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{{Infobox VG
| title = Assassin's Creed II
| image = [[Image:Assassins Creed 2 cover.jpg]]
| caption = ''Assassin's Creed II'' cover.
| developer = [[Ubisoft Montreal]]
| publisher = [[Ubisoft]]
| designer = [[Patrice Desilets]] (creative director)<ref name="gi-ac2">{{cite news |title=Assassin's Creed II |url=http://www.gameinformer.com/Magazine/Insider/Articles/Article/200905/A09.0414.1437.20481.htm |format=Fee required |pages=36-45 |work=[[Game Informer]] |date=2009-04-16}}</ref><br/>Sébastien Puel (producer)<ref name="gamersyde" /><br/>[[Jade Raymond]] (executive producer)<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZNJqa2rUdCY |title=Assassin's Creed 2 - Dev Diary #1 |accessdate=2009-05-07}}</ref>
| composer = [[Jesper Kyd]]<ref name="jesperkyd-preorder">{{cite web |url=http://assassinscreed.uk.ubi.com/assassins-creed-2/preorder.php |title=Assassin's Creed 2 Pre-Order |publisher=Assassinscreed.uk.ubi.com |date= |accessdate=2009-06-27}}</ref>
| writer = [[Corey May]]<ref name="DevDiary1">{{cite web |url=http://assassinscreed.uk.ubi.com/assassins-creed-2/preorder.php |title=Assassin's Creed 2 Pre-Order |publisher=Assassinscreed.uk.ubi.com |date= |accessdate=2009-06-27}}</ref>, Joshua Rubin, Jeffrey Yohalem
| series = ''[[Assassin's Creed (series)|Assassin's Creed]]''
| engine = [[Anvil (game engine)|Anvil]]<ref>[http://www.pcgameshardware.com/aid,684874/Assassins-Creed-2-Engine-detailed/News/ PC Games Hardware: "Assassin's Creed 2: Engine detailed"]</ref>
| resolution =
| released = '''Xbox 360''', '''PlayStation 3''':<br/>
{{vgrelease|NA=November 17, 2009<ref name="euro_g_date"/>|EU=November 20, 2009<ref name="paldate"/>}}
'''Microsoft Windows''':<br />
{{vgrelease|NA=March 16, 2010<ref name="na_date">{{cite web |url=http://www.gamestop.com/Catalog/ProductDetails.aspx?product_id=74510 |title=GameStop.com - Buy Assassin's Creed 2 - PC |date= |work= |publisher=[[GameStop]] |accessdate=21 Nov 2009}}</ref>}}
| genre = [[Third person (video games)#Third person view games|Third-person]] [[Action-adventure game|action-adventure]]
| modes = [[Single-player]]
| ratings = {{vgratings|ESRB=M|PEGI=18+|BBFC=15|OFLC=MA15+}}
| platforms = [[Microsoft Windows]]<br />[[PlayStation 3]]<br />[[Xbox 360]]
| media = [[Blu-ray Disc]], [[DVD]]
| input = [[Multi-touch]], [[gamepad]], [[Keyboard (computing)|keyboard]], and [[Mouse (computing)|mouse]]
| version =
| requirements = '''Windows XP or newer'''
* Processor: Dual Core 2.6 GHz Intel Pentium D or AMD Athlon 64 X2 3800+ (Intel Core® 2 Duo 2.2 GHz or AMD Athlon 64 X2 4400+ or better recommended)
* RAM: 2 GB Windows XP / 3 GB Windows Vista
* Video Card: 256 MB DirectX 10.0-compliant video card or DirectX 9.0-compliant card with Shader Model 3.0 or higher
* Sound Card: DirectX 9.0 or 10.0-compliant sound card (5.1 sound card recommended)
* DirectX Version: DirectX 9.0 or 10.0 libraries (included on disc)
* DVD-ROM: DVD-ROM dual-layer drive
* Hard Drive Space: 12GB
}}
{{Copyedit|date=November 2009}}
'''''Assassin's Creed II''''' is a [[Third person (video games)#Third person view games|third person]] [[Action-adventure game|action-adventure]] [[video game]] developed by [[Ubisoft Montreal]] and published by [[Ubisoft]]. It is the sequel to the action-adventure game ''[[Assassin's Creed]]'', and was released on [[PlayStation 3]] and [[Xbox 360]] in November 2009,<ref name="gamersyde">{{cite web | url=http://www.gamersyde.com/news_7711_en.html | title=Assassin's Creed 2:Artwork and QA | work=Gamersyde | date=2009-04-17 | accessdate=2009-04-21 }}</ref><ref name="euro_g_date">{{cite web|author=Ellie Gibson |url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/e3-assassins-creed-2-gets-release-date |title=E3: Assassin's Creed 2 gets release date News // None /// Eurogamer - Games Reviews, News and More |publisher=Eurogamer.net |date=2009-06-02 |accessdate=2009-06-27}}</ref><ref name="paldate">{{cite web|url=http://www.computerandvideogames.com/article.php?id=217432 |title=News: Assassin's Creed II gets Euro date |publisher=ComputerAndVideoGames.com |date=2009-06-12 |accessdate=2009-06-27}}</ref><ref name="ign-ac2rw">{{cite web | url=http://ps3.ign.com/articles/973/973528p1.html | title=Assassin's Creed 2 Release Window Announced | work=[[IGN]] | date=2009-04-16 | accessdate=2009-04-17 }}</ref> with a PC version scheduled for release in 2010.

