In 2007, Ubisoft released an ambitious title called Assassin's Creed. The game is about a kidnapped bartender and a direct descendant of Altaïr Ibn La-Ahad, the top assassin of a brotherhood of assassins during the "Third Crusade" period around 1191. Although repetitive and unrefined at the edges, Assassin's Creed boasted one of the coolest-looking characters in a very long time, a movie-like storyline, and a smooth combat system that mirrors that of Batman: Arkham Asylum. As a result, the game became a worldwide phenomena.
Two years later, it's long-awaited sequel is set to be released this November. Assassin's Creed 2 looks to be even more of an epic and promises to make everything the original offered (and didn't) even better.
This time around, gamers take on the role of Ezio Auditore da Firenze, a young Italian nobleman who is out for vengeance and cleansing of Renaissance Italy. The theme of vengeance and feeling the need to punish those who break the law, for someone from the wealthy society, give Ezio a deeper and darker personality than Altaïr. It's quite necessary given the setting of Renaissance Italy which is a period in history were people often look the other way of corruption and death to uphold the "civility" of politics and countries.
There are new features (i.e. notoriety system, more options to assassinate, money, doctors for healing, etc.), upgrades, and more weapons (i.e. halberds, axes, pikes, dual hidden blades, etc.) available for Ezio thanks to a young Leonardo da Vinci (which is a nice touch since he is the biggest icon of that period), who befriends Ezio and sort of becomes his Q). The game also makes the players examine the situation of an assassination before execution (and perhaps an escape plan or two) and decide how to decrease or remove the notoriety currently placed on the head of Ezio by either bribing or killing witnesses. Plus, Ezio can no longer stay and hide somewhere for a long time since guards can now search anywhere and everywhere so the A.I. has been upgraded as well.
These are just half of the refinements and additions Ubisoft has given Creed 2. The developers really immersed themselves into making this game, and I think they've outdone themselves. Two years after the original might sound too quick to create a sequel, but Ubisoft has a good history of making solid sequels in limited time. I don't think there will be much of a letdown for Creed 2.
The game isn't out yet, but it's generated more excitement and anticipation than the original. There are probably three games coming out in the next five months that I think is worth its pricetag. Assassin's Creed 2 is one of those three.
EARLY VERDICT: A Must Buy!
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