God gfx and animations, but extremely poor gameplay. The Ai is basically non existent, the city feels like its full of mindless drones that dont care if a guy falls straight in the middle of the plaza. The crow blending mechanic is both unrealistic and lame. The whole future thing and animus contribute with absolutely nothing to the game experience, they bring the game no value. The story is completely childish and cheesy. The combat suggests that our hero is from sparta, and not an assassin, relying on stealth. You can easily take out more heavily armed guards in face to face combat, clearly not an assassin way. In conclusion: nothing new, no assassin feeling, dull world, same problems, boring.… Expand

Probably the best game i've played, ever. The story is interesting and complex, the gameplay is brilliant (fixed every bad thing from the first game) and the graphics make you feel like you're really in 1500 and in Italy. Amazing.

Amazing Game. The around 20 hours of gaming time (came to around 3 days worth of time) spent by myself on this game was extremely fun and immersive. The missions vary and are diverse from each other, and the settings and themes of Renaissance Italy fit in very well with the gameplay. Only held back by the lack of wanting to go back to the game again, however an excellent game netherless. Vast improvements over the first game and now has a place on my gaming shelf. Loved the game, and i recommend it!… Expand

Assassin's Creed 2 is an example of how to improve on pretty much everything from the first iteration (Assassin's Creed). The game looks excellent and the design is still as impeccable as the original game. The game-play mirrors the original greatly and this is not a bad thing. The audio design is top notch as you feel that you really are in these events that are taking place. The story is quite engrossing and is bolstered by side quests that actually relate back to the main storyline. If you found yourself finding that the original was a little repetitive but enjoyed the story then you will love the sequel as it retains the strong story elements and makes the game a lot more varied and interesting.… Expand

This game is just so much fun and it is so beautiful to look at, each area is rendered in amazing detail, so it's a real joy just wandering (or leaping and climbing) around the fully realised cities of Italy. I wasn't expecting it to be so much of a 'sandbox' style environment, you can just roam around for hours. I'm really taking my time with it and doing all the side missions, all the extra bits and pieces will give you a huge amount of game-time. I am fairly new to this era of gaming, but I have swiftly become a huge fan of this game and am very excited about continuing the story. The story is really engrossing and even the NPC's are endearing characters. An Assassin's whole raison d'être is to kill people, so I'm not certain what people who have said its repetitive were expecting, even so there are quite a few other bits to do. It has taken up a large part of my life since I bought it at the beginning of August. Epic, enjoyable and even educational.… Expand

Better than AC 1 but still not that much fun to play. Gameplay is just too boring and repetitive.

Manages to improve on the original. This game is great from the sandbox gameplay, to the conspiracy stories.

Perfect, it had enough similarities to hold onto what made AC 1 great and enough changes to make it still more interesting but didn't deviate to much from the original formulae :)

Assassin's Creed II is one of the best games of the year in my opinion. The story, soundtrack, voices, and everything about the sound is stellar. At minimum, without doing any sidequests, the campaign comes to about 15 hours. I played the first AC at my friend

ACII Exceeds the first game in every way. Great graphics, great music, divers gameplay and an awesome setting. This is what Assassin's Creed needed to be!

Amazing...incredible... thank you for have the oportunity to trip to Italy with my xbox360.

While the prequel was boring in many aspects, part 2 is on a whole different level and is indeed a perfect gaming experience. Should be Game of the year 2009. Sadly, it probably won't due to mediocre games hyped by the industry, as always.

Don't let the AC1 fool you. AC2 is different in many ways. Lot of effort has gone into making the cities in the game. A must have/play-and-sell.

Like marmite, you love it or you hate it. I loved it, i loved it so much that i got platinum. and i love it still.

This is an improvement on the original in every single way, and a game of great proportions. AAA grade title!

an amazing game!! After being dissapointed by the first game, I was apprehensive about this but seriously everything in AC2 has been polished and perfected with all the crap cut out from the first title. Graphics, gameplay and plot all get a 10 and dont even start me on longetivity, its an RPGers dream. Pretty much if you liked the first game you'll go bonkes for this and if u hated the first game, kinda like me, you'll still love it, buy it!!… Expand

Assassin's 2 is EVERYTHING I had hoped the first game was going to be from the initial vids. The first game was a huge disappointment. Thankfully Ubisoft et al have heeded the criticisms and come back with an accomplished sequel.