As in ''[[Assassin's Creed]]'', the plot involves a machine named the "Animus", which makes it possible to view [[Genetic memory (parapsychology)|genetic memories]] of the player-character Desmond Miles. In ''Assassin's Creed II'', the player assumes the role of a young nobleman-turned-assassin named Ezio Auditore <!--THE OFFICIAL UBISOFT WEBSITE (CITED) STATES 'DA' NOT 'DI'. PLEASE DO NOT CHANGE. -->da Firenze in the late 15th century in [[Italy]], during the [[Italian Renaissance|Renaissance]]. The story of Ezio begins with the seeking of revenge on the rival families that murdered his father and brothers.

==Gameplay==
''Assassin's Creed II'' takes place in an [[open world]] with [[nonlinear gameplay]], allowing the player to free roam within several regions throughout late 15th century Italy, such as [[Venice]], [[Florence]], and the [[Tuscany|Tuscan]] countryside. A new version of the Animus is used in the game, providing in-game context for changes and additions to several game elements. A database is available, providing extra historical information about key landmarks, characters and services that the player encounters. The health system has been made more dynamic, with synchronisation to the Animus only recovering minor injuries.<ref name="gi-ac2" /> More grievous injuries require visiting a street-side doctor for medicine.<ref name="gi-ac2" />

The player may now swim in water, and eagle vision; the ability to identify specific people and landmarks, is used in third-person view.<ref name="gi-ac2"/> A young [[Leonardo da Vinci]] is present in the game, aiding the player by creating new weapons and translating items.<ref name="gi-ac2" /> Within the game, the player will be able to use Leonardo's [[Ornithopter|flying machine]] (based on real-life plans by Leonardo), while on a mission.<ref name="gi-ac2" />

[[File:Assassin's Creed II gondola screen.jpg|thumb|left|240px|Ezio stealing a [[gondola]] from a small pier.]]

While Leonardo provides the player with new weapons such as a poison blade and a miniature firearm, there is also a variety of swords and maces, as well as axes and spears. The combat system is more complex, with the ability to disarm opponents, stealing their weapons.<ref name="gi-ac2" /> Six additional weapons can be unlocked by connecting a PSP with ''[[Assassin's Creed: Bloodlines]]'' to the PS3.<ref>{{cite web|author=Ferry |url=http://www.videogamesblogger.com/2009/06/03/assassins-creed-2-cheats-guide.htm |title=Assassins Creed 2 cheats guide (PSP to PS3 linkup) |publisher=VideoGamesBlogger |date=2009-06-03 |accessdate=2009-11-10}}</ref>

The Auditore family's countryside villa acts as Ezio's home space, and the surrounding property can be upgraded, drawing income for the player's use. There are several outlets for using currency, with vendors selling items such as medicine, weapons, upgrades, and colored dyes for their character's outfit.

