. You initiate each level by using one Rabbid to smack another into orbit with a well-aimed baseball bat, but after that you’ll have to use your limited-fuel jet pack to provide some extra guidance as you attempt to grab coins and make your way from one planet to another. Despite simple controls, the game’s more than 150 levels seem surprisingly challenging based on our hands-on experience. The game should be available in October or November.
Trials — the stunt-based, physics-driven, 2D racing series from RedLynx — has been a hit for a few years now, but the series is finally going mobile with Trials Frontier. Featuring simple touch-screen controls, Trials Frontier aims to appeal to both hardcore and casual players. Competitive players will likely want to work on getting better times and climbing up the leaderboards, while others may focus on completing missions so they can level up, upgrade their rides, and expand their post-apocalyptic villages. Though Ubisoft is targeting a release this year, it may not be out until 2014.
In addition to these stand-alone iOS releases, the publisher also demonstrated its Watch Dogs companion app, which connects to the highly anticipated PC and console game for asymmetrical competitive multiplayer. As the app user, you’ll use your iPad to set traps and guide police as the main player races to a goal in a limited time. Surprisingly, we’re told the app will be compatible with all versions of Watch Dogs — even the Wii U version.
