No Jade and I'm really liking it* 100% Spoiler Free*

 The first Assassin's Creed was just bursting of potential to me.  The repetitive missions that were required each time that unlocked the assassination main missions were a pain. Abra-ca-dabra they gone! AC2 is definitively one of those sequels that fix most of the sore thumbs from its predecessor . It still has repetitive missions but thankfully they are optional. The scripted scenes and cut scenes are now of a GTA quality with camera angles and close ups to see emotion, instead of walking around in circles as i await to get back to free running. I love that the speed of running and climbing has increased that makes traversing the beautiful city's of AC2 fun and fast. Combat has a "real" feel in that even though enemies have health it's more like a duel of skill, not chopping health bars down. Ubisoft has really put a lot of detail and subtlety in AC2's mechanics. Being able to extend your arm and jump to catch higher or father ledges is a big help. Walking fast, blending in crowds, assassinations from a ledge, commerce, f**king swimming, row boating, and many more improvements on the first makes it a hard recommendation to even play the first Assassin's Creed .   

  Ezio's story is far more interesting, with a tragic introduction that really had me pulling for him all the way. I never understood all the intricacies to Ezio's plot. I just knew the general story and  I had to kill all Templar's. Desmond's side of the story was always what i wanted to know more about and Ubisolf definitely delivers. I would say more happens in AC2s first 6 minutes then in the first iteration,at least on Desmond's side for sure. The end of Ezio's quest of vengeance will weave his and Desmond's story lines into a revelation that makes the AC's universe much more meaningful than you could ever imagine or see coming. 

 My only problems with AC2 are some control issues and game play story situations. Having the X/A button being jump and free run is a frustration sometimes. This was most a problem in the Assassin Tombs where there only one pathway to progress ( think Prince of Persia: Sands of Time ) and having to retry because to that. I also disliked the fights where you could not assassinate certain characters without a warning that you can't because for plot purposes. This would lead to me hammering on the X/[_] button or trying to counter with hidden blades to no effect, except losing health. Running back to your town to acquire money and/or change armor was a hassle if not redundant.

  Assassin's Creed 2 is very much worth a gamers time. There is enough relevant game play variety and story to keep someone hooked for days. Rent or buy, Assassin's Creed 2 is a game you should check out.