So this year I opted to review the last-gen Assassin’s Creed Rogue, leaving me to savior the new-gen entry, Assassin’s Creed Unity in my own time.

I’m quite partial to getting the collector’s edition versions of my favourite video-game releases. With Ubisoft’s Assassin’s Creed games being possibly my number one franchise, I never miss out on picking up their premium releases when I can.

What makes the Assassin’s Creed collector’s editions so great is the inclusion of a very high quality figurine of the game’s main character. This is a tradition that started way back in 2009 with the release of Assassin’s Creed II, complete with a figurine of Ezio Auditore in either his black or white robes.

For Assassin’s Creed III, Ubisoft released The Freedom Edition, complete with a huge Conner Kenway Figurine. A year later they did the same for Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag with the Buccaneer Edition featuring Edward Kenway.

Let’s take a look at this year’s Assassin’s Creed collector’s edition.

Ubisoft are the masters of premium collector’s editions. For Assassin’s Creed Unity they’ve pulled out all the stops with the Notre Dame Edition.

As is the norm with Assassin’s Creed collector’s editions, the box is huge- large enough to accommodate the figurine of Arno Dorian, the game’s protagonist.

The back of the slipcase cover details the other extras in the pack, notably the two additional missions, “The Chemical Revolution” and “The American Prisoner”.

With the slipcase off, a little drawer is exposed as the base of the box. Inside is the game, the art book, the game’s soundtrack CD and an envelope containing two lithographs.

The front of the box splits open to reveal the Arno figurine. Some assembly is required. We’ll get back to that.

In the game case, as well as the actual game, there’s a code for the bonus mission content.

The disc has the same image as the cover, depicting the co-op team of Assassins that fans can play as in the game.

Next up in the little drawer is the art book.

It’s not a very big book, but it is nicely bound.

The book features concept art from the game’s development. Offering up a sample of what can be found in the game’s retail art book from Titan Books.

Under the artbook is the soundtrack CD, featuring 26 tracks from the game.

Another item that is becoming the norm in these Assassin’s Creed collectors editions is an envelope containing a couple of small lithographs.

This time the envelope has been made to look like some mail addressed to Elise, a character in the game.

The prints themselves are a couple of beautifully presented concept images.

The centre-piece of the Assassin’s Creed Unity Notre Dame Edition is, of course, the 355mm high figurine depicting the game’s protagonist, Arno Victor Dorian.

Following in the fine tradition of these Ubisoft collectables, the figure is meticulously crafted.

The attention to every little detail is impressive…

…right down to the buttons on Arno’s tunic…

…and the pistol tied to his side.

You can see his trademark assassin’s weapon on his wrist.

The textures on his clothing make the figure look almost real.

The figure stands mounted atop a stone gargoyle.

All-in-all it’s a very impressive figurine…

…that looks good alongside the other Assassin’s Creed figurines in your collection.

The Assassin’s Creed Unity Notre Dam Edition lives up to the quality of the the other recent premium Assassin’s Creed collector’s edition. For a relatively small additional fee, you get a host of additional goodies including the impressive Arno figure.

Sure, you are going to most of the bits and pieces like the art book and the lithographs away once you’ve looked at them once. But for video game merch-hoarders like me, this very special collector’s edition is a must-buy!

Darren Price