Hidden Blade: Difference between revisions

Revision as of 14:50, 9 April 2011

File:Eerste-info-onthuld-over-assassin-s-creed-2 5 460x0.jpg

Front and back of the hidden blade.

"The hidden blade has been a constant companion of ours over the years. Some would say it defines us - and they would not be entirely wrong. Many of our successes would not have been possible without it."

―Altaïr Ibn-La'Ahad's Codex, Page 13.^[src]

The iconic weapon of the Assassins, the Hidden Blade is a weapon used for both stealth assassinations and regular combat. It is their most versatile weapon, with multiple upgrades and forms of use.

History

Third Crusade

The Assassin Altaïr Ibn-La'Ahad initially wielded a hidden blade, however, due to his failure in retrieving the Apple of Eden, and his breaking of all three tenets of the Creed, he was demoted to a Novice by Al Mualim, and was stripped of his weapons. At his first promotion to Rank 2, however, he earned back his hidden blade, along with his sword.^[1]

Aside from assassinations, the hidden blade was also used in a variety of investigations. For missions given by informants, wherein Altaïr was asked to stealthily assassinate a number of targets, he could only make use of his hidden blade or throwing knives in order to remain undetected. Additionally, after successfully interrogating a target, Altaïr was forced to kill them so they could not reveal their plans, and did so by burying his hidden blade into their stomach.^[1]

Although the blade was used mainly for stealth, it could also be used in open conflict, but only for countering enemy attacks.^[1]

Renaissance

In his own time as an Assassin, Giovanni Auditore also wielded a hidden blade, albeit one that had been adapted to the change of the times. As outlined in the Codex, the revised blade had been designed by Altaïr so that the Assassins, who he intended to go undercover, could not be identified by their lack of a ring finger.^[2]^[3]

Furthermore, the mechanism did not require a wrist "flick" to extend the blade, thus the user could retract the blade without any wrist or hand movement. Additionally, as pictured, the weapon could be used with a clenched fist, although Giovanni is one of the few known Assassins to use it in that manner.^[2]

While there is a rotating wheel atop the rear portion of the mechanism's housing (one which turns upon releasing or retracting the blade), its function has not been identified, and there are no known schematics or explanations for the mechanism.^[2]

File:Codex Page 3 - Hidden Blade.png

The Codex Page for the hidden blade's design.

Ezio Auditore inherited the hidden blade from his father, along with his Assassin's robe, the night before the Auditore execution. However, the blade was broken due to Giovanni's last fight in Rome against Rodrigo Borgia and his men, thus Paola suggested that Ezio ask Leonardo da Vinci to repair it. Leonardo was able to do so, with the aid of the schematics detailed in the Codex.^[3]

Through other Codex pages, Leonardo was able to provide Ezio with a variety of upgrades (detailed below), including a second hidden blade. Ezio made use of these blades for the majority of his assassinations, and was also able to wield them in battle.^[3]

Rome

"Now I can kill double the guards."

―Ezio Auditore, regarding the secondary hidden blade.^[src]

Though Ezio possessed the same two hidden blades until 1499, during the Fall of Monteriggioni, he lost most of his weapons, and was only able to salvage the blade and bracer of his father. Upon his arrival in Rome, he was equipped with a single hidden blade, though its bracer had been replaced, courtesy of Niccolò Machiavelli. Later on, however, Leonardo da Vinci was again able to reconstruct a secondary hidden blade for him, with Ezio providing him with the money necessary for the materials.^[4]

Aside from using them in combat, Ezio also made use of his hidden blade to unlock the entrances of certain Lairs of Romulus, and mechanisms within the Temple of Pythagoras.^[4]

Additionally, Ezio's Assassin recruits were each equipped with a single hidden blade, as the right to use two hidden blades was only reserved for the most trusted of Assassins, or those who had earned the rank of Master Assassin. However, upon reaching the rank of Assassino, the apprentice was given a hidden blade with a bracer much like Ezio's. The apprentices were capable of all of the standard assassination techniques.^[4]

Modern Times

File:Ceremonial HB v.png

A ceremonial hidden blade.

During the escape from the Assassin Hideout, Desmond Miles obtained a hidden blade and bracer that was almost identical to Ezio's hidden blade. He later used that hidden blade to fend off the Abstergo guards who had come to capture him.^[3]

Later on, upon traveling to Monteriggioni, Desmond began using a bare hidden blade without a bracer, making it less visible on his arm. Also, much as Ezio had once done, he used it to operate a mechanism in the tunnels underneath the Sanctuary.^[4]

Additionally, in the Animus Virtual Training Program developed by Rebecca Crane, Desmond was given the chance to hone his skills with the hidden blade. Such challenges included Stealth Assassinations and Flawless Kill Streaks using only the hidden blade.^[4]

Combat

Main article: Assassination Techniques

Third Crusade

File:22358-550x-800px-Assassins creed assasination.jpg

Altaïr using the hidden blade in battle.

