Assassin's Creed Wiki - User contributions [en-gb]

Assassin's Creed: Lineage

2009-11-11T21:51:56Z

98.144.86.126: /* Promotion and release */

{{stub}}

{{From Wikipedia}}
{{Film Infobox

| name = Assassin's Creed: Lineage
| image = Assassin's_Creed_Lineage.jpg
| caption =
| director = [[wikipedia:Yves Simoneau|Yves Simoneau]]
| producer = [[wikipedia:Pierre Raymond (CEO of Hybride)|Pierre Raymond]] [[wikipedia:Serge Hascoet|Serge Hascoet]] (executive) [[wikipedia:Yannis Mallat|Yannis Mallat]] (executive) [[wikipedia:Yves Guillemot|Yves Guillemot]] (executive) [[wikipedia:Ian Whitehead|Ian Whitehead]] (line)
| writer = [[wikipedia:William Raymond|William Raymond]], [[wikipedia:Yves Simoneau|Yves Simoneau]]
| narrator = [[wikipedia:Romano Orzari|Romano Orzari]]
| starring = [[wikipedia:Romano Orzari|Romano Orzari]]
| music = [[wikipedia:George S. Clinton|George S. Clinton]]
| cinematography = [[wikipedia:Guy Dufaux|Guy Dufaux]]
| editing = [[wikipedia:Isabelle Malenfant|Isabelle Malenfant]]
| studio = [[Ubisoft]] ([[wikipedia:Ubisoft Montreal|Montreal]]) Hyrbide Technologies
| distributor =
| released =
(Episode:1):October 26, 2009
(Episode:2):November 17, 2009
(Episode:3):November 17, 2009
| runtime =
(Episode:1):14:12
(Episode:2):TBA
(Episode:3):TBA
| country = [[wikipedia:France|France]] [[wikipedia:Canada|Canada]]
| language = [[wikipedia:English language|English]]
| budget =
| gross =
| preceded_by = ''[[Assassin's Creed]]''
| followed_by = ''[[Assassin's Creed II]]''
}}

'''''Assassin's Creed: Lineage''''' is an upcoming series of three short films based on the universe of the video game ''[[Assassin's Creed]]''. The films are made by [[Ubisoft]], the game company itself, and the first episode was released on October 26, 2009, and all three episodes will go public on the release date of ''[[Assassin's Creed II]]'', on [[wikipedia:YouTube|YouTube]]<ref name="twitter">http://twitter.com/Ubisoft/status/4989294972</ref>.

The films are directed by the canadian film director: [[wikipedia:Yves Simoneau|Yves Simoneau]].<ref name="QA">http://assassinscreed.fr.ubi.com/assassins-creed-2/community_news/?p=1242</ref>.

==Plot==
The story is a prequel to the upcoming video game ''[[Assassin's Creed II]]''. It centers around the father of the game's main character (Ezio): Giovanni Auditore da Firenze.

Giovanni is an [[Assassin]] living during the [[wikipedia:Italian Renaissance|Renaissance]] in [[wikipedia:Italy|Italy]] ([[wikipedia:15th century|15th century]]). The story introduces the situation before ''Assassin's Creed II'', and the enemies of both characters.

==Cast==
The films and the game share a common cast. The actors have been [[wikipedia:motion capture|mo-capped]] (for narrative sequences), their faces have been scanned and their voices have been recorded for the video game.<ref name="devlop">http://www.develop-online.net/features/644/Lights-camera-assassin</ref>

* [[wikipedia:Romano Orzari|Romano Orzari]] as [[Giovanni Auditore]]
* [[wikipedia:Manuel Tadros|Manuel Tadros]] as [[Rodrigo Borgia]]
* [[wikipedia:Jesse Rath|Jesse Rath]] as [[Federico Auditore]]
* [[wikipedia:Devon Bostick|Devon Bostick]] as [[Ezio Auditore]]
* [[wikipedia:Claudia Ferri|Claudia Ferri]] as [[Maria Auditore]]
* [[wikipedia:Alex Ivanovichi|Alex Ivanovichi]] as [[Lorenzo Medici]]
* [[wikipedia:Michel Perron|Michel Perron]] as [[Umberto Alberti]]
* [[wikipedia:Roc Lafortune|Roc Lafortune]] as Prisoner/Man #1
* [[wikipedia:Arthur Grosser|Arthur Grosser]] as [[Pope Sixtus IV]]
* [[wikipedia:Shawn Baichoo|Shawn Baichoo]] as Monk Maffei
* [[wikipedia:Peter Miller (actor)|Peter Miller]] as [[wikipedia:Galeazzo Maria Sforza|Galeazzo Maria Sforza]]
* [[wikipedia:Harry Standjofsky|Harry Standjofsky]] as Silvio Barbarigo
* [[wikipedia:Frank Fontaine (actor)|Frank Fontaine]] as [[wikipedia:Marco Barbarigo|Marco Barbarigo]]
* [[wikipedia:Maxime Savaria|Maxime Savaria]] as Messenger

==Production==
Both film makers and game makers worked very closely to link the two titles.

Live actors were filmed on [[wikipedia:Chroma key|green screen]] (just like Hybride Technologies participating in the production, did with ''[[wikipedia:300 (film)|300]]'' and ''[[wikipedia:Sin City (film)|Sin City]]'') which was then replaced by the game's environment extracted from the [[wikipedia:Anvil (game engine)|engine]] to [[wikipedia:Autodesk Softimage|XSI]] (half of those assets were re-worked on the texture and geometrical levels before being exported to be used in the film).<ref name="devlop"/>

For the costumes, historians researched and concept artists from the game made illustrations of each costume which was then, made real by a costume maker from the film team. Those costumes eventually influenced the 3D models in the game.<ref name="devlop"/>

[[wikipedia:Corey May|Corey May]] the writer from ''Assassin’s Creed II'' worked closely with the ''Assassin's Creed: Lineage'' scriptwriter, [[wikipedia:William Raymond|William Raymond]], in order to make sure both stories were linked to the original story.<ref name="devlop"/>

==Soundtrack==
The score of the films is composed by [[wikipedia:George S. Clinton|George S. Clinton]] (unlike ''Assassin's Creed II'''s [[soundtrack]] scored by [[wikipedia:Jesper Kyd|Jesper Kyd]]).<ref name="score">http://www.sibeliusblog.com/people/assassins-creed-lineage-scored-in-sibelius/</ref>

==Promotion and release==
Ubisoft acquired on July 7, 2008 the [[wikipedia:post-production|post-production]] [[wikipedia:Visual effects|VFX]] studio Hybride Technologies based in [[wikipedia:Montreal|Montreal]] as part of the game company's strategy to extend its brands to other medias, and to converge gaming and filming entertainment.<ref name="hybride">http://www.ubi.com/UK/News/Info.aspx?nId=5334</ref>

A year later, during a press conference held at the [[wikipedia:Electronic Entertainment Expo 2009|E3 2009]], Ubisoft revealed the making of short films based on the universe of ''Assassin's Creed II'' using the game's engine with the participation of Hybride and Ubisoft Digital Arts.<ref name="e3">http://evenements.fr.ubi.com/conference/}</ref>

Ubisoft then released more details about the project during the 2009's [[wikipedia:San Diego Comic-Con International|Comic-Con]], revealing some behind the scenes shots at the same period.<ref name="comiccon">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=re-riptY5CM</ref>

The first episode was shown to the press during a premiere at a theater in the [[wikipedia:Champs-Élysées|Champs-Élysées]] on October 19, 2009<ref name="premiere">http://www.assassinscreedfrance.fr/a-ne-pas-manquer/nos-impression-sur-assassins-creed-lineage/</ref> and a public teaser trailer was released on the same day<ref name="trailer">http://videos.uk.ubi.com/videos/lmdwc4na-assassins-creed-short-movies-teaser.htm</ref>.

The first episode was released on YouTube on October 26, 2009.<ref name="twitter"/>

It will premiere on Spike TV on Thursday, November 12 at 12:00 A.M., Wednesday night.

==Teaser Trailer==
<center><youtube width="480" height="270">JE4cumRAoZk</youtube></center>

==Episode 1==
<center><youtube width="480" height="270">ct2kbLBuSOg</youtube></center>
==References==
<references/>

==External links==
*[http://www.ubi.com Official Site of Ubisoft]
*[http://www.hybride.com/index_en.html Official Site of Hybride Technologies]
*[http://www.youtube.com/user/assassinscreedUK English Assassin's Creed's offcial page on YouTube]

Altaïr Ibn-La'Ahad

2009-11-02T15:01:13Z

98.144.86.126: /* Assassin's Creed II  */

{{Character Infobox
|name = Altaïr Ibn-La'Ahad
|image = 1190119344.jpg
|imgdesc = A full body portrait of Altaïr.
|arabic = الطائر ابن لا أحد
|meaning = "Bird of Prey, Son of None"
|faction = [[Assassins]]
|appear = ''[[Assassin's Creed]]''
|period = Third Crusade
}}

'''Altaïr Ibn-La'Ahad''' (الطائر ابن لا أحد in [[wikipedia:Arabic|Arabic]]) is the character whom the player will play as most in ''[[Assassin's Creed]]'', as well as the ancestor of [[Ezio Auditore da Firenze]] and [[Desmond Miles]]. His first name, "Altaïr", means 'Bird of Prey' or 'Eagle' ('Eagle' is also the meaning of the first name of his descendant [[Ezio Auditore da Firenze|Ezio]]). His last name Ibn-La'Ahad means "Son of None".

