Solo reveal events seem to be more common nowadays, especially with E3 not taking place in 2022. Industry giantUbisoftis no exception, having hostedUbisoft Forward 2022today to present news on upcoming and existing titles alike. The event featured a lot of games to look forward to, including multiple announcements for landmark Ubisoft franchises likeAssassin’s Creedand the long-awaitedSkull and Bones.
Notably absent from the event were theSplinter CellandPrince of Persiaremakes known to be in development. Somewhat less surprising, but still disappointing was the lack of news onBeyond Good and Evil 2, which was first teased in 2008 before getting revamped and revealed during E3 2017.Avatar: Frontiers of Pandorawas announced during that same E3, but was also missing from Ubisoft Forward 2022 - though it did get a new teaser the night before during the Disney and Marvel Games Showcase. There were also no announcements on two of Ubisoft’s other biggest IPs,Far CryandWatch Dogs.Still, a lot was revealed for fans to look forward to.
RELATED:Avatar Fans Have Already Seen More of Reckoning Than Frontiers of Pandora
Assassin’s Creed Announcements
Assassin’s Creedis arguably Ubisoft’s biggest modern franchise. It’s no surprise, then, that there was a special showcase dedicated entirely to its future during Ubisoft Forward 2022. Multiplenew additions to theAssassin’s Creedseriesappeared during the event.
The showcase featured a new trailer forAssassin’s Creed Mirage,which Ubisoft only confirmed was in development days prior, following months of leaks and rumors. The trailer depictsprotagonist Basim’sinitiation as an assassin, and some of his earlier memories as a thief in Baghdad. The trailer is narrated by Emmy-winning actress Shohreh Aghdashloo, who will voice Basim’s mentor Roshan. Basim is faced with a zombie in the final scene of the trailer, which may suggest that some supernatural enemies and gameplay elements of recent entries will be returning.
Ubisoft Bordeaux narrative director Sarah Beaulieu gave some more details following the trailer, sayingAssassin’s Creed Mirageis a return to theold-school formula ofAssassin’s Creed.It will focus on the action-adventure, stealth, and parkour of the elements of earlier titles, which is an interesting move considering the current style was a result of the old formula becoming stale for many fans. Still, the return seems to be a popular decision, and Beaulieu confirmed a 2023 release date forAssassin’s Creed Mirage.
Assassin’s Creed Infinityproject leaderMarc-Alexis Cote also made an appearance to announceAssassin’s Creed: Codename Red, which will take fans to the much-requested feudal Japan setting, featuring a ninja protagonist; andAssassin’s Creed: Codename Hexe,a title seemingly set during the witch hunts of Europe. Cote said both will be playable throughAssassin’s Creed Infinity,which will act as a sort of live-service hub for future games, as well as online components such asAssassin’s Creed: Codename Invictus,a standalone multiplayer game in the works.
Cote also discussed a live-actionAssassin’s CreedNetflix series that will come alongside a new mobile game for Netflix’s gaming service. Another mobile game,Assassin’s Creed: Codename Jade,is also on the way, presenting an open-world title in ancient China with the first custom character in the series. Also announced was thefinal expansion toAssassin’s Creed Valhalla, the free quest arc “The Last Chapter.”
Mario + Rabbids: Sparks of Hope
Ubisoft Forward 2022 featured a new trailer and gameplay reveal forMario + Rabbids: Sparks of Hope,set to release on October 20 as a Switch exclusive. The sequel to the 2017 hit will feature new mechanics blending turn-based and real-time action, overworld exploration, collectibles, and puzzles. The extended gameplay reveal featured the world of Terra Flora and a battle utilizing the Sparks - a selection of equipable creatures that give buffs to each character.
Ubisoft also teased more content that will come as part of the post-launch support forMario + Rabbids: Sparks of Hope. The support will include free DLC adding new playable characters and more. Exciting for many is promised DLC featuring the surprise return ofUbisoft icon Rayman, from whom the Rabbids originally spun off.
RELATED:Assassin’s Creed Infinity May Define the Franchise’s Future, So It Has to Get the Core Content Right
Skull and Bones
Skull and Boneswas first announced in 2017, but found itself subject to development hell. Thankfully, its showcase at Ubisoft Forward 2022 offered new information and a November 8 release date. The new trailers focused heavily on theAssassin’s Creed: Black Flag-inspired ship battles, but details about other gameplay elements were featured too.
Ubisoft Singapore creative director Elisabeth Pellen made an appearance to offer information on features such as ship customization and the game’s narrative. Customization will focus on three major parts: weapons, armor, and cosmetics. Meanwhile, the story - which will be integrated into online component - will follow the player as a solo pirate who has set out to become an accomplished captain onthe waters of the Indian Ocean. Pellen also confirmed PvP can be switched off, and thatSkull and Boneswill be fully cross-platform from day one.
Other Announcements
While those were the three major franchises given focus at Ubisoft Forward 2022, there was plenty of smaller news too.Tom Clancy’s The Division 2will be getting new cosmetics, missions, manhunt targets, and a new PvE mode in Seasons 10 and 11. Also coming to the series is the standalonefree-to-playsurvival-shooterTom Clancy’s The Division Heartland,set in the small town of Silver Creek. Finally,The Division Resurgencewill be coming to mobile, with a closed beta later this fall. Elsewhere in theTom Clancyfamily,Rainbow Six Mobileis getting a closed beta on September 12, featuring daily challenges and a battle pass progression system.
Ubisoft’s extreme sports MMORiders Republicwill be getting a BMX expansion on September 14, featuring new locations too.Just Dance 2023was also revealed, with a year of additional content planned and online multiplayer. Meanwhile,Trackmaniais coming to consoles with full cross-platform play and progression after being a PC exclusive for two years.Netflix’s cloud gaming servicealso announced some titles in partnership withUbisoft, such asValiant Hearts 2, Mighty Quest 2, and the unnamedAssassin’s Creedgame.
MORE:Every Game Announcement at the Disney and Marvel Games Showcase
