Assassin's Creed II

A new assassin’s story, this time following a character called Ezio around the cities of Rome, Venice, and Tuscany.

Following on from the first game, the beginning of AC2 sees the main character of Desmond escape from the evil corporation of the first game, and begin a new project with a rebel group including Lucy (the nurse from the original). They send Desmond back into the life of Ezio, a simple womaniser living in Italy during the 15th Century, who becomes a dangerously brilliant assassin after several members of his family are hung in a complex plot against their family.

We follow Ezio through his journey to becoming a famous assassin, as well as his revenge. He finds the support of his uncle who teaches him new skills and gives him shelter. But as Ezio stalks his prey, picking off each member of the conspiracy against his family, he discovers a deeper more complex plot afoot, with far more grave consequences.

Alongside the main plot, there is the usual bucket load of additional missions, such as contracts for murdering criminal targets, delivering messages across cities, and taking part in foot races against the clock. As well as the typically frustrating tasks of collecting items such as statuettes, viewpoints and feathers. All of which add to a very varied and fulfilling gaming experience.

The climbing is even more detailed, allowing the player to pretty much scale anything, adding the ability to jump even higher as you get further into Ezio’s skills. The cities are a remarkable feat, such beautiful detail and grandeur, and the flow of them makes for brilliant journeys. The fighting is much improved, giving your assassin new moves and skills, as well as the ability to taunt your opponent, which is a fun addition.

The Italian aspects of the game really appealed to me, being a lover of the nation and culture, and using the actual dialect in places gave the game a real sense of authenticity. Also, the wonderfully eclectic mix of religion, power, violence, and honour made for a brilliant representation of a turbulent history.

Be warned, this is a engulfing experience, players may end up spending months trying to complete everything there is on offer, but if you liked the first game, you will love this one.