Assassin's Creed 2

86%
Game Brain Score Based on 15,926 reviews
  • story
  • gameplay
  • graphics
Assassin's Creed 2 Game Cover
Despite some frustrating combat moments, Assassin's Creed II secures its place among 2009's finest and is sure to keep you entertained well into the New Year.
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"Assassin's Creed II" is a historical action-adventure game set in the Italian Renaissance, following a protagonist seeking revenge and uncovering conspiracy. The game offers an open-world experience in locations like Venice, with diverse options for combat, assassination, and escape, and new weapons and gameplay elements. Players will engage in a rich and immersive story of power, conspiracy, and revenge during a pivotal moment in history.

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Genres & TagsPlay Modes

Reviews

86%
Audience ScoreBased on 15,926 reviews
story2,974 positive mentions
grinding132 negative mentions
  • story6,744 mentions

    The story of "Assassin's Creed II" is widely praised for its engaging narrative, following the journey of Ezio Auditore da Firenze as he seeks revenge for his family's betrayal. Players appreciate the character development, rich historical context, and emotional depth, with many considering it one of the best stories in the franchise. While some missions can feel repetitive, the overall storytelling and immersive world keep players invested throughout the game.

    • “The story is amazing, the graphics are slightly less quality than the first, the gameplay is upgraded considerably, and the side quests are top of the line.”
    • “Ezio's maturation as an assassin over time manifests itself not only in missions, but also in dialogues and character relationships.”
    • “The main strength of the story is the emotional bonds and the depth it adds to the Assassin's Creed universe.”
    • “While the story was decent, it wasn't particularly remarkable; it feels flat and boring. Don't drop it; it's going to get better, and the protagonist was average—not standing out as either particularly good or bad but had good character development.”
    • “The story is painfully mediocre; none of the characters have any depth at all, and you won't be able to remember any character apart from the historical ones 10 minutes after finishing it.”
    • “The story is much better in this one by explaining more of the back story to us; the voice acting is top notch, and the game still holds up really well to this day.”
  • gameplay2,408 mentions

    The gameplay of "Assassin's Creed II" is widely praised for its significant improvements over its predecessor, offering a more fluid and engaging experience with refined parkour mechanics, diverse mission types, and enhanced combat options. While some players note that the controls can feel clunky and the gameplay may become repetitive, the captivating story and rich historical setting of Renaissance Italy keep players invested. Overall, the game is considered a classic, blending enjoyable gameplay with a compelling narrative that has stood the test of time.

    • “The gameplay is a perfect blend of stealth, combat, and accidentally jumping off buildings.”
    • “It lacks the stylish animations of Unity or the naval combat of Black Flag, but it has the most tightly woven gameplay of the franchise.”
    • “The gameplay in Assassin's Creed II is refined and expanded upon, offering players a more diverse and engaging experience.”
    • “The gameplay is super clunky in every aspect; combat, stealth, parkour, traversal... and even if they weren't clunky they'd still be pretty mediocre.”
    • “The gameplay did not age well and might sometimes feel frustrating, but the story and level design are superb and still stand strong.”
    • “The combat mechanics are too simple, stealth mechanics are lacking, and the open world is very mediocre when it comes to what you can do in it; it's basically filled with collectibles.”
  • graphics1,423 mentions

    The graphics of Assassin's Creed II are generally praised for their quality, especially considering the game's release in 2009. Many reviewers note that while the visuals show signs of aging, they still hold up well and effectively capture the beauty of Renaissance Italy. However, some players mention occasional graphical glitches and outdated character models, which can detract from the overall experience. Overall, the game's graphics are seen as a significant improvement over its predecessor, contributing to its status as a beloved classic in the series.

    • “The graphics in this game are exceptional.”
    • “Graphics: 10/10 (considering the year when it first came out)”
    • “The graphics are beautiful, especially considering the game’s age.”
    • “The game has some clear signs of aging with its outdated graphics, but the gameplay is still as amazing as it was back then.”
    • “With very lackluster combat, aging graphics, and overly repetitive quest design, there's a lot the industry has improved upon.”
    • “The graphics may have worn a bit over the years, but there's still nothing quite like hunting Templars and taking in the Renaissance architecture.”
  • music791 mentions

    The music in "Assassin's Creed II" is widely praised for its exceptional quality and emotional depth, with many reviewers highlighting the iconic "Ezio's Family" theme as a standout track. Composed by Jesper Kyd, the soundtrack effectively enhances the game's atmosphere, immersing players in the rich historical setting of Renaissance Italy. Overall, the music is considered one of the game's strongest elements, contributing significantly to its enduring appeal and emotional resonance.