As it was mainly used for stealth assassinations, the hidden blade could only be used in combat under certain conditions, and could not block any attack. Altaïr was only able to assassinate a guard who had fallen on the ground (due to a grab-break, counter or grab) or had become momentarily distracted.^[1]

Additionally, Altaïr could use the hidden blade in a counter-attack; though the time frame was extremely small, especially in comparison to that of the sword and the short blade. Successfully intercepting an enemy attack enabled one of several different – and always lethal – counter-attacks, in which Altaïr stabbed his opponent in the chest, head, abdomen, foot, base of the skull, or spine.^[1]

Renaissance

The hidden blades eventually became vastly more useful in combat due to several upgrades. They could be used offensively, allowing Ezio to block attacks with them as any other weapon. The blades were a fast but low damage weapon, making them useful for suppressing enemy attacks.^[3]

Unlike other weapons, every counter-attack with the hidden blades resulted an instant kill, with only a narrow timing window as a disadvantage. Unlike the sword or the short blade, the hidden blades could counter attacks from Brutes, Seekers and Papal guards.^[3]

The hidden blade also gave Ezio more freedom in movement than any other weapon. For example, Ezio could easily strafe a 180° arc while in combat, which was barely possible (except from very close range) with the sword or dagger. It also allowed Ezio to quickly flee from a battle without having to take the time to sheathe his weapon.^[3]

By his arrival in Rome, Ezio had gained a greater aptitude with the hidden blades. Aside from being able to perform more counter-attacks (due to an increased time window) he was now able to perform multiple instant kills after killing a single guard. To continue this "execution streak," each kill needed to be quickly followed up with another, without Ezio being hit in turn.^[4]

Upgrades

Throughout his travels, Ezio would acquire several Codex pages that, upon decryption, detailed upgrades for the hidden blade that were envisioned by Altaïr. These improvements were then built for Ezio by Leonardo da Vinci.^[3]

The first of these improvements was the addition of a second hidden blade made from a difficult-to-obtain metal, which was attached to the user's other arm. The second was a metal plate on top of the primary blade's bracer that allowed one to safely deflect enemy attacks with the blades.^[3]

Other Codex upgrades included the Poison blade and Pistol. The poison blade allowed Ezio to stab an enemy and leave them to die slowly, granting both a low-profile assassination as well as a distraction to kill or bypass other enemies, while the Pistol allowed Ezio to kill from a distance. Additionally, both blades could be supplemented with various vambraces, which acted as protective armor.^[3]

Additionally, upon his arrival in Rome, Leonardo also envisioned further improvements to the hidden blade. The first was the Poison dart launcher, which allowed the use of the poison blade from a distance, and the Hidden Bolt, which fired small Crossbow bolts.^[4]^[5]

Trivia

Design

Patrice Desilets, the creative director of the game, stated that the addition of a second blade in Assassin's Creed II also had a lucid reason: it's Assassin's Creed II, so there are two blades.
The original design of Ezio's second hidden blade in Assassin's Creed II was displayed as a brown glove, however, in-game, it was replaced with a second bracer. This was reverted in Brotherhood, however, where his second hidden blade included a glove, until a bracer was purchased.
It is unknown why the Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood box art, E3 Trailer and other official media depict Ezio with a secondary hidden blade bracer identical to his primary one, as in-game, no such second bracer exists.
The second hidden blade is marginally longer than the primary one in Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood, perhaps designed to be a more effective melee weapon to complement the primary hidden blade's design as an assassination tool.

Mechanism

In the E3 teaser trailer of Assassin's Creed (as well as in certain concept art), Altaïr can be seen pushing a button to operate his hidden blade. In the actual games, however, no such button or other trigger mechanism exists.
In Assassin's Creed: Renaissance and the Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood novel, unleashing the hidden blade required the use of a button, via a certain muscle on the forearm being flexed.
In an Assassin's Creed Developer Diary video, Jade Raymond speaks about Altaïr's lack of his ring finger, which is due to the initiation ceremony when a novice is promoted to an Assassin. The ring finger of the left hand is cut off, the hidden blade is installed, and the new born Assassin is ready to complete the missions bestowed upon him or her.
The hidden blade is a crafted item in Assassin's Creed: Project Legacy. The materials for its construction are 2 Coils, 1 Iron, 1 Hide and 1 Box of Components (which in turn is crafted using 3 Gears, 3 Screws, 1 Chain and 2 Sprockets).

