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Latest Updates
So for the late post, but the game is finally here. Tell us in the comments below what you like; and what you don't like about the sequel to the game that sold 9-million-worldwide.
So in the last week or so we recieved two new videos, a 12-minute-long interview with the lead developer and a new trailer on Ezio's weapons. Here they are below. The game is drawing near and I'm getting excited, tell us what you think in the comments below.
Interview with Patrice Désilets
Also, I'm doing another officer draft. Check out the officer application thread if you wish to apply, you need to have dedication and time to post and look after this union. Thanks for reading and have a nice day.
"What I'm particularly proud of is the new game architecture allowing much more diverse gameplay and missions in our engine. We have also enhanced NPC navigation showcasing parkour-like acrobatics that will spice up the chases and escape missions in the game. Now, for the visuals, the Assassin's Creed game engine - Anvil - got some awesome new technical features that let us create a world with an even better visual treatment. We have many new technicalities we added in the engine that affect the graphics in the game and improve the overall visual treatment: Day and night cycle, new load distance for more detailed open-world environment from greater distances, the same internal vegetation technology used in FarCry 2..."
In case you missed it, a gamplay walkthrough video was released on the internet. It shows a few new weapons and ways to dispatch your enemies, the all new missions and exploration, and a whole lot of other great new features.
10th September - Gameplay Walkthrough Video. Watch here.
From the OPM.
1 ) Ezio regular visit peace of the countryside. You come in beautiful rural areas such as the lush Tuscan that includes the famous town of San Gimignano. Outside the story you can revisite all areas of the game you wish to make secondary missions or unlock secret areas.
2 ) The throwing knives make their appearance again. Unlike Altaïr,Ezio must hit his enemys twice to finish them off. Ezio has ,through Leonardo da Vinci, an extensive arsenal of gadgets including a hand gun and smoke bombs.
3 ) The hand gun can save six bullets in his store. One hit is enough to eleminate your target, but since that time firearms were not exactly accurate, Ezio has to take his victims uninterrupted seconds in the spotlight so he can take them out. The iron bullets also consumed masses gunpowder, so it made gigantic much noise. Shooting equals discovered.
4 ) AC II has a fully developed economic system. You can add additional smoke bombs, bullets for your rifle and throwing knives in the retailers of medieval cities. Smoke bombs are a very usefull item because you can go to your target unseen ,or like in the E3 demonstartion, vanish like a ninja.
5 ) The game contains one or more public executions. These are gameplay-wise extremely interesting becaus many people come together in one place, both supporters of the rulers and the poor soul who is about to be executed in wild cheers of the people. This creates a unique tension for emotional uppercuts in the story.
6 ) The day and night cycle affects the gameplay significantly: at night the streets are empty andc Ezio cant hidde anymore in the crowd. He must work extra careful (stealthy). Some missions are spread over day and night. For example, there is a mission where you must put in the day braziers on top of buildings so at night you can float in the air with your medieval hang glider.
7 ) Weapons can be divided into 4 categories: swords, daggers, blunt weapons and weapons you need to handle with 2 hands. Spears and axes can not be countered with a sword or a dagger. As a player you can do 2 things: capture the arm of your opponent with a counter dodge or wait until you find a hole in his defense.
8 ) Each weapon-category has a custom attack associated with a distinctive animation. With a halberd (an ax with a spear-like stem) you can put a powerful swing to make multiple enemies at once on the floor. Each weapon varies in speed and inflicted damage.
9 ) Many missions are in and around the water. Ezio can swim and use a regular gondola (a typical Venetian boat) to carry the wounded or to go to locations that are inaccessible by land. Larger ships are unfortunately not navigable, but can be used to quickly move between regions. You get a loading screen and then appear to your destination.
10 ) The combat system and the animations are deliberately designed to Ezio's gruesome revenge feelings. The halberd can be drilled into the chest of an enemy and be stuck. You need to instantaneously switch to a different weaponry. This makes fighting more realistic, more varied and a lot more challenging. You must be prepared for anything.
11 ) The female character is called Rosa and is a member of the thieves faction. She plays an important role in the game and reportedly spends much time on your side. You have several of these factions in the game: the thieves, the courtiers and the assassins. Throughout the game you will meet the leaders of these factions and perform missions for them in their favor.
12 ) Once you have won trust of the factions, they perform certain tasks in your command. Each faction has a unique skill. The graceful courtesans can use their charms to seduce security guards so Ezio can sneak past undetected. The thieves can steal items from the guards and effectively divert their attention.
Ubisoft is giving you an opportunity to pick your favourite Xbox 360 Achievement/Playstation Trophy and get it included in the upcoming Assassin's Creed 2 game.
To vote, simply log in to your Ubisoft account, go here on www.assassinscreed.com/vote and pick one of the following as your favourite:
1) The taste of revenge - Kill (X) Brutes (heavy guard)
2) Weapon Master - Use all weapons at least once.
3) Victory lies in preparation - Get all available upgrades for Ezio
4) Mighty traveler - Travel (X) kilometers within the game
If you're a fan of Assassin's Creed 2 on Facebook you can also post your vote there!
Vote quickly! The vote will close on the 17th of August and Ubisoft will reveal the final results a couple of days after.
So be sure to go on the Ubisoft forums and help them shape your game!
In other news the second Dev. Diary was released yesterday. It speaks about the story and other characters you interact with, including a few stories.
7th July - Developer Diary #1 released. Watch the video here.
11th August - Developer Diary #2 released. Watch the video here.
There is a new interview about the gameplay mechanics and different objectives you can do in Assassin's Creed 2.
"In Assassin's Creed 2, you have been betrayed by the ruling Italian Families - you will have to learn how to interact and use the 'common people' or, like we call them in the game, "the underworld", to get your revenge. So you can generally consider that the crowd is on your side (except of course if you behave too badly!). First, any crowd NPC can help you to hide - just go into a group and press the blend button to enter a crowd and lower your chances of being noticed by guards. The crowd can help you to stealth through the city but aren't 100% stealth proof as guards have various awareness levels depending of their **** We have also added a new "notoriety system" where your actions in the city will impact your notoriety and how you are "wanted" in the city."
The special edition Assassins Creed 2 game is official, and will be released. This special set will be $79.99 in the US, while other prices in the AU are not official yet. It will be released on the PS3 and XBOX360.
This set contains...
8.5 inch Collectable Ezio Statue
Artbook: The Art of Assassins Creed
Premium Collectable Metal Case
Two Exclusive, in-game maps:
Palazzo Medici
Santa Maria Dei Frari
Additional content DVD:
Behind the scenes of Assassin's Creed
Assassin's Creed II Soundtrack
* You only get the 2 free maps when you pre-order it from Gamestop. So get your skates on!