    • “The soundtrack is a masterpiece, with a mix of renaissance and modern music that sets the mood for each mission and cutscene.”
    • “The music composed by Jesper Kyd wonderfully captures the atmosphere of the era, while the realistic graphics impress with detail and ambiance.”
    • “The soundtrack expertly complements the game's atmosphere, heightening emotions during key moments and making the whole experience even more magical.”
    • “The music is mostly hit and miss with a too small number of appropriately selected environmental music.”
    • “It needs more music variety, especially if you have to fight a 'boss' (I guess you can call them that).”
    • “However, it is kind of frustrating trying to kill a guard and a musician comes right in front of your face and instead of killing a guard you kill the musician.”
  • atmosphere209 mentions

    The atmosphere in "Assassin's Creed II" is widely praised for its vibrant and immersive depiction of Renaissance Italy, characterized by stunning architecture, dynamic city life, and a captivating soundtrack by Jesper Kyd that enhances the emotional experience. Players appreciate the game's ability to transport them into a richly detailed world, where each city offers a unique ambiance, from the bustling streets of Florence to the serene canals of Venice. Overall, the combination of visual artistry, historical authenticity, and evocative music creates a memorable and engaging atmosphere that stands out in the gaming landscape.

    • “From the bustling streets of Florence to the majestic rooftops of Venice, Assassin's Creed II brings Renaissance Italy to life with breathtaking detail and atmosphere.”
    • “The atmosphere is amazing and you have the feeling the cities you walk through are alive.”
    • “The music, the atmosphere, the characters, and especially Ezio are magnificent.”
    • “And the game feels visually inferior to the first game because AC2 fails to capture the same grim atmosphere of the first game.”
    • “Generally you are overpowered and that ruins even more the atmosphere, the survival feeling and every need to hide.”
    • “Just like in the first Assassin’s Creed though, the pale colors and gloomy music often dull the atmosphere, it seems like they try to forcefully embitter the mood, yet they never fitted the protagonist's presented character in the first place.”
  • grinding199 mentions

    The reviews indicate that grinding in the game can be quite tedious, with many players expressing that it feels like a chore, particularly when collecting items or completing side missions. While some aspects of the game are enjoyable and less grindy, the overall sentiment suggests that players often feel overwhelmed by the repetitive tasks required to progress, leading to a desire for a more streamlined experience.

    • “Not grindy unless you want it to be.”
    • “Good story, nice gameplay, and not too grindy.”
    • “You'll need a second life for grinding.”
    • “The objectives are tedious, not a single character is developed in any way, not a single target you assassinate has even remotely interesting stuff to say and the story becomes boring all of a sudden.”
    • “The collectible hunting is just as tedious and annoying as in the first game.”
  • stability188 mentions

    The stability of the game has been widely criticized, with many players reporting frequent glitches, bugs, and control issues that can disrupt gameplay. While some users noted that the game is still enjoyable despite these problems, others found the technical issues to be game-breaking, leading to frustration and a diminished experience. Overall, the game is described as "buggy" with varying degrees of impact on playability, making it a mixed bag for players.

    • “Runs great on PC and looks great all these years later, 10/10 would recommend.”
    • “It runs great, at a solid, and I mean solid 60fps.”
    • “The game runs great on my Windows 10 laptop getting constant 60 fps.”
    • “Too many glitches make the game unplayable.”
    • “The game itself is fantastic and other than some buggy parkour and some crashes every so often I love it.”
    • “It's filled with bugs and glitches and a lot of them are gamebreaking.”
  • optimization148 mentions

    The optimization of the game has received largely negative feedback, with many players reporting significant stuttering, frame drops, and performance issues across various hardware setups. While some users experienced smooth gameplay, particularly on modern systems, the overall consensus indicates that the game is poorly optimized for PC, requiring various tweaks and fixes to achieve acceptable performance. Many reviewers express frustration over the lack of support from Ubisoft to address these ongoing technical problems.

    • “Despite its visual prowess, Assassin's Creed 2 suffers from occasional technical issues and performance problems, particularly on older hardware or less optimized platforms.”
    • “The best Assassin's Creed game that I have ever played runs smoothly without any issues.”
    • “Optimization wise, the game runs pretty much flawlessly and presents no stutter, lag, or other FPS issues.”
    • “Game is not optimized at all, laggy and does not run unless you download the latest version of the Ubisoft launcher. The game itself is great but really needs a remaster or some type of remake.”
    • “The optimization is pretty concerning though, this game is a decade old by now and I still had to lower the settings at some points to prevent occasional frame-drops, despite using a computer that can run recent AAA titles on high settings.”
    • “I have a PC that would easily destroy this game but due to constant stuttering, the gameplay which is supposed to be fast and fluid becomes slow and frustrating.”
  • humor137 mentions

    The humor in "Assassin's Creed II" is widely praised, with players highlighting the charming and witty character of Ezio, who delivers memorable one-liners and engages in humorous interactions throughout the game. The comedic elements are complemented by funny side missions, quirky NPCs, and amusing glitches that add to the overall enjoyment, making the game feel light-hearted despite its serious themes. Overall, the blend of humor and engaging storytelling contributes significantly to the game's appeal, solidifying it as a fan favorite in the franchise.