==Biography==

===''[[Assassin's Creed: Altaïr's Chronicles]]''===
Altaïr's backstory before the events revealed through [[Desmond Miles]]' memories. In the prequel, Altaïr is still a high-ranking assassin who is tasked with recovering an artifact known as Chalice. On his way to find it, he has to acquire three keys and fight off Templars. It is later revealed that the Chalice is in fact a woman named [[Adha]], but she is kidnapped by Templars under the leadership of Basilisk. Altaïr succeeds in killing Basilisk, but is unable to save Adha, who is taken away by ship. Altaïr yells that he will find her, but has he eventually succeeded or heard of her again is unknown.

===''[[Assassin's Creed]]''===
Altaïr is an ancestor of [[Desmond Miles]] and his memories are encoded into Miles' DNA. [[Abstergo Industries]] abducted Miles in order to use the [[Animus]] on him, which would decode his genetic structure and extract vital information from the memories of Altaïr, in a project bent on New World Order. Altaïr is a master assassin instructor, capable of extraordinary acrobatic feats, a master of social stealth, fully adept in the application of the deadly arts, and a member of the [[Assassins|Assassins' Order]]. Near the beginning of the game, he is demoted to the Assassins' [[Rank]] of [[Novice]] and removed of all his equipment save for his robes. In order to regain his status, he must publicly assassinate nine men who are involved in exploiting the war hostilities in the Holy Land.

Altaïr travels between the four cities ([[Jerusalem]], [[Masyaf]], [[Damascus]], and [[Acre]]) to kill his victims. His extensive knowledge in the deadly arts are without question at the level of an instructor, able to infiltrate any fortification completely unnoticed, brush shoulders with a primary assassination target without alerting them to his hostile presence and strike from any direction, a testament of his undeniable mastery over "Hiding in Plain Sight", showing his understanding of the "Assassins Creed" and the importance of the second [[tenet]]. Altaïr, bound by the second tenet of the "Assassins Creed" has mastered the ability to become one with the crowd, so that his deadly presence and approach is masked entirely from his intended target. His ability to blend in and appear as just another face in the crowd, makes it much more possible to get in extremely close to a target and silently assassinate them using the Hidden Blade without alerting the immediate surrounding environment. Whether investigating or silently assassinating, Altaïr constantly remains anonymous out of his instinctive assassins nature, remaining anonymous for Altaïr is second nature, very briefly exposing himself to the public's eye preparing (even though very rare and extremely short in length and for good reason) to strike during a public assassination of one of "The Nine", and even public assassinations do not guarantee Altaïr's exposed appearance, he is a master assassin instructor and is highly skilled in adapting to changing situations and the changing environment, knowing all too well in how to still maintain control in the constantly dangerous and changing environment, possession of such sharp perceptional skills carries over into how he reads the crowd for any slight sign of danger. Sharp sense of awareness, will aid Altaïr greatly in survival moving about the dangerous cities, and kingdom throughout the Holy Land. As stated Altaïr's acrobatic skills help in both assassination and escape, he uses these skills to strike from many different locations and directions, mainly from affront, above, and behind when performing public assassinations which have all been recorded in virtual history according to entry wound. Altaïr's assassination expertise is unquestionable, seeing how he can appear from the crowd undetected, and quickly kill anyone he focuses on silently, then blends immediately back into the crowd. During primary assassinations Altaïr clearly knows the meaning of subtlety. Altaïr stalks the district most affected by the targets corruption, obtaining information on where and when he will be so that he may plan to properly strike. Using that knowledge better prepares for the opportune moment to strike.

Observing, and moving silently about the large crowds that usually gather within the kill zone as only a "blade in the crowd". Altaïr strikes without flaw or mercy making him very efficient in the exact moment of the strike. Highly educated upon the politics involving the Crusaders and Saracens and their religious philosophies, this educational training will help Altaïr in better understanding their territories, and the numerous factions within. It will give better perspective on perhaps why men choose certain paths in life and as the Assassins better know themselves and understand not to judge their targets but embrace their perspective on what they call justifiable action, but to put it after our own philosophy of "peace in all things". For any who threaten our cause will die under the shining sun in public. Altaïr knows that when the opportune time presents itself to strike, he must not show mercy to the target for their politically sanctioned death will ensure peace returns or so our philosophy depicts it when taught. Altaïr's social mastery ensures that low-profile kills performed while hiding amongst the crowd will succeed, allowing him to eliminate any guards patrolling the streets. Altaïr is a master at anonymous travel and the silent approach, when moving about the city streets seeking out his target Altaïr moves with the crowd as the crowd, then at the moment to strike his target, he moves as a cloaked white ghost. To get caught in the crowd with Altaïr silently stalking you is imminent death. It is as if the target is lost in a heavy and thick fog shrouding a forest of death, only its a sea of people moving about in different directions until one of those sudden bumps turns out to be the sharp Hidden Blade being extended into one of your vital organs. During escape such skills come in handy for quickly seeking high ground or space between the encroaching city guard. When ranked a novice, Altaïr was ordered to start tracking his targets personally by [[Al Mualim]]. He showed that, in combination with social stealth mastery and tracking knowledge, blending into the crowd and becoming simply another face in the crowd allowed Altaïr to carry out his assassination target investigations more easily.

His social stealth expertise helps when dealing with Crusaders and Saracen guards. When moving about a city looking for a highly public figure marked for assassination one must never call for attention, it runs the risk of possibly breaking the second and third tenet within the "Assassins Creed". Altaïr is trained extensively on how to traverse the city disguised as a holy scholar. Dressing as a scholar allows the silent eagle assassin to get close enough to a target without raising suspicion before striking. Scholar robe disguises aid in assassinations due to the simple facts they happen in broad daylight within the open public for the people to witness and spread news of its happening and the disguise masks your true appearance and intentions. This disguise also makes travel easier as scholars have less restraint within the cities, and applying the proper mannerisms to aide the disguise helps that much more. Through experience and instinct Altaïr keenly observes the environment remaining alert at all times to the extremely active guard presence that surrounds him.

The name Altaïr is an Arabic word, which means "The Flying Eagle". In interviews, the game's producer, [[wikipedia:Jade_Raymond|Jade Raymond]] has stated that while in mid-air, Altaïr's shadow resembles that of an eagle. This is because of his attire, which includes a point at the front of the hood (to resemble a beak) and slits through the back of the outfit (to resemble tail feathers). The second part of his name, Ibn-La'Ahad means 'son of no-one', reflecting his mysterious origins. It has been revealed by Raymond that his father was a Muslim and his mother a Christian. His appearance is remarkably similar to Desmond's, only a few scars seeming to separate their appearances at first glance. His rebellious nature and mission failure would lead to his severe demotion, placing him on the same level as a raw initiate to the Assassin Order. That same attitude cost [[Malik]] his right arm, as well as the life of his brother Kadar at the beginning of the story. As the situation progresses and Altaïr listens to the final words of his assassination victims, listening to their revelations involving them and their justified corrupt deeds within the Holy Land and their cities, his attitude changes and he becomes less impetuous, overconfident, demanding, arrogant, self-centred and impatient, learning to perceive more between the lines and actions of the world while drawing upon the teachings of the "Assassins Creed". Near the end of the conflict, all of his brash and rebellious nature, has vanished behind a demeanour of calm, focused, driven, humble, more patient and higher wisdom of understanding. But with this he learns what it is the "Assassins Creed" truly means, and recommends of him as an Assassin.

A few pieces of dialogue hint that Altaïr was potentially in a relationship prior to the game with a woman named Adra, but has since become single, possibly due to the woman in question either missing or having left him (it's indicated that she left, but whether it was leaving Altaïr, or for a mission was made unclear). Although this could actually be heard Adha, which is the woman who Altaïr saves in ''Assassin's Creed: Altaïr's Chronicles'', which is a prequel to ''Assassin's Creed''. At the end of the game he finally kills Lord Basilisk, but Adha is taken away on a ship, and Altaïr vows to find her. The point of the game is to find "The Chalice", and you learn late in the game that the Chalice is actually Adha - so Altaïr does not know of her for quite some time. The fact that he had a descendant, [[Ezio Auditore de Firenze]] and later [[Desmond Miles]], however, confirms that he did at one point of his life father a child. Based on the game's premise of genetic memory storage, this would have to have happened after the events in Assassin's Creed.

===''[[Assassin's Creed: Bloodlines]]''===
Some point after the events of ''Assassin's Creed'', Altaïr travels to the island of [[Cyprus]] in an attempt to eliminate the remaining Templars.

