follow the Creed !!!!
There are still a few little visual problems and you may find yourself climbing through a pole or minding your own business when a boat appears out of nowhere, but these problems are few and far between and nothing compared to the total freeze up you got playing AC. AC2 is also a little harder than its predecessor as AI is now smarter and hiding is not as simple as just jumping into a haystack because make it too obvious and the guards will poke you with a sword and the chase will be back on. There are also no priests you can blend with meaning accessibility is harder but ultimately more fun. You also do not automatically heal now and will have to either take a potion or visit a doctor who will heal your wounds and sell you potions. Timer's are also more common now and players who like to plan their moves slowly will have to adapt to the fast paced action to be expected in AC2.
The new additions to AC2 are too many to be listed but players can expect some 'Brutal!' moments, especially with the dual hidden blade. Weapons, armour, threads and Leonardo's experiments bring a whole new level to assassination. Currency is also a new and important addition to the Assassin's world, stealing, looting, finishing missions and finding treasure all give you money which you can spend to make Ezio a more effective killing machine. There is also a notoriety meter and if it gets too high the game turns into a nightmare as you will find yourself running from guards left right and centre. Luckily all you have to do is; rip down a few posters, kill some key guards or bribe some higher authority and your notoriety will go down. Missions are more unique than AC, and there is enough differences within all the missions that you wont find yourself doing exactly the same thing you did just a few minutes ago.
There are also tombs which you run through plat former style, which may sound dull to some but really is an excellent addition to the game and one which you will find yourself repeating but still finding enjoyable.
However, fans of the original Assassins Creed will also see similarities in the games mainly the smooth flowing free-running, scaling gigantic buildings, and the synchronise points where you get a good look at the breathless environment that is AC2, buildings, fields and real life landmarks are all included and accurate to that of 15th century Venice.