Hello all,
This week's community discussion is about animal/AI companions. Please share your thoughts!
MAKING SURE THE FANS ARE HEARD
As part of a set of new Community Initiatives, we'd like to give opportunities to the community to give more direct feedback, and will now host weekly discussion on specific topics that relate the Assassin's Creed Franchise. These community discussions will take place on the AC subreddit, the Official Ubisoft Forums, and on the Mentors Guild Twitter. These discussions will be open for 1 week. The threads and responses will be shared directly with the Assassin's Creed Community Development team, who will then pass that info on to concerned parties within Ubisoft itself.
While the Mentors get opportunities to speak directly with the creators of Assassin’s Creed and frequently communicate with the Community Development Team, this is not the case for every fan. We want to change that. We want fans to have their voices heard directly, in the same ways the Mentors do. These activities are a step towards meeting this goal. If you want Ubisoft to see what you have to say, this is the place to do it.
THIS WEEK'S TOPIC
Topic: Animal/AI Companions
Info: Some Assassin's Creed titles have given our protagonists animal companions. AC3's DLC (The Tyranny of King Washington) allowed Ratonhnhaké:ton to summon a pack of mystical wolves to tear down his opponents, while Origins and Odyssey gave their respective heroes a pet eagle to scout the landscape. We have even been able to - temporarily - tame wild animals like lions and crocodiles. Certain games from other studios, such as The Last of Us and God of War (2018) give players an AI-controlled ally, such as a child, to be protected and to help the player overcome obstacles. What ways might AI- or player-controlled companions be used in future AC games?
QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER:
-Do you enjoy the animal companions we've had in AC games so far?
-If you could choose, what animal would you like to see as the protagonist's companion? What could they add to the gameplay?
-How would you feel about a human companion that would be with you throughout the entire game, such as a child, young recruit, spouse etc.?
-In your opinion, are there any potential drawbacks to a constant companion?
-Do you prefer AI-controlled companions (that don't hinder the player's progress, such as Lieutenants who can be called upon to fight for us) or player-controlled ones, like Origins/Odyssey's pet eagles?
-Would you like the companion to have his/her own skill tree, where you could e.g. teach a dog new tricks, teach your horse to kick enemies etc.?
As always, please feel free to add any thoughts you might have that are not covered by these example questions!
REMEMBER:
While these discussions are meant to allow for honest and raw feedback directly from the community, the best way to ensure your voice is heard is to be constructive - be critical of the process, not the people. Be specific with your criticisms and suggest tangible solutions and improvements.
We hope to see active participation and that this will be a successful way of getting the fans' voices truly heard.
QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER:
-Do you enjoy the animal companions we've had in AC games so far?
Oh yes, definitely. Animal taming reminds me of Far Cry's tamed animals.
-If you could choose, what animal would you like to see as the protagonist's companion? What could they add to the gameplay?
I would love to have a tamed Molossus Dog from Epirus. It is a Greek dog breed.
-How would you feel about a human companion that would be with you throughout the entire game, such as a child, young recruit, spouse etc.?
It would be a great idea. Who doesn't want a sidekick? Perhaps more than one!
-In your opinion, are there any potential drawbacks to a constant companion?
Well, a constant companion could only ruin a scene IF I wanted to kill every foe, myself.
-Do you prefer AI-controlled companions (that don't hinder the player's progress, such as Lieutenants who can be called upon to fight for us) or player-controlled ones, like Origins/Odyssey's pet eagles?
Both of them, actually. I would like to use both during the game.
-Would you like the companion to have his/her own skill tree, where you could e.g. teach a dog new tricks, teach your horse to kick enemies etc.?
Yes, that would be an awesome idea, actually.
Having a pet eagle along with Revelation ability is far better than any previous variants on 'Eagle vision'. Ubisoft have perfected a way to scan/scout an area in Odyssey, so please don't lose the bird in the next game.
I don't want a constant companion in future games except a mount & an eagle. Having Assassin recruits in Brotherhood, where I could call up an arrow storm when the odds were stacked against me was pretty cool, I didn't use it too often, but it was a nice option to have when I needed it. Adewale was a fine first mate or quartermaster in Blackflag, Barnabas is ok too, but that guy that you had to shoot the rope to save him from hanging in Rogue, ended up as first mate. His voice alone spoilt that game for me.
