Ubisoft have improved on the great but flawed original to such an extent that Altair's outing seems almost last generation.

Now we have proper story-linked missions with loads of variety and some really brilliant moments, rather than the same old investigation tasks of Assasins Creed I.

The 'side missions' are this time really worth doing- especially The Prince of Persia style platforming sections which contain some of my favourite moments in the game.

Our hero Ezio Auditore da Firenze's story, which includes historical characters such as Leonardo Da Vinci, rivals anything Grand Theft Auto has to offer.

And the environments- this time in Renaissance Italy- are even more breathtaking than Altair's Holy Land.

Now they have extra sprinkles of realism, such as day/night cycles, the fact you can swim, and a bigger variety of characters you see going about their ordinary lives.

These fantastic open-worlds, which include Florence and Venice, are just begging to be explored.

But it does not stop there.

Combat has been drastically improved and now offers a host of ways to deal with your enemies, my personal favourites being stealing their weapons and injecting them with a poision which makes them go crazy.

Ezio's range of movement and tactical options have also been increased.

For instance, later in the game you will learn how to reach particularly high ledges not possible at the start.

He can also blend into crowds of people allowing him to go unnoticed.

Ezio can also buy the help of thieves, mercenaries and ladies of the night who will help him distract guards.

The game contains quite a sophisticated economic system which allows you to buy weapons and armour, and do up your villa and its town with art work and refurbished buildings to increase its value and bring in more money.

There is so much more to say about Assasins Creed II, so many stand-out moments that I would not want to spoil.

It is one of the best games I have ever played, and an essential purchase- whether you liked the original or not.

bucksherald.co.uk rating: 10/10
Version reviewed: Xbox360