Assassin's Creed 2

Another focus is tackling the repetition of the gameplay in both the main and side missions. In fact, Puel tells us that “we’re working very hard on the structure so that players always have a fresh experience at every turn…[it’s] completely different. The main mission unfolds in a much more progressive and unpredictable way. No longer will you be expecting the same systemic mission to happen twice; [now] you can choose when you want to complete main and secondary missions, and you can choose when and how you discover the world and discover all its secrets.”

Yes, that means they’re dropping the mostly linear structure of the first game in favor of a more open approach that lets you determine when to activate and pursue a particular quest. According to Puel, Assassin’s Creed 2 has more than 16 main-quest missions where you never have to “do the same thing twice.” In one example he gave, you start out fighting alongside an ally, but when they get injured, you have to carry them to safety. After that, it’s time for revenge as you hunt down whoever harmed your friend.

Better yet, “the countryside plays more of a central role,” says Puel. Rather than one vast kingdom between cities, “there are smaller cities in the countryside, and players will have reasons to get involved in each of the countryside’s regions.” One example is Tuscany, a beautiful stretch of wine country that’s positioned between Venice and Florence in the game.

As for the side missions, Ubisoft’s not talking about them yet, other than to admit that less-popular ones like pickpocketing are history. Puel adds that “doing [side] missions will be rewarding in a way that gives you a purpose for doing them.”

One improvement that should make side quests less tedious is the new notoriety system. If you kill innocents left and right, the guards will instantly recognize you. But if you keep a low profile, you’ll be much more likely to slip past them. Fortunately, neither state is permanent: there will be ways to “cool off” your notoriety, and besides, the guards aren’t always as extreme in their never-ending pursuit of you.

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