I don't mind having allies like recruits, courtesans, mercenaries or thieves as an option & can add multiple side stories to a game. Adewale & Barnabas are there to look after ship & crew when I'm not on board. But I don't need a constant shadow, nor do I want co-op in games. If Ubisoft is determined to bring co-op back, then please don't make any trophy challenges that include that feature! I want to play the games on my own.
I tried taming a bear as a companion, it was a nice spectacle for 5 mins, but I reset my abilities shortly after. I don't need it or call to arms. I recruit lieutenants on the stats they have for my ship & that's it.
-Do you enjoy the animal companions we've had in AC games so far?
Of course! I really like animals in my life, so when they're important in a video game, I'm happy hehe
-If you could choose, what animal would you like to see as the protagonist's companion? What could they add to the gameplay?
It depends of the setting. Of course, it could be an ally when they fight, just like Senu and Ikaros are, but I would love to have a dog.
-How would you feel about a human companion that would be with you throughout the entire game, such as a child, young recruit, spouse etc.?
It could be fun. I usually like when the main character teams up with an ally for an important part of the game, like with Yusuf, Élise, Henry and Aya, for example.
-In your opinion, are there any potential drawbacks to a constant companion?
Assassin's Creed is often about a character who kills much of the target on their own, and usually the enemies are linked to them in away or another, so the other companion would have to be linked to this to some extend, too.
-Do you prefer AI-controlled companions (that don't hinder the player's progress, such as Lieutenants who can be called upon to fight for us) or player-controlled ones, like Origins/Odyssey's pet eagles?
Both of them could be fun.
-Would you like the companion to have his/her own skill tree, where you could e.g. teach a dog new tricks, teach your horse to kick enemies etc.?
If their skills come to be more complex than Ikaros and Senu's ones, yes, it could be really interesting.
Interesting topic!
Personally, I think the idea of animal companions is really interesting, though in Assassin's Creed I rarely (if ever) find myself using it. I will say that I found far more use with Far Cry 5's companion system, almost exclusively working alongside two allies at a time. I think that the ability to recruit an ally and then call them at will, rather than having to individually dart them, is what made them a lot more viable.
As far as controlled animals go, the idea definitely has some potential. Senu and Ikaros were great, but I'm kind of getting tired of constantly using them to scan. If they were included in future games, I'd like to see them as being a lot more versatile. To use another Ubi game as an example, I found a ton of uses for the Quadcopter in Watch_dogs 2. Being able to use it to remotely hack objects, distracting guards, and even attaching a sticky grenade and using it as a mobile bomb were all ways that I found that object useful, outside of simply scanning the area.
I'm not sure an Atreus (God of War) or Ellie (the Last of US) type of persistent human companion would work- chiefly because of the fact that both stealth and parkous are big parts of this series, and AI companions don't quite gel well with that. However, on a mission to mission basis I guess they're fine- I do miss working alongside other Assassins.
In fact, that's kind of the elephant in the room of this conversation, for me- what about Assassin Recruits? I really miss the days when we could send Assassins out across the world to do missions for us, and call them to battle at our sides (or sneakily take down some guards) when they got back home. If anything, a customizable brotherhood would be my ideal companion for this series.
-Do you enjoy the animal companions we've had in AC games so far?
Yes. I have no doubt for this.
-If you could choose, what animal would you like to see as the protagonist's companion? What could they add to the gameplay?
Eagle. That is an icon for AC Game.
-How would you feel about a human companion that would be with you throughout the entire game, such as a child, young recruit, spouse etc.?
With an entire game no. I wish a game that we will begin an assassin candidate like Connor and grow up that community. After we reach a real assassin position, we have a youth or two assassin candidate(s) to teach them the Creed.
-In your opinion, are there any potential drawbacks to a constant companion?
With an entire game, probably yes. In Assassin Creed, we work many times single. But if we can control and command our companion like a master that will be a new evolution for the game. Like in Star Wars Republic Comando.
