Modern Otaku: Its about everything, see?

This time around, I figured I'd try a new format; have someone interview me to get the information that is probably important, and maybe a few topics I hadn't thought of.

(06:20:42 PM) Modern Otaku: Hello everyone and welcome to my interview. I'd like to introduce you to my friend, who's chosen (or has been forced at gunpoint...) to stage an interview concerning my perceptions and opinions on the name game, Assassin's Creed 2 by Ubisoft's critically acclaimed Montreal studio. Go ahead and introduce yourself.

(06:22:51 PM) Batman: Hi there, Otaku, and thanks for having me here today. I'm the principal writer on "The Bat-Log", a blog about whatever I'm thinking that day. Call me Batman.

(06:24:51 PM) Batman: Let's get started then. I've heard nothing but good things about Assassin's Creed 2, but I haven't played it personally. Let's first hear your overall thoughts on the game. Sum it up in two or three sentences, please.

(06:25:50 PM) Modern Otaku: Lets see. Three sentences.

(06:28:15 PM) Modern Otaku: Well, the game takes place in renaissance Italy, a place rich in art, history and of course, the pretty damzels. The game follows the life of a betrayed young noble name Ezio de Auditore di Firenze, as he seeks revenge against..someone. Theres two sentences, at least.

(06:29:41 PM) Batman: Thanks, Otaku. It sounds like there's been a significant setting change between the original one and the sequel - how has the main character been changed to fit in?

(06:32:51 PM) Modern Otaku: Well, for instance, the character is no longer part of an ancient order of assassins. Hes a (for the time at least) modern Italian lad, fully clothed in the fashions of the day. Although the hero's outfit may be different, it still clings onto certain elements of Altair's original dress. Also, he seems to be a lot more directionless, less sure of himself, as well as perhaps a little more susceptible to his own feelings.

(06:36:06 PM) Batman: Interesting! Let's jump right into the gameplay then. Tell us a little bit about the missions and strategy of the game.

(06:39:43 PM) Modern Otaku: Well, that's really the focus isn't it? For the missions, I'm happy to report that the number and variety of missions have been greatly increased. Gone are the basic mission types of interrogation, eavesdrop and pickpocket. They're still there, but there's SO much more variety now, and missions may even change during the missions themselves. For instance, you may be getting paid to deliver some mail to someone on a timer, but during that, the recipient may decide he doesn't like whats written, and thusly decide to "shoot the messenger".

(06:42:51 PM) Batman: I see. One of the major criticisms of the original had been that the missions were very repetitive - I'm glad to hear that's changed

(07:00:24 PM) Modern Otaku: As for strategey, it remains mostly the same. You can rely on your skills in remaining unseen or unrecognized, or you can swashbuck your way to victory in essentially any instance. The choice really is yours, but keep in mind that all actions have repercussions.

(07:02:22 PM) Batman: Gotcha. The standard 'repercussions' system in games like these has usually been increased recognition among the city guards. Is there a similar system in place here?

(07:06:06 PM) Modern Otaku: Its actually exactly that. The notoriety system can be influenced negatively by being active criminally, and positively by tearing down wanted posters, bribing officials or disposing of witnesses, which adds a whole new level of excitement. Nothing better then the thrill of the chase.

(07:08:24 PM) Batman: Very cool.

(07:08:50 PM) Batman: Tell me about the control system. How much freedom do you have? Special moves, etc?

(07:12:51 PM) Modern Otaku: The classic swashbuckling is still there with a few improvements in animation and timing, which also means there's many more ways and weapons to run through your enemies. There are actually some special moves in this game, befitting master assassins of the silver screen. The ability to throw sand in your opponent's faces, for instance, is an excellent addition. Thankfully, your able to pick up dropped weapons this time around, which enables you to wield large and long weapons, like axes and spears, respectfully. All in all, there's a nice variety of ways to fight.

(07:15:21 PM) Batman: Excellent. Let's move to more technical aspects of the game. First off, what platform did you play the game on?

(07:18:30 PM) Modern Otaku: *snork* Playstation 3.

(07:19:58 PM) Batman: PS3 is known for having excellent sound and video quality for their games. How would you say that AC2 stacks up in those categories?

(07:24:24 PM) Modern Otaku: Well, the first game had alot of texture problems and lighting issues for the PS3 (alot of which we're resolved by using the proper settings on your PS3 such as SuperWhite and full RGB settings). However, it seems like Ubi went the extra mile with this release and really worked out all the kinks; the imagery is easily as-good-as or better-than the Xbox version with sharp figures and rich colours. However, the Xbox seems to sport warmer colours, while the Playstation sports "cooler" colours; just as vivid, just a different flavor. The audio is very good; my only complaints are that the combat sounds are a little dry as compared to some other recent games *coughDemon'sSoulscough*.

(07:27:23 PM) Batman: Good to hear. Okay, let's finish up with the most important category. Is it fun?

(07:29:08 PM) Modern Otaku: Flat out? Yes, its a blast. Think of your favorite swashbuckling movie, add in a dash of history, and you've got one great game. Not to mention Ezio is buddies with Leonardo Di Vinci.

(07:29:59 PM) Modern Otaku: And that never hurts, right?

(07:30:49 PM) Batman: Ha! Not at all.

(07:30:59 PM) Batman: Thanks, Otaku. Anything else you want to say before we wrap this up?

(07:33:04 PM) Modern Otaku: Well, I had it on my mind; in case you we're wondering who did the music for this particular gem, the man behind the wheel is none other then Jesper Kyd of well...pretty much every game fame. First games that come to mind are Hitman and (from what I hear, at least) Borderlands. Thats pretty much it.

(07:36:51 PM) Batman: Cool. Again, thanks for having me here, and I'll see you next time. Turning it back over to you.

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And that's it for the interview, folks. Be sure to check back for my random quips in the following weeks, and the announcement of my next review, which will be....I don't know. But something, I assure you. Till next time.
~Otakun