This is a game I had asked for Christmas, but I couldn't wait any longer, and my son and I rented it to give it a go. The first Assassin's Creed received somewhat mixed reviews, but I for one greatly enjoyed it. Ubisoft Montreal was promising many improvements in the hype leading up to the sequel, which left me a bit concerned. I worried that the immersive world and unique game play that I loved would get lost in an attempt to reach a wider audience.It turns out my worries were unfounded. Assassin's Creed 2 improves upon the original in every way without sacrificing in the least what made the original a great game. The core game, and story, is left intact, but is now surrounded by a much greater variety, not only in the missions, but in the game play too.
The core fighting mechanics are still the same where timing is at the essence of performing combinations and counter attacks, but they entered in a great many more moves, sneak attacks, and a whole armoury of weaponry. Being able to blend into the crowd is handled much more naturally without using a walk-real-slow button, and guards will no longer chase you simply for running to get to where you want to go. In addition, instead of improvements in weapon and armour being parcelled out, you can earn (or steal) money in the game and visit shops to get what you need.
The game play elements change up frequently with mission structure being modelled more after something like Grand Theft Auto. In addition there are tombs and catacombs to explore, taking full advantage of Assassin Creed's movement engine, with acrobatics that are reminiscent of Tomb Raider or Prince of Persia. The game even has DaVinci Code like moments with hidden glyphs and ancient puzzles to solve, and a simple sim game where you make improvements to your villa to help you earn more cash.
As much as I've enjoyed playing Grand Theft Auto IV the last little while, I think I like this one better. The game play is just as fun, the variety almost the same (the edge going to GTA), but for me what puts Assassin's Creed over the top is the detail and immersive feel of its world set in 15th century Italy. GTA has wonderful characters but it's dark, satiricaly, mood (although often hysterical) doesn't pull me in in the same way as Assassin's Creed's compelling, clever, story and historical detail.
Anyway, the game got returned today, unfinished, and I'm going to discipline myself to wait until Christmas to get to the end. Some things are worth savouring.
