Assassin's Creed 2 is easily one of the most anticipated games of 2009, and after the original game sold so many, it's not difficult to see why. However, despite its hugely impressive sales and its great achievements, there were aspects of the game that weren't well received and prevented the game from being a true masterpiece.
Ubisoft Montreal are looking to rectify these points though, and during a recent Ubisoft event, Gaming Union had a chance to experience many of these changes first hand when they were able to play the game.
The main focus of the demo was to perform an assassination for some friends of Ezio. They enlist his services to deal with a man who has been causing trouble and upon undertaking the mission, it's instantly apparent that missions aren't as linear as before. In order to mount a proper assault, Ezio must first take down some archers that are defending the target's building. Thus allowing the allied members to mount positions, and defend Ezio during his actual mission.
The archers are positioned in high locations around the target, and to reach them, some climbing must be undertaken. The cities, in this case Venice, are much more intricate. There are many more buildings, and the size is even more impressive than before. Climbing has been suitably refined, so that it's much more responsive and quick. However, there are still some awkward moments were Ezio sometimes gets stuck on elements that look climbable. Overall though, the revised speed makes climbing a much more enjoyable experience.
Leaping between buildings is as fun as in Assassin's Creed, and hunting down the archers, which are highlighted on the map, doesn't take very long once bearing are set. If the player is skilful enough, he can take them down with an instant stealth kill, much like in the original, but if not, then combat will ensue. Some elements of the combat system have remained the same, like the emphasis on rhythm. However, many other parts have changed. It's now possible to use the hidden dagger in actual combat, and Ezio can also fight bare fisted. It gives the player more variety with regards to their fighting style, and combined with the numerous weapons now available, it helps to add a much needed layer of depth.
Alongside his fists and hidden dagger, Ezio can also use another weapon. There was a sword in the original, but now the choice of weapons ranges from maces, hammers, axes and many more. However, one of the biggest advances is the ability to disarm opponents, and in some cases it's the only way to defeat enemies. Fighting bare handed allows this to happen, and it's performed instead of a counter attack. It then of course leaves the enemy without a weapon, making them easy targets. As highlighted though, some enemies cannot be killed simply by attacking with a sword; they are just too strong. The only way to defeat them is to steal their weapon and then attack them while they are defenceless.
Upon killing the archers, Ezio must then try and enter the restricted area, where the target is residing. It's possible to just charge in and experience some of the combat that was just described, but there are other options available too. It's now possible to hire groups of people to distract guards, and this can either be via fighting or by flirting. Hiring thieves will offer Ezio assistance in battle, and provide a welcome distraction for the opponents. However, it's possible to be more subtle by hiring ladies to go and flirt with the guards, and remove them from their posts. It offers much more thought, and again allows players to play the game in a way that's more suitable to their playing style. Fighting isn't the only way to achieve an objective.
The ability to hire assistance helps introduce the new economy system that's present in the game. Ubisoft Montreal are quick to point out that this isn't a role-playing game, but they wanted players to feel that their experience is unique. Ezio's estate earns money, and it's also possible to find loot and pick-pocket people. This money can then be used to buy new armour, weapons and to change the colour of Ezio's clothing. There are sure to be more elements present in the final game though.
The climax of the demo was hunting down and performing the assassination. This will be much more familiar territory for players of the original, and upon performing the deed, the death scene returns from the first game to offer a sense of closure.
Overall, Assassin's Creed 2 has a similar feel to the first, but it's good to know that Ubisoft have taken the complaints from the first game on board. Everything feels much more refined now, and there is a certain level of depth that was just missing. There is so much more to say, but things will be covered more extensively when we publish our full review. Be sure to check the game out when it is released for the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 on the 20th of November, 2009.
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