Having a companion app isnt the worst idea, and this app has plenty of good ones, but they are implemented incredibly poorly. Then, of course, there are the bugs.
First, what I like: I love the actively updated map that serves as the homepage. This is the same map as you would see by pausing the game on your console. Its great being able to see what is nearby, and even being able to set waypoints by pressing the screen that appear in-game instantly. The same is true for the nomad missions and encyclopedia entries since the glyph puzzles leave clues that relate to them.
Now the problems: the app randomly drops the connection and wont/cant reconnect without quitting and restarting.
The app doesnt remember at of the Nomad missions incomplete. Every time I log in, it resets everything.
The idea of doing the Nomad missions on a separate screen, while not at home is awesome, but this app requires that you be logged in on your console, actively playing for any of the online activities to run. So basically, I have to be home, in front of my TV, with the game turned on, and then put my controller down to play with this app. That is incredibly stupid.
Since many of the glyph puzzles have clues that relate to the encyclopedia entries, it would have been nice to have a "show on map" option so that you can plot a waypoint once you know where you want to go.
The Nomad missions are similar to other mini-games in previous AC titles, but the rewards in this version dont provide any in game rewards besides currency. No rare items, weapons, costumes, or anything else that Ive found...of course, since my progress alway resets its impossible to say what I might have gotten.
So basically, this is cool in concept, but awful in implementation. No offline capabilities? Forgotten progress? Worthless reward system? No thanks.
The only this app is good for is the map, and a few in-game chests that are enables with the app.
Since UbiSoft hasnt really updated this app, my guess is that they have chosen to say "screw you" to their customers on this product and just leave a scrappy app in the store. Pass on app unless the idea of a second screen map sounds good to you.