PS3 Informer

Assassins Creed 2: Review

Our time-traveling assassin in back with a new adventure and new list of people to kill, this time in the watery streets of Venice. Before we start this review, I must admit that I am one of those players who didn't really 'get' the first outing of this series. When I first played Assassin's Creed, it left me feeling disconnected from the action, and with the repetitive mission structure, it didn't feel like the story had many surprises. It was mostly just go here, go there, kill those guys, etc. With Assassin's Creed 2, I wasn't very excited, expecting this to be more of the same, but my brother pestered me into giving it another chance. Ultimately I am pleased that he did (thanks Jay).

I have just completed the entire game and I am just about to start back on AC1 as my curiosity is now renewed.

Now let's get to our review of Assassin's Creed 2. On paper this shouldn't really work: old old old fashioned third person, running round old old old fashioned towns and rooftops whilst trying not to knock apples and pears out of the locals baskets. Seriously, this game should suck and bore the pants of you. The premise seems a little malnourished as it is a very basic world with basic ideas.

It's a really strange sensation when the game pulls you in and holds you there, and you simply keep wanting to know what happens next. The strength of this game lies in its characters and its story telling style. There is nothing better than being impressed when you weren't really expecting it and that is where we should begin. This review is by someone who has really become and Assassin Convert, obviously not literally, I am far too clumsy to kill anyone but myself, but you get my meaning.

Quiet now people, let history be told

You play a character who is a bit of a 'dark horse'. In and out of scraps and being continually asked to behave by your Father until he meets his maker. Your father is onto something big and as a result of this is double crossed and killed. After the classic meeting to discover you must clear his name, a big fat carrot is dangled and you start out as a real rookie, fumbling through and slowly but surely making your way ever closer
to solving the mystery. As you work through the game the feel of it is very clear and well thought-out. The relationships with your remaining family and Leonardo Di Vinci are brilliant as they continually ground you as you begin climbing toward the peak that is a 'Seasoned Assassin'. The GTA Style mission path is good and each task somehow draws you in and makes you more interested. I mean if you wanted to strip it down it's a case of go to point A - listen - accept - go to point B and carry out mission. But to do it justice it's much more than that with each task offering you a snippet of info whilst showing you something new and engaging. There is so much to do and so many differences that this is a great part of the game.

You develop as a person and grow physically as well as mentally as you start to notice a wisdom in your character as well as becoming much more skillful when in battle/stealth situations. The fight sections are brilliant and hugely enjoyable. I love the religious route that has been taken with this game as with it being such a touchy subject for most it
offers depth and a look it maybe what may have been. I mean who knew Leonardo was so cool and easy to get along with? The alliances formed are great and again simply make the game feel bigger and as though you have many ways in which you could go.

Eyeballs Forward:

Graphically this game is quite lush, very colorful and nicely designed. It feels real and the hustle and bustle add to the experience. You find it easy to fly around and with the mapping system you have its really easy to navigate and make your way through the streets. The only gripe I have is that the level design can still feel repetitive and sometimes you going from Task to Task can becoming a little bit of a chore due to the lack of variety. Scaling the rooftops can also become a little boring as the scope
and paths available to you feel a little uninspired. Similar to those 'Old School' cartoon chase scenes. This isn't a huge annoyance, but you will notice it when having to scale rooftops for a distance. Other than that the visuals are very good. Cut scenes are good and help the tale unfold at a good pace which, is also another little nod towards how well the story is told. Vertigo is offered here too with the slightest of ledges at the highest of points being accessible to you.

The style of play here does take some time to get used to and I often found myself hitting the wrong button to open the Weapon Menu. Other than that it is a joy to behold with the odd slow down kill and multiple opponent battles being fast paced and feeling as though they belong. The battle system is very much mixed, the game offers you a situation and its entirely up to you how things go. Sneak in with a hired crowd if you like
a take down your target, blend in with the locals for a 'SURPRISE' moment as your double blade sinks in, jump in and drop a bomb causing all around to cough and splutter whilst you attack, attack, attack. The game can be as slow or as action-packed as you choose.

In most cases I find the attitude of the target influencing my decision. If he is loud and brash then I go in 'Guns Blazing' taking down his protectors with a full flailing kill. If he is meek and timid I stealth in amongst the crowd and shadows with a kill and shift, disappearing whilst the guards shout and carry on. This is a great part of the game which
pulls you in gently.

The game overall is great and feels really fresh. Unconvinced gamers should really give it a go, if only as a rental. I can honestly say you won't be disappointed. It's really lots of fun!

The Pros

Great Storyline, Visuals and Voice Acting

A joy to behold with points where you forget it's a game as its feels like a Period Movie

Great Franchise as it's so different from a lot that is about at the moment - I see a lot of life in there for a third - a futuristic spin off maybe if not a prehistoric adventure?

The Cons

Controls can be fiddly at times

Rooftops free running and point to point movement can become slightly boring and tiresome

The lead character is completely unlikeable for some odd reason

Try, Buy, or Avoid like the.....couldn't think of a rhyme.

This game has a lot to offer and it's a joy to play. However I don't think that a revisit will be required here as it's the time of game that once you have done it, you've done and bar the side missions doesn't really make me want to play it again and again. However the size of the game is good and if you don't want to be rushed then I would have to say Buy. It's a fair result for AC2 and the fact that it hasn't been over-hyped makes it even more satisfying when it continually comes good. For the good of your PS3/360 I would say add this to your collection as its simply too good to miss!

4.5/5