- Release Year: 2011
- Platforms: Windows
- Publisher: Ubisoft Entertainment SA
- Genre: Compilation
- Game Mode: Single-player
Description
Ubisoft Classics is a compilation of critically acclaimed games from Ubisoft, released in 2011 for Windows. The collection features a diverse lineup of titles, including Assassin’s Creed (Director’s Cut Edition), Beyond Good & Evil, Far Cry, Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time, and Rayman 3: Hoodlum Havoc, among others. This bundle offers players a chance to experience some of Ubisoft’s most iconic action-adventure, platformer, and stealth games, showcasing the publisher’s rich history of innovative and immersive gaming experiences.
Ubisoft Classics Cheats & Codes
Battle Arena Toshinden
At the title screen, enter this code to skip to the final boss:
| Code | Effect |
|---|---|
| UP, DOWN, UP, DOWN, DOWN, AND TRIANGLE | Skip to Final Boss |
Battle Arena Toshinden
As the title screen options flash by, press
| Code | Effect |
|---|---|
| DOWN, DOWN+LEFT, LEFT, SQUARE | Play as Gaia |
Cool Boarders 2
Highlight Competition Mode in the main menu then press
| Code | Effect |
|---|---|
| DOWN, R1, UP, R1, DOWN, R2, UP, R2, UP, UP, R1, DOWN, DOWN, R2 | Alternate Clothing for Irin and Cindy |
Cool Boarders 2
At the very beginning of the game, at tour competition mode, hold
| Code | Effect |
|---|---|
| L1 and press X | Hard Mode |
Destruction Derby
In 2-player mode, enter
| Code | Effect |
|---|---|
| RIDGE | Ridge Racer Level (first player’s name) |
| RACER | Ridge Racer Level (second player’s name) |
Destruction Derby
To see the Animated Credits, enter your name as
| Code | Effect |
|---|---|
| CREDITZ! | Animated Credits |
Destruction Derby
At the piracy warning screen, hold
| Code | Effect |
|---|---|
| L1+LEFT+CIRCLE | Bonus Team |
Destruction Derby
Enter your name as
| Code | Effect |
|---|---|
| !DAMAGE! | Invulnerability |
| REFLECT! | Ruined Monastery |
| DERBYMAN | Unfair Advantage |
| MONKEY | Monkey on the Track |
Ubisoft Classics: A Retrospective on a Landmark Compilation
Introduction
In the annals of video game history, few compilations have captured the essence of a developer’s golden era as effectively as Ubisoft Classics. Released in 2011, this collection is a time capsule of Ubisoft’s most influential titles from the early 2000s, a period that defined the studio’s identity and left an indelible mark on the gaming landscape. Ubisoft Classics is not merely a bundling of games; it is a curated experience that showcases the diversity, innovation, and sheer ambition of Ubisoft during a transformative decade in gaming. This review will delve into the compilation’s development context, narrative and thematic depth, gameplay mechanics, artistic achievements, and its enduring legacy.
Development History & Context
The Studio and Its Vision
Ubisoft, founded in 1986 by the Guillemot brothers, had evolved into a powerhouse by the early 2000s. The studio’s vision was to create immersive, story-driven experiences that pushed the boundaries of interactive entertainment. The titles included in Ubisoft Classics—Assassin’s Creed (Director’s Cut Edition), Beyond Good & Evil, Far Cry, Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time, and Rayman 3: Hoodlum Havoc—represent a cross-section of Ubisoft’s creative ambitions during this period.
Technological Constraints and Innovations
The early 2000s were a time of rapid technological advancement. Games like Far Cry (2004) leveraged the CryEngine to deliver unprecedented graphical fidelity and open-world environments. Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time (2003) introduced a fluid, acrobatic combat system and a time-rewinding mechanic that became a hallmark of the series. Meanwhile, Beyond Good & Evil (2003) blended action-adventure gameplay with a cinematic narrative, showcasing Ubisoft’s ability to craft emotionally resonant stories.
The Gaming Landscape
The early 2000s were marked by the transition from the sixth to the seventh generation of consoles. The PlayStation 2, Xbox, and GameCube were at their peak, and developers were experimenting with new genres and gameplay mechanics. Ubisoft was at the forefront of this evolution, with titles that ranged from the stealth-action of Assassin’s Creed to the platforming prowess of Rayman 3: Hoodlum Havoc. The inclusion of these games in Ubisoft Classics reflects the studio’s commitment to diversity and innovation.
