New Assassin's Creed 2 impressions from a
German website:
- when Ezio hides in crowds he can pretend to belong to a particular social group, for example a group of chatting bystanders
- he can follow them and walk around with them too which looks a bit unrealistc according to the author of the article because Ezio doesn't change clothes when he blends in
- Ezio can steal from people around him by holding a button
- the money can be thrown to the ground to create dynamic obstacles for guards in pursuit
- you can also buy different goods like medicine or poison
- poison can be used for an indirect kill (probably only on minor targets), you poison a guard and the falling weapon kills the target
- a pistol replaces the throwing knives as the one hit kill weapon of choice
- the AI is much improved and works in teams to kill Ezio
- enemies have a health bar above their head, the author thinks the it makes the UI looks too busy (you can turn all HUD elements off anyway)
- there are a lot of hidden areas in the cities, the one on display is a tunnel that leads into a PoP/Indiana Jones-esque underground dungeon with wide spaces that house levers, platforms and extending stairs
- there are scripted chase sequences in these underground areas where running target may shut doors behind him which requires you to find a lever to open it
- the sense of exploration is key here and feels very different compared to the original
- you can spy on guards and gain information on the Templar conspiracy in these hidden areas
- the author complains that the movement feels too automatic (remark: proably one of those guys who holds down the action trigger and the A button the whole time :lol )
- Ezio can hire mercenaries and thiefs who help him on missions
- mercs can be used as bodyguards or for causing trouble by ordering them to cause a distraction
- thiefs follow Ezio to the rooftops and can be sent out by selecting a target from above
- eagle vision is available in third person view while walking around
+ beautiful graphics
+ interesting setting (Tuscany)
+ mission variety
+ lots of options in the sandbox
- feels too automatic
- too many icons on the screen, busy UI
It left a good impression on the author and he expects to be more enthusiastic about the game once he gets to play more. The negatives aren't that dramatic imo.
The first game rewarded you for using the controls skillfully instead of running around like a mad man with all buttons held down and I'm sure that's going to be the case in the second one too. The same goes for the second negative, the best way to experience the first game was with all HUD elements switched off and I'd be shocked if it was any different in the sequel.
