Assassin's Creed II
About the Game
Desmond Miles, the last in the line of the ancient order of Assassins, has been captured by the modern-day descendants of the Templars, forced to experience past events through a device called Animus in order to obtain crucial information. However, one of the scientists unexpectedly switches sides, asking Desmond to put his trust in her hands and follow her out of the complex. Soon afterwards they escape the holding place and team up with some new allies that intend to use Desmond's knowledge against the Templars. Their new device is called Animus 2.0, an upgraded version of the original.
Story & Setting
Besides fictional characters, the game has famous historical figures from the time period, such as Leonardo da Vinci, Niccolò Machiavelli, Cesare Borgia and others, who play an active role in the game's story. Authentic cultural and political environment of the Italian Renaissance is represented in the game along with fictitious accounts of the events, alternate history, and metaphysical theories. The protagonist can freely explore several large cities and rural locations on foot or on horseback. Nearly every building can be climbed on, and the protagonist can access the tallest rooftops, observing the panorama with his Eagle Vision.
Gameplay & Core Systems
Assassin's Creed II is a free-roaming action game very similar in concept and gameplay mechanics to its predecessor. The core gameplay resembles that of the previous game. It is also possible to swim and navigate boats in the game. Free-form jumping and running occupies a considerable portion of the gameplay. One of the sequel's most notable additions is the financial system, which was not present in the first game.
Standout Features
- Items, weapons and armor can be bought in shops and repaired for money.
- There are many more weapon types and individual weapons and armor in the game.
- Ezio can carry swords, daggers, throwing knives, smoke bombs, a pistol, and a variety of upgradeable armor types.
- Weapons can also be picked up from fallen enemies and used in the same battle.
- Abundant treasure can be collected from various spots in the game world.
- There are new ways of being stealthy in this sequel.
- Ezio can pay courtesans to distract guards, hire mercenaries to fight them, or commission thieves to create a distraction.
- The protagonist often receives new equipment and new challenges to experiment with.
Presentation & Atmosphere
These quests often involve traversing complex indoor platform environments in order to reach the goal.
Display support includes HDTV 720p, HDTV 1080i, and HDTV 1080p. Audio support includes Dolby Digital.