There is now a broader array of methods for hiding or blending in the area. One can dive underwater to break the guards' line of sight, and blending may be performed with any group of people, rather than only a specific type, as in the first Assassin's Creed.<ref name="gi-ac2" /> The game features a notoriety system, with Ezio becoming more recognizable depending on Ezio's behaviour, his location, and the current mission. This infamy can be reduced with bribery, removing [[wanted poster]]s, or assassinating corrupt officials.<ref name="gi-ac2" /> A day and night cycle has been added to the game, giving the sense of time, in addition to setting missions and events at certain times of the day.<ref name="gi-ac2" /> There are many ways to interact with [[non-player character]]s, with some NPCs available for hire, to serve as a distraction, or to fight alongside the player. Money thrown to the ground may also serve as a distraction. There are also several types of enemies, some more agile or stronger than others.

The missions in the game now have an expanded variety, with different structuring. For example, a mission may have the objective to escort someone, but may change to a chase and assassination. Investigation is less explicit, and instead missions may follow people and/or a narrative. There are roughly 200 missions in this game; half are part of the main storyline, while the rest are side quests. Cities also contain hidden locations such as catacombs and caves, the design of which have been compared by the developers to the ''[[Prince of Persia]]'' series, where the objective is to navigate the area. Exploring these locations eventually rewards the player with an item.

Like ''Assassin's Creed'', characters based on historical figures are present in the game including Leonardo da Vinci, [[Niccolò Machiavelli]], [[Caterina Sforza]], [[Lorenzo de' Medici]], the [[Pazzi]] Family, and [[Pope Alexander VI]].<ref name="hardnews-090409">{{cite web | url=http://www.screwattack.com/HardNews/040909 | title=Hard News 04/09/09 | work=[[ScrewAttack]] | date=2009-04-09 | accessdate=2009-04-15 }}</ref>

Locations in the game include Venice, Florence, the Tuscan countryside<ref name="gi-ac2" />, [[Monteriggioni]], [[San Gimignano]]<ref name="ve3d">{{cite web | url=http://ve3d.ign.com/articles/news/49798/Assassins-Creed-II-Artwork-Q-A-Screenshots | title=Assassin's Creed II Artwork, Q&A & Screenshots | work=[[IGN]] | date=2009-08-20 | accessdate=2009-08-21 }}</ref> and [[Forlì]].<ref name="ve3d" /> Specific landmarks include [[St Mark's Basilica]]<ref name="gi-ac2" />, the [[Grand Canal (Venice)|Grand Canal]], the Little Canal, the [[Rialto Bridge]]<ref name="gi-ac2" />, [[Florence Cathedral|Santa Maria del Fiore]], [[Basilica of Santa Croce, Florence|Santa Croce]], [[Palazzo Vecchio]], [[Ponte Vecchio]], and [[Basilica of Santa Maria Novella|Santa Maria Novella]].<ref name="ve3d" />

==Plot==
The game continues shortly after the events of ''Assassin's Creed'', where Desmond Miles is observing the cryptic messages written in blood, on his bedroom wall. Desmond's prolonged exposure to the Animus has resulted in a "bleeding effect"; he assimilates his ancestor's traits and abilities. Altaïr's eagle vision allows Desmond to see the writing that has been washed away.

Lucy Stillman suddenly arrives at Desmond's cell, and quickly ushers him into the Animus. Desmond briefly experiences the birth of his ancestor, Ezio Auditore da Firenze, while Lucy makes a copy of the Animus' memory. The two then proceed to escape Abstergo, to one of the Assassins' hideouts. After being introduced to fellow modern Assassins Shaun and Rebecca, Lucy explains that with their numbers dwindling, they require Desmond to assist them by becoming an Assassin. In order to do so, Lucy intends to train Desmond by exploiting the Animus' bleeding effect, by absorbing years of experience within days. The Assassins have copied and created their own version of the Animus, labeled the Animus 2.0, and Desmond proceeds to enter Ezio's memories.

Ezio's life takes place in the late 15th century in [[Italy]] during the [[Italian Renaissance|Renaissance]], approximately 300 years after Altaïr's time. In 1476, young Ezio is currently living the life of a noble in [[Florence]]. He gets into a fight with Vieri de Pazzi, the son of a prominent family, who insults his parents. After being reprimanded by his elder brother, Federico, and his father, Giovanni, Ezio performs some tasks for his family, such as delivering a message for his father, and carrying some paintings with [[Leonardo da Vinci]]. His father and another man, Uberto Alberti, are seen discussing secret matters that seem urgent.

