Note: The version I've played is the Assassin's creed 2 game of the year edition + Assassin's creed. I do not know in great detail how this version differs from the previously released ones.
Additionally, please play Assassin's creed before reading this review as this review might contain spoilers.
In the world of video games, sequels are usually a good thing. The developers oftenly listen to the critism of the previous installments, work how they can make the next game even better, while sticking true to the same formula and at the same time tweak it enough it becomes a whole new experience. Unlike movies, video game sequels are usually better, or at least more critically acclaimed, that their predecessors. Your favorite video games are most likely a sequel of some sort, or at least part of a series in some way or form. For example, I prefer Streets of rage 2, Street fighter 2 or Kingdom hearts 2 over their originals. Of course there are sequels so far into the series that it's almost unfair to compare them, mostly because the predecessors were most likely great for their times and the sequels are and always will be closer to the ideal video game today since they always will be newer. Super Mario bros. were great for its time, but Super Mario world outpreforms it in all aspects. Ocarina of time and Final fantasy VII are said to be two of the greatest games of all time, although no one seems to mention the original Zelda or Final fantasy game in the same sentence. While there are sequels that does not get the same approval of the installments before them, such as Devil may cry 2, this rule mostly holds true in video games. I personally believe a series needs at least a trilogy, one to start the series, one more to test new things and experiment a bit, and a third to perfect it. I believe Spyro: year of the dragon is far better than Spyro or Spyro 2, just to give an example. This, too, isn't all true, since I still prefer Streets of rage 2 over 3, or Chrono trigger over Chrono cross (though this doesn't usually count as a trilogy).. Video games needs sequels in order to improve, and in turn, risks needs to be taken,
Assassin's creed 2 (AC2) is a perfect example of this done right.
Everything Assassin's creed created, AC2 expands. Assassin's creed was a linear and somwhat boring game with not much variety to it. AC2, on the other hand, is a LOT more open and is more of a sandbox game á la GTA at times. There are much more sidequests to do, you now have money, enabling you to buy new weapons and amror among other stuff, and even throw away to the people on the streets. The annoying beggars and drunkards are now gone (although street musicians, or bards, act in a similar fashion to beggars, but they're not quite as annoying as beggars since they're quiet when you're not around unlike beggars who continiously beg even when they don't see you), so there's no one to push you around anymore, literally. The carriers are still around and still annoys me, but they seem slightly less frequent in various locations. The climbing is also improved, since you now can climb faster by holding R1 and you learn new climbing techniques as well. This game feels like how Assassin's creed was ,meant to be, but never was for some reason.
Another major improvement is the storytelling. Let's be honest, by the end of Assassin's creed, we don't know too much about Altaïr. There's not mention in the game of his family, his hometown, how he came to join the assassins, etc. While I think Altaïr is a decent character, although bland, I wish the game that introduced him could tell us a little more about him, since this was his first ever appearance. Some might say it adds to his mystery, but I see no reason to keep the player in the dark about the main character in such a story driven game as Assassin's creed. The new protagonist, Ezio (pronounced Ett-zih-o) is more fleshed out, and perhaps that's why he has become more popular. I won't give away much about the story, but let's just say that most of Ezio and his past is shown in the game (though I still can't believe he has the same voice actor as Sonic). The game even explains the shift to Ezio and do try to cover up some questions one might have by simply being introduced to the new premise and characters. This is something I actually like, even if the explainations are brief and usually only lasts a line, but I don't recall having too many questions unanswered during the course of the game (until the ending at least).
The controls are largely the same as before. You learn some new moves, most of which are helpful, such as climbing faster. Finding out exactly what the new tricks are is pretty fun, and I won't spoil anymore. I do think parts of the climbing could still be better, such as jumping from walls, but at least they are improved.
Not so suprisingly, the graphics are much better, even though the first game had pretty good graphics, too. It feels more colorful and at the same time more "real" to me. If you liked the viewpoints from the other game, you're going to love this one. I still don't quite get why there have to be so many viewpoints and why you pretty much have to use them in order to navigate correctly. Something I wish they could have cut down on. Additionally, the music is pretty decent, but not anything I wish to rehear soon. It doesn't have to be all time high in order to be good, though.
In spite how varying the missions feel, the game can be sort of long sometimes. It drags its feel in the later part, but by the time I started to notice this, I was pretty close to the ending I was motivated enough to keep going. Of course the story was a major factor, too. It's nothing "game breaking" or something unbearable even. Just something I hope Ubisoft will think about until Assassin's creed 3. Some of the sidequests , like the feather gathering, weren't all that interesting to me, although I liked the Villa one since it made me feel like I had my own mansion and even made money off of it. Still better than no sidequests, though.
All in all, this game is a huge improvement, and is a lot more fun to play than its predecessor. If you somehow haven't tried this game out yet, do so. I recommend the Assassin's creed 2 game of the year edition + Assassin's creed version.
Also, I assumed people wanted me to make some sort of this line, but I will only say it instead: Requiestat in pace.
Summary: A huge improvement over Assassin's creed, this game is more open, has better storytelling and gets rid of a lot that held its predecessor back.
Grade: 8/10
All images found via google and are copyrighted by their respective owners.
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