===''[[Assassin's Creed II]] ''===
Although Altaïr is supposed to be dead for hundreds of years from the events of ''Assassin' Creed II'', it is known that he left a [[wikipedia:codex|Codex]] that his descendant [[Ezio Auditore di Firenze|Ezio]] will have to find its secret.   Ezio will also have a statue of Altair in his Villa and will be able to get and use his armor.

==Equipment==

Altaïr's most interesting weapon is the Hidden Blade--a weapon similar to a katar, which is used for close-range assassinations. It is mounted on the inside of his left hand gauntlet, and when deployed, extends between the space left by his amputated ring finger. He flicks a trigger on a ring to make the blade appear where his finger had once been. This amputation was part of the initiation for becoming an assassin of the Hashshashin sect. Altaïr also uses a combination of throwing knives, a sword, the Hidden Blade, and his fists. The throwing knives are very useful for taking down archers. Use of the sword is slower than use of the dagger, of which is fast and light and can be used in tandem with the throwing knives. However, attacking with the sword is much more damaging to the enemies than when using the dagger. Altaïr also uses an ability called "Eagle Vision," a sort of "sixth sense" that lets him see people's intentions. Guards appear in red, allies in blue, citizens with information in white and assassination targets in yellow.

==Trivia==
*Jade Raymond, producer of ''Assassin's Creed'', revealed during an interview at the Ubidays 2007 that Altaïr was born to a Muslim father, and a Christian mother<ref>[http://www.gametrailers.com/video/ubidays-07-assassins-creed/19929 Ubidays 07 Jade Raymond Interview Pt. 2]</ref>.

==Notes and references==
{{Reflist}}

{{AC}}
[[Category:Assassin's Creed Characters]]
[[Category:Assassins]]

Altaïr Ibn-La'Ahad

2009-11-02T15:00:47Z

98.144.86.126: /* Assassin's Creed II  */

{{Character Infobox
|name = Altaïr Ibn-La'Ahad
|image = 1190119344.jpg
|imgdesc = A full body portrait of Altaïr.
|arabic = الطائر ابن لا أحد
|meaning = "Bird of Prey, Son of None"
|faction = [[Assassins]]
|appear = ''[[Assassin's Creed]]''
|period = Third Crusade
}}

'''Altaïr Ibn-La'Ahad''' (الطائر ابن لا أحد in [[wikipedia:Arabic|Arabic]]) is the character whom the player will play as most in ''[[Assassin's Creed]]'', as well as the ancestor of [[Ezio Auditore da Firenze]] and [[Desmond Miles]]. His first name, "Altaïr", means 'Bird of Prey' or 'Eagle' ('Eagle' is also the meaning of the first name of his descendant [[Ezio Auditore da Firenze|Ezio]]). His last name Ibn-La'Ahad means "Son of None".

==Biography==

===''[[Assassin's Creed: Altaïr's Chronicles]]''===
Altaïr's backstory before the events revealed through [[Desmond Miles]]' memories. In the prequel, Altaïr is still a high-ranking assassin who is tasked with recovering an artifact known as Chalice. On his way to find it, he has to acquire three keys and fight off Templars. It is later revealed that the Chalice is in fact a woman named [[Adha]], but she is kidnapped by Templars under the leadership of Basilisk. Altaïr succeeds in killing Basilisk, but is unable to save Adha, who is taken away by ship. Altaïr yells that he will find her, but has he eventually succeeded or heard of her again is unknown.

===''[[Assassin's Creed]]''===
Altaïr is an ancestor of [[Desmond Miles]] and his memories are encoded into Miles' DNA. [[Abstergo Industries]] abducted Miles in order to use the [[Animus]] on him, which would decode his genetic structure and extract vital information from the memories of Altaïr, in a project bent on New World Order. Altaïr is a master assassin instructor, capable of extraordinary acrobatic feats, a master of social stealth, fully adept in the application of the deadly arts, and a member of the [[Assassins|Assassins' Order]]. Near the beginning of the game, he is demoted to the Assassins' [[Rank]] of [[Novice]] and removed of all his equipment save for his robes. In order to regain his status, he must publicly assassinate nine men who are involved in exploiting the war hostilities in the Holy Land.

Altaïr travels between the four cities ([[Jerusalem]], [[Masyaf]], [[Damascus]], and [[Acre]]) to kill his victims. His extensive knowledge in the deadly arts are without question at the level of an instructor, able to infiltrate any fortification completely unnoticed, brush shoulders with a primary assassination target without alerting them to his hostile presence and strike from any direction, a testament of his undeniable mastery over "Hiding in Plain Sight", showing his understanding of the "Assassins Creed" and the importance of the second [[tenet]]. Altaïr, bound by the second tenet of the "Assassins Creed" has mastered the ability to become one with the crowd, so that his deadly presence and approach is masked entirely from his intended target. His ability to blend in and appear as just another face in the crowd, makes it much more possible to get in extremely close to a target and silently assassinate them using the Hidden Blade without alerting the immediate surrounding environment. Whether investigating or silently assassinating, Altaïr constantly remains anonymous out of his instinctive assassins nature, remaining anonymous for Altaïr is second nature, very briefly exposing himself to the public's eye preparing (even though very rare and extremely short in length and for good reason) to strike during a public assassination of one of "The Nine", and even public assassinations do not guarantee Altaïr's exposed appearance, he is a master assassin instructor and is highly skilled in adapting to changing situations and the changing environment, knowing all too well in how to still maintain control in the constantly dangerous and changing environment, possession of such sharp perceptional skills carries over into how he reads the crowd for any slight sign of danger. Sharp sense of awareness, will aid Altaïr greatly in survival moving about the dangerous cities, and kingdom throughout the Holy Land. As stated Altaïr's acrobatic skills help in both assassination and escape, he uses these skills to strike from many different locations and directions, mainly from affront, above, and behind when performing public assassinations which have all been recorded in virtual history according to entry wound. Altaïr's assassination expertise is unquestionable, seeing how he can appear from the crowd undetected, and quickly kill anyone he focuses on silently, then blends immediately back into the crowd. During primary assassinations Altaïr clearly knows the meaning of subtlety. Altaïr stalks the district most affected by the targets corruption, obtaining information on where and when he will be so that he may plan to properly strike. Using that knowledge better prepares for the opportune moment to strike.

Observing, and moving silently about the large crowds that usually gather within the kill zone as only a "blade in the crowd". Altaïr strikes without flaw or mercy making him very efficient in the exact moment of the strike. Highly educated upon the politics involving the Crusaders and Saracens and their religious philosophies, this educational training will help Altaïr in better understanding their territories, and the numerous factions within. It will give better perspective on perhaps why men choose certain paths in life and as the Assassins better know themselves and understand not to judge their targets but embrace their perspective on what they call justifiable action, but to put it after our own philosophy of "peace in all things". For any who threaten our cause will die under the shining sun in public. Altaïr knows that when the opportune time presents itself to strike, he must not show mercy to the target for their politically sanctioned death will ensure peace returns or so our philosophy depicts it when taught. Altaïr's social mastery ensures that low-profile kills performed while hiding amongst the crowd will succeed, allowing him to eliminate any guards patrolling the streets. Altaïr is a master at anonymous travel and the silent approach, when moving about the city streets seeking out his target Altaïr moves with the crowd as the crowd, then at the moment to strike his target, he moves as a cloaked white ghost. To get caught in the crowd with Altaïr silently stalking you is imminent death. It is as if the target is lost in a heavy and thick fog shrouding a forest of death, only its a sea of people moving about in different directions until one of those sudden bumps turns out to be the sharp Hidden Blade being extended into one of your vital organs. During escape such skills come in handy for quickly seeking high ground or space between the encroaching city guard. When ranked a novice, Altaïr was ordered to start tracking his targets personally by [[Al Mualim]]. He showed that, in combination with social stealth mastery and tracking knowledge, blending into the crowd and becoming simply another face in the crowd allowed Altaïr to carry out his assassination target investigations more easily.

His social stealth expertise helps when dealing with Crusaders and Saracen guards. When moving about a city looking for a highly public figure marked for assassination one must never call for attention, it runs the risk of possibly breaking the second and third tenet within the "Assassins Creed". Altaïr is trained extensively on how to traverse the city disguised as a holy scholar. Dressing as a scholar allows the silent eagle assassin to get close enough to a target without raising suspicion before striking. Scholar robe disguises aid in assassinations due to the simple facts they happen in broad daylight within the open public for the people to witness and spread news of its happening and the disguise masks your true appearance and intentions. This disguise also makes travel easier as scholars have less restraint within the cities, and applying the proper mannerisms to aide the disguise helps that much more. Through experience and instinct Altaïr keenly observes the environment remaining alert at all times to the extremely active guard presence that surrounds him.

