Assassin's Creed 2 is easily one of the highlights of 2009's game releases.
The game play of Assassin's Creed 2 has answered the complaints that hindered the former title's success. Nearly all of its issues have been addressed.
Wall climbing and roof jumping are some of the highlights of this game. Ezio's acrobatic abilities are smooth and stylish. All of this is incorporated into beautiful environments with less robotic citizens. The diversity of these locations makes for more breathtaking experiences. I'll also say that the graphics are sharper and cleaner than before. I personally prefer them over the original's effects.
The combat is less challenging but is balanced out with new handicaps. The counter attacks are violent and satisfying. Ezio's killing abilities are far more diverse than before. But despite all the new stealth moves, the game veers away from the original's stealth elements. Ezio feels less like an assassin than he could, but the game play is exceptional enough to make this issue mute.
The story is one of my only problems with the game. It offers a better ending and improves both its protagonists: Desmond and his ancestor. Unfortunately Ezio's story feels less intertwined then Altair's did. The templars themselves have lost much of their original intentions. They feel less honorable and more prone to being petty and self-centered. Now there are quite a few lovely additions to the story as well, but these would be too much of a spoiler to mention.
All in all, Assassin's Creed 2 is a near perfect experience. Despite a few steps backwards, it has taken many steps in the right direction. I look forward to how Assassin's Creed 3 will manage to outdo so enjoyable a game.