Others

Despite being equipped with a hidden blade, some Assassins (such as Malik Al-Sayf) did not have an amputated finger.
The first recorded usage of the hidden blade by an Assassin was by Darius, when he assassinated Xerxes of Persia. However, his ring finger remained intact and he wielded it on his right hand.
The hidden blade is used in every major assassination. Even if the player begins by attacking the enemy with a sword, the Assassin will always finish them off with the hidden blade.
In Assassins Creed: Bloodlines, if the PlayStation Portable is linked to Assassins Creed II, Altair's hidden blade can be upgraded to be used to block light and heavy attacks.

Gallery

References

↑ ^1.0 ^1.1 ^1.2 ^1.3 ^1.4 Assassin's Creed
↑ ^2.0 ^2.1 ^2.2 Assassin's Creed: Lineage
↑ ^3.00 ^3.01 ^3.02 ^3.03 ^3.04 ^3.05 ^3.06 ^3.07 ^3.08 ^3.09 Assassin's Creed II
↑ ^4.0 ^4.1 ^4.2 ^4.3 ^4.4 ^4.5 ^4.6 Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood
↑ Assassin's Creed: Project Legacy

[AC-1] 1.0 ^1.1 ^1.2 ^1.3 ^1.4 Assassin's Creed

[ACL-2] 2.0 ^2.1 ^2.2 Assassin's Creed: Lineage

[AC2-3] 3.00 ^3.01 ^3.02 ^3.03 ^3.04 ^3.05 ^3.06 ^3.07 ^3.08 ^3.09 Assassin's Creed II

[ACB-4] 4.0 ^4.1 ^4.2 ^4.3 ^4.4 ^4.5 ^4.6 Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood

[ACPL-5] Assassin's Creed: Project Legacy

[1]

[2]

[3]

[4]

[5]

