Nulla E Vero. Tutto E Permesso. Nothing is true, Everything is permitted. The first Assassins Creed was a highly controversial game. Now, it isn’t controversial in the traditional sense. People aren’t debating political or religious issues, just gameplan and story ones. Assassins Creed will live in infamy as one of the more dividing games in recent history. For every ten people you could find who loved the game, you could find ten more would argue the exact opposite opinion. The game scored a mixed bag, but let us put that all aside. This isn’t the original. Sit back as Laren gives his take on Desmond’s return to the Animus!
Story
Back when I played the first Assassin’s Creed on the 360, I was drawn into the story. One thing I always enjoy as a gamer is an original and immersive story. The first iteration of Creed has a very solid storyline. Assassin’s Creed II starts off right where the first game left off. We open to Desmond being greeted by Lucy. Desmond is rushed to hurry back on to the Animus. This is where we witness the birth of Ezio Auditore da Firenze. It’s a very strange way to begin a game, but it does a great job of keeping the player on his toes.
Enter Ezio Auditore
Desmond’s ancestor and our new soon-to-be assassin. After some running and fighting Desmond and Lucy escape Abstergo and we are introduced to some new characters , new hideout, and a new Animus. We are introduced to Shaun Hastings an egotistical data logger who really does not seem to care for Desmond. Our other new character in Desmond’s is Rebecca Crane who runs the Animus 2.0. Now we get to the good stuff. At this point, we begin to re live the life of Ezio Auditore da Firenze in the Italian renaissance. Ubisoft did an amazing job choosing the time period and character. Ubisoft really paralleled the story of AC1. Instead of being a Master Assassin and getting your ranked stripped, you start off as a normal 17 year old teenage boy. Trust me, it’s more fun than it sound. Let’s just say that some crazy stuff happens and both of your brothers and your father ( who was also an assassin) are hung are their own “acquittal”. before the death of your father, he tells you of a chest. From here, we enter the journey of an Assassin.
The enviroments are stunning
Assassin’s Creed II, like its predecessor, is filled with conspiracy theories and yet, they all somehow tie into a Sci-Fi, Past, Present, Assassin, Redemption story and some how it all makes since
Gameplay
The biggest issue with the first Creed was with the gameplay. It was repetitive to a fault. Well Ladies and Gentlemen, Ubisoft listened to the complaints of gamers and fixed it all! That is one of the aspects that makes AC II such an amazing game, Ubisoft improved ALL the problems that the first had when it came to gameplay. Let me just say that this game has stunning environments and you get a rush Free-Running through Italy. The combat is also improved and Ubisoft gave us some new equipment. You have two Hidden Blades, hidden pistol, poison blade, new assassination techniques and so much more. Ubisoft really thought about what gamers wanted and they fully delivered. The gameplay felt extremely smooth and enjoyable. The camera worked well, Ezio’s control felt natural and the game has a low learning curve.
Enviroments
Ubisoft did an amazing job picking the locations for AC II. The cities are massive, in fact, the whole game has a much more epic feel to it. From the music to the cutscenes, it’s all massive! Venice is my personal favorite and it is for a reason. The buildings look extremely accurate to that of Italy and there is just something surreal about seeing Firebreathers and Fireworks during Carnivale!
Overall
The jump from the quality from AC I to AC II is simply amazing! The feel of this game felt more immersive and on a much bigger scale. The story was more of the focus and that is not bad by any means. Italy is amazing and Ezio is so much better as a protagonist. If you do not own this game, you are missing out on an amazing experience!
