Apple has had its fair share of mistakes, and the accidental release of Assassin’s Creed 2 Discovery certainly sits right up there. Last week we sat down with producer Ben Mattes regarding Apple’s slip up, pricing, and release date among other things.

Let’s get right to it… A game of the same title is available for the Nintendo DS so naturally, one would draw comparisons to both games.

Producer Ben Mattes

When asked about differences, said the DS version was originally conceptualized before the iPhone. After that, the plan to bring a game similar to it should be brought to the iPhone with enhanced graphics, upgraded supplies, new combats and unlockables was born.

Why Was The Move From Full On Game To A Sidescroller?

My knee jerk reaction upon seeing the first screens of the game was that Ubisoft has let me down when they “downgraded” the gameplay to a sidescroller. Don’t be put off though as I have played the game, and it’s amazing as is (more on our review).

Still, I asked the question: why did you choose sidescrolling? Off the bat, Ben said this was primarily in response to the first game’s feedback (Assassin’s Creed Altrair Chronicles): pacing was off and the game’s too complex for a small sized screen. They then concluded that the iPhone’s technology is deserving of the game’s “abuse” as well as the notion to create a gameplay “fast, action oriented, appropriate for the time period” and most importantly, true to the Assassin’s Creed Universe.

We got more details including pricing and release date, as well as Assassin’s Creed 2 Bloodlines coming down the line? + bonus 3GS enhancements and PS3/360 connectivity questions after the jump.

How Faithful Is This Game To Its Console Counterparts?

The game is canon to the Assassin’s Creed universe. The events that take place in this game are similar to the AC franchise only with different control and gameplay methods. An example of such gameplay change is hiding behind haystacks and planning surprise attacks in this iPhone version.

Any 3GS/Touch 3G Enhancements?

For those with keen eyes, a side by side comparison of both games upon release on a 3G and 3GS should provide obvious differences. Graphics and framerate improvements are done in the background. The game autodetects your device’s capability to provide “an experience as it was actually designed”.

Any Achievements, Online Connectivity, Gameloft Live?

Now’s a good time to clarify that even though Ubisoft and Gameloft are sister companies, the two’s iPhone strategies are separate. That said, a similar system like Gameloft Live might be put in place further down the line.

How About New Levels, Addition Gameplay Content?

As of right now, the game which releases next month is the “complete” game. No in-app purchases are available. Of course, all this would change if the game becomes ultimately successful to allow such additions.

Replayability, Gameplay Time?

The estimated average completion time is about 6 hours. As far as replayability is concerned, these features *should take care of that:

• Challenge rooms
• Economy system
• New attacks
• Hidden rooms
• Hidden unlockables like wallpaper and pictures

Pricing And Release Date

The game is set to launch February 1 next month. The price will definitely NOT be $12.99 as originally pushed out by Apple, but WILL certainly be in the neighborhood of $9.99.

Lastly, is Assassin’s Creed 2 PS3/360 Bloodlines coming soon?

Ben’s immediate answer is “no comment”. There might be some plans later down the road but this he promises: Ubisoft is looking directly into the iPhone platform and WILL definitely release more of their titles this year and for years to come!

How exciting! Thoughts?