Martin Hoskins, a data-protection consultant, worries that intermediaries will encourage consumers to hand over large volumes of personal information without clear limits on its use.

ECONOMIST: Britain wants to lead the world in exploiting consumer data

Apple Chief Steve Jobs could be about to pull off yet another neat piece of jujitsu, using the limits placed by Microsoft on how netbook makers can use its software to set Apple apart from its low-end competitors.

FORBES: How Apple Could Use Microsoft To Kill Netbooks

Add to this the use of quick time events (QTEs) and a story that feels stretched beyond its natural limits, and you have a franchise that is in serious need of change or, and I hate to say this, retirement.

FORBES: 'Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag' And The Lackluster Combat Of Ubisoft's Flagship Action Franchise