Eventually, guards raid the Auditore home and arrest Giovanni, Frederico, and Ezio's younger brother, Petruccio. His mother, Maria, and sister, Claudia, go into hiding with their servant Anetta. After meeting his father, Ezio retrieves several items hidden in his home, which include an Assassin's outfit, a broken hidden blade, and several documents. Ezio delivers the letter containing evidence of the Auditore's innocence to Uberto, who promises to defend them at their hearing. However, on the day of their execution, Uberto denies having received such evidence, and the three Auditores are hanged. Swearing vengeance, Ezio meets Paola of the Courtesans, who is taking care of his mother and Claudia. Ezio is taught the elements of stealth, and meets with Leonardo da Vinci, who decrypts one of Ezio's documents and uses it to repair his hidden blade. Ezio then proceeds to assassinate Uberto.

Now a wanted criminal, Ezio flees Florence with Maria and Claudia, heading to his family villa in the Tuscan countryside. While fending off an attack by Vieri de Pazzi, he meets his uncle Mario and his mercenaries, who assist him. At the villa, Mario tells Ezio of his Assassin heritage, who had thought his father was simply a banker. Ezio is incredulous, and states his intention to flee to Spain, but Mario implores him to stay and fight the Pazzi and Templars, and trains him how to fight, while encouraging him to become an assassin.

After assassinating Vieri, Ezio learns of additional conspirators involved in his father and brothers' deaths. Mario introduces Ezio to various items in the villa, one being a set of armor that belonged to Altaïr. He is also shown several pages of the Codex, one of which was what Leonardo had decrypted. Written by Altaïr, the Codex is a set of memoirs describing his experiences and thoughts after retrieving the Apple of Eden, and also contains designs and sketches of several things, such as a miniature firearm, and a new type of metal. Over the next decade, Ezio assassinates many of the conspirators, with the assistance of several new allies, and Leonardo's developments, based on the designs from the Codex.

Eventually, Desmond is pulled out of the Animus, as Lucy calls it a day. She tests the retention of Desmond's skills, and notes a great amount of progress, although Desmond is suffering from minor detrimental effects, such as brief hallucinations of the past. Desmond appears to black out and has an extended, vivid hallucination or dream of Altaïr pursuing Maria, a Templar who Altaïr had spared, through Acre, and instead of attacking, proceeds to romance her. Afterwards, Desmond expects to continue following Altaïr, but the memory is now following Maria. Desmond wakes up, feeling confused.

Returning back into the Animus, Ezio continues his pursuit. Once nearly all of the conspirators are dead, only Rodrigo Borgia, the man at center of the conspiracy, remains. Ezio learns that Rodrigo has retrieved the Apple of Eden from Cyprus, and his men are delivering it to him in Venice. With all of Ezio's past allies suddenly appearing, they aid Ezio in reclaiming the Apple of Eden, but Rodrigo flees. After the battle, Ezio learns that all of his allies are Assassins, and were all guiding him throughout his life. Although Rodrigo had called himself a prophet, the Assassins state that Ezio may be the prophet described in the Codex. Letting go of the idea of revenge, Ezio is officially inducted as an Assassin.

Some sort of problem occurs with the Animus, and several memories are skipped, lapsing forward to the year 1499. Ezio, now 40 years old, uses the Apple of Eden and the completed Codex to locate a "vault" which only the prophet may open. The location is found to be in [[Vatican City]], where Rodrigo Borgia has now become Pope Alexander VI. As Pope, Rodrigo also possesses the papal staff, another Piece of Eden. Ezio attempts to assassinate Rodrigo, but fails, and Rodrigo attempts to use the staff and the Apple of Eden to open the vault. Ezio successfully intercepts him, but spares his life, and enters the vault.

Within the vault, Ezio encounters a hologram in the form of a woman. Ezio asks if she is a goddess, but she states that she is one of the ones who "came before". She was once known as "[[Minerva]]", though she has had other names such as [[Menrva|Merva]], while others had [[Juno (mythology)|Juno]] and [[Jupiter (mythology)|Jupiter]], formerly [[Uni (mythology)|Uni]] and [[Tinia]]. Minerva explains that she and her brethren were a race of technologically advanced beings that had once lived alongside humanity, and had evolved them. However, humanity rebelled, and they eventually fell apart, with Minerva still continuing to wonder if they could live together. Ezio says that he is confused, but Minerva tells him to be silent; she is actually speaking through him, as he is the prophet. Minerva explains the occurrence of a disaster that destroyed their civilization, and that it will happen again. She notes the existence of several other temples that may assist in averting the disaster. Minerva directly addresses Desmond, saying that "The rest is up to you". Greatly confused, Ezio asks who Desmond is, but the hologram fades, and the Animus is shut down.