They took all the things you were complaining about with the first one, fixed it... and made everything that was good, better and more varied

Fantastic game. It is hard for me to find any other game in recent memory that continually kept me wanting more, throughout the entire game. I rate games based on 4 main categories: Graphics, Gameplay, Extras, Overall Enjoyability. I am an EXTREME critic of these concepts of games, and give a thorough rating on each category. This is the first and only game that I have given a perfect 10. I can rebut each and every argument that anyone has toward slandering this game, including main complaints about the control scheme and the lack of multiplayer. The control scheme is difficult to use only to those who do not take advantage of the training ring located outside of Ezio's villa. Any problem you have with the controls can be learned by practicing your combat and your movement skills there. As for multiplayer, the game can be played by one's self, or with a friend or family member. I found it extremely enjoyable to decode the puzzles from the glyphs with my wife, who HATES video games. It has everything a game should have. Action, adventure, gore, sex, violence, suspense, conspiracy and history, while combining all of these concepts into a true masterpiece. Fantastically done. Perfect 10.… Expand

This game was the greatest game I have ever played in my entire life. everything about assassins creed II stands out from the crowd. the game play is intense, the characters are quite intriguing and the mix of history with fiction gives the game a "da Vinci Code" feeling. Highly Recommended

Just simply amazing game!

Great game! intresting, amazing graphics, great gameplay. Tooke me a 3 week adventure to finish the game. excellent!

Gave this a 6, because the game play is too repetitive, boring, and too easy... The movement and gameplay concept were fairly good. The character graphic was OK, looks like Half-Life 2 quality with crap loads of anti-aliasing... only eye candy was the in-game city structure/design... they were stunning, but that's about it... The missions were so boring, is the same shit everytime, You just keep on killing people, and is not even hard... even if you aggro loads of guards, you can easily escape or kill them all... The bosses are insanely easy to kill too. I am fairly disappointed with this game. Definitely not worth paying 69.99$, good thing i got it used.… Expand

I find it funny that people either love this game or love to hate this game. I can see some respects of both, it's not the perfect game, but it is NOT worth a 2 rating unless someone was looking for a shooter and stumbled on this thinking "wait this isn't halo?WTF, i'm giving this a 2!" It's easy to overlook some flaws in the game such as minor glitches that will see your character get stuck on a wall, but the overall look, feel and story to the game is incredible. Compared to the first game, this is better, there is an actual plot to this story other than politics. The AI may not be the best, but compared to other games, this is far better. One reviewed said that the crowd didn't react to the character falling out of the sky... well this is a game and not every little aspect can be taken into account, especially with the depth this game has. Anyways I think this game is one of the best games I have played in a while, incorporating all the right features for a spectacular adventure.… Expand

I was a little concerned about this game after all the hype that proceeded it but thankfully I had nothing to worry about. The story runs smoothly and even if you decide to wander off and do some of the side missions you are never too far away from the action. The fight scenes do sometimes feel a little choreographed but the variety of extra things to do in the game mean that you soon forget about that. A nice addition to the game is UPLAY, a trophy style system introduced by Ubisoft that allows you to "buy" extra things for your game (like extra throwing knives, an Altaïr costume and an exclusive map that lets you explore the Auditore family crypt as well as getting you a nice wad of cash) once you have achieved certain conditions in game. It adds to the trophies that you also get from the game by giving you a tangible reward. I would recommend this game to everyone as it improves on the previous incarnation and allows you to become immersed in the story and the environment.… Expand

It is a BRILLIANT game with a good story and amazing graphics. But it does take a little while before you get used to the controls because there are so many!!! But it is a really good game and you should get it for PS3 of Xbox360 (i played both).

This game was almost infinitely better than the first, it combines a more rpg element with classic adventure gameplay. I beat it in a little under a week but it has a pretty solid replay value. The story is interesting and helps keep you motivated to continue playing although i thought the end of the game story wise was a bit disappointing. Where the first game was very linear and repetitive this game improves giving you new abilities and a variety of missions definitely worth playing at the very least a rental.… Expand

Most of us means, that a sequel to a game is not as good as the first one, or even bad... But I think that Assassin's Creed 2 is a HUGE upgrade from the first game (which sucked). The minigames makes the game extremely long and varied, the fights works alot better, the weapons are awesome, it's cool that Leonardo Da Vinci is in the game etc. I could continue with the good things! The only bad thing about the came is, that the free-run still needs some work. So I'll give it 9/10.… Expand

I could go on for hours in terms of how Assassin's Creed II improves and expands upon it's predecessor in terms of gameplay, combat, visuals, and overall presentation. All of these elements have been perfected and make Assassin's Creed II one of the best games in the open world genre. What makes Assassin's Creed II the king, however, is it's narrative, which introduces one of the most likable characters in videogame history and brings the player on an emotional journey as he transforms from a boy into an Assassin both in the past and present. It's emotional, thrilling, and breathtaking. One of the industry's best games.… Expand

this game is absoulutly breath taking it has amazing graphics an interesting story line which is also pretty long as well. after playing this game it made me want to go outside and just start climbing stuff the way ezio does and this game is also a great way to learn about italian history if you read the facts that they have collected. the only problem i had with this game was i usually got frustrated with the fact that often times when i want ezio to do something he would do something compleatly different or try to climb or jump off of something in the wrong direction especially in the tombs but other than that the game is simply amazing… Expand

this is such an amazing game that even after playing for more than 40 hours you would be hard pressed to put down the controller because of its addicting nature. Completing different quests never get old and the majesty of being an Assassin keeps the fun going.