The name Altaïr is an Arabic word, which means "The Flying Eagle". In interviews, the game's producer, [[wikipedia:Jade_Raymond|Jade Raymond]] has stated that while in mid-air, Altaïr's shadow resembles that of an eagle. This is because of his attire, which includes a point at the front of the hood (to resemble a beak) and slits through the back of the outfit (to resemble tail feathers). The second part of his name, Ibn-La'Ahad means 'son of no-one', reflecting his mysterious origins. It has been revealed by Raymond that his father was a Muslim and his mother a Christian. His appearance is remarkably similar to Desmond's, only a few scars seeming to separate their appearances at first glance. His rebellious nature and mission failure would lead to his severe demotion, placing him on the same level as a raw initiate to the Assassin Order. That same attitude cost [[Malik]] his right arm, as well as the life of his brother Kadar at the beginning of the story. As the situation progresses and Altaïr listens to the final words of his assassination victims, listening to their revelations involving them and their justified corrupt deeds within the Holy Land and their cities, his attitude changes and he becomes less impetuous, overconfident, demanding, arrogant, self-centred and impatient, learning to perceive more between the lines and actions of the world while drawing upon the teachings of the "Assassins Creed". Near the end of the conflict, all of his brash and rebellious nature, has vanished behind a demeanour of calm, focused, driven, humble, more patient and higher wisdom of understanding. But with this he learns what it is the "Assassins Creed" truly means, and recommends of him as an Assassin.

A few pieces of dialogue hint that Altaïr was potentially in a relationship prior to the game with a woman named Adra, but has since become single, possibly due to the woman in question either missing or having left him (it's indicated that she left, but whether it was leaving Altaïr, or for a mission was made unclear). Although this could actually be heard Adha, which is the woman who Altaïr saves in ''Assassin's Creed: Altaïr's Chronicles'', which is a prequel to ''Assassin's Creed''. At the end of the game he finally kills Lord Basilisk, but Adha is taken away on a ship, and Altaïr vows to find her. The point of the game is to find "The Chalice", and you learn late in the game that the Chalice is actually Adha - so Altaïr does not know of her for quite some time. The fact that he had a descendant, [[Ezio Auditore de Firenze]] and later [[Desmond Miles]], however, confirms that he did at one point of his life father a child. Based on the game's premise of genetic memory storage, this would have to have happened after the events in Assassin's Creed.

===''[[Assassin's Creed: Bloodlines]]''===
Some point after the events of ''Assassin's Creed'', Altaïr travels to the island of [[Cyprus]] in an attempt to eliminate the remaining Templars.

===''[[Assassin's Creed II]] ''===
Although Altaïr is supposed to be dead for hundreds of years from the events of ''Assassin' Creed II'', it is known that he left a [[wikipedia:codex|Codex]] that his descendant [[Ezio Auditore di Firenze|Ezio]] will have to find its secret.   Ezio will also have a statue of Altair in his Villa and will be able to get his armor.

==Equipment==

Altaïr's most interesting weapon is the Hidden Blade--a weapon similar to a katar, which is used for close-range assassinations. It is mounted on the inside of his left hand gauntlet, and when deployed, extends between the space left by his amputated ring finger. He flicks a trigger on a ring to make the blade appear where his finger had once been. This amputation was part of the initiation for becoming an assassin of the Hashshashin sect. Altaïr also uses a combination of throwing knives, a sword, the Hidden Blade, and his fists. The throwing knives are very useful for taking down archers. Use of the sword is slower than use of the dagger, of which is fast and light and can be used in tandem with the throwing knives. However, attacking with the sword is much more damaging to the enemies than when using the dagger. Altaïr also uses an ability called "Eagle Vision," a sort of "sixth sense" that lets him see people's intentions. Guards appear in red, allies in blue, citizens with information in white and assassination targets in yellow.

==Trivia==
*Jade Raymond, producer of ''Assassin's Creed'', revealed during an interview at the Ubidays 2007 that Altaïr was born to a Muslim father, and a Christian mother<ref>[http://www.gametrailers.com/video/ubidays-07-assassins-creed/19929 Ubidays 07 Jade Raymond Interview Pt. 2]</ref>.

==Notes and references==
{{Reflist}}

{{AC}}
[[Category:Assassin's Creed Characters]]
[[Category:Assassins]]

Al Mualim

2009-11-02T14:55:47Z

98.144.86.126: /* Trivia */

{{WP-REAL|Rashid ad-Din Sinan}}
{{Character Infobox
|image=Al_mualim.jpg
|imgdesc= The leader of the [[Assassins]], Al Mualim.
|name= Al Mualim
|meaning= "The Teacher"
|faction= [[Assassins]] 
|appear = ''[[Assassin's Creed]]''
|period= Third Crusade
}}

'''Al Mualim''' is [[Altaïr]]'s master and leader of the Syrian sect of [[Assassins]]. He created and established the Assassins Order as well as the Creed the Assassins follow, within the fortress of [[Masyaf]] as a kind of sanctuary for ordinary people as well as Assassins. He is simultaneously feared, worshiped, reviled, and loved. He is widely respected and feared by his enemies for employing Assassins who without question carry out politicaly sanctioned, public city figure assassinations. They also possess a solid reputation of success. But what is well known is that once your actions have his attention in a negative way, your death is certain to approach.

Al Mualim is extremely wise and at times a just leader, however other times he can be unpredictable and mysterious. He reveals little about himself - only what he wishes others to see. It's obvious that he's hiding things, but then that's to be expected from the leader of the Assassins. Al Mualim shrouds Masyaf and the Assassins in secrecy it is better this way. It paves the way for Al Mualim to create illusions in society in how they are viewed. In other words, because little is known about the inner workings of the Assassins throughout the Holy Land, fear can be used to create confusion and uncertainty all over the land. Fear will cause the people to whisper and spread rumours of the Assassins, whether true or not, fear will keep them from seeking the truth about us. Al Mualim does this by stressing public assassination. Public killing spreads immediate fear amongst the public, because it is literally witnessed by the people and is intended to be. Al Mualim spends all of his time within the Assassin's Fortress Library, which serves as his personal sanctuary. Constantly furthering his already extensive education and knowledge. Within the Order Al Mualim holds supreme authority and guidance counseling. Al Mualim does not just stress political assassination but education as well, it would seem he has a thourough understanding and knowledge pertaining to philosophy as well as political science. Which is constantly expressed in his well calculated lectures and informative conversations a primary example of the Old Mans' great wisdom. He is very keen at keeping up with the constantly changing political situation of the Holy Land. Altair at times when discussing political and philosophical topics, is questioned by Al Mualim in order to determine if he is in fact mentally growing, but gaining knowledge plus wisdom as a man and Master Assassin Instructor. Al Mualim stresses that peace in all things refers to peace within as well. For such wisdom will guide the Assassins and show them to "never harbor hate for your victims, such things are poison"(Al Mualim). What can most likely be said about Al Mualim, is that his political warriors are directed to fight as the voice of the people throughout the Holy Land. This is emphasized in how Al Mualim suppresses those who use their power and influence to commit impious acts against society. Not to mention the first tenet of the Creed, as stated, "stay your blade from the flesh of an innocent". This shows to some degree he is somewhat compassionate, and other times flawlessly ruthless. Al Mualim can't abide traitors and despises failure, however, he rewards success richly and takes personal interest in [[Altaïr]]'s growth, both as a Master Assassin Instructor and as a man. Due to Altaïr's failure in breaking the Creed and failing to claim Robert De Sable's life, Al Mualim plans a way to teach Altair the true meaning behind the "Assassins Creed". But first he must earn his way back into the Brotherhood. Only then will he be allowed to undergo the nine assassinations intended for his redemption.

==Game End==
{{spoiler|Details about the end of ''Assassin's Creed'' follow.}}
[[Robert de Sable]] reveals just before he dies that Al Mualim is in fact a [[Knights Templar|Templar]]. [[Altaïr]] returns to [[Masyaf]] and finds out that all the people are in a sort of hypnotic trance. In addition, all the men he has assassinated have apparently been revived. It is revealed that Al Mualim is responsible for this, having used the divine powers of the [[Piece of Eden]]. Altaïr is unaffected by the mind control, however. Al Mualim sends out many Assassins to kill him, but they fail. Altaïr confronts Mualim.

Using the Piece, Al Mualim resurrects the Templars the player has had to kill, and they all attack the player at once. However, they are strangely very easy to kill. It is revealed when they die that they are not Templars, but just normal, weak guards.

Mualim uses the Piece to create clones of himself. Altaïr must kill ''all'' the clones, to find the real Mualim. When he does, Mualim will teleport, but this time there are no clones. Altaïr defeats him 3 times, frustrated as Mualim teleports away each time, before he finally has the chance to use his hidden blade to finally kill Al Mualim.

Mualim boasts as he dies that Altair will be unable to bring himself to destroy the piece of Eden. The game ends with the Assassins viewing the Piece, leaving the question: did they destroy it?

Interestingly enough, the battle can be ended quickly and easily by using the hidden blade during the battle and countering Al Mualim's attack, which will result in an instant kill if performed correctly.

