Status:
- Complete in Box
- Play Tested
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Assassin's Creed II - Essentials - PS3 Review
Assassin's Creed II, developed by Ubisoft Montreal and released in 2009, is the sequel to the highly successful original Assassin's Creed. As the second entry in the series, it greatly improves on its predecessor in terms of gameplay, story, and world-building. With a fresh protagonist, Ezio Auditore da Firenze, and a beautifully reimagined Renaissance Italy, Assassin's Creed II is widely regarded as one of the best games of its generation, refining the core mechanics and adding new layers of depth to the Assassin's Creed formula.
In this review, well look at the Essentials edition for PS3, which offers the same content as the original release, packaged in a more affordable, budget-friendly format.
Story & Narrative
Assassin's Creed II introduces a new protagonist in Ezio Auditore, a young, wealthy nobleman from Florence whose life takes a tragic turn when his family is betrayed and murdered by a powerful Templar faction. Driven by vengeance, Ezio becomes an assassin, seeking to uncover the truth behind the conspiracy and bring justice to those who wronged him.
The narrative is a significant step up from the first game, with a stronger focus on character development and storytelling. Ezio's transformation from a reckless young man into a skilled assassin is compelling, and his emotional journey provides a solid anchor for the overall plot. Along the way, Ezio will interact with historical figures like Leonardo da Vinci, Rodrigo Borgia, and other key personalities from the Renaissance period, making the story both engaging and educational.
The game mixes historical events with fictional conspiracies, adding a layer of intrigue and mystery. While the overarching plot about the conflict between Assassins and Templars remains at the heart of the story, the personal motivations of Ezio make the narrative feel more grounded and relatable. The way the game weaves Ezio's personal vendetta into the larger geopolitical landscape is masterfully done, keeping players invested in both the character and the world.
Gameplay & Mechanics
Assassin's Creed II greatly expands on the gameplay introduced in the first game, refining its mechanics and introducing new features that make the experience far more engaging.
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Parkour & Movement: The free-running system is one of the standout features of Assassin's Creed II. The parkour mechanics have been significantly improved, with much smoother transitions between climbing, running, and jumping. The fluidity of movement makes exploration a joy, and the vast, detailed environments encourage players to traverse cities like Venice, Florence, and Rome with ease.
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Combat: The combat system has been revamped, offering a more dynamic and fluid experience. Ezio can now counter attacks, perform multiple combo moves, and use a variety of weapons, including swords, daggers, and hidden blades. The combat is satisfying but not overly complex, relying on timing and positioning rather than button mashing.
The addition of a range of weapons and tools, such as poison darts, smoke bombs, and the ability to use hidden blades in both hands, allows for more strategic and creative combat encounters. The game does a great job of rew
