Is ubisoft required for online play? I can't seem to get it to work otherwise. Tried using my serial code for unlock code but that doesn't work.

For online, yes it uses Ubisoft's servers. This is noted on the game page.

For LAN, no. You can use VPN type solution to securely play over the internet.

LAN with VPN is the workaround or possibly Gameranger if it's supported.. Actually, LAN might work with the correct ports opened if the game uses fixed ports.

OK next question. I log into my online account through game and there is no option for multiplayer. So I downloaded uplay to try and run the game through there but my serial # won't work. Essentially no way to activiate product on uplay...

Am I missing something?

Oh figured it out. You can only do multiplayer through the venice exe :)