Simply best of the Assassin's Creed franchise. It gives you more features for your enjoyment such as dying your armor colors, buying a different selection of weapons, etc. The story itself is great, the 'future' gameplay is still boring rubbish though, it just ends up feeding you the story after jumping around for a while. The city design is overall well done, all the main cities look practically identical though. The combat is much better but is still a bit clunky, the animations are great. There is a flaw with the AI system, it doesn't even have one, they just react to certain actions you do, nothing more. It's overall a great game, it's better played on console as well. If you loved or hated Assassins Creed 1 you should give 2 a try.… Expand

I had days and days of fun with this game, for those who love the free roaming games like me, you are going to have a lot of fun jumping from building, diving into the river and jumping into enemies from hiding, it takes a while to get used to the controls but it's not impossible. Beautiful backgrounds, sounds and voice acting. AI could been better and story it's hard to follow since you have the natural flow of the game plus two or three parallel stories to follow.… Expand

Assassin’s Creed II. Good Points:
● The addition of new gameplay elements such as, swimming, driving boat, so etcetera... ●Combat, it has improved a lot than its predecessor, having more variety like picking an enemy's weapon from the floor and use it, or dodge an enemy attacks and with counter-attacks you don't have to be so precise in the moment you do it. Variety in the missions, yous, you don't have to only kill your target in this game, it changes a lot. You maybe have to follow him, or wait until the exact moment to kill him, or maybe pursue him/she. The Length and quality of the campaign, it is a long game and not linear so you always want to know what comes next. The character, Ezio Auditore da Firenze. He's very likeable, he's a strong and bad-ass when he wants, but he also has his soft side. The recreation of The Rinascita of Italy. Side missions and objectives, which were not present in the previous game. Such as races with the horse, or doing parkour. Assassinating different objectives and collecting different objects for rewards in the game, or trophies. Graphics. Variety of weapons and wide inventory.
BAD POINTS:
● Still can't get with the horse into the city. Present day didn't improve, it's still VERY boring. Stealth is okay, but many would prefer a face to face battle.
Final score:
Assassin's Creed II is an amazing game which accomplished almost all the things the previous wanted to do, but there are a lot of things that can be improved but they're not very important. Average Score: 9.4… Expand

This is a tricky one for me. It's one of those games where I really enjoy playing for most part yet at the same time i also felt that it was not nearly as good as it should be. Positives: The main focus is the graphical depiction of these beautifully rendered cities and the way the main character seamlessly interacts with them which is also the games main selling point. Then there is also the amusing story and fab voice acting. Negatives: On the downside there doesn't seem to be much else. The missions are mostly monotonous and kinda silly (and at times plain stupid), the only real difficulty is during the rare dungeon moments and some time-trial tasks which to me ranged from pretty cool to utterly dumb and frustrating for no reason. And that's part of the game's problem: many things seem random and for the most part its like you are constantly stuck in training mode. Another issue i have with the game is its fighting sequences. They feel very amateurish and rushed, especially compared to the excellent fights in Batman Arkham Asylum. One other area which the game needed work is its maps and sense of direction and purpose in general. There are times when you have no real idea as to what it is expected from you. Like when you are told to "tag" a villain (follow him) undetected - at some point the game tells you "checkpoint reached" and there is a cut scene which would make you believe that your tag task is over. Yet sometimes its not and when you go near the enemies it tells you mission failed cause you where detected. As for the map itself, there are times when its difficult to understand if a target is supposed to be on a high level (roof), ground floor or within a building, causing for some frustration. The maps also lack actual direction when it comes to going from one city to another yet this was not a real issue for me once i figured it out...still So as you can see, for me, the negatives are far greater than the positives which is a shame cause this game could have been truly epic. Yet despite its many flaws i still had a lot of fun playing it for most part and the climbing/rendering of the towns and cities is phenomenal.… Expand

The graphics in the cutscenese are terrible, you think it wouldnt be the case. but it is. The mini map is too small to see wtf is going on. the repetitive nature is more boring that AC1. In fact AC1 was better than this. I stopped playing after a couple of hours, i couldnt take anymore. THIS GAME IS VERY OVERATED.

