Assassin's Creed: Liberation HD looks impressive on console

That's right. Ubisoft is delivering 2012's PS Vita (ex-)exclusive to PC, PS3 and Xbox 360 in the upcoming Assassin's Creed: Liberation HD. Now console gamers can experience Aveline de Grandpre's fight to rid Louisiana of the Templar's influences. As the series' first female assassin, you'll explore New Orleans, battle enemies using the familiar counter-heavy combat system, and use disguises to complete missions in the highly detailed world.

In our first look at the HD version, the developers showed us some of the game's improvements. The visuals, music, lighting, and sound effects have all been revamped. Out in the wilderness, there's an abundance of vegetation, a wider color palette, and sharper textures. Within the city, NPCs fill the streets, and there's much more detail in the environment, with vendors' carts filled with items to sell and the buildings getting a touch more color. The developers also mentioned that the character models and facial animations have been completely redone to accommodate the superior processing power of the consoles. In terms of controls, the game feels like you're playing a console Assassin's Creed title. The camera was modified to work better with controllers and the buttons have been mapped to feel like you're playing Assassin's Creed 3.

Liberation HD will also include additional content. The start of the game will feature a combat tutorial to introduce new players to the mechanics needed to defeat the more advanced enemies. There are also three new side-mission chains that focus on using Aveline's other personas and disguises.

Check out the following slides for more information and images

The world now shares the series' dynamic day and night cycle.

The swamp environment has gotten a huge visual overhaul.

There's much more detail and larger crowds in the HD version.

A closer look at the improved character models and lighting.