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The indie game scene thrives on innovation, allowing developers to experiment with concepts often deemed too risky for big-budget titles. Blazing Griffin’s Murderous Pursuits takes a cue from Assassin’s Creed‘s popular multiplayer assassination mode and spins it into a unique, Victorian-era experience. Set aboard the time-traveling HMCS Britannic, players are pitted against each other in a deadly game of cat and mouse, vying to become the chosen assistant of a mysterious figure. Does Murderous Pursuits capture the magic that made Assassin’s Creed‘s multiplayer a hit? Let’s delve into the details.

A Victorian-Era Game of Cat and Mouse

Murderous Pursuits drops you into the polished shoes of one of eight anonymous assassins aboard the HMCS Britannic. Your mission: eliminate a randomly assigned target while simultaneously evading your own pursuers. The game’s core mechanic revolves around anonymity. You won’t know who your target is, nor will you know who is hunting you. A proximity-based system provides clues, highlighting potential targets and warning of nearby threats. Adding to the strategic layer, players choose two special abilities to aid them in their deadly pursuit.

Despite the seemingly complex premise, the controls and interface are streamlined, making the game accessible to newcomers. Success hinges on correctly identifying targets and enemies within the bustling crowd. However, timing is everything. A hasty attack can expose you, turning you from hunter to hunted. While enemy assassins pose a constant threat, the real enemy is time. Murderous Pursuits masterfully creates a tense atmosphere, demanding patience and composure throughout each match.

Missed Opportunities and Limited Content

While Murderous Pursuits successfully replicates the core gameplay of Assassin’s Creed‘s multiplayer, it falls short in other areas. The intriguing time-traveling, Victorian-era setting is largely underutilized. From characters and weapons to locations and abilities, the game lacks the distinctive flair its premise suggests. The absence of innovative gameplay mechanics further compounds this issue. Opportunities for environmental kills, a hallmark of games like Hitman, are noticeably absent.

The limited content also hinders the game’s longevity. While a leveling system exists, it’s purely cosmetic, offering no new gameplay elements. Unlockables are restricted to alternate costume colors, providing little incentive for continued play. This lack of progression contributes to a dwindling player base, forcing players to rely on bots to fill matches.

A Solid Foundation with Room for Growth

Murderous Pursuits offers a solid foundation for a unique multiplayer experience. The core gameplay loop is engaging, and the tense atmosphere keeps players on their toes. However, the lack of innovative content and limited progression system ultimately hold the game back. With a more fleshed-out world, expanded gameplay mechanics, and a meaningful progression system, Murderous Pursuits could truly shine.

While the game successfully adapts the thrill of hidden assassinations, it misses the mark in fully capitalizing on its unique setting and potential. Ultimately, Murderous Pursuits provides a fleetingly fun but ultimately shallow experience.