Games of the Generation: Assassins Creed 2

As we get closer to the release of the next generation of gaming consoles the Playstation 4 and the Xbox One every week I will be looking back at the games that stood out for me during this generation of gaming. This week I will be looking back at Renaissance stealth sequel Assassins Creed 2.

Assassins Creed 2 is by far the best game in the series of stealth games and a high that I don't think Ubisoft will quite reach again with the franchise. Before AC adopted the yearly release tactic Assassins Creed 2 is the perfect showcase of what taking time can do to improve a game. The first in the series to introduce the eccentric Italian assassin Ezio Autidore the games gameplay evolution from the original Assassin's Creed. Unlike the first game the second instalment does not feel repetitive or boring and a number of missions are some of the best games have to offer with Da Vinci's flying machine a personal favourite of mine. The game also introduces a number of new exciting weapons such as the Hidden Gun, or the Poison Dart.

Unlike Assassins Creed 3 the main character in 2 is highly likeable and exciting and really supports the incredible story of revenge. Of course there is a present day element to Assassins Creed 2 following the story of Desmond Miles but that story is a bit dire compared to that of Ezio's. The story also sees you meet famous historical figures such as Leanardo DaVinci which is a nice touch to this historical setting.

The setting is also the star here with Renaissance Italy being the perfect setting for Ezio to skulk around in. It also helps that there are different cities for Ezio to explore such as Florence, Venice and eventually to Rome. By reducing the city to just one city Assassins Creed Brotherhood lost a great deal of exploration time. As well as story missions there are a number of side missions that are just as fun. One of these being the tombs you can enter to retrieve Ezio's ancestors armour which has some very fun parkour time to be had.

Although the Assassin's Creed series has had some less than stellar releases in recent years and the franchise has become a bit stale I will always have a bit of a soft spot for the series due to this incredible game.