Ubisoft Confirms Assassin's Creed 2 For Holiday 2009

Confirming earlier reports, Ubisoft officially announced today Assassin's Creed 2, developed by the Montreal studio for the 2009 holiday. The company says the follow-up has been in development for two years by the same creative team behind the first Assassin's Creed, which according to Ubisoft's own data has sold 8 million copies worldwide. Set in Renaissance Italy, it promises a "vast open world environment," and casts players as Ezio, a "privileged young noble" seeking vengeance against a betrayal by the ruling class families. Assassin's Creed was largely critically-acclaimed, but received a few knocks for its perceived linearity. Ubisoft now says the sequel will offer "more variety in missions, surprising and engaging new gameplay elements, diverse weapons and a profound character progression." "Our creative team is working hard to top the experience of Assassin's Creed,” says Ubisoft creative director Patrice Desilets. "We've made improvements to every aspect of the game. We've plunged ourselves into the stunning history of the Italian Renaissance so that we can offer fans a unique, varied and innovative Assassin's Creed experience."