If I could give out an award for “most improvement in a video game sequel,” it would have to go to Assassin’s Creed II, hands down. The original was a decent introduction to the cool concept and core mechanics of the franchise, but its lack of variety in mission structure and unrewarding exploration left a bad taste in many gamers’ mouths. Virtually all of the original game’s faults have been addressed in AC2, however, and it really makes a huge difference. Spanning five historical Italian Renaissance cities (two of them quite large) and brimming with enjoyable side missions to complement the main story objectives, Assassin’s Creed II is a paragon of open-ended sandbox style gameplay. Couple the game’s brilliant gameplay structure with gorgeous graphics and an intriguing story, and you have a gaming experience that is as unforgettable as it is enjoyable.

I have to admit, after the disappointing first installment, I was not overly excited about getting my hands on Assassin’s Creed II. Moreover, I never imagined that Renaissance Italy would be as interesting and engaging a setting as it ended up being. Free running across the rooftops of Florence and Venice feels a lot like being a fifteenth century version of Spider-Man, and even though you don’t have any webs to swing on, traversing the game’s cityscapes is every bit as fun as steering a spandex-covered hero over the streets of Manhattan. Free running is the bread and butter of Assassin’s Creed, and in the sequel it feels faster and more fluid than ever. Oh, and as the game’s protagonist Ezio, you also get to become pals with the one and only Leonardo Da Vinci.

Assassin’s Creed II isn’t entirely about running around rooftops and executing your targets, there’s also a bit of brains to go with the brawn. In fact, at times it can feel a bit like playing a Renaissance version of The Da Vinci Code, having the player decode secret passwords and manipulate images to unlock the game’s mysteries, though most of it is optional. There are “glyphs” hidden throughout all of the game’s cities, and finding them will give you a chance to unravel some of the game’s narrative. Glyphs are not the only secret objects, however; there are also a hundred glowing feathers tucked away in hard-to-reach places, as well as the tombs of dead assassins. Merely finding the tombs will not win you anything, though–you must first complete Prince of Persia-style platforming puzzles in order to claim the prizes hidden inside. Unlike the first Assassin’s Creed‘s flags, the hidden objects in the sequel actually unlock useful items, such as weapons and armor.

A monetary system and upgradable armor round out the list of improvements in the Creed franchise. Players are rewarded monetarily for completing both main mission objectives as well as the numerous side missions scattered around the maps. In addition, you can pickpocket almost any NPC walking in the streets, including other pickpockets–which it turns out pays off rather well, if you can catch the buggers. Be warned, however, that doing illegal activities such as pickpocketing, or engaging in flashy kills, can raise your “notoriety,” which is basically the Assassin’s Creed version of the star rating in the GTA games. If your notoriety is too high, you will need to bribe loudmouth officials in the streets or tear down wanted posters depicting your veiled countenance in order to remain incognito. If you fail to do so, guards will be quickly alerted to your presence, leading to all sorts of troubling interference. I say interference, because as long as you are familiar with the combat system, the only real threat of dying comes from falling from great heights, especially later into the game as your armor and weaponry improve. That being said, the combat is still quite enjoyable, especially when you pull off a cinematic “counter-kill,” or manage to disarm your opponents and use their own weapons against them.

Assassin’s Creed II is a great game. I seldom come away from a game feeling as satisfied as I was when I finished it. Even after completing the game’s main story, which took about 15 hours, I still find myself coming back to finish off side activities like finding the remaining feathers or treasure chests, and completing side missions like racing and assassination contracts. Ubisoft has done an outstanding job at creating a truly high quality entertainment experience that is worth every penny you might spend on it.

Pros: great open world gameplay, rewarding side quests and treasure-hunting, engaging story, good length

Cons: Riskless combat

Plays like: Assassin’s Creed on steroids mixed with a bit of GTA and Prince of Persia

ESRB: M for Blood, Intense Violence, Sexual Content, Strong Language