Two great games at a cheaper price make this double pack more than worth its price
+ Two great AAA games on a single disc at a very reasonable price
+ Impressive settings and visuals for both games
+ Shows the clear improvements between the two games
Negative
- On launch, it is Assassin's Creed II that automatically loads
- Combat can get repetitive and tiresome, in both entries
The Assassin's Creed series successfully managed to offer inspiring settings and vistas, and this terrific double pack packs the first Assassin's Creed, a game that had the right ideas but failed to completely realize them, and its sequel, Ezio's Assassin's Creed II, the right sequel that hammered down the expectations. This Double Pack offers the first two games of Ubisoft's bestselling on a single disc at an irresistible value.
The Assassin's Creed series is a historic action game, the first of the two is set in the Third Crusade starring master assassin Altair in his quest to kill the nine Templar enemies in his quest to redeem himself, while the second, stars likeable protagonist Ezio di Firenze, where his memorable tale of vengeance is set in the Italian Renaissance period. Despite the distant time periods, there is a connection between Altair and Ezio. Both are Desmond Miles's ancestors, whom Desmond can relive their memories through the use of Abstergo's Animus. Desmond's part is set in our current's setting, and despite his little presence in the stories, his presence and connection to the present makes Assassin's Creed stand out more than your average historic game. The first game sets itself in a very predictable rhythm at times, and is occasionally difficult to follow, though the ending is astounding for what the game had offered, even if it eventual cliffhanger led to Assassin's Creed II. The second Assassin's Creed is undoubtedly the better game in virtually everything it did. Ezio is a better, more charismatic character than Altair, and even the characters that revolve around him, and even his high profile targets easily draw you into its memorable and unforgettable setting. But there are times the story is paddled and fast forwards a bit too much.
The first Assassin's Creed is a terrific idea that had failed to capitalize on its full potential. Between its open world, silent killing and side stories, there was a lot that could have been better. There was too little variety between its citizen saving and tower climbing. Assassin's Creed II offered much more varied combat, with multiple different weapons to utilize including a gun later on, plus the use of a currency to upgrade equipment. There are Assassination Contracts, which gives you a target to assassinate, and the challenging Catacomb platforming section that earns you a fabulous reward at the end of its tricky puzzles. The ability to swim was added in the sequel, which made it a heaven-sent blessing when it came to navigating the city of Venice.
It is impressive that there is such a clear difference between the two, even though only a year separates them. There is no denying that the climbing, fast running, and leap of faiths are the highlight and joy of the franchise and those thrills exist in both games. The combat is the single thing that keeps hampering the series. Combat is at its best simplistic, and best used in a defensive and counter-attack fashion. Some of the killing animations are gruesome, and the silent assassinations are fantastic. The second adds assassinations from above, double assassination and even more options, giving you the true feel of an assassin. But there isn't much stealth. You are an assassin within the crowd. Once exposed in an open area, vigilant enemies will immediately attack you. Stronger enemies make Assassin's Creed II's combat tiresome, especially near the ending. What Assassin's Creed II truly failed to deliver is giving you the perfect and most satisfying assassination. There are options, but there was a lot of moments that could have been of an even higher impact.
Despite their age and newer games now, both games look fantastic. Props go most to Assassin's Creed II's art style and level design which is truly impeccable. The surface of the water is incredibly realistic, and the character movements are realistic and believable. There are glitches here and there, and some character expressions could be improved. Though it is difficult to complain when such attention has been given to the visuals. Voice acting is brilliant in both games but the mixture of Italian and English voice acting in the second stands out more because it actually succeeds.
If left on default settings, the cd will immediately load Assassin's Creed II, which may confuse newcomers into thinking that is the first game since it loads automatically. It is nothing troublesome, just confusing. And it offers two AAA games at an unbeatable price. The first two Assassin Creed games are two great and memorable historic action games because of their rich setting and the sheer joy of climbing and assassinating.