Just to comment on Mike K, what he said was bad about the game seemed to be pretty biased. The controller is perfectly fine, I can play games for hours and it is nice and comfortable. The textures are perfectly fine, and there is screen tearing in both games. Also, the PS3 version has the upper hand with being able to connect the PSP assassins creed to it to be able to unlock new weapons and added features. I'd say the PS3 version is the one to get. But hey, I'm just being biased.… Expand

This is a fantastic game, worthy of a place in any gamer's collection. I've played both versions of this game, and they are just about equal. The PS3 version does have some graphical issue such as bluriness and the controls aren't as well-suited for this type of game as the 360's are. The 360 version does have some slower loading times though. All in all, they are nearly equal but it shouldn't matter because it won't ruin the experience for anyone. Final words: play this game!… Expand

I absolutely loved the gameplay (despite it being a bit clunky) I thought the characters were alright, but the missions still didn't really break from that repetition and some things just didn't make sense. I really liked the game economy and all the different things you can do. I loved the fact that I can drag a guy off a ledge and then jump onto his buddies with my knives in their faces. The already ridiculous story however became so convoluted and just so sickeningly weird. I was really liking the game by about the middle. Near the end it was getting weird, but still pretty good. The ending (which I won't spoil) Was just so terribly ridiculous that I got a headache. This game's terrible plot makes all the joy that came from stabbing your way through mobs of guards and corrupt officials turn sour. I wish that I had not wasted my time.… Expand

I was originally going to give this game a 9.5.This game does not deserve a perfect score - it just wasn't seamless enough, just the small things such that no one aged except Ezio, the way he doesn't properly connect with his family and the graphics could have been better.At least it had more good points, the way subject 16 and the whole conspiracy was implemented was so genius and original.Can't wait for the third game, it can only get better!It was a brilliant game overall!Definitely a must buy!!!… Expand

this game is a must buy, i found that in AC1 there was really no point of Desmond Miles they could have of just left him out and it still would have been a good game. but in AC2 there actually is a point of him being in the game. i found that the story was much better than AC1, the graphics have improved and game play is much, much funner. when the game ends you can actually go back in the animus and play around in the cities and towns. this is a must buy… Expand

This game is very overrated. It get boring fast, the easiest game this century, bad character animations (Uncharted 2, anyone?) etc. etc. Although it still is a pretty good game with decent graphics and good atmosphere.

One of the best games I have ever played, but starts off feeling like it would be a huge disappointment. In other words, the game is a slow starter and has a bit of emptiness in it.

Ubisoft has presented gamers with a mature title, with character development that actually makes us attached to the story, and it pulls us along with such an ease that the gives the impression one is actually alive and well in the rebirth of mankind. The gameplay mechanics are flawless, and the removal of repetitive chores that was present in the first game is a welcome change. I have so far completed the first 3 sequences, and am quite confident in giving this game a perfect 10. The Renaiisance is the perfect setting for this game, and the foundation of the first game and it's mix of myth and real events and real people is astounding. Nevertheless, it is the originality of the game and how it stands out against everything else in the video game world right now that makes it extraordinary.… Expand

This game has pretty good graphics and acrobatic for sure... but the same boring repetitive gameplay, horrible AI and standard storyline and poor missions remains. I can't believe this game is rated 91, rent this game, this was the last time I play any Ubisoft's game.

Sadly, ACII doesn't keep it's promises. It's a nice game but far behind what I expected (especially with ratings > 90%). E.g. I really hoped to have more interaction with the KI and more diversion of the tasks. Nevertheless, it's better than AC1 and it shows that Ubisoft is on a good way. @mc: Guys, I know it's not easy to keep the PR guys out of this voting, but a sentence like "Nevertheless, it is the originality of the game and how it stands out against everything else in the video game world right now that makes it extraordinary." from Michael H is really screaming!… Expand

Assassins creed two has managed to successfully take a project that didn't work and turn it into the sandbox games people like me have been craving. The perfect blend of excitement renders me with a feeling to dig a little deeper every time I play it. From "The Truth" the collection of glyphs that give you more secrets about the Templars to the Tombs that give you a gaming feel lost since the old Prince Of Persia games. Assassins creed 2 isn't gaming perfection, but it sure comes close… Expand

Average at best, only a slight improvement over the first. Having BATMAN and UNCHARTED 2 to contend with AC2 failed to deliver on the combat and adventure provided by its competition. Sloppy voice work and a complete lack of ambience made the city feel as sterile as the first.

I was a pretty big fan of AC1, and was very hyped for this sequel, and I must say, it delivers. It's the best Action/Adventure game I've ever played. Assassinations feel a lot better than they did in AC1, free-running flows very well, the quests are more than just 'Pickpocket this guy, now kill your target'. I'm also glad that there's shops! In AC1 I really sometimes got bored of my same old sword. AC2 has a great frame-rate as well, not to mention an interesting story. Right now it's my GOTY candidate. The only thing I have against AC2 is sometimes free-running can get a bit buggy, but this only happened to me maybe twice so far, so I still feel fine giving it a 10.… Expand

not only does it fix every complaint i had about the first game, it piles so much more on top. the pacing of the story is some of the best i've seen in a video game. it builds great tension leading up to key parts of the plot. buy it! instantly one of my top 3 fave games of 2009.

