It may have had stupid AI, boring repetitive side quests, a Middle Eastern protaganist who sounded like he came straight from Canada, and it ended up being more popular because the producer was a cutie who got
lots of exposure, but I still enjoyed Assassin's Creed. It did have huge sprawling cities which were just really pretty to look at and especially do parkour tricks in and I was one who happened to like the story, even with the sci-fi elements. Reading online and trying to piece together the clues left after the game was finished, you could tell a lot of thought was put into the franchise as a whole and how real historical events, locales and conspiracy theories can connect together with the game's own setting. Plus, I'm a sucker for anything that comes out of the Holy Crusades.
For fans like me then, it's good news to see the first
teaser trailer to Assassins Creed 2 where it's almost a dead cert that it takes place in Italy during the time of the Renaissance (including bat wings?!
) If that wasn't enough, according to Game Informer it seems like the game could have great promise with these new features:
- Day and Night Cycle
- Swimming
- More weapons, axe, hammer, mace, spear, 2 different sword types, a spear axe thing, and 2 smaller blades
- Game will feature a new notoriety system that governs how enemy soldiers and people will treat you.
- You can disarm enemies and use their own weapons against them this time.
- Each weapon has a special move.
- 16 unique mission types.
- If you get beat up to much you will need to see a doctor to regain full strength.
- New enemy types with unique attitudes and weaknesses are present in the game. Archers are mentioned, as well as elite enemies, dagger wielders, "Brutish" armored troops with heavy armor and 2 handed swords and axes, and an intelligent halberd enemy will probe hiding places with their weapons if they think you're near by.
- While hiding in a hay bail you can assassinate people this time, but it may expose your position.
- Da Vincis workshop is in the game
- Locations include Saint Marks Basilica, The Grand Canal, The Little Canal, and the Rialto bridge.
- The game opens in 1476, Altair is from 1191
- You will see the countryside of Tuscany
- The "Auditore" family is mentioned
- The main characters name is Ezio Auditore de Firenze
- He is a nobleman of Florence
- Big characters are in the game including Machiavelli, Caterina Sofrza, and Lorenzo de Medici
- The Lorendo de Medici assassination is in the game.
- No more eavesdropping or pick pocketing missions.
- Hidden objects (like flags in the first one) are there to uncover but this time if you track them down you will get in-game bonuses that make it worth your time.
- Items include, flags, statues, and gold coins and more that isnt mentioned.
Now there's obviously no mention there of improved AI or the like, but seeing as it was a main criticism of the first game, I'll expect the developers are already at work on it. Personally, I'd want a few more indoor locations and proper stealth mechanics rather than just hope you don't get seen. You know, actually crouching behind low objects or hugging walls. One of my fantasies when I thought of AC was to kill an Assassination target inside a tower. But because it was free roaming and it's climb anywhere mechanics, I'd actually scale the tower from the bottom to the top and work my way inside from there. Imagine, walking through the tower, with proper stealth mechanics ala Splinter Cell or Metal Gear. rather than just pray you don't get seen. Sunlight streaming in through the stained glass windows. Sneaking down a spiral staircase. All before making the decisive kill inside the target's personal chambers.
Well one can hope AC2 will be like that anyway...