Assassin’s Creed 2 review (PS3, Xbox 360) By Sayed Islam Published: 12/30/09 PrintEmail
The original Assassin’s Creed was a landmark title for Ubisoft. With its heavy emphasis on parkour, it felt like a fairly original premise. However, the initial novelties of parkour ultimately become banal with the redundant gameplay. Now, the sequel is finally here, and it is a grandiose improvement over its predecessor. The storyline transpires with the main protagonist, who just happened to reprise his role: Desmond Miles. Nevertheless, this time around, Desmond is not reliving the memories of Altair via the Animus. Instead, he is experiencing the memories of a novice to the Assassin’s Creed franchise: Ezio. For those players who have not played the original Assassin’s Creed, the animus is an apparatus that enables Miles to experience historical events from his ancestors. Rather than Jerusalem being the backdrop, Italy is the setting for Ezio’s frolicking. When it comes down to it, the narrative is a vengeance plot. That is not to say that the story is insipid in any way. As a matter of fact, you will feel a much stronger sense of attachment to the characters in Assassin’s Creed 2 than you did in the first game.
The gameplay takes everything that was brilliant from Assassin’s Creed and amplifies it for the better. For the most part, the combat and parkour is virtually identical. In this iteration, there is so much more confluence to the gameplay. Albeit you are somewhat limited about what weapons you can carry, there is such a larger variety of weapons at your disposal. Two hidden blades instead of one are undoubtedly a welcome addition, and this allows Ezio to execute double instantaneous assassinations. Moreover, there are smoke bombs to evade adversaries and a long range firearm that would be analogous to a musket. Additionally, the weapons can be upgraded. The foe artificial intelligence could use some bolstering. For example, there are multiple occurrences where they all attack one at a time instead of concurrently. The fresh economy system is an impressive feature. As Ezio progresses, he can accrue money. He can pilfer money or complete missions to accumulate fiscal compensation, and it can be spent on upgrades like armor and weapons.
In regards to the visuals, they are as stunning as Assassin’s Creed. Animations have also improved. There are less conspicuous glitches during combat. The character models are fine, and you will definitely feel like you are really in Italy. From the pavements to the architecture, it is captivating.
About the audio, this is yet another strong point. The astonishing musical score makes you feel like you are part of an immersive ambiance. Furthermore, the voice acting makes the characters more approachable. Ezio has a likeable personality, and his persona is accentuated in his delivery.
Overall, Assassin’s Creed 2 will appease those devoted fans. Considering how this is an evolution instead of a rehash, it easy to give credence to this creed.
Art direction 9 In regards to the visuals, they are as stunning as Assassin’s Creed. Animations have also improved. There are less conspicuous glitches during combat. The character models are fine, and you will definitely feel like you are really in Italy. From the pavements to the architecture, it is captivating. Audio 10 About the audio, this is yet another strong point. The astonishing musical score makes you feel like you are part of an immersive ambiance. Furthermore, the voice acting makes the characters more approachable. Ezio has a likeable personality, and his persona is accentuated in his delivery. Gameplay 9.5 The gameplay takes everything that was brilliant from Assassin’s Creed and amplifies it for the better. For the most part, the combat and parkour is virtually identical. In this iteration, there is so much more confluence to the gameplay. Presentation 9 When it comes down to it, the narrative is a vengeance plot. That is not to say that the story is insipid in any way. As a matter of fact, you will feel a much stronger sense of attachment to the characters in Assassin’s Creed 2 than you did in the first game. Replay value 10 Between the optional missions and main story campaign, you are looking at well over fifteen hours. Final verdict 9.5 out of 10
The original Assassin’s Creed was a landmark title for Ubisoft. With its heavy emphasis on parkour, it felt like a fairly original premise. However, the initial novelties of parkour ultimately become banal with the redundant gameplay. Now, the sequel is finally here, and it is a grandiose improvement over its predecessor. The storyline transpires with the main protagonist, who just happened to reprise his role: Desmond Miles. Nevertheless, this time around, Desmond is not reliving the memories of Altair via the Animus. Instead, he is experiencing the memories of a novice to the Assassin’s Creed franchise: Ezio. For those players who have not played the original Assassin’s Creed, the animus is an apparatus that enables Miles to experience historical events from his ancestors. Rather than Jerusalem being the backdrop, Italy is the setting for Ezio’s frolicking. When it comes down to it, the narrative is a vengeance plot. That is not to say that the story is insipid in any way. As a matter of fact, you will feel a much stronger sense of attachment to the characters in Assassin’s Creed 2 than you did in the first game. 
