LogFAQs > #922371201

#26: Assassin's Creed II

Assassin's Creed as a series is immensely important in video game history. The formula of open world + tower climbing + mini objective unlocking that has been overdone for a decade was originally ironed out here, and evolved AAA gaming beyond GTA.

Assassin's Creed II is the first one in the series that got the controls right enough to not be super frustrating, while still kind of pretending to have a sensical plot. The first game was interesting and tightly wound, but the second was more focused on growing the series some longer financial legs and broadening the setting. The combat is an improvement but still ultimately tedious- you essentially sit around waiting to be attacked so you can hit the counterattack button.

Ezio "it's a me, Ezio" Auditore was an intentionally fun-loving choice after players didn't resonate so much with Altair. It didn't quite make sense to me- Ezio's primary motivation is supposed to be revenge for the slaughter of his family. But he mostly just happily, diplomatically and unthinkingly progresses from objective to objective (very well, happy to please).

Renaissance Italy is a gorgeous setting, and the verticality lends itself to to the renovated control scheme and parkour technology. The fake accents are entertaining. It's immensely quotable and just funny to play with an audience.
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You did indeed stab me in the back. However, you are only level one, whilst I am level 50. That means I should remain uninjured.