Abstergo has located and attacked the hideout, prompting Shaun and Rebecca to pull Desmond out of the Animus. While the two pack everything, Lucy and Desmond try to buy time, with Desmond receiving an Assassin's hidden blade and using it with great proficiency to dispose of Warren Vidic's soldiers. Desmond confronts Vidic, but he flees and the group evacuate to another safehouse. Lucy prepares to review the tapes of Desmond's latest session, noting how the situation has escalated dramatically, and speculating on the possibility of an event such as the Sun's [[2012 phenomenon#Geomagnetic reversal|geomagnetic reversal]]. Rebecca prepares the Animus for Desmond to search for artifacts or clues that may help them.

During Desmond's time in the Animus, he also encounters a series of out-of-place glyphs, located throughout his memories. The glyphs are found to be the same ones drawn in blood at Abstergo, and analysis reveals that they contain computer code, hidden in the Animus. "Subject 16", the Animus user preceding Desmond, had placed the encrypted code as a message, and Lucy had taken this data along with the copy of the Animus' memory. The encrypted code contains a great number of historical artworks, photographs, and messages, past and present, implicating a great number of prominent events and figures within the Templars, and Pieces of Eden. Unlocking all of the glyphs reveals a brief video, labeled "Subject 16, Session 12, Classified Date B.C.E." A man and woman rush through a garden-like area and a futuristic complex, with a glimpse of other people performing manual labour. On the roof of the complex, the woman holds up the Apple of Eden, and she and the man identify each other as Adam and Eve.

==Development==
Ubisoft's Yves Guillemot officially confirmed that ''Assassin's Creed II'' was in development on November 26, 2008 during the company's financial performance report.<ref>[http://kotaku.com/5099485/ubisoft-makin-money-teasin-assassins-creed-2 Ubisoft Makin' Money, Teasin' ''Assassin's Creed 2'', Kotaku.com]</ref> This was followed by Michael Pachter speculating in [[GameTrailers]]' "Bonus Round" that game would change its setting to the events of the [[French Revolution]], which turned out to be false.<ref>[http://kotaku.com/5099454/rumor-assassins-creed-2-goes-back-to-the-future Rumor: ''Assassin's Creed 2'' Goes Back To The Future, Kotaku.com]</ref>

A promotional video was released by Ubisoft on April 6 showing a skull, some hidden blade designs, and Leonardo's flying machine on a scroll.<ref>{{cite web| url=http://gamevideos.1up.com/video/id/24278 | title=Assassin's Creed 2 Debut trailer Video | work=[[1up]] | date=2009-04-06 | accessdate=2009-04-11 }}</ref>

On April 16, [[Game Informer|''Game Informer'' magazine]] released details of the game, including pictures of Ezio,<ref name="GameinformerApril">{{cite web | url=http://www.psxextreme.com/ps3-news/4921.html | title=Assassin's Creed 2: New Hero, More Weapons And Missions | date= 2009-04-10 | accessdate=2009-04-15 }}</ref> a new teaser trailer<ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.gametrailers.com/player/48084.html | title=Assassin's Creed 2 UK Story Teaser | work=[[GameTrailers]] | date=2009-04-16 | accessdate=2009-04-18 }}</ref> was released, and the game was "officially" announced by Ubisoft.<ref name="ign-ac2rw" />

In an interview, in May 2009, Sebastien Puel stated that the development team working on ''Assassin's Creed II'' had increased to 450 members, and the development team's size had tripled since the first game.<ref>{{cite web| url=http://kotaku.com/5260424/assassins-creed-iis-team-has-tripled | title=Assassin's Creed 2's Team Triples | work=[[Kotaku]] | date=2009-05-19 | accessdate=2009-05-27 }}</ref>

