15 Years Ago, Assassin’s Creed 2 Laid the Groundwork for an Empire

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15 Years Ago, Assassin's Creed 2 Laid the Groundwork for an Empire

Key Takeaways

  • Assassin’s Creed 2 sparked the franchise’s popularity, with higher critical acclaim than its predecessor.
  • The game features a charismatic protagonist, engaging story, and improved gameplay mechanics.
  • The Assassin’s Creed franchise has expanded immensely since Assassin’s Creed 2, with multiple titles and projects.

As a seasoned gamer who has been around since the dawn of gaming consoles, I can confidently say that Assassin’s Creed 2 holds a special place in my heart and gaming history. It was like a breath of fresh air when it burst onto the scene back in 2009, offering a captivating narrative, engaging gameplay, and an immersive world that felt alive.

15 years ago today, I find myself marveling at the anniversary of Assassin’s Creed 2. It’s almost hard to believe that so much time has passed since this game first captivated us! Over the years, the Assassin’s Creed series has evolved significantly, with each new installment eliciting more curiosity than anticipation these days. Yet, despite the skepticism that often accompanies its releases, the series persists, striving tirelessly to replicate the magic of what is widely considered the best game in the Assassin’s Creed universe – none other than Assassin’s Creed 2.

Despite the numerous visual and technical resources that the Assassin’s Creed series can now utilize, it’s challenging to argue that Assassin’s Creed is superior to other games in certain aspects. Nevertheless, there’s no denying that among all Assassin’s Creed games, Assassin’s Creed 2 holds an undisputed position as the most impactful. The franchise’s progression over the past 15 years can be traced back directly to the second installment.

Assassin’s Creed Owes Everything to Assassin’s Creed 2

Assassin’s Creed 2 Is the Game That Sparked the Franchise’s Popularity

The Assassin’s Creed series has been around since 2007, but it was with the release of Assassin’s Creed 2 in 2009 that the franchise really took off. To put it simply, the first game in the series served as a prelude for Assassin’s Creed 2. Just like the initial Mass Effect set the stage for its sequel, Assassin’s Creed introduced some key elements of the series, such as stealth and parkour, but its gameplay mechanics were somewhat clunky, slow, and unreliable, leading to a less than favorable response. However, the arrival of Assassin’s Creed 2 quickly turned things around, leaving an indelible mark on the gaming world.

If Assassin’s Creed served as the initial spark for the series, then Assassin’s Creed 2 became its raging wildfire. Unlike the first game, which received an average response, Assassin’s Creed 2 was showered with universal praise, earning a higher average critical score and a Metascore of 91—a record it has held for the last 15 years, making it the highest-rated game in the Assassin’s Creed series. This widespread approval wasn’t merely because it was the second installment in the series, but because it successfully improved upon the core principles of the first game to create an unprecedented gaming experience that gamers had never encountered before.

The Assassin’s Creed series started back in 2007, yet it was with the debut of Assassin’s Creed 2 in 2009 that the franchise really gained momentum.

Assassin’s Creed 2 isn’t simply a refined version of the first game; while it retains some similarities with the original, it offers distinct improvements. For instance, the main character, Ezio Auditore da Firenze, is more appealing and relatable than Altair from the initial game. This enhancement greatly enhances the game’s storyline, given its incorporation of well-known historical figures such as Leonardo da Vinci, Lorenzo de Medici, and Rodrigo Borgia. The setting, which includes renowned Italian Renaissance cities like Florence and Venice, is another significant factor in its success, and this immersive quality is further emphasized as the sequel’s world appears more vibrant compared to the last.

All in all, the gameplay in Assassin’s Creed 2 represents a significant leap forward from its predecessor. The stealth and parkour systems are sleeker and more responsive, the side activities are much more enjoyable than the repetitive collectibles found in the original, the renovation system offers a satisfying sense of achievement, the combat is more reliable and thrilling, and the enhanced graphics and detailed character models add an extra touch of quality. While subsequent games in the series have refined these systems further, Assassin’s Creed 2 left a lasting impact on the franchise as it moved into the future after 2009.

The Assassin’s Creed Franchise Has Grown Immensely Since the Release of Assassin’s Creed 2

Over a decade following the debut of “Assassin’s Creed 2”, we now count thirteen primary “Assassin’s Creed” games (with another one on the way), four significant spin-offs, ten mobile games, numerous ongoing projects, and even a full-length movie. The franchise has experienced its share of highs and lows since the release of “Assassin’s Creed 2”, but without the second game in the series achieving the success it did, there may not have been any high points for the rest of the series to build upon.

If
Assassin’s Creed
was the series’ spark,
Assassin’s Creed 2
was its wildfire.

The significant influence that “Assassin’s Creed 2” exerted on the series cannot be understated, and while it might seem plausible to attribute success to any “Assassin’s Creed” game following it, “Assassin’s Creed 2” served as the foundation that catapulted the franchise to fame. Upon its release, it was met with widespread critical praise for its compelling narrative, well-developed characters, immersive world design, and substantial enhancements over the initial game. After the challenging experience of the first “Assassin’s Creed,” “Assassin’s Creed 2” introduced a new perspective to the formula by featuring a more relatable protagonist, a richer storyline, familiar historical figures, a stunning depiction of Italy, and streamlined gameplay mechanics for what is arguably the most crucial “Assassin’s Creed” title ever produced.

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2024-11-17 14:03