{{spoiler End}}

==Trivia==
* His real name was [[wikipedia:Rashid ad-Din Sinan|Rashid ad-Din Sinan]], and he was nicknamed ''The Old Man of the Mountain''.
* "Al Mualim" means "The Teacher" or "The Master".
* It may be hard to notice, but Warren Vidic, and Al Mualim have similar facial features and they both have a "mentor" character to themselves, and due to the physical resemblances, Al Mualim could be an ancestor to Vidic, just as Altair is to Desmond
* Oddly enough, if Altair uses eagle vision on Al Mualim, then he glow blue, yet Al Mualim has been secetly a Templar the whole game, so why dosen't he glow red or yellow.

{{AC}}
[[Category:Assassin's Creed Characters]]
[[Category:Assassins]]

Assassin's Creed II

2009-11-02T14:51:00Z

98.144.86.126: /* Gameplay */

{{quote|Truth is Written in Blood|[[Giovanni Auditore]]}}
{{Game Infobox
|name = Assassin's Creed II
|image = Assassinscreed2logo.JPG
|Developer = Ubisoft Montreal
|Publisher = [[Ubisoft]]
|US Date Released= November 17, 2009<ref name="euro_g_date">http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/e3-assassins-creed-2-gets-release-date</ref>
|UK Date Released= November 20, 2009<ref name="euro_g_date">http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/e3-assassins-creed-2-gets-release-date</ref>
|Genre = Historic Action-Adventure
|Game modes = Single-Player
|ESRB = M (Mature)
|BBFC = 15
|Platform = PC, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Nintendo DS
|Media = DVD-ROM, Blu-ray Disc
|Website = http://assassinscreed.com
}}
'''''Assassin's Creed II''''' is a sandbox-style action-adventure video game being developed by Ubisoft Montreal and published by [[Ubisoft]]. It is set to release on November 17, 2009 (US) and November 20, 2009 (Worldwide) on PlayStation 3, Microsoft Windows, and Xbox 360. A special version of the game will also come out on the Nintendo DS.

== Plot ==
[[Image:Ezio.jpg|thumb|left|150px|[[Ezio Auditore da Firenze]], a nobleman of Florence, Italy]]
While not much is known of the plot yet, it has been confirmed that the player will assume the role of a young nobleman-turned-assassin named [[Ezio Auditore da Firenze]]. Ezio is a descendant of [[Altaïr]] and an ancestor to [[Desmond Miles|Desmond]], the protagonists from ''Assassin's Creed''. He is shown to have dual assassin's blades and a colorful attire, to fit the era. The game is set to take place in Renaissance Italy, during the [[wikipedia:15th century|15th century]], approximately 300 years after the first game. The story in the Renaissance could quite possibly begin with Ezio watching his father and others (possibly other family members) executed by the hands of the Templars, directly or indirectly. This event fuels Ezio's quest for vengeance and will eventually lead to revelations that will change what you thought you knew about Assassin's Creed. From what was revealed from the short films, Ezio will pick up where his father left off, as his father was also an Assassin and it's his uniform Ezio will wear.

The 2012 setting will also be returning for the sequel, along with the character [[Lucy Stillman]] from the first Assassin's Creed. Lucy will help Desmond escape Abstergo to an Assassin secret hideout where the [[Animus]] will be waiting for them. Danny Wallace will voice the character [[Shaun Hastings]], a historian and possible Assassin who will help and teach Desmond about the time period and enemies he is dealing with.

Over the arc of the story, many historical figures will find their way into the narrative, including [[wikipedia:Leonardo_da_ Vinci|Leonardo da Vinci]] (his friend and supporter, who has invented Ezio's hidden blades), [[wikipedia:Niccolò_Machiavelli|Niccolò Machiavelli]], author of ''[[Wikipedia:The_Prince|The Prince]] ''and ''The Art of War'', (who will teach Ezio "tactics"), [[wikipedia:Caterina_Sforza|Caterina Sforza]] and Ezio's Uncle Mario (who helps Ezio hone his fighting skills). The narrative will focus mainly on the struggles of Ezio, as he seeks revenge against those who betray him, as further below the surface, the Assassin's and Templars continue their centuries long war and continue to influence the course of history. The game will feature Venice, Florence, Rome and the Tuscan countryside. Famous architectural marvels will appear, such as Saint Mark's Basilica, the Grand Canal,  the Colosseum, Santa Maria Novella Church and the Rialto Bridge.

== Gameplay==
The May 2009 GameInformer article revealed that many new features would be added to the game engine. Ezio will be given two hidden blades, allowing him to eliminate two enemies at once. New weapons, such as spears, axes, halberds, and maces have been revealed as well. In order to obtain the weapons, Ezio must kill a guard wielding the weapon he wants but he drops his new weapon after he has killed one of his enemies. Ezio will have access to many weapons, but some enemies are only weak to certain weapons. The player can also buy and upgrade weapons and items at shops, as an alternative to scavenging them off of fallen foes. The enemies Ezio will face have also been expanded upon, so that now he will be forced to contend with both heavily armored swordsman, lightly armored foes wielding lighter weapons, and halberdiers who will seek to attack him from afar. The cinematic trailer also revealed that not only has Ezio hidden blades in his gauntlets, but also has a gun below his left hidden blade. There will be over 30 weapons in the game.

[[Video:Assassin's Creed 2 - TGS Walkthrough|thumb|300px|right|The latest gameplay video from the Tokyo Game Show]]

New forms of cover will be introduced, including the ability to hide underneath the water (as long as you have enough oxygen). As it is, Ezio can kill guards via drowning them, and during an interview when the question was brought up, the reply was "the game's not finished yet". Possibly this game will feature the same 'leaps of faith', but rather than jumping into haystacks(which will now include carts of fish, wood and other things), you can also jump into water. This way Ezio will grab his enemies by either jumping out of the haystack or the water to kill them with his hidden blade. This tactic will of course compromise your position to other guards(Known as Seekers) and they will have the ability to check haystacks and other areas by stabbing their weapons into them. Ezio will automatically hide the dead bodies of his victims depending where he himself is hiding. To confuse guards you can use an explosive powder(known as a smoke bomb) that will further cover your tracks. Rather than blending in with scholars as Altaïr did, Ezio will also be able to blend with larger crowds. Climbing has a new feature. Not only is Ezio as fast a climber as Altaïr, but he can leap to a higher position while climbing a certain building. Guards positioned in towers, or other high buildings, can be grabbed and pulled down, so they will fall to their death, as Ezio climbs them.

The mission design in the first game was thought to be too repetitive, so the developers are adding at least 16 new mission types, so missions don't seem to run together. This is a large increase over the number in the original, as there are now over 200 missions in ''Assassin's Creed II''. Missions like eavesdropping or pick pocketing (Ezio can however steal from any citizen and can also be stolen from) have been removed from the list of quests in this game. Yet another new feature is a notoriety system in which Ezio will become recognized as he takes on more quests in each town; higher notoriety will result in civilians and guards becoming increasingly wary of the player's movements.This level of notoriety will be set within each city, so that while the player may be completely unknown in some cities, he may be infamous in others. The player may take on quests to bribe or kill informants and remove wanted posters in order to decrease his notoriety level. Updated is also the quest to collect flags, but also mini-statues and golden coins. But unlike the first game, you will be given bonus features if you succeed in collecting them. Ezio will also be aided by famous Renaissance figures, such as Leonardo da Vinci and Niccolò Machiavelli. Caterina Sforza and Lorenzo De' Medici will also make an appearance. Ezio's synchronization bar will fill normally like in the original game, but more major injuries must be treated by street-side doctors. A day and night cycle will also be added.

Another new feature is Ezio will own his own villa( which, during the time was almost a fortified town.) It's role will be like that of Masylf from the first game. Through out the game, Ezio will be able to add and upgrade shops that will give him discounts and place where people will pay Ezio rent(brothel's, ect.). There will be secret places here too that Ezio can acces by paying money. Ezio will own his own house where he will have a room full of the portaits of his assassination targets he has killed, a treature room, a room full of his weapons and armor, and a room full of stautes of great assassins (one of the statues has been confirmed as Altair, the assassin from the first game) which Ezio can get plaques for. When a plaque has been put on a statue, Ezio will receive a reward (ex, when Ezio put the plaque on Altair's staute, he will receve Altair's armor.)

==Special Editions==
[[File:UK Black Edition AC2 xbox360.jpg|thumb|182px|Black Edition Xbox 360 ]]'''The Black Edition:'''

* “Master Assassin” upgrade Ezio figurine with black collector box

* 3 in-game bonus quests, allowing the character to explore the following:
**Palazzo Medicis in Florence
**Santa Maria Dei Frari In Venice
**Arsenal Shipyard Warehouse In Venice

* "Conspiracy book": A book from the developers, describing development, and the storyline (with extra commentary on the "conspiracy"). 64 pages, hardcover, "leather style".

* DVD with all videos, behind-the-scene interviews and "e-goodies" about Assassin's Creed II and game soundtrack by Jesper Kyd (British Academy of Film and Television Arts nominee for "2009 Best original score in a game").

