Ezio lights up the Italian Renaissance
Format: PS3(version played), Xbox 360, PC Dev: Ubisoft Montreal Pub: Ubisoft
Out: 20/11/09 Players: 1
Back in 2007, the original Assassin’s Creed was met with a very mixed reception. Many criticized the game’s repetitive mission structure, but did acknowledge the original story and impressive visuals.
Since then the developers at Ubisoft Montreal have obviously thought long and hard on these criticisms with the result being a much deeper and more enjoyable sequel.
Assassin’s Creed II picks up seconds after the cliff-hanger ending of the original game. We are back in the shoes of Desmond Miles who is thrust headfirst into the ongoing secret war between the Assassins and the shadowy Knights Templar, who seek to control the world.
The game’s story is much, much more complex than it appears at first glance. Through Desmond Miles, we take a trip back in time to relive the memories of his assassin ancestry. This occasion we take a look into the life of Ezio Auditore, in Renaissance Italy. Whilst Ezio’s tale of revenge is a large part of the plot, there is so much more depth that Ezio himself cannot even conceive of. It’s a tricky concept to get your head around, but the game does a good job of streamlining events whilst still keeping things mysterious right up until the game’s jaw-dropping climax.
Assassin’s Creed II begins to unravel the true importance of the ongoing battle and the treachery of the Knights Templar. Several real world events are weaved into the fiction, including the assassination of JFK and Ghandi, and raise many philosophical questions throughout. If you enjoy a good conspiracy theory this game is perfect for you. It pulls no punches and is even shocking at times.
The basic gameplay mechanics from the first game remain, essentially, the same with a few added features. Ezio is a master freerunner, able to run and climb upon any building with ledges to cling to. Draw distance is huge and once you get up high you can witness some of the most breathtaking vistas yet seen. This time around you can also jump while climbing to reach further ledges: a seemingly small addition which helps out greatly when you are rushing away from a battalion of guards.
This is then, obviously, mixed with combat, made up of armed combat which requires careful timing and practice to counter and dodge enemy attacks. Ezio also has the ability to pick up idle weapons and disarm enemies with his bare hands. Once again, the animations are silky smooth and the counter kills are the highlight of engagements. You are also granted a weapon wheel to facilitate a larger selection of weaponry and clever distractions (courtesy of none other than Leonardo da Vinci), including smoke bombs, poison and a pepperbox pistol. All of these give you much more variety in how you take on missions, although more often than not your targets will fall victim to the trusty hidden blade.
Another new trait this time around is the different factions up for hire throughout the city: mercenaries, thieves and courtesans. All of which essentially aid you to distract guards and avoid detection. Blending into crowds has also been added to your range of abilities. There are also a glut of collectable items and puzzles to solve which break up the time between missions. Furthermore, there are secret areas hidden within the cities which give you access to special items at your own personal villa.
Your villa is where the game’s new economy system comes into play. With the help your own architect, you can use the money you have raised to renovate different areas of the city which will grant you certain discounts off weapons and armour, and will increase the money you make back in taxes. Your villa will increase in population and the more money you put in it, the nicer it will begin to look.
Assassin’s Creed II is visually stunning. The amount of detail in the environments, and especially Ezio, is truly remarkable. The atmosphere of the Italian cities is spectacular, though cutscenes and facial animations can seem a little clunky. Assassin’s Creed II is by far one of the most visually accomplished games this year, putting other open world games, such as GTAIV, to shame. It also proves once and for all that the old ‘open world limitations’ excuse no longer holds water – you can have scope and detail.
Assassin’s Creed II is an exemplary case of a successful sequel with many improvements upon the original formula. For fans of the original and newcomers alike, a thoroughly enjoyable Renaissance revival.
Stuart Kent
Tags: adventure, assassins creed, ubisoft