-Do you prefer AI-controlled companions (that don't hinder the player's progress, such as Lieutenants who can be called upon to fight for us) or player-controlled ones, like Origins/Odyssey's pet eagles?
First one is more attractive for me. Just only give order and wait what will they do.
-Would you like the companion to have his/her own skill tree, where you could e.g. teach a dog new tricks, teach your horse to kick enemies etc.?
Absolutely, yes. That will be a fantastic idea. Like Assassin Recruits. Also agree with cawatrooper9 for Assassin Recruits like in Brotherhood or Revelations.
Do you enjoy the animal companions we've had in AC games so far?
Very much so, yes. There wasn't a whole lot of connection going on with your mount, not outside simply praising the animal. As as far as the "actual" animal companions, i.e. Ikaros and Senu, yeah, loved 'em more than I thought I would.
-If you could choose, what animal would you like to see as the protagonist's companion? What could they add to the gameplay?
I like the birds 'cause they make sense to whole assassin motif. But even though it's been done in other games, a dog/wolf/coyote.
-How would you feel about a human companion that would be with you throughout the entire game, such as a child, young recruit, spouse etc.?
In certain missions, fine. Otherwise I feel having to constantly look out for another person's safety and well-being would hinder the game and ultimately be a distraction.
-In your opinion, are there any potential drawbacks to a constant companion?
See above comment.
-Do you prefer AI-controlled companions (that don't hinder the player's progress, such as Lieutenants who can be called upon to fight for us) or player-controlled ones, like Origins/Odyssey's pet eagles?
Player-controlled, like the birds. But I'd only feature such control over the birds, 'cause the main character has a bond with those animals. Don't care about AI pals as I never used them. Well, not since Brotherhood.
-Would you like the companion to have his/her own skill tree, where you could e.g. teach a dog new tricks, teach your horse to kick enemies etc.?
Yes. Having a horse kick or a dog/wolf attack would be just one more asset as assassin can utilize as needed.
-Do you enjoy the animal companions we've had in AC games so far?
Yes.
-If you could choose, what animal would you like to see as the protagonist's companion? What could they add to the gameplay?
A permanent big cat (lion, tiger, panther etc...)
-How would you feel about a human companion that would be with you throughout the entire game, such as a child, young recruit, spouse etc.?
Herotodos was a welcomed addition to Lost Tales. Something like that would be great.
-In your opinion, are there any potential drawbacks to a constant companion?
Having to level up a companion would suck.
-Do you prefer AI-controlled companions (that don't hinder the player's progress, such as Lieutenants who can be called upon to fight for us) or player-controlled ones, like Origins/Odyssey's pet eagles?
An AI controlled character that you can choose to use first person or allow a friend to control would be great.
-Would you like the companion to have his/her own skill tree, where you could e.g. teach a dog new tricks, teach your horse to kick enemies etc.?
Skill tree? Yes! Perks differing from the hero would be expected.
I can't really answer ur questions. Everything you do turns out well
i find it annoying that when i whistle for the horse i often then have to chase after it
i'd prefer it if it'd always appear in the same place so i could mount it instantly
Ikaros is great but can't fly under bridges eg inSpoiler: Show
A horse who u could level up into some sort of magical flying horse would've been super
Markos approaching poor run away children on the beach & asking for a quid pro quo seems to have a little bit of a pedo undertone to me
Should games be teaching that man-child friendships are fine? maybe we should be teaching about stranger-danger & how an adult may seem friendly & kind but he can still be dangerous
I used to put all my ability points into keeping tamed pets alive + there's an engraving that helps make them stronger as well. When we duo against a mercenary he doesn't have a chance. Sometimes the game would just suddenly announce oh yeah your pet died & i'd be like WTF
I think maybe I would've like the ability to have Kass hug a pet in the game:
I like the romance with Roxana. I think maybe something very sweet towards her for a long time would've worked well for me. Maybe i'm a bit unusual tho
QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER:
* Do you enjoy the animal companions we've had in AC games so far?
Well, yes I did, and no I didn't.
* If you could choose, what animal would you like to see as the protagonist's companion? What could they add to the game-play?