On June 1, 2009, [[Ubisoft]] released a new four-minute cinematic ''Assassin's Creed II'' trailer at E3.<ref name="E3 2009 Trailer">{{cite web | url=http://xbox360.ign.com/dor/objects/14302493/assassins-creed-2/videos/assassinscreed2_trl_e3_052909.html | title=Assassin's Creed II E3 2009 Trailer | work=[[IGN.com|IGN]] | date=2009-06-02 | accessdate=2009-06-02 }}</ref> On June 2, 2009, [[Ubisoft]] revealed the first live gameplay demo lasting 6 minutes at the Sony Press Conference.<ref>[http://www.destructoid.com/e3-09-assassin-s-creed-2-footage-from-the-sony-conference-134635.phtml Destructoid: "E3 09: Assassin's Creed 2 footage from the Sony conference"]</ref> GameTrailers features an exclusive developer walkthrough from E3 2009. In an interview with GameTrailers Ubisoft Montreal creative director Patrice Desilets stated Desmond would be doing more than walking around and discovering clues.<ref>{{cite web|author=Posted: June 4, 2009 @ 12:00 PM |url=http://www.gametrailers.com/player/50811.html |title=Assassin's Creed II Video Game, E3 09: Exclusive Developer Walkthrough &#124; Game Trailers & Videos |publisher=GameTrailers.com |date=2009-06-04 |accessdate=2009-06-27}}</ref>

It was announced at the ''Assassin's Creed'' panel at Comic Con 2009 that a [[Assassin's Creed: Lineage|mini-series of three episodes]] would be released showing the events leading up to the game and the history of Ezio and his father.

It was revealed that the humorist [[Danny Wallace (humourist)|Danny Wallace]] would be voicing a new character in ''Assassin's Creed II'' by the name of Shaun Hastings, a sarcastic historian assisting Desmond. The character's face was also be modeled after him<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FVcR_5Y294M|title=Assassin's Creed 2 Danny Wallace interview #1}}</ref>. Actress [[Kristen Bell]] returned for the character of Lucy Stillman.<ref name="QuarterToThree">{{cite web|url=http://www.quartertothree.com/game-talk/showpost.php?p=1938676&postcount=410 |title=Assassin's Creed 2}}</ref>
The game was originally due to be released at the same time on all the three platforms, but Ubisoft announced on September 24, 2009 via [[Twitter]] that the PC version would be delayed to the first quarter of 2010 in order to have "a bit more time for the dev team to deliver the best quality game".<ref name="delayPC">{{cite web|url=http://twitter.com/Ubisoft/status/4339003186 |title=Assassin’s Creed 2 PC has moved to the first quarter of 2010. A bit more time for the dev team to deliver the best quality game to you.|date=2009-09-24 |accessdate=2009-09-24}}</ref>

==Music==
The score to ''Assassin's Creed II'' was composed by [[Jesper Kyd]], who recorded his score with a 30-piece string ensemble and 13-person choir at [[Capitol Records]]. The electronic band, [[Trifonic]] also assisted in this soundtrack's creation.<ref name=scoring>{{cite news
| last = Goldwasser | first = Dan |url=http://www.scoringsessions.com/news/206/|title=Jesper Kyd scores ''Assassin's Creed II''|publisher=ScoringSessions.com|date=2009-11-06|accessdate=2009-11-06}}</ref> A soundtrack was released via digital download on November 16.

==Promotion==
On October 20, 2009, Ubisoft announced an upcoming series of short movies to be broadcast via YouTube that will provide additional back story and the introduction of some of the characters found in the game. The shorts, called ''[[Assassin's Creed: Lineage]]'', comes in three parts and was developed by Ubisoft’s Hybride Technologies, who have previously worked on the films ''[[300 (film)|300]]'' and ''[[Sin City (film)|Sin City]]''. The series focuses upon Ezio's father, Giovanni Auditore, and contain live-action and computer generated imagery. The first of the films was released on October 27, 2009, with the remaining two released on November 13, 2009.

