What game is it? Assassin’s Creed II (Mobile version)

Developer: Gameloft

Type: 2D Platform arcade

Synopsis from Gameloft.com website:

Renaissance Italy, 1486. Ezio, the son of Florentine nobles, seeks vengeance for his family name that has been tainted by the powerful and corrupted families of Italy. Assassin’s Creed II is an epic story of family, vengeance and conspiracy set in the pristine, yet brutal, backdrop of Renaissance Italy. This sequel retains the core gameplay experience that made the first opus a resounding success and features new experiences that will surprise and challenge players.

Admittedly, platform arcade games aren’t really my cup of tea. The only notable ones that I enjoy are really dinosaur classics like Donkey Kong, Super Mario, Lode Runner, Astro Boy, Prince of Persia, Vikings, etc. Personally, I prefer word and puzzle games more.

However, I was totally hooked into this gem from Gameloft that worked perfectly on my Omnia 2, especially since the game can be viewed horizontally – whew! Although it comes only in 2D format, the graphics aren’t really bad at all. Movement is enabled thru a virtual keypad on the bottom left whilst the action buttons (attack, climb, weapon) can be found on the bottom right. The only complaint here is probably the sensitivity of the virtual keypad can be frustrating at times. I guess nothing beats the good ol’ joystick and colored buttons!

In terms of playability, Assassin’s Creed II offers varied challenges that kept me excited throughout. For example, you do not get to keep running on rooftops all day long. You get challenging levels of jumping on moving carriages, flying and bombing boats, swinging from sticks jutting out from the walls, patience crawling across masquerade parties (serious!) and chasing speedboats (of course!). Apart from the trusty blade, the game also offers a wide variety of weapons that has its uses at some point of time in the course of the game. They include the spear, boomerang, grappling chain hook and pistol (classic version that takes forever to reload!! realistic!!)

Another thing I liked about the game is that it autosaves in respectable levels that you have difficulties in passing. This certainly helps in reducing the stress of not having to start ALL OVER again when you fail at some stage in the game. There are about 9-10 levels in total, each level ending with a particular assassination that has to be completed as the story narrative takes you along your revenge mission. Simple plot with plenty of gore and action along the way. Cool!

The developers have also made ‘silent kills’ to score more points. This certainly makes the game more believable and requires some strategic planning (I like!) instead of just having the main character hacking and slashing his way to the end. Of course, one area I felt that could have been improved would be the inclusion of more logic puzzles, perhaps to unlock the chained doors and gates.

All in all, this is one mobile game that is really exciting to play and is addictive enough to keep you entertained till you finish it. Highly recommended. Here are some screenshots, all taken from Gameloft.com website:

hanging tough!

flying bomber? cool!!

swordfights on moving boats..

sneaking through a party!

silent kills....shhhhh...

Overall Rating: