Assassin’s Creed II

GAME OF THE WEEK:The PC version of Assassin's Creed IIis finally here, bringing a beautifully detailed and much-improved game to the platform.

Like its predecessor,

Assassin’s Creed II

is based over two timelines: modern day and Renaissance Italy. In the modern timeline, you are again in the role of Desmond Miles, who is trying to escape Abstergo labs.

With the aid of a group of three assassins, Miles explores the memories of his Renaissance-era ancestor, Italian nobleman Ezio Auditore da Firenze, who turns to the ways of the assassins after his family is betrayed. Da Firenze’s real involvement begins just before his father is arrested, and follows his story as he vows vengeance on those who betrayed him.

Like the previous title, Assassin's Creed IIis mission- based, which da Firenze can choose to accept or reject until another time. There are familiar faces along the way, including Leonardo da Vinci, who will help you decode pieces of the codex da Firenze finds around the city. Niccolò Machiavelli and Lorenzo de' Medici also make appearances.

It takes time to learn how to become an assassin: speed and stealth is of the essence. Avoiding the attention of the local guards will help the character progress through the game more quickly.

There are a number of ways to stay out of view: you can learn how to blend in with groups of passersby, hire courtesans to distract the guards, or stick to the rooftops to avoid people milling around below you.

There are a couple of changes to gameplay that significantly improve the game. Da Firenze can move faster than Altair in Assassin’s Creed, for a start, which is more satisfying, particularly when free-running above the city. Combat has also been improved, with additional weapons keeping things more interesting. You can build up an armoury and earn money to gain new objects by completing missions and even stealing from local citizens.

The second installment of the series is as visually breathtaking as the first. Climbing to the highest points in the city will allow you to fill in gaps on the map, and the Leap of Faith makes a welcome return, if only for the “wow” factor.

But while the game itself is brilliantly executed, the one thing crippling it is the DRM system that requires you to have a constant internet connection. While in theory it doesn’t sound too taxing, in practice it means that a dropped connection could hinder your progress, and you can’t play it offline.

DRM aside, Assassin's Creed IIis a solid game, worth a look for the stunning visuals and improved gameplay.

• 15 cert, Ubisoft, PC (also on Xbox, PS3)