Girl Gamer

The killing grounds have changed as well; now set in Italy during the Renaissance. Enjoy traversing cities of Italy like Florence, Monteriggioni, Tuscany, Venice, and Rome. Entertaining the fine art of Italian expletives, AC II has amusing sounds and the music enhances game intensity. You start off as Ezio being a carefree soul – but all that changes suddenly as tragedy strikes and he begins learning the ways of the Assassins to seek retribution.

Please remember that though there are historical figures in this game, the game it is still historically inaccurate (although the game version seems like it would prove more interesting at times).

One major historical character that you befriend is the great Leonardo Da Vinci who aids you in your mission and makes helpful gadgets along the way.

As you begin your journey, you will go from being a 17-year-old boy to an older and deadly assassin seeking vengeance for the crimes committed against him and his family. Training allows for a few more skills that weren’t in the first game and enabling you to do more, enhancing game play. Game mechanics are the same as the original but with major upgrades such as a newly implemented currency system.

Yay, Money

With the money you earn you’ll be able to upgrade your weapons, armor, poison, and purchase medicine to heal yourself in combat. Money is earned by completing missions, looting dead corpses, looting chests that are hidden around the cities, and pick pocketing. Money can also be used to rebuild the Villa in Monteriggioni- your safe zone where you keep your trophies of your triumphs in the game. The Villa is where you’ll be taking all the items you collect throughout the game. Think of your Villa as your Fortress of Solitude… Yes, I said it. This is where you keep everything that valuable and it’s a safe haven for Ezio.

One will surely want to go back and finish incomplete missions and find collectables. With the collectables you will be able to unlock a video called “The Truth” and be able to wear Altair’s gear. The side missions are definitely for those type of people that like seeing 100% complete in their progress of the game.

Combat

Combat is a bit different, but in a good way which is a relief from the last game. The combat is more complex; you can disarm your enemy, pick up weapons, and you can even hire courtesans, mercenaries, or thieves to distract your enemies.

You’ll be able to use a sword, dagger, gun, throwing knives, the ever so awesome assassin’s blade, daggers, and smoke bombs ::NINJA VANISH POOF::. Fighting isn’t all about smashing your attack button; you can use tactics to defeat your enemies that are bit harder to kill than your regular goons. Your regular goons are just pushovers, but there are different types. The guards are wearing light armor and then there are the “Robocops” of the Renaissance who are wearing full plate armor. The guards in full plate can be a pain if you just try slicing away. They are slow but their weapons make up for their hindered movement – so be smart and tactical when you encounter these bad boys.

Jet-Setting

The one aspect that I hated about the first Assassin’s Creed was the travel and having to run through meaningless areas like the mountains to get to your next mission. Fret not! There are now travel stations once you’ve visited that city. Another great aspect is story missions have their own symbol so you can advance in the story if you wish instead of doing the side missions.

This is a sequel I am proud to have played. Not only did it stay true to the original, but it also improved on parts where it was much needed.

I will say that the free running mode of the game can land you into some problems when trying to rush things. You’ll end up jumping on or off things that you didn’t mean to, so in some cases take things slowly or you’re just going to end up doing it all over again.

The story is quite grandiose, making it even more of an enjoyable game to play. All in all, this game is a definite buy if you love a great story with great game play. Assassin’s Creed II does not disappoint. I am looking forward to the next installment due to the great story. It’s very unique and I love the take on history (FAKE. remember this…).

This is one sequel that makes the cut of besting its original. So go out and grab yourself a copy, enter the age of the Renaissance and prepare to be reborn an Assassin.