Game Summary:
Assassin's Creed 2 is the widely anticipated second instalment of the Assassin's Creed series. Following straight on from the ending of Assassin's Creed, thrusting you into 1476 Venice as Ezio, a womanizing nobleman-turned-assassin on a mission of revenge, with a huge free-roam open world at your disposal.

The map consists of huge cities and towns, one of which you are able to renovate and turn into a bustling market town, earning you money on the side whilst you spend your time killing bad guys.
You can take time-out from the fast-paced plot, with a multitude of side quests to help you throughout the game, now with 16 different types of missions, compared to only 4 in the first Assassin's Creed, and as you progress through the game, Ezio becomes more and more notorious, making your tasks a lot harder to complete. Bribing citizens, tearing down 'Wanted' posters and killing witnesses puts a stop to all that!

The game also introduces a monetary system, giving you the freedom to buy and barter with the citizens of Venice, whether you're buying medicine from a street-side Doctor, or hiring prostitutes and thieves to distract the guards. You can also work towards improving and adding to your armour and weapons, such as halberds, axes, long pikes, swords, daggers and numerous others, with the one-and-only Leonardo Da Vinci assisting and creating your arsenal of unique assassin weapons.

Desmond has also been given a bigger part in this instalment, being able to do more than just plod around. This helps get rid of the 'stop-start' feel to the first plot, allowing the fast-paced game play to continue without grinding to a halt. Despite Desmond's new-found liveliness, Ezio is easily the focus of the game, bringing flair and class to such a gritty, sinister profession. There is also a chance to delve deeper into the plans of the Templars, through a course of mini-games unlocked throughout the main game.
Whereas the first Assassin's Creed stumbled in some places, Ubisoft have vastly improved these problems without changing the unique aspects of the series. Where Altair clumsily lumbered along, Ezio moves quickly and effortlessly under the cover of night. Selecting the weapons is a lot faster too, so you won’t be left at the mercy of your enemies. Making your way around the city has become a lot smoother too, with the parkour made faster and easier, allowing the character to take to the water and even the sky.

Possibly the biggest improvement of all in the game is the variety in environment, whether it’s the hiding spots, enemies or civilians. The graphics are sharp and crisp, and the level of detail is amazing, whether it’s the glitz and glamour of the high-society courtesans, or the dark grittiness of the Venetian underworld.

There is so much more to Assassin's Creed 2, but I got distracted and made out with a hot girl, but that’s beside the point. Plus, I wouldn't want to spoil it for you.

Simply put, if you are a fan of the first Assassin's Creed, you'll love Assassin's Creed 2, and when it's made by a team of 450 developers, you know its gonna be good.

Review written by Game Goddess Niansa

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