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
 {{era|Chronicles|AC1|Bloodlines|AC2|Discovery|Brotherhood|PL|Renaissance|Bbook|The Fall|Lineage|Assassins}}
-{{Revamp}}
 [[File:Eerste-info-onthuld-over-assassin-s-creed-2_5_460x0.jpg|thumb|300px|Front and back of the hidden blade.]]
-{{quote|The hidden blade has been a constant companion of ours over the years. Some would say it defines us - and they would not be entirely wrong. Many of our successes would not have been possible without it.|Altaïr's [[Codex]], Page 13|Assassin's Creed II}}
+{{quote|The hidden blade has been a constant companion of ours over the years. Some would say it defines us - and they would not be entirely wrong. Many of our successes would not have been possible without it.|[[Altaïr|Altaïr Ibn-La'Ahad]]'s [[Codex]], Page 13.|Assassin's Creed II}}
-The iconic weapon of the [[Assassins]], the '''Hidden Blade''' is a weapon used for both stealth assassinations and regular combat, and is the most versatile weapon in the entire series with multiple upgrades and forms of use.
+The iconic weapon of the [[Assassins]], the '''Hidden Blade''' is a weapon used for both stealth assassinations and regular combat. It is their most versatile weapon, with multiple upgrades and forms of use.
-==Basic Usage==
+==History==
-===''[[Assassin's Creed]]''===
+===Third Crusade===
 [[File:AC_Hidden_Bade.jpg|thumb|200px|Altaïr's hidden blade.]]
-The [[Assassin]] [[Altaïr Ibn-La'Ahad]] initially wielded a hidden blade, however, due to his failure in retrieving the [[Sixth Apple|Apple of Eden]], and his breaking of all three tenants of [[the Creed]], he was demoted to a [[Novice]] by [[Al Mualim]], and was stripped of his weapons. At his first promotion to [[Rank]] 2, however, he earned back his hidden blade, along with his [[sword]].
+The [[Assassin]] [[Altaïr Ibn-La'Ahad]] initially wielded a hidden blade, however, due to his failure in retrieving the [[Sixth Apple|Apple of Eden]], and his breaking of all three tenets of [[the Creed]], he was demoted to a [[Novice]] by [[Al Mualim]], and was stripped of his weapons. At his first promotion to [[Rank]] 2, however, he earned back his hidden blade, along with his [[sword]].<ref name="AC">''[[Assassin's Creed]]''</ref>
-Aside from assassinations, the hidden blade was also used in a variety of [[investigation]]s. For missions given by [[informants]], wherein Altaïr was asked to stealthily assassinate a number of targets, he could only make use of his hidden blade or [[throwing knives]] in order to remain undetected. Additionally, after successfully [[Interrogation|interrogating]] a target, Altaïr was forced to kill them so they could not reveal their plans, and did so by burying his hidden blade into their stomach.
+Aside from assassinations, the hidden blade was also used in a variety of [[investigation]]s. For missions given by [[informants]], wherein Altaïr was asked to stealthily assassinate a number of targets, he could only make use of his hidden blade or [[throwing knives]] in order to remain undetected. Additionally, after successfully [[Interrogation|interrogating]] a target, Altaïr was forced to kill them so they could not reveal their plans, and did so by burying his hidden blade into their stomach.<ref name="AC" />
-Although the blade is used for stealth, it can be used in open conflict, but only for countering enemy attacks.
+Although the blade was used mainly for stealth, it could also be used in open conflict, but only for countering enemy attacks.<ref name="AC" />
-===''[[Assassin's Creed: Lineage]]''===
+===Renaissance===
-[[File:Lineage Hidden Blade.png|thumb|300px|left|Giovanni's (later Ezio's) hidden blade.]]
+[[File:Lineage Hidden Blade.png|thumb|250px|left|Giovanni's (later Ezio's) hidden blade.]]
-In his own time as an Assassin, [[Giovanni Auditore da Firenze|Giovanni Auditore]] also wielded a hidden blade, albeit one that had been modified with the times. As outlined in the [[Codex]], the revised blade had been designed by Altaïr so that the Assassins, who he intended to go undercover, could not be identified by their lack of a ring finger.
+In his own time as an Assassin, [[Giovanni Auditore da Firenze|Giovanni Auditore]] also wielded a hidden blade, albeit one that had been adapted to the change of the times. As outlined in the [[Codex]], the revised blade had been designed by Altaïr so that the Assassins, who he intended to go undercover, could not be identified by their lack of a ring finger.<ref name="ACL">''[[Assassin's Creed: Lineage]]''</ref><ref name="AC2">''[[Assassin's Creed II]]''</ref>
-Furthermore, the mechanism did not require a wrist "flick" to extend the blade, thus the user could retract the blade without any wrist or hand movement. Additionally, as pictured, the weapon could be used with a clenched fist, although Giovanni is one of the few known Assassins to use it in that manner.[[File:Codex_Page_3_-_Hidden_Blade.png|thumb|right|The Codex Page for the hidden blade's design.]]
+Furthermore, the mechanism did not require a wrist "flick" to extend the blade, thus the user could retract the blade without any wrist or hand movement. Additionally, as pictured, the weapon could be used with a clenched fist, although Giovanni is one of the few known Assassins to use it in that manner.<ref name="ACL" />
-While there is a rotating wheel atop the rear portion of the mechanism's housing, its function has not been identified, and there are no known schematics or explanations for the mechanism. Though if you look closely then you'll notice that it turns when the Hidden Blade springs out and when returns to the bracer.
