Why Assassin’s Creed 2 Will Always Be My Favorite

Why Assassin’s Creed 2 Will Always Be My Favorite (But Valhalla Might Be a Close Second)

Ah, Assassin’s Creed 2. The game that forever changed the way I view open-world action-adventure titles. When it first came out in 2009, it wasn’t just a game—it was a revelation. As we all know, the Assassin’s Creed series has had its ups and downs over the years, but I can’t help but feel like the franchise hasn’t quite been the same since AC2. But now, here comes Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, and I’ll admit, for a brief moment, I thought the series might finally be returning to its roots. In some ways, it does—but in others? Well, it still can’t quite capture that AC2 magic.

Assassin’s Creed 2 vs. Assassin’s Creed Valhalla: A Clash of Titans

Let’s talk about the basics first. Assassin’s Creed 2, developed by Ubisoft Montreal, dropped in November 2009 and introduced us to one of the most beloved characters in gaming history: Ezio Auditore da Firenze. This game was a massive leap forward for the franchise, moving from the somewhat limited world of AC1 to the vibrant, bustling cities of Italy during the Renaissance. We got to parkour through Florence, Venice, and Rome, experiencing the perfect blend of historical accuracy and free-flowing gameplay. AC2 took everything that was good about the original and elevated it to a whole new level, combining an engaging story with seamless gameplay that felt fresh and exciting.

Now, here we are in 2020, and Ubisoft Montreal has gifted us Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, released in November of that year. This time, we’re not leaping through the cobblestone streets of Italy, but instead sailing across the waters of Norway and England as Eivor, a fierce Viking raider. And, don’t get me wrong, Valhalla is incredible. The vast landscapes, the brutal Viking combat, and the narrative-driven RPG elements are all a treat. But after spending hours with Eivor, I found myself thinking—something’s still missing.

Play Time: AC2—Concise, Engaging, and Never Wasting Your Time

One of the biggest differences between AC2 and Valhalla is the sheer length of the two games. In Assassin’s Creed 2, the average playthrough lasts somewhere around 20-25 hours if you focus mostly on the main story. It’s concise, packed with meaningful moments, and you’re never stuck in a never-ending grind of fetch quests or endless exploration (though I’ll admit, there are some pretty compelling side activities, like treasure hunting and collecting feathers, that keep you busy).

Valhalla, on the other hand, is a sprawling epic that can easily take 50-80 hours to complete the main story—and that’s if you don’t get sidetracked by the never-ending supply of side quests, raiding opportunities, and collectibles. It’s a massive game with a huge world to explore, which is both a blessing and a curse. While it’s fantastic to have all that content, there were times I found myself losing track of the main story, overwhelmed by the sheer volume of side activities. It’s easy to get lost in the chaos of Viking life—but that sense of focus that AC2 had? It’s harder to find in Valhalla.

Platforms: The Evolution of Assassin’s Creed

The release platforms for these games also tell an interesting story about how far we've come. Assassin’s Creed 2 was initially released on PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, and PC—back in the days when "next-gen" meant faster load times and better textures. It then got a remaster on PlayStation 4 and Xbox One, bringing its beauty to newer consoles while maintaining the magic of its original release.

Valhalla, meanwhile, launched on the PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, and PC. It fully embraces the power of next-gen hardware with breathtaking visuals, improved combat systems, and a vast, open world to explore. The level of detail is stunning, with realistic landscapes, dynamic weather, and a world that feels alive—sometimes too alive, with its seemingly endless quests and far-flung locations.

Why Assassin’s Creed 2 Still Holds a Special Place in My Heart

So why, after all these years, do I still hold Assassin’s Creed 2 in such high regard? It’s simple: AC2 got everything right. The storytelling is tight, focused, and emotionally resonant. From the tragic loss of Ezio’s family to his rise as an Assassin, it’s a journey that feels personal and impactful. Ezio is one of the most compelling protagonists in the history of video games, and his character arc is something I’ll never forget. And those cities? They feel alive in a way that other open-world games haven’t matched. You get a true sense of place, whether you’re soaring through Venice or creeping through the streets of Rome.

But here's the kicker: while Valhalla is a fantastic game in its own right, and it comes pretty darn close to recapturing that AC2 magic, it just doesn’t feel as intimate. Valhalla is big—too big sometimes—and while that can be exciting, it also makes it harder to get emotionally invested in the world around you. With AC2, you were always connected to the places you visited and the characters you met. You were part of the story, rather than just a player completing a series of objectives.

Sure, Valhalla offers more in terms of customization, loot, and choices. The Viking combat is visceral and satisfying, and the RPG elements—like skill trees and gear upgrades—are a fun addition. But sometimes I just want a focused, well-crafted story, not a laundry list of tasks to accomplish. The thrill of climbing a building to take out a target, the quiet satisfaction of a perfectly executed assassination, the joy of blending into a crowd… it’s these simple pleasures that AC2 nailed, and they’re what still make it my go-to Assassin’s Creed game.

The Verdict: AC2 is Still King (For Now)

Valhalla is an impressive game—there’s no denying that. It has so much to offer and is a great addition to the Assassin’s Creed series. But, despite all of its advances, the truth is that no game in the franchise has quite captured the magic of Assassin’s Creed 2. The narrative, the pacing, the emotional depth, and the sheer fun of the gameplay have yet to be topped.

For me, Assassin’s Creed 2 will always be the gold standard—though, I have to admit, Valhalla does come pretty close. And who knows? Maybe future games in the series will find a way to combine the best of both worlds. But for now, I’ll keep reliving Ezio’s story, leaping through the rooftops of Italy, and enjoying the game that, for me, will always be the heart and soul of the Assassin’s Creed franchise.