The Hidden Blade Assassin's Creed in Depth

A recurring theme in the Stylish Assassination series is the "air to assassinate" move. Both Ubisoft and Prima hint that it's possible but neither elaborate on how or even when you can do it. An internet search reveals only partial answers and misinformation ("press X while in the air" pffft ).

It turns out there are four different ways to initiate an air to assassinate! Altaïr's position and posture will determine which one to use.

• Low Profile: X button (Square on PlayStation 3)

  This only works if Altaïr is climbing a wall immediately above the target. (Tip: This often works on Templars because they tend to stand in front of walls.) Keep an eye on your Control Heads Up Display. Whenever the label for your Armed Hand says "assassinate" you can press that button (X on Xbox 360, Square on PlayStation 3) to drop and assassinate. I'm not sure how "low profile" it actually is. It looks exactly like a high profile air.

• High Profile: Right Trigger + X (R1 + Square)

  Whenever Altaïr stands on a beam or narrow wall, he naturally assumes a crouching position. When climbing a ladder or wall, he often has his feet tucked up against the vertical surface. These are the postures that allow a high profile air to assassinate. Just hold the Right Trigger (R1 on PS3) and look at your Control Heads Up Display. If it says "assassinate", continue holding the trigger and press X (or Square on PS3). Altaïr's range is much better with high profile than with low. He'll jump clear across a room to kill someone.

• Running: Right Trigger + X + Left Thumbstick up (R1 + Square + Left Stick up)

  When standing with upright posture on a roof or wide platform, your only option is the running air to assassinate. Face your target and start running towards him by holding Right Trigger and pushing the Left Thumbstick up (R1 + Left Stick up on PS3). As you near the edge, continue holding those controls and add the X button (or Square). Again, your Heads Up Display will indicate when you can do this but it all happens pretty quickly. I prefer to watch Altaïr's feet to get the timing right. Hit the attack button as Altaïr takes his last step to the edge of the roof.

• Edge: Right Trigger + X + Left Thumbstick up (R1 + Square + Left Stick up)

  If you're already standing at the very edge, peering down, you can still do a "running" air to assassinate. Start by holding the Right Trigger (or R1), and then simultaneously press X and push the Left Thumbstick up (Square + up). Don't be intimidated by the word "simultaneously". The timing requirements are not strict at all. In fact you can hit X first, causing Altaïr to check his Hidden Blade, and then push "up" about half a second later. As long as he hasn't resheathed his blade, this will trigger the air to assassinate.

Of course, there are times when you can't attempt an air to assassinate at all:

• hanging from a beam or wall with feet straight down
• too high up
• too far away from target
• standing at the same level or lower than target

It's always a good idea to target your victim (with Left Trigger or L1) before attempting any air move. First of all, it's embarrassing when you accidentally assassinate the wrong person (often a civilian). Secondly, long range airs fall short if the victim isn't targeted. Beware that some attempts can be deflected by a suspicious target (who will throw Altaïr to the ground) or by obstacles in your flight path.