Game Review: Assassin’s Creed II

Vitals

Title: Assassin’s Creed II

Developer: Ubisoft Montreal

Publisher: Ubisoft

Release: November 2009

ESRB Rating: M

Platforms: Xbox 360/PS3/PC

I know I’m late with this review, but I really wanted to finish the game before I talked about it. I was a big fan of of the original Assassin’s Creed game. However, after a few hours of gameplay, I was already thinking of things that could be added or that should be changed. It left me wanting more, and somewhat disappointed by the time I finally shelved the game.

That said, I was pumped when news of Assassin’s Creed II started to surface. Luckily I have guitar students who are cool enough to let me borrow games, so Shane, thanks man!

Instead of boring you with the plot details of Assassin’s Creed II I’m going to focus on some of the new gameplay elements. Here we go!

Changes/Additions

Purchases

• Health upgrades as you go (storage and pouches)
• New weapons & armor (gun ammo/throwing knives/smoke bombs/armor repairs)
• Dye Clothes
• Artwork to increase value of your village
• Poison
• Hire non-player characters to distract/fight enemies
• Throw coins to distract
• Village upgrades

Combat

• Disarming technique
• Less repetitive counter-attacks (way more creative!)
• Use of enemy’s weapon
• Double hidden blades
• Assassinate while hiding

Blending/Hiding

• Blend with groups of normal citizens instead of only monks
• Dive underwater to escape (yeah you can swim now!)

Side Quests/ Missions

• Separate assassination jobs
• Hidden locations that contain assassin’s symbols (All 6 unlock Altaïr’s armor)
• 20 Glyphs with accompanying  puzzles to further the storyline

Other Extras

• Ability to pilot gondolas and Leonardo’s flying machine
• New enemies with unique skill sets
• Long-range weaponry
• Throw dirt in the eyes of enemies while you’re unarmed

The presentation is mesmerizing. The environments have more color and warmth compared to the original AC.  Amazingly, in the many hours I dumped into this game, I didn’t experience any glitches even with many enemies on the screen. This is also without applying any game updates (no wifi adapter).

There are many other very cool features that I’m sure I’ve completely missed. If you haven’t checked this game out, by all means do. I was skeptical at first, especially having played the first game. I can’t wait for the next in the series. Kudos Ubisoft!