It's a game that takes getting used to. But there's so much content, so much depth and filled with beautiful-looking cities. I am not used to the combat system, because I play games like God of War, Ninja Gaiden and Devil May Cry and all those games are fast-paced action games. Assassin's Creed II is rather more strategic and the button settings are kind of awkward to me. I heard that the control layout works better on an Xbox 360 controller, but I only have a PS3. Oh well, still a good game. The new mechanics are very interesting, the climbing is challenging and it's fun to get money to buy armor, equipment and weapons. Watching your assassin becoming a master is quite satisfying. I wouldn't say that this game was a contender for Game of the Year, but it comes really close. That's very impressive, on account of the fact that a lot of good games came out in 2009. ESPECIALLY for the PS3. I would want to give this game an 8.5 on 10. But I have to give whole numbers. But I don't feel like it deserves a 9. It's no masterpiece...but it is a HELL LOT BETTER than the first game. For once Ubisoft, I was impressed.… Expand

I only wish there was more warning when the game was going to end so I could have slowed down! The game was truly amazing, the people who hate it clearly dug deep for dirt on the game, which is disappointing. I can't understand there being graphical issues, when from the moment you enter Venice, you're in awe until leaving. While refresh rates are an issue in the country-side areas, there honestly isn't enough time spent in those areas to even notice or let it bother you. By now gamers should know that when picking up a Ubisoft game, graphics aren't in your best interest, its gameplay you want. Look at Prototype, amazing gameplay, not so great graphics. I loved the game and anyone who picks it up will. There's so much freedom that it feels like a GTA game set in Renaissance times. You get a ridiculous arsenal of assassination, combat and escaping techniques, all of which are as effective as each other and all at your disposal. Replay value for the game isn't an immediate thing, but I can definitely see myself picking it up again fresh in the coming months.… Expand

Awesome, awesome, awesome. If you liked the first one (I know it was repetative) then you will LOVE this one. Everything the first should have been (Read: open world gameplay, money system with shops and stealing from pedestrians, much more variety, you can choose what you do next...) Really makes you feel like you are in Ezio (the protaganist's) shoes. Comparable to Infamous style mission structure.… Expand

I don't know what you have to be smoking to rate this game a 2. This game is not repetitive at all unless you just played the first 2 missions and put it down. The AI has been great so far, and I haven't noticed any graphical glitches. If there are glitches then they are so small that i cant even notice them. Overall I would highly recommend this game unless you like to complain about things, in which case don't get it so you won't go writing a lame review.… Expand

Don't read any comments with a rating of less than 8.It would illogical to rate this game less than 8.This game pales in comparison to the first game - in good way.This is a must buy!I enjoyed it a lot, it had a very twisting and captivating plot.The dialogue and scenery were amazing and the storyline topped it all off perfectly.Can't wait for the 3rd game!

Delivered with enough variety to make me enjoy it as a sequel to the first one, taking up right where it left you in the 1st game.

This game is highly over-rated. How can this game get such high marks for graphics? This game doesn't look nearly as good as infamous which is also open world nor Uncharted 2. The sound is pretty weird too, like what is the deal with heavy metal and the renaissance? Not that I have anything against metal. The controls are frustrating to get used to. About the only thing that is good about this game is the concept and story. The game also isn't as repetitive as the first one. If you are at all interested in this game rent it.… Expand

This game was near perfect but gets one point deducted for making me nearly throw my controller through the TV when the credits start rolling. Epic cliffhanger but wished they had put a bit of assassins creed 3 on the end to ease the wait.

This is the game i wanted to experience with Altiar. They took all the complaints into account and made the experience they promised on their first outing. Simply put this game is amazing. Did i expect more, Maybe. Was i disappointed... not at all.

I love this game, as much as i love my neighbours wifes in the hottub. Chocolate, covered in hot chocolate. So the game is awesome, i can't wait to play her hmm IT*. i'm not doing this just to degrade the user overall score. seriously.

This is a fantastic game (one of the best made yet imo). I'm a huge fan and i love the way they've made the game better.

An improvement on the original in every way, and a game which offers exceptional value for money (except if you're Australian - in which case, do what I did and buy it in a pack - games are way overpriced here on consoles). The graphics are amazing, even running at a mere 720p, the animations are superb and the story is engrossing. The gameplay has a few issues - often imprecise and finicky, but they don't detract from the experience, which is superb. A grade title! Cheers… Expand

Assassins Creed is not perfect, there are some graphical issues like tearing sometimes, but overall its a incredible Improvement in Gameplay, Story and Design.

Great game...fixed everything that was wrong with the first.

I cant understand Richard N.'s Voting, the first one was repetitice structured, but to say that to the second one is like saying every game on earth is repetitive designed. AC2 manages to surpass the first one in every kind of way, nice graphical effects, sweet voice acting, a good story and lots of humor. I love it.

The story really makes emotionally involved with the main character, Ezio and by the end you will feel well satisfied. Graphics are not the best I have seen but each city is beautifully detailed a full of action. As for the gameplay, I did find it repetitive. There are so many side missions you can do and alternate ways to complete even the main missions. The combat is really simple at first but as you progress and your skills grow you will feel like a really badass. The only real negative thing I can say about the game is that some of the puzzles are so vauge you really have no idea what to do but the upside is completing them is not required though it is very rewarding.… Expand

As a fan of Assassin's Creed 1, I can firmly say that Assassin's Creed 2 is going to make fans of the first game very happy. I know I am.