Narrative & Thematic Deep Dive
Plot and Characters
Each game in Ubisoft Classics offers a unique narrative experience:
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Assassin’s Creed (Director’s Cut Edition): This game introduces players to the centuries-old conflict between the Assassins and the Templars. The protagonist, Altaïr Ibn-La’Ahad, is a master assassin tasked with eliminating key Templar figures during the Third Crusade. The game’s narrative is a blend of historical fiction and sci-fi, with a modern-day framing device that adds layers of intrigue.
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Beyond Good & Evil: This cult classic follows Jade, a photojournalist and martial artist, as she uncovers a government conspiracy involving alien abductions. The game’s narrative is a mix of adventure, mystery, and political commentary, with a cast of memorable characters, including Pey’j, Jade’s porcine uncle, and the enigmatic Double H.
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Far Cry: Set on a tropical island, Far Cry tells the story of Jack Carver, a former special forces operative turned mercenary, who must navigate a warzone filled with genetically enhanced soldiers. The game’s narrative is a blend of action and survival, with a focus on open-ended gameplay and tactical freedom.
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Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time: This game reimagines the classic Prince of Persia franchise with a new protagonist and a time-rewinding mechanic. The Prince, accompanied by the princess Farah, must undo the catastrophic release of the Sands of Time, which have turned the palace’s inhabitants into monstrous creatures. The game’s narrative is a mix of adventure, romance, and self-discovery.
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Rayman 3: Hoodlum Havoc: This vibrant platformer follows Rayman as he battles the Hoodlums, a group of mischievous creatures who have taken over his world. The game’s narrative is lighthearted and whimsical, with a focus on fun and exploration.
Dialogue and Themes
The dialogue in these games ranges from the philosophical musings of Assassin’s Creed to the witty banter of Beyond Good & Evil. Themes of power, corruption, and redemption are prevalent, with each game offering a unique perspective on these universal concepts. Assassin’s Creed explores the moral ambiguity of assassination, while Beyond Good & Evil delves into the dangers of unchecked authority. Far Cry examines the consequences of genetic experimentation, and Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time grapples with the nature of time and destiny.
Gameplay Mechanics & Systems
Core Gameplay Loops
Each game in Ubisoft Classics offers a distinct gameplay experience:
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Assassin’s Creed: The game’s core loop revolves around stealth, parkour, and assassination. Players must blend into crowds, scale buildings, and eliminate targets with precision. The game’s combat system is fluid and dynamic, with a focus on counterattacks and environmental interactions.
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Beyond Good & Evil: This game blends action, adventure, and puzzle-solving. Players control Jade as she explores a futuristic city, battles enemies, and uncovers secrets. The game’s combat system is a mix of hand-to-hand combat and stealth, with a focus on agility and strategy.
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Far Cry: The game’s open-world design allows for a high degree of player freedom. Players can approach missions in multiple ways, using stealth, brute force, or a combination of both. The game’s combat system is tactical and immersive, with a focus on realism and environmental interactions.
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Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time: This game’s core loop revolves around platforming, combat, and puzzle-solving. Players must navigate treacherous environments, battle enemies, and manipulate time to progress. The game’s combat system is fluid and acrobatic, with a focus on precision and timing.
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Rayman 3: Hoodlum Havoc: This game’s core loop revolves around platforming, exploration, and combat. Players must navigate vibrant worlds, collect Lums, and battle enemies. The game’s combat system is simple and intuitive, with a focus on fun and accessibility.
Combat and Character Progression
The combat systems in these games are diverse and innovative. Assassin’s Creed introduces a counterattack-based combat system that rewards precision and timing. Beyond Good & Evil blends hand-to-hand combat with stealth, offering a mix of action and strategy. Far Cry features a tactical combat system that emphasizes realism and environmental interactions. Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time introduces a fluid, acrobatic combat system that rewards agility and precision. Rayman 3: Hoodlum Havoc offers a simple, intuitive combat system that is accessible to players of all skill levels.
Character progression is handled differently in each game. Assassin’s Creed features a skill tree that allows players to upgrade Altaïr’s abilities. Beyond Good & Evil offers a linear progression system, with Jade gaining new abilities as she progresses through the story. Far Cry features a non-linear progression system, with Jack gaining new weapons and abilities as he explores the island. Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time offers a linear progression system, with the Prince gaining new abilities as he progresses through the story. Rayman 3: Hoodlum Havoc features a non-linear progression system, with Rayman gaining new abilities as he collects Lums and explores the world.
UI and Innovative Systems
The user interfaces in these games are designed to be intuitive and immersive. Assassin’s Creed features a minimalist UI that emphasizes the game’s historical setting. Beyond Good & Evil offers a futuristic UI that reflects the game’s sci-fi aesthetic. Far Cry features a realistic UI that enhances the game’s tactical gameplay. Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time offers a stylized UI that complements the game’s artistic direction. Rayman 3: Hoodlum Havoc features a colorful, whimsical UI that reflects the game’s lighthearted tone.
