60 seconds with: Ben Mattes - Assassin’s Creed 2

By Nigel Wood, UK
for www.touchgen.com

Published: January 20, 2010

Ubisoft’s Producer for Assassin’s Creed II: Discovery, Ben Mattes, gives us the skinny on what to expect in the iPhone and iPod Touch sequel…

60 seconds with…

Name: Ben Mattes
Role: Producer, Ubisoft
Current project: Assassin’s Creed II: Discovery

In no more than 30 words, sum up Assassin’s Creed II: Discovery’s story

Assassin’s Creed II: Discovery takes place between Chapters 10 through 13 of the console version. It’s a supportive story that further develops the Assassin’s Creed universe and characters

What can gamers expect from Assassin’s Creed II: Discovery on iPhone and iPod Touch compared to Gameloft’s initial outing?

Assassin’s Creed II: Discovery is a port of the DS version; however we wanted to take our time with the development to ensure we’re delivering the same quality experience that consumers expect from the franchise. The game delivers a fast-paced, arcade-style experience. It focuses on stealth moves and free-running /acrobatics, which are inspired by the console chase sequences.

Describe using just three words how gamers will feel when they play Assassin’s Creed II: Discovery on iPhone and iPod Touch.

Fast-paced - Adrenaline – Fun

How does it compare to the other handheld offerings on PSP and DS? Any iPhone and iPod Touch specific features?

The iPhone version of Assassin’s Creed II: Discovery features a new combat system (not included in the DS version) – the struggle mechanic, which offers more diversity in combat (for instance some guards are harder to kill than others). There are also three new levels, upscaled high-res graphics, enhanced sounds, voice acting and more music from the console game (all due to the platform’s optimized hardware capabilities).

How long has the game been in development, and how does the process compare to the consoles?

The game took between six to eight months to develop. Unfortunately we do not disclose the time frame it takes to disclose our console titles since they vary.

What’s the RRP on launch?

Assassin’s Creed II: Discovery’s regular price will be $9.99.

What are your thoughts on pricing strategies for premium games such as this?

We evaluate pricing of games on a case-by-case basis. Assassin’s Creed II: Discovery offers an incredible value at the $9.99 price. You not only get the full DS version of the game, but you get added levels and new optimized features specific to the iPhone/iPod touch.

Are there plans to bring other Ubisoft IP’s to the platform? Yes or no, which do you think would translate best?
Ubisoft is very committed to this growing market and we view the iPhone as a viable platform to engage consumers with Ubisoft’s brands. We plan to launch several apps for the Apple App store that will span Ubisoft’s console lineup including casual and hardcore titles.

What advantages, if any, do you think the iPhone and iPod Touch have over the competition as a gaming device?

Just as the Nintendo DS and Sony PSP delivers its own unique gaming experience, so does the iPhone. I’m a fan of each platform for separate reasons and understand how they all fit into Ubisoft’s strategy to diversify its portfolio of entertainment.

What do think about the possibilities for gaming on the rumoured Apple Tablet?

We are excited about Apple’s upcoming announcement and look forward to any of their devices that support games.

Assassin’s Creed 2 will be released on the AppStore on February 1st, for $9.99

Check out our podcast for our hands-on preview… here!

Review disclosure: Any games reviewed on this page may have been provided to us by the developer for the purposes of this review. Note: the resulting review score is never impeded by this fact, all opinions are that of the TouchGen reviewer and not the developer. This is in keeping with our O.A.T.S oath. Read more about O.A.T.S here

2 Comments on "60 seconds with: Ben Mattes - Assassin’s Creed 2"

Deluxe on Thu, 21st Jan 2010 1:20 pm

“Are there plans to bring other Ubisoft IP’s to the platform?”
Heroes of Might and Magic! Please…

Casse on Thu, 21st Jan 2010 5:57 pm

I would love to see a good Rayman Raving Rabbids