The perfect sequel, keeps everything good and improves everything that was iffy about the first Assassin's Creed
You begin in Florence with minimal skills in fighting and climbing, where the game guides you through brief tutorials to gain control over the character. Controls are as smooth as before, and with easy to grasp button command you'll be throwing yourself across the beautifully rendered Tuscan city. Other areas of the game, from the beautiful countryside to the more complex city of Venice are both expertly rendered and wonderfully animated, really bringing the places to life. The public wander about their chores, people try to sell you their wares, lute players harass you and courtesans flirt and tempt you with their skills. Many of the people you come across you can hire to assist you; the courtesans can distract guards, as can thieves and mercenaries, who you can also hire to assist you in battles. You come to rely on their skills more later in the game, as sections require you to enter areas without being seen by guards, who can easily be distracted by courtesans or thieves. These sections are always very well done, although sometimes one guard will not be distracted and still notice you. It's a minor niggle that doesn't happen often however.
The story is much more involved than the previous game, and Ezio is a much more sympathetic character than Altair was. The personal connection you make with the character makes the ending sequence much more satisfying. Side missions, like assassination contracts, messenger missions and finding feathers adds extra depth into a game that provides the one of the most absorbing gaming experiences of recent years. Few things in the gaming world beat the feeling of launching between buildings, extending your wrist balde and assassinating an unaware guard. Top quality gaming from Ubisoft, cannot wait for Brotherhood now!