    • “Funny, doesn't take itself too seriously while also dedicating time to the character to make you relate to their goals and their struggles.”
    • “Filled with memorable characters, a winding, twisted story of revenge, humorous interactions, and a great move-set, Assassin's Creed 2 is one of the best.”
    • “The story has lots of humor to it, keeps things fresh throughout the game.”
    • “Not funny when you try to enter an area and you receive the message 'unlock this map through the Ubisoft Club'.”
    • “Funny bugs.”
  • emotional120 mentions

    The emotional aspect of "Assassin's Creed II" is highlighted by the deep character development of Ezio Auditore, whose journey from a carefree youth to a seasoned assassin resonates strongly with players. The game's narrative is rich with themes of revenge, loss, and personal growth, enhanced by a touching soundtrack that amplifies key moments, making it a profoundly engaging experience. Players often express a strong emotional attachment to Ezio, with many citing the story as one of the most impactful they've encountered in gaming.

    • “Ezio's personal quest for revenge and his deeper understanding of the assassin’s creed provided an emotional core that drew players in.”
    • “At the heart of Assassin's Creed II is its protagonist, Ezio Auditore da Firenze, whose journey is both compelling and emotionally resonant.”
    • “The storytelling in Assassin's Creed II is a tour de force, featuring a deep and emotionally resonant narrative that keeps players invested from start to finish.”
    • “Don't get me wrong, Ezio Auditore is an amazing character and I love him in Brotherhood and especially in Revelations, but I cannot understand how they were able to butcher him with a very boring story.”
    • “However, at other times it'll demand you complete some boring story mission or worse, a flying mission, filled with annoying prerequisites and arbitrary 'stealth' sections, which have insta-fail conditions.”
    • “Everything takes forever, especially in the boring story.”
  • character development93 mentions

    Character development in Assassin's Creed II is widely praised, particularly for the protagonist Ezio Auditore, whose transformation from a carefree youth to a skilled and wise assassin is compellingly portrayed. Reviewers highlight the depth and emotional investment in Ezio's journey, noting that his interactions and growth throughout the game significantly enhance the narrative experience. Overall, the character development is considered one of the game's standout features, elevating it above its predecessor and contributing to its status as a classic in the gaming world.

    • “Beyond its technical achievements, Assassin's Creed II stood out for its strong narrative and character development.”
    • “Ezio's character development is a triumph, transforming from a carefree youth into a skilled assassin with a deep personal vendetta.”
    • “The character development is exceptional, with Ezio evolving from a brash young man into a formidable and wise assassin.”
    • “Lets talk protagonists, after the initial 'he lost his family and he wants revenge', what character development does he get?”
    • “I had fun for the first quarter of the game where at least the character was very charismatic but it quickly became a repetitive slog with character development that you'll hardly notice by the main plot putting you to sleep.”
    • “There is no character development to the 2 new characters: Shaun and Rebecca, and it really wouldn't have made a difference if they just decided to cut out the entire modern day story for this game, because it's literally non-existent (apart from the ending of course).”
  • replayability75 mentions

    Overall, the replayability of the game is mixed, with many players praising its branching storylines, side quests, and open-world exploration, which encourage multiple playthroughs. However, some reviewers noted limitations such as linear mission progression and a lack of engaging post-story content, leading to lower replay value for certain players. Despite these criticisms, many still find the game enjoyable enough to revisit, particularly for its strong narrative and character development.

    • “The game's branching storylines and multiple side quests offer significant replay value, encouraging players to revisit the world and experience different outcomes.”
    • “With its sprawling open-world environment and wealth of side activities, Assassin's Creed II offers ample replay value for players seeking to explore every corner of Renaissance Italy.”
    • “Overall, AC2 is a fantastic game with a great replayability factor.”
    • “As it is very linear and ends up as a bit of a flat experience story-wise, I'm afraid the replay value is quite low, especially since there are already plenty of titles in this ongoing series that haven't ended yet.”
    • “Replayability of the main missions is limited, since they are presented in the order they are received and cannot be re-done once completed.”
    • “I do admittedly have a quibble with the replayability; you don't really have the option to replay missions, which kind of sucks.”
  • monetization9 mentions

    Reviews indicate a mixed sentiment regarding monetization, with some praising the absence of microtransactions and aggressive advertising, while others criticize certain games as cash grabs. Players appreciate the focus on gameplay and story over monetization tactics, highlighting a preference for experiences that prioritize fun rather than financial exploitation.

    • “No microtransactions: check.”
    • “This is back from when games were meant to be fun instead of a hassle to make you buy microtransactions, and it shows.”
    • “Shameless cash grab using what was one of the best games of all time.”
    • “Downvote for aggressive advertising to promote another game.”
    • “A more serious case was that of Might & Magic: Duel of Champions, a free-to-play game with microtransactions, whose closure not only removed the game from stores but also erased achievements and statistics from accounts, rendering important player information inaccessible.”
Positive mentions (%)Positive
Neutral mentions (%)Neutral
Negative mentions (%)Negative

Critic Reviews

85% average critic score

Buy Assassin's Creed 2

Play time

23hMedian play time
23hAverage play time
19hMain story
35hCompletionist
10-35hSpent by most gamers
*Based on 66 analyzed playthroughs

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