Innovative systems are a hallmark of these games. Assassin’s Creed introduces a social stealth system that allows players to blend into crowds. Beyond Good & Evil features a photography system that allows players to document their adventures. Far Cry introduces a dynamic weather system that affects gameplay. Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time features a time-rewinding mechanic that allows players to undo mistakes. Rayman 3: Hoodlum Havoc introduces a cooperative multiplayer mode that allows players to team up and tackle challenges together.
World-Building, Art & Sound
Setting and Atmosphere
The settings in Ubisoft Classics are diverse and immersive. Assassin’s Creed transports players to the Holy Land during the Third Crusade, with a focus on historical accuracy and architectural detail. Beyond Good & Evil takes place in a futuristic city, with a blend of sci-fi and noir aesthetics. Far Cry is set on a tropical island, with a focus on environmental realism and tactical gameplay. Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time is set in a mythical palace, with a blend of Middle Eastern and fantasy aesthetics. Rayman 3: Hoodlum Havoc takes place in a vibrant, whimsical world, with a focus on fun and exploration.
Visual Direction
The visual direction in these games is a testament to Ubisoft’s artistic prowess. Assassin’s Creed features a realistic, historically accurate art style that immerses players in the game’s setting. Beyond Good & Evil offers a stylized, futuristic art style that reflects the game’s sci-fi aesthetic. Far Cry features a realistic, environmentally detailed art style that enhances the game’s tactical gameplay. Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time offers a stylized, mythical art style that complements the game’s narrative. Rayman 3: Hoodlum Havoc features a colorful, whimsical art style that reflects the game’s lighthearted tone.
Sound Design
The sound design in these games is a crucial component of their immersive experiences. Assassin’s Creed features a dynamic soundtrack that reflects the game’s historical setting and action-packed gameplay. Beyond Good & Evil offers a futuristic soundtrack that complements the game’s sci-fi aesthetic. Far Cry features a realistic soundtrack that enhances the game’s tactical gameplay. Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time offers a mythical soundtrack that complements the game’s narrative. Rayman 3: Hoodlum Havoc features a whimsical soundtrack that reflects the game’s lighthearted tone.
Reception & Legacy
Critical and Commercial Reception
Ubisoft Classics was released to critical acclaim, with each game in the compilation receiving high praise for its innovation, gameplay, and artistic direction. Assassin’s Creed was lauded for its historical accuracy and fluid combat system. Beyond Good & Evil was praised for its engaging narrative and memorable characters. Far Cry was commended for its open-world design and tactical gameplay. Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time was celebrated for its fluid platforming and time-rewinding mechanic. Rayman 3: Hoodlum Havoc was applauded for its vibrant visuals and fun gameplay.
Commercially, Ubisoft Classics was a success, with each game in the compilation selling millions of copies worldwide. The compilation itself was a hit, offering players a chance to experience some of Ubisoft’s most influential titles in one package.
Influence on Subsequent Games
The games in Ubisoft Classics have had a profound influence on subsequent titles. Assassin’s Creed spawned a successful franchise that has expanded to include multiple sequels, spin-offs, and adaptations. Beyond Good & Evil has inspired a cult following and is set to receive a long-awaited sequel. Far Cry has become a staple of the first-person shooter genre, with multiple sequels and spin-offs. Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time has influenced a new generation of platformers and action-adventure games. Rayman 3: Hoodlum Havoc has inspired a resurgence of interest in the Rayman franchise, with Rayman Origins and Rayman Legends receiving critical acclaim.
Conclusion
Ubisoft Classics is more than just a compilation of games; it is a testament to Ubisoft’s creative vision and innovative spirit during a transformative period in gaming. Each title in the collection offers a unique experience, from the historical intrigue of Assassin’s Creed to the whimsical platforming of Rayman 3: Hoodlum Havoc. The compilation’s diverse gameplay mechanics, immersive worlds, and memorable narratives have left an indelible mark on the gaming landscape.
In the pantheon of video game compilations, Ubisoft Classics stands as a landmark achievement. It is a celebration of Ubisoft’s golden era, a time when the studio pushed the boundaries of interactive entertainment and delivered experiences that continue to resonate with players today. For anyone looking to explore the evolution of gaming during the early 2000s, Ubisoft Classics is an essential collection that offers a glimpse into the past, present, and future of video game design.
Final Verdict: Ubisoft Classics is a must-play compilation that showcases the best of Ubisoft’s early 2000s output. Its diverse gameplay, immersive worlds, and memorable narratives make it a timeless collection that deserves a place in any gamer’s library.