+While there is a rotating wheel atop the rear portion of the mechanism's housing (one which turns upon releasing or retracting the blade), its function has not been identified, and there are no known schematics or explanations for the mechanism.<ref name="ACL" />
-===''[[Assassin's Creed II]]''===
+[[File:Codex_Page_3_-_Hidden_Blade.png|thumb|200px|right|The Codex Page for the hidden blade's design.]]
+[[Ezio Auditore da Firenze|Ezio Auditore]] inherited the hidden blade from his father, along with his Assassin's robe, the night before the [[Auditore execution]]. However, the blade was broken due to Giovanni's last fight in [[Rome]] against [[Rodrigo Borgia]] and his men, thus [[Paola]] suggested that Ezio ask [[Leonardo da Vinci]] to repair it. Leonardo was able to do so, with the aid of the schematics detailed in the Codex.<ref name="AC2" />
-====Renaissance====
+Through other Codex pages, Leonardo was able to provide Ezio with a variety of upgrades (detailed below), including a second hidden blade. Ezio made use of these blades for the majority of his assassinations, and was also able to wield them in battle.<ref name="AC2" />
-Ezio inherited the hidden blade from his father along with his Assassin's robe, the night before the execution of Giovanni and his sons. However, the blade was broken due to Giovanni's last fight in Rome against Rodrigo Borgia and his men. [[Paola]] then suggested Ezio ask [[Leonardo da Vinci]] to repair it which he did with the help of Altaïr's codex page.
-At some point, Ezio acquired a second hidden blade when he brought a Codex page to Leonardo for decryption. The blade is identical in all aspects to the first, but has a metal plate on the top side of the vambrace to deflect enemy attacks and allow the wielder to engage in armed conflict with the blades. Leonardo added other upgrades such as the [[poison blade]] and the [[pistol]] as Ezio showed him more codex pages.
-====Modern Times====
-During the escape from the [[Hideout]], Desmond obtained a hidden blade and bracer that was almost identical to Ezio's hidden blade. He later used that hidden blade to fend off the [[Abstergo Industries|Abstergo]] guards who had come to capture him.
 {{-}}
-===''[[Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood]]''===
+====Rome====
-[[File:SecondBlade.jpg|thumb|left|The Second Blade.]]
+[[File:SecondBlade.jpg|thumb|left|250px|The second hidden blade.]]
-{{Quote|Now I can kill double the guards.|Ezio Auditore, regarding the secondary hidden blade.|Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood}}
+{{quote|Now I can kill double the guards.|Ezio Auditore, regarding the secondary hidden blade.|Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood}}
-Though Ezio possessed the same two hidden blades until 1499, during the [[Fall of Monteriggioni]], he lost most of his weapons, and was only able to salvage the blade and bracer of his father. Upon his arrival in [[Rome]], he was equipped with a single hidden blade, though its bracer had been replaced, courtesy of [[Niccolò Machiavelli]]. Later on, however, Leonardo da Vinci was again able to reconstruct a secondary hidden blade for him, with Ezio providing him with the money necessary for the materials.
+Though Ezio possessed the same two hidden blades until 1499, during the [[Fall of Monteriggioni]], he lost most of his weapons, and was only able to salvage the blade and bracer of his father. Upon his arrival in Rome, he was equipped with a single hidden blade, though its bracer had been replaced, courtesy of [[Niccolò Machiavelli]]. Later on, however, Leonardo da Vinci was again able to reconstruct a secondary hidden blade for him, with Ezio providing him with the money necessary for the materials.<ref name="ACB">''[[Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood]]''</ref>
-Aside from wielding it in battle, Ezio also made use of the hidden blade to unlock the entrances of certain [[Lairs of Romulus]].
+Aside from using them in combat, Ezio also made use of his hidden blade to unlock the entrances of certain [[Lairs of Romulus]], and mechanisms within the [[Temple of Pythagoras]].<ref name="ACB" />
-====Apprentices====
+Additionally, Ezio's [[Apprentices|Assassin recruits]] were each equipped with a single hidden blade, as the right to use two hidden blades was only reserved for the most trusted of Assassins, or those who had earned the rank of [[Master Assassin]]. However, upon reaching the rank of ''Assassino'', the apprentice was given a hidden blade with a bracer much like Ezio's. The apprentices were capable of all of the standard assassination techniques.<ref name="ACB" />
-{{Main|Apprentices}}
-Additionally, Ezio's Assassin recruits were each equipped with a single hidden blade, as the right to use two hidden blades was only reserved for the most trusted of Assassins, or those who had earned the rank of the [[Master Assassin]]. However, upon reaching the rank of Assassino, the apprentice is given a hidden blade with a bracer much like Ezio's. The apprentices were capable of all of the standard assassination techniques.[[File:Ceremonial_HB_v.png|thumb|230px|right|A ceremonial Hidden Blade.]]
-====Modern Times====
+===Modern Times===
-In the [[Animus Virtual Training Program]] developed by [[Rebecca Crane]], [[Desmond Miles]] was given the chance to hone his skills with the hidden blade. Such challenges included Stealth Assassinations and Flawless Kill Streaks using only the hidden blade.
+[[File:Ceremonial_HB_v.png|thumb|250px|right|A ceremonial hidden blade.]]
