Free Assassin's Creed open-world RPG is an 'amazing time', fans enthuse

You'd be forgiven for this one having passed you by, but there's a new Assassin's Creed in town. Better still, it's free. And even better than that? It's good.

That's according to a bunch of Assassin's Creed fans who've been able to go hands on with the new game, which you can also check out for free right now.

You can also take a look at it in action below!

Assassin's Creed Jade is notable for two reasons: the first is that it's the first fully open-world RPG in the series to take players to China. The second is that it's a mobile game.

I'll admit I had my doubts when I heard Assassin's Creed Jade was to be a mobile game. Not because I think mobile games are somehow worth less - they aren't - but because it uses touch screen controls to simulate the console Assassin's Creed experience.

As someone who hates touch screen controls at the best of times I was sceptical, but the early reviews for Jade are extremely encouraging.

Over on the Assassin's Creed subreddit there's plenty of praise for the new game. While the controls are described as an "infuriating learning curve", there's a lot to love.

"Amongst the positives, I really like the setting," writes IwIlLcHaNgEtHiSL8r The map looks and feels like a great place to explore and the free roaming is decent. Combat is fluid and fun with an interesting 'loadout' swap mechanic that adds to the depth. I also enjoy the story and characters so far with a delightful tie to Odyssey and AC 2 lore."

As for negatives? IwIlLcHaNgEtHiSL8r expresses concern about Jade's use of typical mobile mechanics; namely level grinding and meaningless upgrades. There's a fear the game could become a "money grabbing soulless live service cash cow", which is certainly a risk. We'll just have to hope Ubisoft finds a balance by the time the game launches.

A few other Reddit users have commented on the post and admitted they're not quite as sold on the game as they'd like to be. It's worth noting, of course, that this is a beta - and this is exactly what betas are for.