Absolutely fantastic. Exceeds the first game in almost every facet of its design. The story is more engaging, the mission structure and mission types are more varied, the economy system is a much needed addition, and the parkour is as engaging as ever. The only complaints I have about the game is the AI can sometimes be poor and some graphical issues, but regardless of those issues the game is absolutely wonderful.… Expand

The game is the same as AC the graphics are bad and the story is just stupid and the ending is really bad enough said do not buy this game.

Good story. However, the game still got issues. Controlling you're character can prove difficult at some time, Ezio dont always jump where you aim you're tombstick, and he often falls down from roofs unintended. The game stil have camera issues at some points, espesially in fights or runaway's. And whats enoid me the very most in this game, was that you can no longer choose between toggle or hold the L1 button (lock on target), as you could in AC1. But still a very enjoible game with tons to do and a very interesting and original story, where you can choose you're self how to sucseed in you're missions. The game can be repeatible, but only if you do all the sidequests, wich is boring, but if not if you mainly stick to the mainstory. It would be a stright up 10 if it where not for the sometimes clumsy controlls. Oh, and the graphics are good.… Expand

No game is perfect. This one gets pretty close. After 20+ hours of gameplay, the only real issue ive encountered with the game was modeling issues. Because the camera angle for cutscenes has changed, the graphics appear worse than the first one, but with the addition of more assassination contracts, references to Ezio's predecessor and numerous mind-blowing secrets, the implications and storyline set out by this game make it a modern day masterpiece in video gaming...which is strange to say when discussing an Ubisoft game.… Expand

Having enjoyed large parts of the first AC I thought I'd give this a shot as well, but sadly the revisit wasn't really as enjoyable. Controls are as bad (unprecise) as they were in the first game, and likewise the camera which sometimes "hints" at where you need to go, but does a poor job because it simultaneously forces a specific angle. These two annoyances are compounded by the fact that Assassin's Tombs scattered throughout the land are timed platforming. My controller almost went out the window a couple of times. Other minor things detracted from the enjoyment: Weird "design choice" - The possibility to decline quests in the main quest line which are crucial for progression. Poor quest tracking - Being asked to do things you have already done, like climbing a specific tower after you have already done so or hearing the exact same plea for help again because you declined the first time around. I found some of the timed events impossible to reset (I might be wrong) Making mistakes in the beginning of an event forced me to wait till it timed out to have another go. The Bards - What was the purpose of those? Let's just say I did end up beating them up a couple of times after they got in the way too many times. Having to push start twice in the beginning of the game seems to serve no purpose other than to make you actually watch the progress bars. I noticed quite a few other minor things but the examples above represent the types of things pretty well. The story dragged on and with the exception of a few parts I never really felt engaged. Ezio seemed like a pawn and was way too eager to help people he had just met even though tasks only seemed to loosely tie into the revenge the Ezio seeks. Voice acting is for the most part excellent and a few characters throughout are really well thought out and the brutal politics are well portrayed and the back story of the different political players might have been enjoyable to explore a bit more. You could read up a bit in the different bios but to me that kills pacing. Some of the buildings were really well done and if you take some time to look at them you will notice some really rich detail. All in all it's an OK game, but I wouldn't know who to recommend it to. The above is opinion so feel free to disagree, but I actually had to force myself to finish the main quest line just to make sure I got a decently complete picture before reviewing.… Expand

Assassin's Creed 2 is a STUNNING game that improves over the original game in almost every way. It's so addictive and immersive that this is my #1 GOTY 2009 contender. Without a doubt one of the best 3rd person action adventures I've ever played.

Story is alright game play is great except for the stupid ai concept is still great graphics are great except for terrible framerate (and i mean terrible framerate) still a great game for those who liked the first, combat is improved, new moves make it alot better (expecially the hidden take downs), its been given more of a rpg feel with upgrades and different outfits, the overworld has mostly been takin out which is both a bad and good thing. flags have been replaced with feathers which is far better. gives a somewhat satisfing wrap up to the first game. If you like the first, get this one, its better in every way (with the exception of the overworld), if you didn't like the first, this one is more varied, however you probably wont like this one either, its more of the same, just more detailed and more stuff. Warning though, depending on how you like to play, the first 20 minutes to 2 hours are boring, after you get the hidden blade though it becomes very fun.… Expand

If you own both consoles, don't even think about buying the PS3 version. there are far less polygons, the textures are blurry and there is constant screen tearing. Also, the PS3 controller is less suited to the gameplay as it causes uncomfortable hand positioning for extended play. The 360's trigger and A button is a more natural feel with the tighter analog control. Honestly, not one review compares how bad the PS3 version is. I returned the game to get the 360 version and the difference is like night and day.… Expand

this game is awesome !!!! you cant deny it the missions and game play aren't that repetitive as in the first game but i still think you should have more options, but then again no other game is that realistic in game play (that's just my opinion)