* Black packaging with unique holographic signature

This edition of the game will be made available for Xbox 360, Playstation 3, and PC<ref>[http://pc.gamespy.com/pc/assassins-creed-ii-black-edition/ Gamespy]</ref>. It is confirmed for Europe, as well as Australia<ref>[http://www.ebgames.com.au/xbox/product.cfm?id=14740&refer=productsearch EBGames Australia]</ref>

'''The White Edition:'''[[File:Cat_acwhitecontent.jpg|thumb|White Edition PS3]]
*Ezio figurine
*Collectible White Packaging[[File:ACII_CELG.jpg|thumb|The Master Assassin’s Edition Xbox 360]]
*Bonus in-game content

This version is in only available in parts of Europe,as well as Australia: [[http://www.ebgames.com.au/xbox/product.cfm?id=14735&refer=productsearch|http://www.ebgames.com.au/xbox/product.cfm?id=14735&refer=productsearch]]

'''The Master Assassin Edition:'''
*Ezio figurine
*Artbook: The art of Assassin's Creed
*Premium Collectable Metal Case
*Two In-Game Maps: Palazzo Medici and Santa Maria Dei Frari
*Additional Content DVD with Behind the Scenes of Assassin's Creed and Assassin's Creed II Soundtrack

This edition can be bought in North America: [http://www.gamestop.com/Catalog/ProductDetails.aspx?product_id=75654 http://www.gamestop.com/Catalog/ProductDetails.aspx?product_id=75654]

==Development ==
[[Image:Signature.jpg|frame|The end of the trailer. It shows a signature that is backwards like Da Vinci's writing.]]
[[Image:Signature_right.jpg|frame|This is the signature forwards.]]

On January 22 2009, it was confirmed by [[Ubisoft]] that ''Assassin's Creed II'' was in production, but no details were revealed. A promotional video was released by Ubisoft on April 6 showing a map of Italy, some hidden blade designs, and DaVinci's flying machine on a scroll. On the official site after the teaser is viewed a symbol is given to print and show infront of a webcam. Doing this will unlock a picture displayed on the site. 4 of the 5 symbols have been given by Ubisoft, and the other was found by a fan. Later, on April 10, Game Informer magazine released details on the game, as well as pictures of Ezio. There are about 240 team members, some of these members were sent to Italy, traveling through Venice, Florence, Tuscany, and Rome. ScrewAttack also released a video with some of the pictures from the magazine. In early May, Ubisoft has stated that they are putting full emphasis on the game and that 450 team members are now working on the title. 75% of the original developers for the original game are now working on the the second.

== [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zZwFJeSl_G0 Case of Ezio Screenshots] ==

* [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HyEmhGVQ1l0 A Side By Side Comparison of Assassins Creed and Assassins Creed II Gameplay]
* [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gmsCMWWQD6w Assassins Creed II Trailer and Gameplay Information! First Screenshots of Ezio!]
* [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r8rEEmKej_o Assassins Creed II Gameplay - E3 including dev comments]

== References ==
<references/>

== External Links ==

* [http://assassinscreed.us.ubi.com/assassins-creed-2/ Official Website]
* [http://www.elecplay.com/episode/view/season/19/episode/207/segment/2/start/1 VIDEO: Electric Playground Interview with Assassin's Creed 2 Creative Director Patrice Desilets]
* [http://www.elecplay.com/feature/16519 ARTICLE: Electric Playground Preview of Assassin's Creed 2]
Special thanks to Jay Stillinger and his team of [http://www.delimitdesign.com ajax developers] for making this content available
[[Category:Games]]

Assassin's Creed II

2009-11-02T14:48:13Z

98.144.86.126: /* Gameplay */

{{quote|Truth is Written in Blood|[[Giovanni Auditore]]}}
{{Game Infobox
|name = Assassin's Creed II
|image = Assassinscreed2logo.JPG
|Developer = Ubisoft Montreal
|Publisher = [[Ubisoft]]
|US Date Released= November 17, 2009<ref name="euro_g_date">http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/e3-assassins-creed-2-gets-release-date</ref>
|UK Date Released= November 20, 2009<ref name="euro_g_date">http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/e3-assassins-creed-2-gets-release-date</ref>
|Genre = Historic Action-Adventure
|Game modes = Single-Player
|ESRB = M (Mature)
|BBFC = 15
|Platform = PC, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Nintendo DS
|Media = DVD-ROM, Blu-ray Disc
|Website = http://assassinscreed.com
}}
'''''Assassin's Creed II''''' is a sandbox-style action-adventure video game being developed by Ubisoft Montreal and published by [[Ubisoft]]. It is set to release on November 17, 2009 (US) and November 20, 2009 (Worldwide) on PlayStation 3, Microsoft Windows, and Xbox 360. A special version of the game will also come out on the Nintendo DS.

== Plot ==
[[Image:Ezio.jpg|thumb|left|150px|[[Ezio Auditore da Firenze]], a nobleman of Florence, Italy]]
While not much is known of the plot yet, it has been confirmed that the player will assume the role of a young nobleman-turned-assassin named [[Ezio Auditore da Firenze]]. Ezio is a descendant of [[Altaïr]] and an ancestor to [[Desmond Miles|Desmond]], the protagonists from ''Assassin's Creed''. He is shown to have dual assassin's blades and a colorful attire, to fit the era. The game is set to take place in Renaissance Italy, during the [[wikipedia:15th century|15th century]], approximately 300 years after the first game. The story in the Renaissance could quite possibly begin with Ezio watching his father and others (possibly other family members) executed by the hands of the Templars, directly or indirectly. This event fuels Ezio's quest for vengeance and will eventually lead to revelations that will change what you thought you knew about Assassin's Creed. From what was revealed from the short films, Ezio will pick up where his father left off, as his father was also an Assassin and it's his uniform Ezio will wear.

The 2012 setting will also be returning for the sequel, along with the character [[Lucy Stillman]] from the first Assassin's Creed. Lucy will help Desmond escape Abstergo to an Assassin secret hideout where the [[Animus]] will be waiting for them. Danny Wallace will voice the character [[Shaun Hastings]], a historian and possible Assassin who will help and teach Desmond about the time period and enemies he is dealing with.

Over the arc of the story, many historical figures will find their way into the narrative, including [[wikipedia:Leonardo_da_ Vinci|Leonardo da Vinci]] (his friend and supporter, who has invented Ezio's hidden blades), [[wikipedia:Niccolò_Machiavelli|Niccolò Machiavelli]], author of ''[[Wikipedia:The_Prince|The Prince]] ''and ''The Art of War'', (who will teach Ezio "tactics"), [[wikipedia:Caterina_Sforza|Caterina Sforza]] and Ezio's Uncle Mario (who helps Ezio hone his fighting skills). The narrative will focus mainly on the struggles of Ezio, as he seeks revenge against those who betray him, as further below the surface, the Assassin's and Templars continue their centuries long war and continue to influence the course of history. The game will feature Venice, Florence, Rome and the Tuscan countryside. Famous architectural marvels will appear, such as Saint Mark's Basilica, the Grand Canal,  the Colosseum, Santa Maria Novella Church and the Rialto Bridge.

== Gameplay==
The May 2009 GameInformer article revealed that many new features would be added to the game engine. Ezio will be given two hidden blades, allowing him to eliminate two enemies at once. New weapons, such as spears, axes, halberds, and maces have been revealed as well. In order to obtain the weapons, Ezio must kill a guard wielding the weapon he wants but he drops his new weapon after he has killed one of his enemies. Ezio will have access to many weapons, but some enemies are only weak to certain weapons. The player can also buy and upgrade weapons and items at shops, as an alternative to scavenging them off of fallen foes. The enemies Ezio will face have also been expanded upon, so that now he will be forced to contend with both heavily armored swordsman, lightly armored foes wielding lighter weapons, and halberdiers who will seek to attack him from afar. The cinematic trailer also revealed that not only has Ezio hidden blades in his gauntlets, but also has a gun below his left hidden blade. There will be over 30 weapons in the game.

[[Video:Assassin's Creed 2 - TGS Walkthrough|thumb|300px|right|The latest gameplay video from the Tokyo Game Show]]

New forms of cover will be introduced, including the ability to hide underneath the water (as long as you have enough oxygen). As it is, Ezio can kill guards via drowning them, and during an interview when the question was brought up, the reply was "the game's not finished yet". Possibly this game will feature the same 'leaps of faith', but rather than jumping into haystacks(which will now include carts of fish, wood and other things), you can also jump into water. This way Ezio will grab his enemies by either jumping out of the haystack or the water to kill them with his hidden blade. This tactic will of course compromise your position to other guards(Known as Seekers) and they will have the ability to check haystacks and other areas by stabbing their weapons into them. Ezio will automatically hide the dead bodies of his victims depending where he himself is hiding. To confuse guards you can use an explosive powder(known as a smoke bomb) that will further cover your tracks. Rather than blending in with scholars as Altaïr did, Ezio will also be able to blend with larger crowds. Climbing has a new feature. Not only is Ezio as fast a climber as Altaïr, but he can leap to a higher position while climbing a certain building. Guards positioned in towers, or other high buildings, can be grabbed and pulled down, so they will fall to their death, as Ezio climbs them.

