THIS is how a sequel should be done. I reeeeally love Ubisoft developed games, period. From The Prince of Persia titles (the first three) to the Splinter Cell series, their titles always seem to be made with great care and with the gamer first in their mind. Assassins Creed is no different. With the release of the second game in this franchise they seemed to have gotten it completely right. First off I’m an action/adventure game junkie and this title feeds my need entirely. From the jaw dropping scenery to the story progression, this game immerses you completely in renaissance Italy. Now what’s a brutha like me care about 1400′s era Italy? Nothing but this title drew me in with the hand-to-hand combat and the SICK fluidity of Ezio Auditore’s “freerunning” and climbing abilities…like the original but better.

The sheer amount of scaling, climbing and jumping has been improved all over. There’s not a building in the game that can’t be climbed…and this game is HUGE in scale. This is a true testament to game design because I’m a Grand Theft Auto-a-holic (San Andreas being my fave) and this game is just as varied in mission selection and locales with a very, very open world…much more than the first

This game is one part history lesson, one part action adventure and all out fun. The story takes place before the previous game and involves Altair’s (protagonist of last game) ancestor Ezio Auditore. Basically a revenge tale at first ,Ezio finds out after the wrongful death of his father and most of his family at with only his mother and sister surviving. Ezio begins his long journey into his father’s secrets and past, tying him directly to the assassins cult, protectors of good and history.

Ezio starts out a somewhat novice to the arts of assassination but he is a very quick learner. The story proceeds to twist and turn until the very satisfying ending so I won’t bore you with more details. The side quests aren’t stupid or tacked on, all serving a purpose to drive the looong story forward. You get a much larger variety of weapons to choose from, most designed by your pal Leonardo DaVinci. Lenny also designed some of the “Q” like gadgets you will utilize form time to time(the glider and double gauntlets are hot). All of this comes together gloriously. The mixing of fact and fiction is great. Game designers can learn a lot from this title.

The action/adventure bar has been raised and rightfully so. Water kills in the first title are gone and game length is at least 16-20 hrs which is plenty(even after 16+ hours of play time I’m left still wanting more). The fighting engine is much tighter and responsive than the original, with a healthy does of blood flow, so be warned.

All in all a definite contender for game of the year in my book, a complete title that delivers on all fronts. The action isn’t constant but it is dope and the lulls are short. Ubisoft has another AWESOME title to add to their impressive library. Thanks for listening to gamer complaints and addressing them. A definite must buy for the holidays. Just enough “wow” factor to keep the franchise alive, from the amazing graphics, rpg elements, open-world vibe and sick-ass action, this game has it all. A 9.5 for sure.

Rating: (9.5/10)

Smite All Cornballs

Sir M