Assassin's Creed II

 

 

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This game has almost everything you could ask for in a game: compelling story, great control, plenty of replayability , great voice acting especially in Italian which only adds to the authenticity of this truly wonderful recreation of Italy. The game has improved in virtually every way compared to Assassin's Creed 1, the combat is much more refined and the extent of the customization and collectibles is unmatched. The first game had it's flaws as does this but you can't complain about it because it's just too much fun. The variation of the mission types is the greatest achievement in my mind, you rarely play the same mission over again and if you do the challenge is always heightened. The overall package is well worth the money and if your not in to that it's one hell of a rent.

Assassin's Creed II was released among a bevy of blockbusters during the holiday season of 2009 and managed to carve it's place among them as a stellar action/ adventure game that surpasses the original in every way possible.

The story takes place during Renaissance Italy as you take control of Ezio Auditore Di Firenze, a young man who watches as his family is wrongfully accused of a crime they did not commit. Ezio dons the mantle of the Assassin and swears vengeance upon those who betrayed his family. He soon unravels a conspiracy that is plagued with deceit, betrayal, and entrenched in blood.

Assassin's Creed II is centered around free running. Virtually every structure can be scaled with ease by the agile protagonist. The controls take a short time to get used to and soon you will find yourself campusing up a giant tower and leaping between buildings alluding guards. It is a rewarding experience to navigate a daunting steeple that is seemingly hanging from the sky. Then to leap without fear from its apex and plummet towards earth in a free fall to simply land unscathed in a strategically placed wagon of hay.

Your character is also well equipped to fight with a variety of weapons. Stealth is the preferred method of assassination, however at certain times a more straightforward approach is called for and you may find yourself surrounded by numerous guards. The combat is almost as fluid as the free running with Ezio disarming and dodging his foes with style and grace. The lock on technique is cumbersome to use at times and the defensive and offensive maneuvers can be difficult to conduct.

Ubisoft Montreal performed admirably recreating Renaissance Italy with intricate detail and populating it with a plethora of characters. Venice and Florence feel more alive than Liberty City and the music and chatter that accompanies each new area adds to the overall atmosphere of the experience. While the historical accuracy can certainly be questioned it is apparent that Ubisoft sought to infuse the genuine flavour of Renaissance Italy into the game.

Unfortunately the vast virtual world does not run without a hitch. I have played the PS3 version extensively and have noticed screen tearing, pop up, and texture pop-in. While this isn't anything major it is important to note. The game runs almost identical to the 360 version unlike some previous (and future) multi-platform games (*cough* Bayonetta *cough*). With that in mind do not expect pristine Uncharted 2 type graphics.

The primary experience takes approximately 10-15 hours to complete. Navigating Ezio through his quest for vengeance is a sometimes confusing, albeit rewarding journey. Intertwined within the adventure are sub-quests that include; managing a villa, searching for mysterious glyphs, collecting feathers, deciphering codecs, and racing against thieves that can add considerable length to the overall playtime.

It was gaudy of Ubisoft to announce Assassin's Creed as a trilogy prior to the original hitting stores' shelves, but if Assassin's Creed II is any indication, the trilogy will end on an extremely high note.

Conclusion: Well worth the price of admission 9/10

A huge step forward from the first AC.
If you're not familiar with the AC series, it's a game that gives you the freedom to go almost anywhere within the game.
There's a sense of freedom when playing this game, it's really based on a 3 dimensional framework.
It takes many hours to complete this game and I would recommend it to anyone. The levels are as hard as you want them to be, if you're more patient they tend to be easier, but if you want to bull your way through it to make it more exciting you can.

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5.0 out of 5 stars Well Done
I had no problems getting this product so I can't attest to how good this seller is at taking care of problems, but I think the fact that I got my game without any problems is a... Read more

Published 5 months ago by Steve

5.0 out of 5 stars Combination of GTA and Ocarina of Time + easy to platinum.
If this game is $20 and being sold by Amazon, GET IT. If you liked the Grand Theft Auto PS2 series or The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, you are going to like this game. Read more

Published 9 months ago by C. Alves

5.0 out of 5 stars An incredible journey...a must play
A wodnerful and beautiful game that takes you for a historic (but science-fiction-infused) ride through the heartland of Renaissance Italy...with an incredible ending. Read more

Published 12 months ago by Sid

5.0 out of 5 stars Assassins creed 2
this is a great game that is very hard to put down, the graphics look amazing and you feel like you are in renaissance Italy. Read more

Published 13 months ago by Aman

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Game
Its a great sequel to the original game. They improved almost every aspect of the original Assassin's Creed. Read more

Published 18 months ago by Shaam

5.0 out of 5 stars Best Game of the series.
Hello,

Well Assassins Creed 2 is a big change from the first game Assassins Creed.
The game has so much more content as well as many great improvements, such as... Read more

Published 20 months ago by Parasite

5.0 out of 5 stars Best game ever!
This is the best game I've ever played! Awesome kills, moves and it's endless fun. Soooo much to do and it's soo fun. Love it!

Published 21 months ago by René Bélanger

4.0 out of 5 stars super size your sequel!
This sequel is even beter then the fist one, the graphics are beautifull, the action
is intense and the gameplay is entertaining.

Published 23 months ago by Remi Lacaille

4.0 out of 5 stars Better Than The First Assassins Creed
I haven't finished playing this game yet, but I'm enjoying it more than the first game. Game play is almost exactly the same with a few new perks. The graphics are great.

Published on Dec 19 2009 by CandyBaby

5.0 out of 5 stars Game of the year candidate
It makes Assassin's Creed 1 look (and play) like a test demo. It's that good.

Published on Nov 22 2009 by Paul Wilson

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