The mission design in the first game was thought to be too repetitive, so the developers are adding at least 16 new mission types, so missions don't seem to run together. This is a large increase over the number in the original, as there are now over 200 missions in ''Assassin's Creed II''. Missions like eavesdropping or pick pocketing (Ezio can however steal from any citizen and can also be stolen from) have been removed from the list of quests in this game. Yet another new feature is a notoriety system in which Ezio will become recognized as he takes on more quests in each town; higher notoriety will result in civilians and guards becoming increasingly wary of the player's movements.This level of notoriety will be set within each city, so that while the player may be completely unknown in some cities, he may be infamous in others. The player may take on quests to bribe or kill informants and remove wanted posters in order to decrease his notoriety level. Updated is also the quest to collect flags, but also mini-statues and golden coins. But unlike the first game, you will be given bonus features if you succeed in collecting them. Ezio will also be aided by famous Renaissance figures, such as Leonardo da Vinci and Niccolò Machiavelli. Caterina Sforza and Lorenzo De' Medici will also make an appearance. Ezio's synchronization bar will fill normally like in the original game, but more major injuries must be treated by street-side doctors. A day and night cycle will also be added.

Another new feature is Ezio will own his own villa( which, during the time was almost a fortified town.) It's role will be like that of Masylf from the first game. Through out the game, Ezio will be able to add and upgrade shops that will give him discounts and place where people will pay Ezio rent(brothel's, ect.). There will be secret places here too that Ezio can acces by paying money. Ezio will own his own house where he will have a room full of the portaits of his assassination targets he has killed, a treature room, a room full of his weapons and armor, and a room full of stautes of great assassins (one of the statues has been confirmed as Altair, the assassin from the first game) which Ezio can buy plaques for.

==Special Editions==
[[File:UK Black Edition AC2 xbox360.jpg|thumb|182px|Black Edition Xbox 360 ]]'''The Black Edition:'''

* “Master Assassin” upgrade Ezio figurine with black collector box

* 3 in-game bonus quests, allowing the character to explore the following:
**Palazzo Medicis in Florence
**Santa Maria Dei Frari In Venice
**Arsenal Shipyard Warehouse In Venice

* "Conspiracy book": A book from the developers, describing development, and the storyline (with extra commentary on the "conspiracy"). 64 pages, hardcover, "leather style".

* DVD with all videos, behind-the-scene interviews and "e-goodies" about Assassin's Creed II and game soundtrack by Jesper Kyd (British Academy of Film and Television Arts nominee for "2009 Best original score in a game").

* Black packaging with unique holographic signature

This edition of the game will be made available for Xbox 360, Playstation 3, and PC<ref>[http://pc.gamespy.com/pc/assassins-creed-ii-black-edition/ Gamespy]</ref>. It is confirmed for Europe, as well as Australia<ref>[http://www.ebgames.com.au/xbox/product.cfm?id=14740&refer=productsearch EBGames Australia]</ref>

'''The White Edition:'''[[File:Cat_acwhitecontent.jpg|thumb|White Edition PS3]]
*Ezio figurine
*Collectible White Packaging[[File:ACII_CELG.jpg|thumb|The Master Assassin’s Edition Xbox 360]]
*Bonus in-game content

This version is in only available in parts of Europe,as well as Australia: [[http://www.ebgames.com.au/xbox/product.cfm?id=14735&refer=productsearch|http://www.ebgames.com.au/xbox/product.cfm?id=14735&refer=productsearch]]

'''The Master Assassin Edition:'''
*Ezio figurine
*Artbook: The art of Assassin's Creed
*Premium Collectable Metal Case
*Two In-Game Maps: Palazzo Medici and Santa Maria Dei Frari
*Additional Content DVD with Behind the Scenes of Assassin's Creed and Assassin's Creed II Soundtrack

This edition can be bought in North America: [http://www.gamestop.com/Catalog/ProductDetails.aspx?product_id=75654 http://www.gamestop.com/Catalog/ProductDetails.aspx?product_id=75654]

==Development ==
[[Image:Signature.jpg|frame|The end of the trailer. It shows a signature that is backwards like Da Vinci's writing.]]
[[Image:Signature_right.jpg|frame|This is the signature forwards.]]

On January 22 2009, it was confirmed by [[Ubisoft]] that ''Assassin's Creed II'' was in production, but no details were revealed. A promotional video was released by Ubisoft on April 6 showing a map of Italy, some hidden blade designs, and DaVinci's flying machine on a scroll. On the official site after the teaser is viewed a symbol is given to print and show infront of a webcam. Doing this will unlock a picture displayed on the site. 4 of the 5 symbols have been given by Ubisoft, and the other was found by a fan. Later, on April 10, Game Informer magazine released details on the game, as well as pictures of Ezio. There are about 240 team members, some of these members were sent to Italy, traveling through Venice, Florence, Tuscany, and Rome. ScrewAttack also released a video with some of the pictures from the magazine. In early May, Ubisoft has stated that they are putting full emphasis on the game and that 450 team members are now working on the title. 75% of the original developers for the original game are now working on the the second.

== [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zZwFJeSl_G0 Case of Ezio Screenshots] ==

* [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HyEmhGVQ1l0 A Side By Side Comparison of Assassins Creed and Assassins Creed II Gameplay]
* [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gmsCMWWQD6w Assassins Creed II Trailer and Gameplay Information! First Screenshots of Ezio!]
* [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r8rEEmKej_o Assassins Creed II Gameplay - E3 including dev comments]

== References ==
<references/>

== External Links ==

* [http://assassinscreed.us.ubi.com/assassins-creed-2/ Official Website]
* [http://www.elecplay.com/episode/view/season/19/episode/207/segment/2/start/1 VIDEO: Electric Playground Interview with Assassin's Creed 2 Creative Director Patrice Desilets]
* [http://www.elecplay.com/feature/16519 ARTICLE: Electric Playground Preview of Assassin's Creed 2]
Special thanks to Jay Stillinger and his team of [http://www.delimitdesign.com ajax developers] for making this content available
[[Category:Games]]

Assassin's Creed II

2009-11-02T14:46:42Z

98.144.86.126: /* Gameplay */

{{quote|Truth is Written in Blood|[[Giovanni Auditore]]}}
{{Game Infobox
|name = Assassin's Creed II
|image = Assassinscreed2logo.JPG
|Developer = Ubisoft Montreal
|Publisher = [[Ubisoft]]
|US Date Released= November 17, 2009<ref name="euro_g_date">http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/e3-assassins-creed-2-gets-release-date</ref>
|UK Date Released= November 20, 2009<ref name="euro_g_date">http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/e3-assassins-creed-2-gets-release-date</ref>
|Genre = Historic Action-Adventure
|Game modes = Single-Player
|ESRB = M (Mature)
|BBFC = 15
|Platform = PC, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Nintendo DS
|Media = DVD-ROM, Blu-ray Disc
|Website = http://assassinscreed.com
}}
'''''Assassin's Creed II''''' is a sandbox-style action-adventure video game being developed by Ubisoft Montreal and published by [[Ubisoft]]. It is set to release on November 17, 2009 (US) and November 20, 2009 (Worldwide) on PlayStation 3, Microsoft Windows, and Xbox 360. A special version of the game will also come out on the Nintendo DS.

== Plot ==
[[Image:Ezio.jpg|thumb|left|150px|[[Ezio Auditore da Firenze]], a nobleman of Florence, Italy]]
While not much is known of the plot yet, it has been confirmed that the player will assume the role of a young nobleman-turned-assassin named [[Ezio Auditore da Firenze]]. Ezio is a descendant of [[Altaïr]] and an ancestor to [[Desmond Miles|Desmond]], the protagonists from ''Assassin's Creed''. He is shown to have dual assassin's blades and a colorful attire, to fit the era. The game is set to take place in Renaissance Italy, during the [[wikipedia:15th century|15th century]], approximately 300 years after the first game. The story in the Renaissance could quite possibly begin with Ezio watching his father and others (possibly other family members) executed by the hands of the Templars, directly or indirectly. This event fuels Ezio's quest for vengeance and will eventually lead to revelations that will change what you thought you knew about Assassin's Creed. From what was revealed from the short films, Ezio will pick up where his father left off, as his father was also an Assassin and it's his uniform Ezio will wear.

The 2012 setting will also be returning for the sequel, along with the character [[Lucy Stillman]] from the first Assassin's Creed. Lucy will help Desmond escape Abstergo to an Assassin secret hideout where the [[Animus]] will be waiting for them. Danny Wallace will voice the character [[Shaun Hastings]], a historian and possible Assassin who will help and teach Desmond about the time period and enemies he is dealing with.

