Games

ASSASSIN’S Creed: Brotherhood (Xbox 360; RRP €59.99), like its hero Ezio Auditore, crept up on gamers unnoticed.

It wasn’t until a few weeks before its release that many realised it was a sequel to Assassin’s Creed II.

Somehow, with just a year gone since the last game hit shelves, Brotherhood fixes many of the flaws inherent to the series.

The combat is hugely improved, the parkour elements seem less frustrating and the pacing is just perfect. Assassin’s Creed II made you slog for the good bits, but in Brotherhood the satisfaction comes easy.

The combat is a big step forward, taking inspiration from the superb Batman: Arkham Asylum in the way Ezio can now dance from enemy to enemy while avoiding attacks. The ability to command a team of assassins on the fly is another brilliant addition.

Assassin’s Creed II often felt too much like Grand Theft Auto in its pacing, but Brotherhood fixes that by making individual missions much more engrossing.

Most missions have bonus objectives that soon become their own game — complete the job without being hit, for example, or assassinate the target while sitting on a bench.

In addition, the previously monotonous side missions are now linked to the renovation and liberty of Rome, so every objective you complete ties into the larger picture, which in turn links back to the ‘present day’ plot.

Perhaps Brotherhood’s biggest achievement, however, is the recreation of Rome in the 1500s. With a landmark around every corner and humorous history notes on hand, it’s the perfect playground for a Renaissance assassin.

Ubisoft have really hit the mark.