Ok, so since the new year I've beaten these two games (for the 360) and figured I'd write a half ast review. Assassin's Creed 2 This was my first game of the new year (save League of Legends and completing the first AC game) and I don't regret it. The story of the game was great and the new features they added are awesome. They fixed the 1 dimensional combat system from AC1 by throwing in several new ways to spice up combat. They added different styles of weapons, they made unarmed viable (with the option to disarm enemies), they threw in nice options like smoke bombs and such, and they just made the game a lot smoother. When playing this game, I think I only got half of my readings done for school, if that, because I was busy playing this game. I don't want to say a lot about it because almost anything is a bit of a plot spoiler. I will say, though, it had the best last line in a video game before credits, said in the following spoiler: Spoiler What the FUCK?! . I laughed quite a bit at this. It seems lame, but in the context its hillarious. Also, one last thing. There is something that is discovered early on, Spoiler the assassin's tombs, which you have to explore probably 8 times that is very, very fun, because its a huge puzzle, and unlike anything else I've ever played. Fable 2 I played Fable probably around 5 years ago. At the time it was a phenominal game which I enjoyed immensely, actually beating in both good and evil standings. I played Fable 2 and was thoroughly disappointed. For starters, the game offered NO challenge whatsoever. If you run out of health, all that happens is 'you get knocked out', and even when facing major bosses they just chill while you regain consciousness... they dont kick you while you're down, they don't abduct you, NOTHING. You just lose EXP and continue fighting with full health. In the entire game, I was 'knocked out' twice. And I wasn't trying overly hard. Now for the plot. I will put most of this in spoiler. Spoiler The first three sections of the game, picking up the three heroes, was quite fun. The plot was pretty good, the story with it was fine, and all that jazz was enjoyable. Now, the game lost its appeal the second time the hero gets killed, this time Lucian made sure he was dead. Instead of it being over, he kills your dog and you get a flashback to a farm, which is really confusing. It really threw me off at 2am when I wanted to go to bed, so I beat the game to eliminate confusion. Now the ending was the worst ending I've seen in a video game, possibly even worse than Halo 2. I saw the ending coming, but I assumed I'd still have to fight the last boss, but no. He becomes so weak by a frigging toy which randomly materialized again when needed, and you one shot the bitch. There is some downloadable content, but I'm not sure if I'm going to bother with it. One last thing about Fable 2... I played this after AC2, so the game seemed like I was running around with a robot. AC2 had phenominal movement, being able to climb buildings, jump over objects, jumping from beam to beam etc. Essentially, I felt like a monkey when I was playing, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. When going to Fable 2, I felt so restricted when it came to movement. I had to stop completely to vault things, couldn't climb over a lot of things knee height, and, since I've recently become a rock climber, I've noticed a lot of parts where I can see a shortcut that even I, a slightly out of shape person, could climb with ease, yet a bold hero who can fire freacking FIREBALLS out of his hands and HARNESS THE POWER OF THE UNDEAD, wield weapons that weigh as much as me, can't do. Also, the fact that the game actually allows you to have threesomes and get STDs if you don't use a condom is quite hysterical. So, in conclusion: Fable 2: 3/5 stars, since although it was very easy, it was enjoyable for the majority of the game. Assassin's Creed 2: 5/5 stars.
In the middle of AC2 as well and it surpasses AC1 by a mile. They really put some thought into the sequel and listened to its userbase. Having a blast with it so far. My only grief...no multiplayer (at least a coop would have been nice). there's always AC3 which i hear is already in the works.
I just finished AC2 recently. It's definitely an amazing game. It's my second favorite console game I've played this year (right behind Uncharted 2).
AC2 was amazing. I've heard good and bad things about Fable 2, I played the first one - won't be getting the second, even if it hits the bargain bin - thanks for your side of the story on that one.
I'm waiting for AC2 for PC. I was all pumped for it and then saw it was for consoles only for like ever and got all bummed. Sol good though, ill be waiting for it on PC.