Graphic Nature: Assassin’s Creed II

What do The Knights Templar, Assassin’s, The entire history of the world, and a man by the name of Desmond Miles have in common? Well besides having you go WTF? about what I am talking about they also sharing the plot to Ubisoft’s Assassin’s Creed series.

Assassin’s Creed II
Xbox 360, PS3, & PC
Developer: Ubisoft Montreal
Publisher: Ubisoft
ESRB Rating: M For Mature
Price: Xbox 360 & PS3- $59.99 PC – $49.99

The basic story behind Assassin’s Creed II picks up basically right where the first game ended. Desmond is still being held captive by Abstergo Industries due to his ancestry. Soon Desmond is rescued by Lucy Stillman, a former researcher for Abstergo and a member of the modern-day Assassins, and brought to a hideout where her and two other modern-day Assassins have built there own Animus (device that let’s you relive your ancestors past). Their goal is to train Desmond via the bleeding effect and search for another Pieces of Eden through the memories of another of Desmond’s ancestors Ezio Auditore da Firenze who resides in Italy during the Renaissance. This is where the more intersting story takes place.

Pros

A Story So Good You Won’t Want To Stop Playing – One of the biggest factors Assassin’s Creed II is so addictive is the story behind it. You will honestly sit there trying to figure out how everything you discover comes together and the second you have the answer the game will prove your theory wrong. Between playing through Ezio Auditore da Firenze’s story and wondering how everything will turn out for Desmond there is enough to occupy 15+ hours of your time.

The game also makes you go through just about all the little semi-side quest and puzzles to unlock little hints that will help, try to at least, explain what is going on. From looking for glyphs left by Subject 16 (Desmond is Subject 17), finding codex pages (Assassin’s Bible), and helping rebuild your stronghold you will be busy all the time. However, it is the main story that keeps your attention. Trust me when I say that at the end of the game you will be questioning a lot more then the events that took place, but also the history of the world and maybe even your faith.

Hey I Can See My Stronghold From Here – Along with a better story then its predecessor, Assassin’s Creed II also features improved graphics. You might not notice them right away, but once you scale your first tower to unlock a piece of the map you will be like HOLY SH*T. The detail of the vast landscape of Italy and the cities you visit within this game are breath taking. I want to visit the country now just so I can see them for myself.

Besides the graphical detail of the world around you will also notice that the further you get in the game there are a few little things that make you appreciate how far long video games have come. Examples would be watching Ezio’s clothes dry after diving in water, the changing of lighting and shadows on objects, and sparks flying from swords as you fight enemies.

Plus, the cut scenes are pretty to watch.

Ninja Warrior Course Here Comes Ezio – Just like in the first game, Assassin’s Creed II relies on your characters free running/ parkour abilities. From climbing towers to unlock parts of the map to using roof tops to sneak up on your targets. I guarantee that you will spend most of your time running or climbing something.

Leonardo da Vinci Is The Man – One of your main allies within this game is Leonardo da Vinci. Mr. da Vinci will help you decipher codex pages which in turn lead to improved weapons to make your killing that much more fun. He also lends you one of his inventions to help you complete a mission.

Cons

I Said Go Right, Not Backwards! – The controls for Assassin’s Creed II could use a little work. There were certain points within the game that I found myself spending 30 minutes or so just trying to finish one Assassin Tomb challenge. Your controls would get stuck in one action for a few seconds or not react at all to what button you pushed or moved the analog stick. I even changed batteries and controllers to see if that would help and it didn’t.

Um Excuse Me This Isn’t The Shot I Wanted – There are some parts of the game where the camera will go into an angle where you can barely make out what’s going on or the action needed to advance. It will also cause you to move in the wrong direction or worse fall making you go through an entire puzzle course again.

Overall, Assassin’s Creed II is everything that it should be. Just like the first game it keeps your attention while making it fun to play and teaching you a little something along the way. The story alone is worth playing this game if not for the enjoyment factor, but for its whole perspective on certain biblical and world events. Plus, any game that starts out with a warning and the fact it was made by people of different faiths and religions you know it is going to be good.

4 out of 5 stars