The Hidden Blade Assassin's Creed in Depth

Our featured member for February is none other than LisaMurphy. She only gets 28 days because the man wouldn't give her 31. Lisa wanted to say a few things before getting into the interview:

First, I'll tell you some info about me. I live with my family in Marin County, over the Golden Gate Bridge from San Francisco. My husband is a computer programmer and co-founder of a company developing grade-school math teaching tools. I've been a homemaker for the last 20 years. We have two daughters: Elaine (who is 20) is a student at an art school in S.F. and Elizabeth (18) is finishing up community college and studying political science.

I got interested in video games about 10 years ago as a way to spend time with my daughters while they played. I enjoy being around them, so it was fun to sit with them and help them figure out the puzzles and strategies. Then I decided to give it a try myself and games have been a big part of my life ever since.

Tell me about the first time you played AC1 and/or AC2.
Elaine played AC1 at her friend's house and raved about it. I watched her play and was immediately struck by the idea of the game. It's a genius concept, I think. I only played about 1/2 of AC1 because I lost interest in playing it (although I've never lost interest in the game itself). AC2 was the most challenging game for me that I had attempted thus far, but practice definitely helps a lot! I've probably played through AC2 about 10 or 12 times.

What do you like most about the games?
The history behind them, of course! I hugely appreciate that Ubisoft makes the effort to get the history as correct as possible. I've studied history for as long as I can remember, always wondering what it would be like to live in a past time. The games are like a small bit of an answer to that question. I also appreciate the settings that they have chosen, staying away from the well-trodden ground of other games.

What is your favorite style of assassination?
Air assassination. Nothing can compare to the drama and the thrill of a sudden lethal strike from the sky.

What is your favorite quote from the game?
The most Mom-like quote ever: "Attenzione. It has come to the attention of the Signoria that the young men have been climbing the city's buildings for sport. While not illegal per se, remember it is only divertimento until someone breaks a leg."

What would you like to change about AC?
Incorporating difficulty modes seems like a no-brainer to me. I can appreciate that finding a balance between simplicity and challenge in a game is extremely hard and it's natural that the developers would want to appeal to the widest group possible (with the consequent wide range of skill sets). Difficulty modes could help a lot.

I'd like to see fewer weapons and less (or no) armor. I strongly hope that they back off from the strictly scripted assassinations as well. There should be variety pack assassinations possible for pretty much everything.

What AC accomplishment are you most proud of?
I'm very proud that I was able to achieve the "Master Assassin" trophy from AC2. It was a hard slog in many ways: some of the assassination contracts were really difficult for me, and some races were nightmares. But I got it eventually and now I brag very inappropriately about it as often as possible.

Which AC game is your favorite: AC1, AC2 or AC:B? Why?
AC2 is the game I play the most and I enjoy it thoroughly. However, AC1 is in most ways the more interesting game. Its atmosphere is unforgettable: exotic, chaotic, stunningly gorgeous, strange and unusual. To someone who grew up in a culture descended from Europe, Italy (even from 500 years ago) feels like a somewhat familiar place. The Middle East of the late 12th century is a completely different world and the game immerses you in that difference really well, I think.

Altair is also one of the most intriguing characters that I have experienced. I think Ubisoft got him just right and I'm thankful they didn't answer all the questions about him. He's ambivalent and memorable.

AC:B has some fun aspects but really, the less said, the better.

When you're not playing AC, what other games or activities do you enjoy?
I don't actually play very many games. I have fun watching my kids play, so I experience most games vicariously. I tend to play the same ones over and over. A few Legend of Zelda games (Wind Waker, Twilight Princess and Four Swords Adventures) which I like a lot. I have very special relationships with 2 particular games: Okami and Shadow of the Colossus. Both of those games I love very deeply; they are more than just games to me. They have become a part of my spiritual life, in the same way that great art can become a part of you.

Outside of gaming, I enjoy making quilts.

And here is a question from the last featured member, aurllcooljay:
What is your favorite weapon, armor, dye color, target, or place in the game?
My favorite weapon is the hidden blade, because it's so unusual and non-typical for a fighting game (although I LOVE flinging a spear or heavy axe into some guard's head!). Favorite armor is no armor at all; either the Assassin White of Altair or the Florentine noble's outfit. The place where I enjoy running around the most is in Tuscany, killing off the Pazzi Conspirators. Ahhhh, good times!

Is there anything else you'd like to add?
Thank you to stabguy and Ian for selecting me. I appreciate your kindness.

And I'd like to thank our community as well. This site is a wonderful, warm, intelligent and highly creative place. For a group so committed to videogame murder and mayhem, you sure are nice folks! Thanks to all.