+During the escape from the Assassin [[Hideout]], [[Desmond Miles]] obtained a hidden blade and bracer that was almost identical to Ezio's hidden blade. He later used that hidden blade to fend off the [[Abstergo Industries|Abstergo]] guards who had come to capture him.<ref name="AC2" />
-The hidden blade used by Desmond is much different than the one he used at the hideout, as it has no bracer and no strings or any mechanisms. One possible explanation is that Desmond removed the bracer from the blade to make it harder to see on his arm.
+Later on, upon traveling to [[Monteriggioni]], Desmond began using a bare hidden blade without a bracer, making it less visible on his arm. Also, much as Ezio had once done, he used it to operate a mechanism in the tunnels underneath the [[Sanctuary]].<ref name="ACB" />
-While in the field, Desmond also used the hidden blade to operate a mechanism in the tunnels underneath the [[Sanctuary]].
+Additionally, in the [[Animus Virtual Training Program]] developed by [[Rebecca Crane]], Desmond was given the chance to hone his skills with the hidden blade. Such challenges included Stealth Assassinations and Flawless Kill Streaks using only the hidden blade.<ref name="ACB" />
-==Techniques==
+{{-}}
+==Combat==
 {{Main|Assassination Techniques}}
-==='''''Assassin's Creed'''''===
+===Third Crusade===
-===='''High/Low Profile Assassinations'''====
+[[File:22358-550x-800px-Assassins creed assasination.jpg|thumb|250px|Altaïr using the hidden blade in battle.]]
-[[File:22358-550x-800px-Assassins_creed_assasination.jpg|thumb|250px|A high profile assassination.]]
+As it was mainly used for stealth assassinations, the hidden blade could only be used in combat under certain conditions, and could not block any attack. Altaïr was only able to assassinate a guard who had fallen on the ground (due to a grab-break, counter or grab) or had become momentarily distracted.<ref name="AC" />
-Altaïr rams the blade into the victim's abdomen when facing the target, and through his spine when behind the target. When stealth is not a priority, Altaïr may also perform a high profile assassination, which involves sprinting towards the target, jumping and then thrusting the blade into the victims throat or major arteries in the neck as he lands on him. Alternatively, if approaching from behind, Altaïr may push the target onto his knees and stab him in the neck.
-The hidden blade is the only weapon that Altaïr may wield while sprinting. When Altaïr is close enough to the victim during a pursuit, he may carry out an assassination. Altaïr will perform a running leap, landing on his victim from behind and burying the blade in the neck.
+Additionally, Altaïr could use the hidden blade in a counter-attack; though the time frame was extremely small, especially in comparison to that of the sword and the short blade. Successfully intercepting an enemy attack enabled one of several different – and always lethal – counter-attacks, in which Altaïr stabbed his opponent in the chest, head, abdomen, foot, base of the skull, or spine.<ref name="AC" />
-===='''Air to Assassinate'''====
+===Renaissance===
-From higher ground above a target, such as a nearby roof or beam, Altaïr leaps directly onto his victim and stabs him in the throat.<ref>[http://www.thehiddenblade.com/air-assassinate-guide Hidden Blade Website]</ref>
+The hidden blades eventually became vastly more useful in combat due to several upgrades. They could be used offensively, allowing Ezio to block attacks with them as any other weapon. The blades were a fast but low damage weapon, making them useful for suppressing enemy attacks.<ref name="AC2" />
-===='''Open Combat'''====
+Unlike other weapons, every counter-attack with the hidden blades resulted an instant kill, with only a narrow timing window as a disadvantage. Unlike the sword or the short blade, the hidden blades could counter attacks from [[Brutes]], [[Seekers]] and [[Papal guard]]s.<ref name="AC2" />
-The hidden blade can also be used while in combat. An enemy who has been grabbed and thrown (or counter thrown with a grab break) can easily be killed while he lies on the ground. Using the blade in combat against large groups is challenging, as Altaïr is unable to block ''any'' attack. Additionally, the time frame in which Altaïr can counter-attack is extremely small, especially in comparison to that of the sword and the short blade. Successfully countering enables one of several different – and always lethal – counter-attacks, in which Altaïr stabs his opponent in the chest, head, abdomen, foot, base of the skull, or spine.
-At various points in combat, guards may become momentarily distracted or shocked, and loose focus on the battle. At this point, Altaïr can excecute a standard high-profile attack with the hidden blade that the guard will not defend.
+The hidden blade also gave Ezio more freedom in movement than any other weapon. For example, Ezio could easily strafe a 180° arc while in combat, which was barely possible (except from very close range) with the sword or dagger. It also allowed Ezio to quickly flee from a battle without having to take the time to sheathe his weapon.<ref name="AC2" />
-==='''''Assassin's Creed II'''''===
+By his arrival in Rome, Ezio had gained a greater aptitude with the hidden blades. Aside from being able to perform more counter-attacks (due to an increased time window) he was now able to perform multiple instant kills after killing a single guard. To continue this "execution streak," each kill needed to be quickly followed up with another, without Ezio being hit in turn.<ref name="ACB" />
-===='''Double Assassination'''====