I think I'd prefer an animal who can fight for me but also an animal I can relate to somehow. Trust is essential between man and beast. But isn't this a subjective matter in the end?
In Odyssey I had a lion, a jaguar, wolf and a bear. I ditched the bear as it felt too clumsy. I think the jaguar and the wolves were my preferred companions.
* How would you feel about a human companion that would be with you throughout the entire game, such as a child, young recruit, spouse etc.?
This would be a VERY good idea. Human companions creates life in the game. You never really feel alone. But it should be optional. Not everyone likes a companion, remember that!
I prefer a human companion as first priority but animals can also be great companions.
But... ahem.. a child? I don't think so?
* In your opinion, are there any potential drawbacks to a constant companion?
Yes. Companions often get in the way. Especially if their behavior is set to be aggressive in combat. If they tend to seek out confrontation on their own they ruin the game too much. Like in Fallout 4 where Cait seeks combat on her own initiative even if I 'd rather sneak past them.
DON'T use companions as an element to force player behavior into combat or even slow them down. It will never be a real success. The result of Cait's behavior was installing a mod enabling me to adjust her behavior to 'non-aggressive'. I want to determine where and when I fight. It's my game, my time and my adventure.
Companions should without any question be a benefit for the player and not another way to lengthen the game or create more complications.
* Do you prefer AI-controlled companions (that don't hinder the player's progress, such as Lieutenants who can be called upon to fight for us) or player-controlled ones, like Origins/Odyssey's pet eagles?
I prefer AI-controlled companions for sure.
Let companions be configurable. In Fallout 4 you can download a mod on the Nexus called 'Amazing Follower Tweaks'. You can adjust your companions behavior in many ways. The most important is if you want your companion to be protective or aggressive. Why not let this be an integrated part of the game (instead of having to install a mod)?
But maybe this question also depends on what kind of companion you have and under what circumstances? The developers can chose to create a companion with a certain personality if it brings new angels into the game I guess?
* Would you like the companion to have his/her own skill tree, where you could e.g. teach a dog new tricks, teach your horse to kick enemies etc.?
Yes, definitely. This would be very nice as you can adjust your companion to fit your play style. In this way your companion can become a real benefit instead of a frustration.
As always, please feel free to add any thoughts you might have that are not covered by these example questions!
In Odyssey I play as a hunter. Thus I tamed several beasts. I like companions a lot. I almost feel lonely without them.
But! In Odyssey beast companions didn't work very well. They tend to suddenly disappear in thin air (due to some script/programming code that didn't work I guess?). This was frustrating.
The second annoying thing was that your companions always had the idea their primary function was to get in you way by rubbing them selves on your legs and push you out of direction. They also had the idea that the best place to stand was right in front of the stuff you wanted to loot. If you took photos they almost always got in the way.
Human companions should also be 'equipped' with a large dialogue store. There's no point in a human NPC as a follower if you can't communicate with them on a larger basis.
You can take examples from Bethesda's and Bioware's followers - although they have different ways to handle/present them. Bioware's companions can only be interacted with out of combat (in the home bases) where Bethesda's companions can be interacted with during adventuring. I definitely prefer a companion you can communicate with everywhere.
As a basic companion I'd look at Bethesda's in Fallout 4. The next step is to make these followers feel more real. And one of the tasks is to ensure a large pool of dialogue and subjects to discuss. The subjects can be thoughts of the present situation, tactics in combat, history and life history, dreams and future expectations etc. I guess I'm trying to explain that a companion should not be an NPC with a simple AI and short conversations.
You could also copy the 'Affection meter'like Bethesda made. Actions can make followers leave you if they don't like your actions and the opposite way around (consequences).
Human companions with a wider behavior and more realistic dialogue pool are the next step in RPG games.
My last hint is to ensure there are no gender restrictions in romances. Here you should follow Bethesda's example. You avoid a lot of frustrations by doing so. Especially in these modern times where official politics shouldn't be medieval or old fashioned. I had severe frustrations in some Bioware games because my preferred romance was 'not available' due to gender restrictions. This made the game less interesting for me to be honest.