Over the arc of the story, many historical figures will find their way into the narrative, including [[wikipedia:Leonardo_da_ Vinci|Leonardo da Vinci]] (his friend and supporter, who has invented Ezio's hidden blades), [[wikipedia:Niccolò_Machiavelli|Niccolò Machiavelli]], author of ''[[Wikipedia:The_Prince|The Prince]] ''and ''The Art of War'', (who will teach Ezio "tactics"), [[wikipedia:Caterina_Sforza|Caterina Sforza]] and Ezio's Uncle Mario (who helps Ezio hone his fighting skills). The narrative will focus mainly on the struggles of Ezio, as he seeks revenge against those who betray him, as further below the surface, the Assassin's and Templars continue their centuries long war and continue to influence the course of history. The game will feature Venice, Florence, Rome and the Tuscan countryside. Famous architectural marvels will appear, such as Saint Mark's Basilica, the Grand Canal,  the Colosseum, Santa Maria Novella Church and the Rialto Bridge.

== Gameplay==
The May 2009 GameInformer article revealed that many new features would be added to the game engine. Ezio will be given two hidden blades, allowing him to eliminate two enemies at once. New weapons, such as spears, axes, halberds, and maces have been revealed as well. In order to obtain the weapons, Ezio must kill a guard wielding the weapon he wants but he drops his new weapon after he has killed one of his enemies. Ezio will have access to many weapons, but some enemies are only weak to certain weapons. The player can also buy and upgrade weapons and items at shops, as an alternative to scavenging them off of fallen foes. The enemies Ezio will face have also been expanded upon, so that now he will be forced to contend with both heavily armored swordsman, lightly armored foes wielding lighter weapons, and halberdiers who will seek to attack him from afar. The cinematic trailer also revealed that not only has Ezio hidden blades in his gauntlets, but also has a gun below his left hidden blade. There will be over 30 weapons in the game.

[[Video:Assassin's Creed 2 - TGS Walkthrough|thumb|300px|right|The latest gameplay video from the Tokyo Game Show]]

New forms of cover will be introduced, including the ability to hide underneath the water (as long as you have enough oxygen). As it is, Ezio can kill guards via drowning them, and during an interview when the question was brought up, the reply was "the game's not finished yet". Possibly this game will feature the same 'leaps of faith', but rather than jumping into haystacks(which will now include carts of fish, wood and other things), you can also jump into water. This way Ezio will grab his enemies by either jumping out of the haystack or the water to kill them with his hidden blade. This tactic will of course compromise your position to other guards(Known as Seekers) and they will have the ability to check haystacks and other areas by stabbing their weapons into them. Ezio will automatically hide the dead bodies of his victims depending where he himself is hiding. To confuse guards you can use an explosive powder(known as a smoke bomb) that will further cover your tracks. Rather than blending in with scholars as Altaïr did, Ezio will also be able to blend with larger crowds. Climbing has a new feature. Not only is Ezio as fast a climber as Altaïr, but he can leap to a higher position while climbing a certain building. Guards positioned in towers, or other high buildings, can be grabbed and pulled down, so they will fall to their death, as Ezio climbs them.

The mission design in the first game was thought to be too repetitive, so the developers are adding at least 16 new mission types, so missions don't seem to run together. This is a large increase over the number in the original, as there are now over 200 missions in ''Assassin's Creed II''. Missions like eavesdropping or pick pocketing (Ezio can however steal from any citizen and can also be stolen from) have been removed from the list of quests in this game. Yet another new feature is a notoriety system in which Ezio will become recognized as he takes on more quests in each town; higher notoriety will result in civilians and guards becoming increasingly wary of the player's movements.This level of notoriety will be set within each city, so that while the player may be completely unknown in some cities, he may be infamous in others. The player may take on quests to bribe or kill informants and remove wanted posters in order to decrease his notoriety level. Updated is also the quest to collect flags, but also mini-statues and golden coins. But unlike the first game, you will be given bonus features if you succeed in collecting them. Ezio will also be aided by famous Renaissance figures, such as Leonardo da Vinci and Niccolò Machiavelli. Caterina Sforza and Lorenzo De' Medici will also make an appearance. Ezio's synchronization bar will fill normally like in the original game, but more major injuries must be treated by street-side doctors. A day and night cycle will also be added.

Another new feature is Ezio will own his own villa( which, during the time was almost a fortified town.) It's role will be like that of Masylf from the first game. Through out the game, Ezio will be able to add and upgrade shops that will give him discounts and place where people will pay Ezio rent(brothel's, ect.). The will be secret places to that Ezio can acces by paying money. Ezio will own his own house where

he will have a room full of the portaits of his assassination targets he has killed, a treature room, a room full of his weapons and armor, and a room full of stautes of great assassins (one of the statues has been confirmed as Altair, the assassin from the first game) which Ezio can buy plaques for.

==Special Editions==
[[File:UK Black Edition AC2 xbox360.jpg|thumb|182px|Black Edition Xbox 360 ]]'''The Black Edition:'''

* “Master Assassin” upgrade Ezio figurine with black collector box

* 3 in-game bonus quests, allowing the character to explore the following:
**Palazzo Medicis in Florence
**Santa Maria Dei Frari In Venice
**Arsenal Shipyard Warehouse In Venice

* "Conspiracy book": A book from the developers, describing development, and the storyline (with extra commentary on the "conspiracy"). 64 pages, hardcover, "leather style".

* DVD with all videos, behind-the-scene interviews and "e-goodies" about Assassin's Creed II and game soundtrack by Jesper Kyd (British Academy of Film and Television Arts nominee for "2009 Best original score in a game").

* Black packaging with unique holographic signature

This edition of the game will be made available for Xbox 360, Playstation 3, and PC<ref>[http://pc.gamespy.com/pc/assassins-creed-ii-black-edition/ Gamespy]</ref>. It is confirmed for Europe, as well as Australia<ref>[http://www.ebgames.com.au/xbox/product.cfm?id=14740&refer=productsearch EBGames Australia]</ref>

'''The White Edition:'''[[File:Cat_acwhitecontent.jpg|thumb|White Edition PS3]]
*Ezio figurine
*Collectible White Packaging[[File:ACII_CELG.jpg|thumb|The Master Assassin’s Edition Xbox 360]]
*Bonus in-game content

This version is in only available in parts of Europe,as well as Australia: [[http://www.ebgames.com.au/xbox/product.cfm?id=14735&refer=productsearch|http://www.ebgames.com.au/xbox/product.cfm?id=14735&refer=productsearch]]

'''The Master Assassin Edition:'''
*Ezio figurine
*Artbook: The art of Assassin's Creed
*Premium Collectable Metal Case
*Two In-Game Maps: Palazzo Medici and Santa Maria Dei Frari
*Additional Content DVD with Behind the Scenes of Assassin's Creed and Assassin's Creed II Soundtrack

This edition can be bought in North America: [http://www.gamestop.com/Catalog/ProductDetails.aspx?product_id=75654 http://www.gamestop.com/Catalog/ProductDetails.aspx?product_id=75654]

==Development ==
[[Image:Signature.jpg|frame|The end of the trailer. It shows a signature that is backwards like Da Vinci's writing.]]
[[Image:Signature_right.jpg|frame|This is the signature forwards.]]

On January 22 2009, it was confirmed by [[Ubisoft]] that ''Assassin's Creed II'' was in production, but no details were revealed. A promotional video was released by Ubisoft on April 6 showing a map of Italy, some hidden blade designs, and DaVinci's flying machine on a scroll. On the official site after the teaser is viewed a symbol is given to print and show infront of a webcam. Doing this will unlock a picture displayed on the site. 4 of the 5 symbols have been given by Ubisoft, and the other was found by a fan. Later, on April 10, Game Informer magazine released details on the game, as well as pictures of Ezio. There are about 240 team members, some of these members were sent to Italy, traveling through Venice, Florence, Tuscany, and Rome. ScrewAttack also released a video with some of the pictures from the magazine. In early May, Ubisoft has stated that they are putting full emphasis on the game and that 450 team members are now working on the title. 75% of the original developers for the original game are now working on the the second.

== [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zZwFJeSl_G0 Case of Ezio Screenshots] ==

* [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HyEmhGVQ1l0 A Side By Side Comparison of Assassins Creed and Assassins Creed II Gameplay]
* [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gmsCMWWQD6w Assassins Creed II Trailer and Gameplay Information! First Screenshots of Ezio!]
* [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r8rEEmKej_o Assassins Creed II Gameplay - E3 including dev comments]

== References ==
<references/>

== External Links ==

* [http://assassinscreed.us.ubi.com/assassins-creed-2/ Official Website]
* [http://www.elecplay.com/episode/view/season/19/episode/207/segment/2/start/1 VIDEO: Electric Playground Interview with Assassin's Creed 2 Creative Director Patrice Desilets]
* [http://www.elecplay.com/feature/16519 ARTICLE: Electric Playground Preview of Assassin's Creed 2]
Special thanks to Jay Stillinger and his team of [http://www.delimitdesign.com ajax developers] for making this content available
[[Category:Games]]