-Due to the addition of the second hidden blade, Ezio is able to kill two enemies at once. This technique may be performed on the ground (from behind, in front or between two guards) or from above, as elaborated below.
-===='''Air Assassination'''====
+==Upgrades==
-[[File:Air assassination.jpg|thumb|250px|An air assassination.]]
+[[File:ACB-HiddenBlade.jpg|thumb|250px|The blade with the pistol and poison upgrades.]]
-Similarly to the "air to assassinate" technique in ''Assassin's Creed''', this allows Ezio to kill an enemy by leaping onto them from above. He may also perform a Double Air Assassination, and kill two enemies from above at once, as long as they are close to each other. However, this technique is easily noticed by guards, and they will immediately attack upon witnessing it.
+Throughout his travels, Ezio would acquire several Codex pages that, upon decryption, detailed upgrades for the hidden blade that were envisioned by Altaïr. These improvements were then built for Ezio by Leonardo da Vinci.<ref name="AC2" />
-===='''Hiding Spot Assassination'''====
+The first of these improvements was the addition of a second hidden blade made from a difficult-to-obtain metal, which was attached to the user's other arm. The second was a metal plate on top of the primary blade's bracer that allowed one to safely deflect enemy attacks with the blades.<ref name="AC2" />
-Ezio may now assassinate enemies while hiding. Particularly useful against [[Seekers]], he may perform an assassination from hay stacks, benches, wells or any other hiding spot.
-===='''Ledge Assassination'''====
+Other Codex upgrades included the [[Poison blade]] and [[Pistol]]. The poison blade allowed Ezio to stab an enemy and leave them to die slowly, granting both a low-profile assassination as well as a distraction to kill or bypass other enemies, while the [[Pistol]] allowed Ezio to kill from a distance. Additionally, both blades could be supplemented with various vambraces, which acted as protective [[armor]].<ref name="AC2" />
-This technique may be performed on any enemy standing above a ledge from which Ezio may hang, and is particularly used against [[archers]]. Depending whether it is done in high or low profile, he will either pull the guard from the roof, or jump up and grab the guard with force to stab him in the chest. Along with the high profile ledge assassination, if the enemy is at a certain distance from the ledge but not too far, a ledge assassination is still possible, the only difference is that Ezio will climb the ledge then do a leap kill stabbing the enemy in the neck.
-===='''Open Combat'''====
+Additionally, upon his arrival in Rome, Leonardo also envisioned further improvements to the hidden blade. The first was the [[Poison darts|Poison dart launcher]], which allowed the use of the poison blade from a distance, and the Hidden Bolt, which fired small [[Crossbow]] bolts.<ref name="ACB" /><ref name="ACPL">''[[Assassin's Creed: Project Legacy]]''</ref>
-The hidden blades in the [[Renaissance]] are vastly more useful in combat than they were previously; they can now be used offensively, and Ezio is also able to block attacks with them like any other weapon. The blades are a fast, but low damage weapon, which makes them useful for suppressing enemy attacks.
-Unlike other weapons, every counter attack with the hidden blades is an instant kill. The disadvantage is the timing window is short compared to other weapons. Unlike the sword or the short blade, the hidden blades can counter attacks from [[Brutes]] and [[Seekers]].
+==Trivia==
+===Design===
-The hidden blade also allows Ezio to attack very quickly, and gives more freedom in movement than the other weapons. For example, Ezio can easily strafe a 180° arc in the time it takes for the enemy to attack. This is barely possible (except from very close range) with the sword or dagger. It also allows Ezio to quickly flee from a battle without having to take the time to sheathe his weapon.
+*[[Patrice Desilets]], the creative director of the game, stated that the addition of a second blade in ''Assassin's Creed II'' also had a lucid reason: it's ''Assassin's Creed II,'' so there are two blades.
+*The original design of Ezio's second hidden blade in ''Assassin's Creed II'' was displayed as a brown glove, however, in-game, it was replaced with a second bracer. This was reverted in ''Brotherhood'', however, where his second hidden blade included a glove, until a bracer was purchased.
-==='''''Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood'''''===
+*It is unknown why the ''Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood'' box art, E3 Trailer and other official media depict Ezio with a secondary hidden blade bracer identical to his primary one, as in-game, no such second bracer exists.
-Combat with the hidden blade has turned more aggressive. The time segment where Ezio can counter with the hidden blade is slightly increased, allowing for more counter kills.
+*The second hidden blade is marginally longer than the primary one in ''Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood'', perhaps designed to be a more effective melee weapon to complement the primary hidden blade's design as an assassination tool.
-Also, a new ability called execution streaks are introduced, allowing Ezio to perform multiple instant kills after killing a single guard. Each kill must be quickly followed up with another in order to keep the streak going. Being hit by an attack cancels the streak, requiring Ezio to start another one.
-Ezio is also able to block enemy attacks with the hidden blade, but earlier in his life, Ezio was able to block with his fist, but now he cannot block attacks while his fists are currently equipped.
