One of the many subtitles being attributed to the highly anticipated game Assassins Creed II. The first Assassin's Creed game was originally released to mixed reviews, often criticizing the repetitive combat and weak mission objectives. However, one thing that was praised by almost all sides was the great storyline that mixed science-fiction with the war-torn atmosphere of the Holy Land in 1193.

To give a little bit of background to those who haven't played or simply don't remember the events from Assassin's Creed, the game introduces us to two heroes. We start the game as Desmond, a modern-day "every man" who is captured by a company called Abstergo who is really a front for the Templars. They force Desmond to use a machine that forces him back in time into the memories of his ancestor, Altair, the incredibly powerful yet headstrong assassin from Jerusalem 1193. The game ends with Desmond still held captive and Altair's fate unknown.

In Assassin's Creed II, developer Ubisoft Montreal is leaving Altair for now to focus on another of Desmond's ancestors, Ezio Auditore de Firenze, a nobleman from Florence, Italy who lived during the year 1476. Ubisoft is keeping quiet about how Ezio, born into a well-to-do family, turns into a vengeful assassin looking to upset the balance of power in Italy but it isn't hard to assume some of the possibilities.

Here is what we know so far about Ezio's storyline. He was born to a very rich and powerful family in Florence, Italy around the year 1452. He was always very talented at athletics and could often run and jump faster and farther than anyone else. Instead of assassin's work though, he used these skills to enhance his playboy status, by evading angry fathers. Along with being quite the powerful athlete, Ezio is a very smooth talker, making friends with most everyone and seducing many women. One day, however, something happens and his family is betrayed. This sets Ezio off on a tale of vengeance against the powerful Italian families where he discovers even more sinister plots are unfolding that he alone must stop.

While this will be the bulk of the gameplay during Assassin's Creed II, Ubisoft has not forgotten Desmond, our imprisoned descendent who has discovered some very interesting secrets himself over at the Abstergo labs. He will still be the games central narrator, using the Animus machine to learn about Ezio's storyline while also learning about his own past and people.

The cities that have been announced so far that are playable in the sequel include: Rome, Florence, Venice and the Tuscan countryside. Assassin's Creed II will be available for the Xbox 360, Playstation 3 and PC this holiday season.

Sources: Game Informer Issue 193, Screw Attack 04/04/09, Assassinscreed.uk.ubi.com.