Assassin’s Creed was one of the most polarizing games of 2007. Many, if not most, praised the game for its innovative style and gameplay. Others, like me, saw it as  little more than a proof of concept. While I loved the climb-anywhere, stab-anyone mentality of Assassin’s Creed, I felt the story was a little contrived, the environment drab, the combat repetitive and side missions uninspired.

While playing it, I did find myself curious how the inevitable sequel would improve upon the first. Though when Assassin’s Creed 2 was announced and early videos of the game surfaced, I worried it would fall victim to some of the same pitfalls of the first game. Given the crowded fall schedule in which it was scheduled to release, I planned to play the game, but not right away.

All this changed when I read the review by Joystiq’s Justin McElroy. One of the final statements in his review really struck  a chord with me:

“If you were burned by the first Assassin’s Creed and are worried about getting bored by the sequel, I understand your skepticism, but trust me: it’s misplaced. It would be a lot more fruitful to worry about how you’re going to find time for any other games this holiday season when Ezio’s Italy constantly dangles the next trinket in front of you, just a few rooftops away.”

He convinced me, like he usually does, to lose any preconceived notions and give it a try. I am so glad I listened to him, because AC2 has defied almost everything I expected of it. Read the full story