Monday, November 30, 2009

Assassin's Creed 2

So I started my long thanksgiving break last Monday because I had no classes on Tuesday. So began the long journey into video game heaven. I picked up a copy of Assassin's Creed 2 and Modern Warfare 2 last week. to give you a peek into my personal life, yes I beat both of them in one week.

Assassin's Creed 2 is a direct sequel to the 2007 game Assassin's Creed 1 (as it now must be known.) You start the game again as unlucky bartender and all around nice guy Desmond Miles. Desmond is, as before, an unwitting pawn in the corporation Abstergo's plan to find all of the old relics of the world. Of course this is the Assassin's Creed universe so there is always a dual story.

This time around Desmond has to relive his ancestor Ezio Auditore's memories. Desmond does this in order to learn to be an Assassin in his own life because Ezio is not an assassin when the game starts. ezio is forced to become and assassin after he, an his family, are betrayed and his father and two brothers are murdered by the Templar order. The only problem I had with the story is that, besides the begining where there is a lot of expostition about Ezio taking revenge and what he plans to so next, the plot is very loosely strung together. It is very hard to follow. Also the large amount of italian names threw it off. I don't think the developer should apologize for the italian names, but I lost trak after the first few names that were spouted off. the story is good though. It is extremley well written and every character feels unique in their own right and you get to see historical characters and places in full 'Motion capture' technology.

As with the first game, there are two main parts to the game. There is the free running parkour exploration part of the game. Then there is the assassination/combat portion. The whole game has gotten a revamp in the terms of design. There are side quests now that actually branch off from the main story. There are also more ways to navigate the environment now that you pick up along the way. The combat has also had a small revamp. You now actually have a reason to fight with your fists this time around. I have to say that the disarm/counter kills were the best part of the combat. also you can fight with the hidden blade this time as well instead of just using it for assassinations. you can buy weapons and armor as well and choose the weapons that you want to use. There are also upgrades to the hidden blade that you recieve that include getting a second blade (get it? Assassin's Creed 2.) as well as using poision (my personal favortie) and also a gun. Going back to the side quests for a brief second. Yes, the assassination's are the most fun. be careful though. you'll be going about each one differently.

The biggest revamp this time around is of course the mission structure. You won't be doing the same three things for every assassination this time around. The mission structure is more story based this time around and you won't know what to expect next when it comes to the missions. you'll be taking out guards that are watching positions, you'll cause hell in the street with street brawls to clear the street, and rescue VIPs just to name a few. You also have a home base of operation that actually works for you this time and there is reason to actually go back to your villa. If you pour money into the right buildings at the right times, then you'll have more money than you'll know what to do with.

Closing Comments: So its been two years since the first Assassin's Creed and the series is better for it. Assassin's Creed 2 is better in every way from its predecessor. If you love stealth kills, jumping from high places, and running on roof tops, then get Assassin's Creed 2.

Final Verdict: Must Own

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