On November 12, 2009 Ubisoft released ''Assassin's Creed II'' themed virtual items on [[PlayStation Home]] to promote the release of the game as well as ''Assassin's Creed: Bloodlines'' for PSP.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://blog.us.playstation.com/2009/11/this-week-in-playstation-home-assassins-creed-final-fantasy-xiii-fullmetal-alchemist-and-aes-lawman/|title=This Week in PlayStation Home: Assassin’s Creed, Final Fantasy XIII, Fullmetal Alchemist and A&E’s Lawman|date=11-11-2009|publisher=[[Sony Computer Entertainment]]|accessdate=2009-11-11|author=Locust_Star}}</ref> ''Assassin's Creed II'' virtual items and an Ezio costume were also released on the [[Xbox Live Marketplace]] for the Xbox 360's [[Avatar (Xbox 360)|avatars]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://xbox.joystiq.com/2009/11/12/dj-hero-and-assassins-creed-2-avatar-items-added-to-marketpl/|title=DJ Hero and Assassin's Creed 2 Avatar items added to Marketplace|date=11-12-2009|last=McElroy|first=Griffin|publisher=[[Joystiq]]|accessdate=2009-11-18}}</ref> On November 19, 2009, more ''Assassin's Creed II'' virtual items were released in PlayStation Home with a costume for Ezio to be released the following week.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://blog.us.playstation.com/2009/11/special-thanksgiving-event-in-playstation-home-uncharted-2-among-thieves-fortune-hunter-edition-contest/|title=Special Thanksgiving Event in PlayStation Home + UNCHARTED 2: Among Thieves Fortune Hunter Edition Contest|date=11-18-2009|publisher=SCE|accessdate=2009-11-18|author=Locust_Star}}</ref>

''Assasssin's Creed II'' is the first game to be linked to Ubisoft's Uplay community feature.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.edge-online.com/news/uplay-launches-with-assassin%E2%80%99s-creed-ii|title=Uplay launches with Assassin's Creed II|date=11-18-2009|publisher=Edge|accessdate=2009-11-21}}</ref> Progression through the game allows Uplay members to acquire points that can be redeemed for bonuses for use in the game, including a new crypt to explore and an Altair costume.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/acii-launches-uplay-rewards-system|title=ACII launches Uplay rewards system |date=11-18-2009|publisher=Eurogamer|accessdate=2009-11-21}}</ref>

==Reception==
{{VG Reviews
| title =
| state =
| GR = 91.65% (360)<ref>[http://www.gamerankings.com/xbox360/956858-assassins-creed-ii/index.html Xbox 360 GameRankings]</ref> <br /> 90.53% (PS3)<ref>[http://www.gamerankings.com/ps3/956856-assassins-creed-ii/index.html PS3 GameRankings]</ref>
| GRO =
| GMS =
| GSpot = 9/10 <ref name="gspot_rev">http://www.gamespot.com/xbox360/action/assassinscreed2/review.html</ref>
| GameTrailers = 10/10 <ref name="gt_rev">http://www.gametrailers.com/video/review-assassins-creed/58371
| MG =
| TTR =
| CVG = 10/10 <ref name="cvg_rev">http://www.computerandvideogames.com/article.php?id=227512</ref>
| Edge = 8/10<ref name="edge_rev">http://www.edge-online.com/magazine/review-assassins-creed-ii?page=0%2C1</ref>
| EuroG = 9/10<ref name="euro_g_rev">http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/assassins-creed-ii-console-review</ref>
| GameIn = 10/10<ref name="g_i_rev">http://gameinformer.com/games/assassins_creed_ii/b/ps3/archive/2009/11/17/review.aspx</ref>
| IGN = 9.2/10<ref name="ign_rev">http://xbox360.ign.com/articles/104/1045745p1.html</ref>
| IGN UK = 10/10<ref name="ign_uk_rev">http://uk.xbox360.ign.com/articles/104/1046072p1.html</ref>
| GB = 5/5<ref>[http://www.giantbomb.com/assassins-creed-ii/61-22928/reviews/ Giant Bomb]</ref>
| GT = 9.2/10
| OPM = 10/10
| OPMUK = 9/10
| OXM = 9/10
| X-Play = 5/5
| TeamXbox = 10/10<ref name="teamxbox_rev">http://reviews.teamxbox.com/xbox-360/1808/Assassins-Creed-II/p1/</ref>
|MC= 91% (360)<ref>[http://www.metacritic.com/games/platforms/xbox360/assassinscreed2 Xbox 360 Metacritic]</ref> <br /> 91% (PS3)<ref>[http://www.metacritic.com/games/platforms/ps3/assassinscreed2 PS3 Metacritic]</ref>

<!-- Custom reviewers -->
| rev1 =
| rev1Score =
<!-- Awards -->
| award1Pub =
| award1 =
}}

Upon release, ''Assassin's Creed II'' has garnered a very positive reception from critics. Review aggregator site [[Metacritic]], gave both Xbox 360 and PS3 versions 91 percent, based on 33 reviews.

