When one gaming’s of the greatest assassins invites you to a party its wise to say ‘yes’. My invitation from Ezio Auditore was unexpected and welcome, once I realized Namco-Bandai and Ubisoft rather than some shadowy organization was backing him.

 

The event was to be held at the Andaz Hotel. Arriving in London it was a damp winter evening and the bustle of the city felt oppressive. Cars and pollution filled the streets as I made the long journey event. Just off Liverpool Street, the Hotel’s foyer was striking but hardly seemed fitting for the renascence assassin. Knowing only the room the event was being held in everything began to feel a little more thematic as I asked for the Masonic Lodge. Directed to the first floor I took a lift (even less in keeping with the evenings theme) where I was lead toward the event.

 

On my way to ‘the Lodge’ my guide explained the room’s history. Bricked up during the war the room had only been rediscovered recently so the original décor had remained unchanged, and it showed. Mahogany panels and high backed chairs filled the room that was decorated with beautifully tiled mosaics on the ceiling and floor. From the streets of London I was suddenly transported in to the past… excluding the televisions that lined the room playing Assassin’s Creed: Revelations and Soul Calibur V.

 

With the tone set attention shifted to the evenings star, Ezio. Evidently the Italian had been feeling unloved and had decided to host an evening dedicated to himself. I passed over Assassin’s Creed quickly, knowing I would have time for that at home, and went straight to Soul Calibur V. Initially something about the situation hadn’t registered, but slowly the connection between Namco Bandai and Ubisoft at this event became clear as I noticed Ezio amoung the new selectable characters. He was a good match for the world and looked great in the glorious detail of the sword fighting series… especially on the massive screen I was playing on (but more of that in my preview).

 

With both the new Revelations and his featured roll in Soul Calibur on show from the moment I entered I was supprised as yet more Ezio to be revealed. An animated short called Assassin’s Creed: Embers, which concealed the twilight years of the ageing kill-come-family man’s life. Stylised animation seemed out of place along side the ‘realistic’ graphics of the games on show, but still looked good. Bleached out colours of the world envocked the sense of heat and sunshine on Ezio’s ‘retirment’ vineyard and the story its self was a touching way to bring some closure to his story.

 

Following the video the bar opened and the Soul Calibur V tournament began. After only seven or so rounds of practice on the new title… and after many years break since last dabbling in the series I didn't expect to do well, but had a good few rounds before going out against my first opponenent. I blame the wine and poor choice of character (they are still balanceing the game) for my speedy defeat, but its possible that simply the better man won.

 

My time in the competition over it was down to drinking and watching the room around me. Coz-playing Ezio’s circled the room before settling to play Revelations multiplayer, something I am looking forward to getting in to seeing the refinements made since Brotherhood to the unique vs. gameplay. The tournement also continued on the huge screen, progressing to a final that saw the winner take home Soul Calibur V poster, signed by the developers.

 

After that it was over, and from the warm candle lit hall it was difficult to remove myself out to the cold of London. I was hoping Ezio would be holding an after party somewhere, but allas no. Back to reality, but with the memories of a great evening.