PixlBit

The naval combat was definitely awkwardly tied into AC3. It felt like they were probably debuting it then to get some feedback from gamers while developing AC4 in the background. No idea if that's true, but it seems likely enough.

There were a couple mandatory missions that forced it on you and then after that, going sailing was an optional thing. I wouldn't say that any of it was mechanically bad, but it was really boring. It seemed like it should be something that was really grandiose and fun, but in reality it was a chore.

Of course, I really wasn't enamored with the sailing in Wind Waker either, so it might just be a game mechanic that doesn't work for me. The sense of discovery there kept it interesting enough to keep me playing, but in AC3 it was just a mission-based affair so it had none of that much needed flair.

If I didn't hate the naval combat in 3 so much, I'd probably be more interested in this one. As you mentioned, Mike, a lot of AC fans are pretty burnt out on the series and I'm definitely among them.

One day in the future, I might give it a shot. For now I think I'll be content watching this one from the sidelines.

I'd be sad if they stopped supporting the Wii U. I love the GamePad and I think the system is the culmination of a lot of other work they've been doing with hardware for years. Hopefully they can get some games on the market and move some more systems. There's a lot of potential there if they could get their act together.

Also, Pikmin 3 is so damn good.

This sounds a whole lot like Crackdown, which makes me really interested in giving it a go at some point.

Yes! Beach Spikers is incredible.

It's definitely not a bad game, just a bit too slow for me. I can see others really enjoying it, so I'd say give it a go.

Speaking of shmups - I really liked Liberation Maiden, which I know you weren't crazy about. Different strokes, I suppose.

Alright, good man! Come to think of it, I may have actually beaten Adventure before Zelda as well, but I honestly can't remember. I always loved that one too, mostly because it made me think of Zelda.

The Legend of Zelda on the NES, for sure. Man, I love that game.

Syracuse! I can do Syracuse. It's probably an hour and a half ride to get there, but it seems like it'll probably be worth it.

Syracuse does seem like a weird place to take it to though...