Great work. In my opinion it is one of the best sequels ever. The gameplay is awesome and the gaphics quite improved. But the most important is that the missions are now really interesting, something that in the first game was missing

While Assassin's Creed 2 does make some improvements to the problems of the first game, it is far from being problem free. First of all, this is not what I would call an "open world" game. If you play the game straight through, it might take you 8-10 hours. There is no replay value to this game at all unless you enjoy collecting useless items. You could spend a weekend collecting feathers, but why?!?! The story is extremely linear, and there are no "choice" moments in the game that give you the feeling that you are having an impact on your surroundings (adding to the whole no replay value factor). Sadly, this leaves the whole game feeling morally disconnected. Even GTA4 gives you the choice to not kill a guy every once in a while. Finally, the combat is way too easy! You will find yourself dying far more often from unintentionally (and frequently) jumping off of a rooftop mid-quest than from getting killed by an enemy. Honestly, get Uncharted 2 or Arkham Asylum if you like scaling walls, stealthy kills, and good story-lines. But if you must get this game, at least the guards in AC2 don't attack you for running anymore...… Expand

Assassins creed 2 was a masterpiece and genuinely good fun to play. It sorted out all the problems of the first game and the story was engaging, but the flaw in this is that this is the game that should have been released first. If Ubisoft hadnt made all the mistakes with the first game, then this could have been a whole lot better. that's my opinion anyway.

this game is realy awesome.story,graphics&gameplay every thing is at its best.some problem is there regarding graphics.otherwise its a masterpiece

This was the game I had been waiting for all year. Ubisoft Montreal has consistently produced titles that fit into my top ten and AC2 is no exception. About as close to a perfect gaming experience as I could ask for.

Personally, I hated the game. The controls are horrible. Ezio is the only one that looks good. ALL of the characters are annoying. The ending is comically bad for a game that seemingly takes itself far too seriously. There is challenge anywhere aside from forcing yourself to have to go from blip to blip. The "economy" system is stupid. Medicine and hirelings are waaaay to cheap for being as strong as they are. I never had to buy any ammo or armor. The assassin's tombs were the best parts, but even those were marred by the controls. I will say, if you *like* the contextual controls, then I'd give it a 9, as the game design is very solid. But to me, it's like playing with as a retarded Co-op AI bot.… Expand

This game has been so intense so far, I mean I can see the parts where they can rank on it a little bit but besides that, totally epic. As soon As I got the game I could not put it down! Very good game!

Big respect to the dev team - amazing game that stands out so much from what exists in term of video games --- Ubisoft took risks and listened. Thank you - I just love it!

So many improvements have been made in this game. No longer do you have to those tedious side missions to completer you assassinations. There just part of the story, which isn't half bad if I may add. Ezio is a much more hilarious character than Altair was, especially when it comes to certain side missions.

Although graphically its not too much of an achievement, since games like Uncharted 2 completely blow it away in that department, the game is surprisingly addictive. Ubisoft has definitely addressed the issues that plagued the first game - repepitiveness, linear game design, and lack of flexibility. This game is everything the first Assassin's creed should have been, and is up there with the must-have games of this generation.… Expand

You have to play this game. If you thought the first one was too repetitive, don't assume this one is as well. The gameplay is rich with variety and the graphics are pretty damn good for a 360 game. Ubisoft really payed attention to detail . I've yet to see a game with this much content and history behind it. Finally a game that requires a bit of thinking. Thank you Ubisoft!

My score is not a reflection of the game - I think Assassin's Creed 2 is one of the best open world games out there and very much the game the first one should have been! Good mission variety, awesome city design, heaps of collectibles, and a great story to boot. HOWEVER - the PlayStation 3 version is a disgrace! There is so much screen tearing, I found it unplayable - it literally gave me a headache. So I took it back to and swaped it for the XBOX 360 version. Not only does the 360 version feature far less screen tearing, but also has a more consistent frame rate. Honestly, I prefer buying and playing games on my PS3, and am extremely dissapointed with the job Ubisoft has done with the PS3 version. Even more dissapointing is the fact is that not one of the professional reviews I've read reflect the PS3's screen tearing problem. If you have both consoles buy it for 360!!!!… Expand

Great game. They improved on many of the aspects that needed improvement, there is a lot more variety and the story is still intriguing. To Richard N, don't bash the game just because you have an unjustified hate for Ubisoft

