After months and months of waiting we finally learn what the heck was up with that ending in this great sequel.
The visuals in Assassins Creed II are amazing compared to the first. I know in the first it was during the middle ages but damn where was the color. Every gray building had started to blend together by the end of the game. With this game we have an explosion of colors and designs creating an absolutely beautiful world to live in.
Combat also has been changed slightly but not enough to make it unfamiliar. You are able to get new weapons and even find some upgrades for your hidden blades, yes I said blades as in more then one. However, if there is something lacking its in the fact that you still feel like the combat drags on sometimes.
Finally my favorite thing is the new story and characters that surround you. With Altair we just have a killer who does what he is told and that's the story. Assassins Creed II has great character development showing the evolution of an assassin and what its like to be dragged into the world.
If you haven't finished the first one because of it being slow and painful and points I suggest to hang on and get through it. The second is a huge improvement and is worth your time.