Everything that made the first on great and more!
Here, we pick up once again with Desmond, this time escaping confinement and being taken to a warehouse where modern day Assassin's have set up a second Animus. With it, and a stolen data core, they are able to put Desmond in the boots and cloak of Ezio, a Renaissance era Assassin who picks up the mantle of the Assassin to avenge his father and brothers' deaths. The concpiracy set in motion in the first game unravels further.
Almost immediately, for those who played the first game, this one feels familiar. This is mostly due to how easily the game handles. You simply need to press one or two buttons to commit an array of impressive moves. Even fighting is incredibly simply, relying mostly on reflex skills and timing for violent and entertaining attacks. What sets this game apart from it's first one right from the get go is the fact that Ezio doesn't start out as an Assassin as Altair did. Instead, you both work on becoming that Assassin together. This is great for newcomers, as it allows these people to learn how things are done along with the character. And for those worried about the story, it does a good job of summarizing the game at the very beginning.
One of the biggest issues with the original game was the repetitiveness of the majority of it. The story was good, but the game had you committed to the same pattern of missions throughout most of it. This time, things run somewhat more linearly, while still maintaining open ended gameplay. Instead of recieving your targets and then going off to fight them, the missions revolve around the characters desires and the unfolding story. It feels more natural and less like a chore. It also helps that Ezio is much more likeable and that you continue pushing on to see him succeed.
Italy is also a great choice of environment, specifically during the Renaissance. The city feels a little more festive. While the Crusades are always an interesting subject, it was also a very dark, grave time for many, and that shows. Here, the city feels alive with exploration, art, and culture. You certainly are at a dark time, yes, but that is something that almost seems devoid in the city amongst all of the artisans and citizens who seem to be enjoying life. And the environments beautifully capture the art and architecture of the city. It is a marvel to behold in a very different way from the first game, and it should bring a smile to your face.
AC2 is a bigger, better game with more depth. It does was every sequel should do: get's rid of what made the original hinder and throw in a lot of new, fantastic aspects. Everyone should at the very least give the game a chance. I guarantee you will not be dissappointed.