Definitely in the top 3 open world games. Very high production value. It's long enough to warrant a full price purchase. You can read all the positives but it's a lot harder to nitpick a good game like this: - The economy system is broken. You earn income every 20 minutes. Although there's a cap, leaving the game on for a whole day and reinvest the whole coffer 2 or 3 times, you'll not worry about money for the rest of the game. - Ubisoft, can we revamp the falling system? Gravity accounts for 99% of my deaths and 80% of my medicine vials. It's simply not fun. - Like AC, the game start-up is baffling. A loading bar to load another bar with a label "Loading" which loads the Ubisoft logo, then another loading screen to load the menu which allows you load your last saved game. Given the scarcity of options in the main menu (no multiplayer), why bother putting all these obstacles to get to the point?… Expand

The latest installment of Tomb Raider, I mean AC2 is both great and terrible. Why do you insist on making so much of the game play in pitch black with no way to light the area? There are soooo many bugs! Was almost to the end of the Auditore chamber when I landed in a spot that saw Ezio hop up and down on the spot. I had to abort the memory. To be honest, I enjoyed AC1 a lot more. THis game has sent me into fits of rage! Also, you have included Leonardo in the game and yet given him the same lines to repeat ad nauseum. At the end end of the game he appears in Ezio's villa and then asks Ezio the same question. In all, I loved 80% of the game and found the other 20% infuriating. Bad vibes out rate good ones, thus the 5/10. I hope AC3 is better.… Expand

A brilliant game. As critics have pointed out, it improves over the original in every way and there's nothing conceivably wrong with it beyond a few odd glitches (I find it disproportionately difficult to pick up objects like corpses and boxes sometimes, with the contextual O button easily distracted and often doing something different to what it says), and the graphics, which, while amazing, seem to be odd and tacked on during the present day sections - Lucy's face looks like a stretched low resolution jpeg, and she's one of the first things you see in the game. Beyond these tiny flaws, the game is unbelievably good, being addictive and having a clear narrative far from the contorted original. I strongly believe this to be one of the best videogames released in this generation and very much look forward to the next in the series with baited breath.… Expand

Assassins creed is a great game but not as flawless as a game like uncharted 2 but it is open world. the game progresses through the story which is a huge improvement and it gives a lot more customization options than i would have expected. the voice acting is alright although it might sound a bit, well, crap sometimes. the free running is fun the combat is fun and the story is intresting.... what not to like?… Expand

Unfortunately I've been left with a feeling of disappointment with AC2. I want to like it, I really do, but I just find myself getting frustreated with it. The control system is too clunky and unintuative. After playing Arkham Asylum and Uncharted 2 in the past few months, I feel that Ubisoft really should have taken a leaf out of Naughty Dog's and Rocksteady's books with regards to the character movement. Those games make everything flow beautifully and you rarely feel stuck or a lack of control, unlike in AC2. Other things I found annoying were the mini-map, which rotated both the map itself and the characters icon, ultimately becoming disorientating. The game again feels repetitive in a similar way to the first with a handful of features and at times it's unclear as to why you're doing things as you have little or no feedback from the game. If you enjoyed the first game immensely, then this is probably the game for you. If however you're undecided, I'd either rent it first, or invest your money in another game such as the ones I've mentioned above.… Expand

The voice acting sucks. There is no emotion. I tried the first mission where you race your brother about 20 or 30 times still cant beat it. Im taking the game back. It is very linear, and if you cant beat 1 part, then u cant do anything else untill you beat it. The camera angle sucks, and when i run into people i fall down. WTF? This game is terrible, it looks like a ps2 game. Im back to COD MW2 within 2 hours of playing assassins creed.… Expand

They took everything that I hated about the original and threw it away, and everything they added was great. I just wish the movement and climbing was as smooth as the Uncharted games. I know that is difficult to pull off in a "sand-box" environment, but I hate climbing 7 stories just to jump off to my death at the very end.

Great game. I love the open world and the control feels great. Climbing and jumping on rooftops is a blast. The missions are pretty interesting, but many are a bit too easy due to the dumbed down A.I. enemies. I wish they made the enemies more aware and "smarter". Sometimes it's a bit too easy to sneak up on guys without them seeing your or hearing you - when it comes to stealth games, I want complete realism, like in the Hitman games. I want relentless, unforgiving A.I. enemies that force me to really think and strategize my attack.… Expand

Assassins Creed 2 is a generally beautiful sandbox third person action game. The architecture is wonderful, the story is cleverly integrated (though Desmond's section of the game is largely pointless, he wants to be an assassain, but when does he ever use his skills to full effect?) and the animations for the stealth kills are as impressive and brutal as ever. Unfortunately AC2 stumbles graphically, looking very dated at times with constant screen tearing and draw in problems becoming annoyances. Also the missions are rather boring as well, Ezio will usually be helping with numerous problems in exchange for tracking down and killing key templar leaders. Luckly there is more to do in AC2 but the majority of what you will do is probably going to be left sparingly. It's not fair to call AC2 a disappointment, due to the richness crafted from its gameplay and narrative but it's hard not to be disappointed with leftover problems from the original AC and the mainly boring missions, but hey at least each mission gives us more narrative intrigue right?… Expand