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Molto bene!
I'm gonna start out by saying this game is a better in every conceivable way from the original Assassin's Creed. It truly is what the first game should have been, and then some: better characters, a more in depth plot, better story flow, more weapons and abilities, a greater variety of side missions, and so on. In a nutshell, the game is just...more. Its another example on how to make a great 3rd person action game.
The second game takes place right where the first one left off: in present day with Desmond staring at some strange markings on the wall of the place he's being held. After a daring escape with the help of Lucy, they arrive at an Assassin hideout, and then it's off to Renaissance Italy, where you are introduced to the main character of Assassin's Creed 2, Ezio Auditore da Firenze. I found him to be a likable character from the get go. He's not a trained Assassin at the beginning like his predecessor Altair; he's just basically a normal kid who gets caught up in something far bigger than he planned for. Really all he planned for was maybe a street fight and a night with the ladies.
The gameplay and story have both been greatly improved. Both of which flow a lot better. Gone are the days of just finding information about your target, killing him, and then repeating those same steps eight more times. If anything, the game has more of a Grand Theft Auto sort of feel where you have different contacts that give you missions. Also, there are only three points in the game where you are actually out of the Animus, which makes it feel more like it is Ezio's story rather than what is going on in present day. The first game kinda felt like it was Desmond's story featuring Altair. At least the Desmond parts in the second game are fairly interesting.
There are also a ton of side missions. Usually I don't go for side quests, but this was a game I actually felt compelled to do the side quest stuff, especially the Assassin tombs, which are the burial sites of your ancestors. These are mostly platforming puzzles, and give off a major Indiana Jones vibe, which I'm cool with (as long as it's not Crystal Skull). If you complete all six of them, you get a really nice reward.
Also scattered around the various cities are strange glyphs which unlock a very strange video known as “The Truth” In order to get these video segments, you must solve some equally strange logic puzzles. If you enjoy crazy conspiracy theories, this will be right up your alley, as it uncovers one that would even make Fox Mulder say...”I'm not sure I can believe that.” It's still pretty fascinating, though.
Ezio also has at his disposal many more gadgets and abilities than Altair. Combat is still fairly dependent on the counter kill, which is ok because they're still very entertaining to watch. Even more so are the kills you get after you disarm a spear or axe user. Some of which are almost cringe worthy. More than once I found myself saying “Oooooh...that looks like it hurt!” Dual wrist blades also have a perk: suddenly four guards become two guards, and combat goes easier.
I had a lot of fun with this game, it was a lot longer than I thought it would be as well. Not too long that it felt like it was dragging, but ended with you wanted just a bit more. Hopefully Ubisoft will get Assassin's Creed 3 out in short order, I really can't wait to see what happens next.
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System: |
Xbox 360
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| Genre: |
3rd Person Action
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| Experience: |
Finished the main story and a large chunk of optional missions
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