Assassin’s Creed II Review

Assassin’s Creed II, developed by Ubisoft Montreal and published by Ubisoft, is widely regarded as the game that perfected the formula established by its predecessor. Released for the PlayStation 3 (PS3) in 2009, this action-adventure stealth game transported players to the vibrant and dangerous world of Renaissance Italy. This Assassin’s Creed II PS3 review explores why it remains an iconic and beloved classic PS3 game.

Gameplay: Refined Parkour, Engaging Combat, and Rich Systems

Assassin’s Creed II significantly improved upon every aspect of the original. The parkour system is smoother and more intuitive, allowing Ezio Auditore da Firenze to scale buildings and traverse cityscapes with unparalleled grace. Combat is more fluid and diverse, with new weapon types, disarming mechanics, and the addition of a second hidden blade, making assassinations even more satisfying.

Beyond the core stealth and combat, the game introduced a robust economy system. Players can renovate Ezio’s ancestral villa in Monteriggioni, which generates income and unlocks new features. There’s a vast array of side missions, collectibles, and secrets to uncover, encouraging deep exploration of the stunning open-world cities like Florence and Venice. The variety of mission types is a welcome change, preventing the repetitive feel of the first game.

• Greatly improved and fluid parkour system
• More diverse and satisfying combat mechanics
• Robust economy and villa management system
• Vast open-world cities filled with activities
• Varied mission design and compelling side content

Story and Character: Ezio’s Epic Journey

The narrative of Assassin’s Creed II is a compelling tale of revenge, family, and the centuries-old conflict between the Assassin Brotherhood and the Templars. Players follow the charismatic and charming Ezio Auditore from his birth to his transformation into a master assassin. His personal journey, filled with betrayal, love, and loss, is deeply engaging and emotionally resonant.

The game masterfully weaves historical figures like Leonardo da Vinci and Niccolò Machiavelli into the plot, grounding the fantastical elements in a believable historical setting. The modern-day narrative with Desmond Miles also progresses, adding layers to the overarching lore of the series.

Graphics and Sound: Renaissance Beauty on PS3

On the PlayStation 3, Assassin’s Creed II was a visual marvel. The meticulously recreated cities of Renaissance Italy were breathtaking, with stunning architecture, bustling crowds, and vibrant colors. The attention to detail in the environments and character models was impressive for its time, creating a truly immersive experience.

The sound design is equally superb, with a memorable orchestral soundtrack by Jesper Kyd that perfectly captures the game’s atmosphere. The ambient sounds of the cities, the clashing of swords, and the excellent voice acting (especially for Ezio) contribute to the game’s high production values.

Legacy: A Defining Moment for the Franchise

Assassin’s Creed II is widely considered a masterpiece and the benchmark for the entire franchise. It refined every aspect of the original, delivering a more polished, engaging, and emotionally resonant experience. Its success cemented the series’ place as a major player in the action-adventure genre and influenced countless open-world games that followed.

Is Assassin’s Creed II on PS3 Worth Playing Today?

Absolutely. Assassin’s Creed II on PS3 remains a fantastic RPG and a must-play for fans of story-driven games and historical fiction. While remasters exist, the original PS3 version still offers a compelling narrative, satisfying gameplay, and a beautifully realized world that holds up remarkably well. It’s a timeless adventure with one of gaming’s most beloved protagonists.