No Jade and I'm really liking it* 100% Spoiler Free*
The Assassin Creed Redemption
The first Assassin's Creed was just bursting of potential to me. The repetitive missions that were required each time that unlocked the assassination main missions were a pain. Abra-ca-dabra they gone! AC2 is definitively one of those sequels that fix most of the sore thumbs from its predecessor . It still has repetitive missions but thankfully they are optional. The scripted scenes and cut scenes are now of a GTA quality with camera angles and close ups to see emotion, instead of walking around in circles as i await to get back to free running. I love that the speed of running and climbing has increased that makes traversing the beautiful city's of AC2 fun and fast. Combat has a "real" feel in that even though enemies have health it's more like a duel of skill, not chopping health bars down. Ubisoft has really put a lot of detail and subtlety in AC2's mechanics. Being able to extend your arm and jump to catch higher or father ledges is a big help. Walking fast, blending in crowds, assassinations from a ledge, commerce, f**king swimming, row boating, and many more improvements on the first makes it a hard recommendation to even play the first Assassin's Creed .
WTF WOW!!!
Ezio's story is far more interesting, with a tragic introduction that really had me pulling for him all the way. I never understood all the intricacies to Ezio's plot. I just knew the general story and I had to kill all Templar's. Desmond's side of the story was always what i wanted to know more about and Ubisolf definitely delivers. I would say more happens in AC2s first 6 minutes then in the first iteration,at least on Desmond's side for sure. The end of Ezio's quest of vengeance will weave his and Desmond's story lines into a revelation that makes the AC's universe much more meaningful than you could ever imagine or see coming.
50-50
My only problems with AC2 are some control issues and game play story situations. Having the X/A button being jump and free run is a frustration sometimes. This was most a problem in the Assassin Tombs where there only one pathway to progress ( think Prince of Persia: Sands of Time ) and having to retry because to that. I also disliked the fights where you could not assassinate certain characters without a warning that you can't because for plot purposes. This would lead to me hammering on the X/[_] button or trying to counter with hidden blades to no effect, except losing health. Running back to your town to acquire money and/or change armor was a hassle if not redundant.
To the Score Lookers
Assassin's Creed 2 is very much worth a gamers time. There is enough relevant game play variety and story to keep someone hooked for days. Rent or buy, Assassin's Creed 2 is a game you should check out.