In an exclusive review by ''Official Xbox Magazine'', ''Assassin's Creed II'' scored 9/10.<ref>http://www.metacritic.com/games/platforms/xbox360/assassinscreed2</ref> Its second review was a perfect score from the ''Official PlayStation Magazine US'', while the ''Official PlayStation Magazine UK'' scored the game a 9/10.<ref>http://www.metacritic.com/games/platforms/ps3/assassinscreed2</ref>

A German magazine, ''Computer Bild Spiele'', reported that the game's publishers offered to provide a pre-release copy of the game if the magazine would guarantee a review score of "very good." The magazine rejected the request and instead opted to delay their review.<ref>{{cite web | title=Aktuelle Ausgabe 12/2009 | url=http://www.computerbild.de/artikel/cbs-Heft-Aktuelle-Ausgabe-Heftinhalt-888222.html | language=German | publisher=Computer Bild Spiele | accessdate=2009-11-11}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title=German Mag Claims Ubi Demanded Positive Review On Assassin’s Creed II | url=http://kotaku.com/5399879/german-mag-claims-ubi-demanded-positive-review-on-assassins-creed-ii-%5Bupdate%5D | last=Good | first=Owen | publisher=[[Kotaku]] | date=2009-11-09 | accessdate=2009-11-12}}</ref>

==Limited editions==
There are several different limited editions of ''Assassin's Creed II''. The "Black Edition" contains an Ezio figurine garbed in a black Assassin's outfit, and was released in only Europe, and Australia. Included also are three bonus areas, an art book, and a DVD with music and behind the scenes videos. The "White Edition" contains one bonus area, and an Ezio figurine in his standard white outfit. <ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.kotaku.com.au/2009/07/your-assassins-creed-2-limited-edition-choice-is-black-and-white/ |title=Your Assassin’s Creed 2 Limited Edition Choice Is Black And White |publisher=Kotaku Australia |date=2009-07-24 |accessdate=2009-08-08}}</ref> The "Master Assassin's Edition" is the North American limited edition, which contains an Ezio figurine, two bonus areas, an art book, and a DVD with music and behind the scenes videos.<ref>{{cite web|author=By Polybren |url=http://www.gamespot.com/news/blogs/sidebar/909182374/26986516/assassins-creed-ii-limited-edition-detailed.html |title=Assassin's Creed II limited edition detailed - GameSpot News Blog - Gaming News and Videos |publisher=Gamespot.com |date=2009-08-04 |accessdate=2009-08-08}}</ref>

==Sequel==
Discussions on the details of ''Assassin's Creed III'' were already present before the release of ''Assassin's Creed II'', with the game's staff noting discussions of possibly having a female ancestor in [[World War II]], or the game's setting based in the [[Middle Ages]], involving [[King Arthur]], or [[History of Japan#Feudal Japan (12th - 19th century)|feudal Japan]].<ref>{{cite web|author=By Sebastien Puel |url=http://www.neoseeker.com/news/12032-ubisoft-contemplates-female-assassins-creed-hero/|title=Ubisoft Contemplates Female Assassin's Creed Hero|publisher=Neoseeker.com |date=2009-10-13 |accessdate=2009-11-23}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|author=By Philippe Bergeron |url=http://www.gadgetreview.com/2009/10/gaming-rumor-assassins-creed-3-to-be-set-in-feudal-japan.html |title=Assassin's Creed III to be set in Feudal Japan?|publisher=Gadgetreview.com |date=2009-10-27 |accessdate=2009-11-23}}</ref>

==References==
{{reflist|2}}

==External links==
* [http://assassinscreed.us.ubi.com/assassins-creed-2/ Official site]
* [http://www.livebythecreed.com/home/ Live By The Creed Official Community site]
* [http://www.youtube.com/user/assassinscreed ''Assassin's Creed II'' YouTube Channel]
* {{wikia|assassinscreed|The Assassin's Creed Wiki}}

{{Assassin's Creed}}

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[[Category:Video game sequels]]
[[Category:Video games developed in Canada]]
[[Category:Video games set in Italy]]
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[[Category:Xbox 360 games]]

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Revision as of 22:36, 23 November 2009

People are allowed to add information. You are so stupid.