+===Mechanism===
-==Upgrades==
-[[File:ACB-HiddenBlade.jpg|thumb|250px|The Blade with the pistol and poison upgrades.]]
-Throughout his travels, Ezio would acquire several Codex pages that, upon decryption, detailed upgrades for the hidden blade that were envisioned by Altaïr. These improvements were then developed for Ezio by Leonardo da Vinci. The first of these improvements was the addition of a second, darker hidden blade made from a difficult-to-obtain metal. The second was a metal plate on top of the primary blade's bracer that would allow one to safely deflect enemy attacks with the blades.
-The other upgrades to the hidden blade included the [[Poison blade]], which allowed Ezio to stab an enemy and leave them to die slowly, granting both a low-profile assassination as well as a distraction to kill or bypass other enemies, and the [[Pistol]], which is one of the more deadly of the upgrades, allowing Ezio to kill from a distance. Additionally, both blades may be supplemented with various vambraces which act as [[armor]], giving Ezio more health.
-Upon arrival in Rome, Leonardo also envisioned further improvements to the hidden blade, such as a [[Poison darts|Poison dart launcher]], that allowed the use of the poison blade from a distance.
-==Trivia==
-*The hidden blade is used in every major assassination. Even if the player begins by attacking the enemy with a sword, the Assassin will always finish them off with the hidden blade.
 *In the E3 teaser trailer of ''Assassin's Creed'' (as well as in certain concept art), Altaïr can be seen pushing a button to operate his hidden blade. In the actual games, however, no such button or other trigger mechanism exists.
 *In ''[[Assassin's Creed: Renaissance]]'' and the [[Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood (novel)|''Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood'' novel]], unleashing the hidden blade required the use of a button, via a certain muscle on the forearm being flexed.
 *In an ''Assassin's Creed'' [http://www.gametrailers.com/video/developer-diary-assassins-creed/13648 Developer Diary] video, [[Jade Raymond]] speaks about Altaïr's lack of his ring finger, which is due to the initiation ceremony when a novice is promoted to an Assassin. The ring finger of the left hand is cut off, the hidden blade is installed, and the new born Assassin is ready to complete the missions bestowed upon him or her.
+*The hidden blade is a [[Crafting in Project Legacy|crafted item]] in ''[[Assassin's Creed: Project Legacy]]''. The materials for its construction are 2 Coils, 1 Iron, 1 Hide and 1 Box of Components (which in turn is crafted using 3 Gears, 3 Screws, 1 Chain and 2 Sprockets).
+===Others===
 *Despite being equipped with a hidden blade, some Assassins (such as [[Malik Al-Sayf]]) did not have an amputated finger.
-*[[Patrice Desilets]], the creative director of the game, stated that the addition of a second blade in ''Assassin's Creed II'' also had a lucid reason: it's ''Assassin's Creed II,'' so there are two blades.
 *The first recorded usage of the hidden blade by an Assassin was by [[Darius]], when he assassinated [[Xerxes I of Persia|Xerxes of Persia]]. However, his ring finger remained intact and he wielded it on his right hand.
-*The original design of Ezio's second hidden blade in ''Assassin's Creed II'' was displayed as a brown glove, however, in-game, it was replaced with a second bracer. This was reverted in ''Brotherhood'', however, where his second hidden blade included a glove, until a bracer was purchased.
+*The hidden blade is used in every major assassination. Even if the player begins by attacking the enemy with a sword, the Assassin will always finish them off with the hidden blade.
-*It is unknown why the ''Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood'' box art, E3 Trailer and other official media depict Ezio with a secondary hidden blade bracer identical to his primary one, as in-game, no such second bracer exists (except on the Helmschmied Dranchen Armor which both bracers are the same).
+*In ''[[Assassins Creed: Bloodlines]]'', if the PlayStation Portable is linked to ''Assassins Creed II'', Altair's hidden blade can be upgraded to be used to block light and heavy attacks.
-*The hidden blade is a [[Crafting in Project Legacy|crafted item]] in ''[[Assassin's Creed: Project Legacy]]''. The materials for its construction are 2 Coils, 1 Iron, 1 Hide and 1 Box of Components (which in turn is crafted using 3 Gears, 3 Screws, 1 Chain and 2 Sprockets).
-*The second hidden blade is marginally longer than the primary one in ''Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood'', perhaps designed to be a more effective melee weapon to complement the primary hidden blade's design as an assassination tool.
-*In [[Assassins Creed: Bloodlines]], if the PlayStation Portable is linked to [[Assassins Creed II]], Altair's hidden blade can be upgraded to be used to block light and heavy attacks.
 ==Gallery==

Hidden Blade: Difference between revisions

Revision as of 14:50, 9 April 2011

Contents

History

Third Crusade

Renaissance

Rome

Modern Times

Combat

Third Crusade

Renaissance

Upgrades

Trivia

Design

Mechanism

Others

Gallery

References

Navigation menu

Hidden Blade: Difference between revisions

Revision as of 14:50, 9 April 2011

History

Third Crusade

Renaissance

Rome

Modern Times

Combat

Third Crusade

Renaissance

Upgrades

Trivia

Design

Mechanism

Others

Gallery

References

Navigation menu

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