Common Sense Media Review
By Marc Saltzman
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Violence, sex, and revenge make epic game not for kids.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 18+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Play
Videos and Photos
Assassin's Creed II
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 48 parent reviews
Parents say that this game is highly regarded for its engaging gameplay, captivating story, and educational value related to Renaissance Italy, although opinions differ on its suitability for children. Many reviewers agree that it contains moderate violence and some crude language, but options to adjust or turn off blood and dialogue make it manageable for older teens, while others advocate for keeping it away from younger children due to its graphic elements.
- educational content
- moderate violence
- adjustable settings
- suitable for teens
- parental guidance recommended
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
Based on 124 kid reviews
What's It About?
If you ever needed proof video game sequels are often better than their predecessor (er, unlike Hollywood), consider ASSASSIN'S CREED II, Ubisoft Montreal's ambitious sequel that had more than 250 developers working on the title for three years. Unlike 2007's Assassin's Creed, where you relive the role of a skilled assassin in the Middle East during the time of the Third Crusade, this new adventure drops you in Italy during the Renaissance. You play as young noble Ezio, whose sense of adventure turns to a thirst for vengeance. Along the way you'll also meet a young Leonardo Da Vinci, a family friend, and test out his wild contraptions including a flying machine that helps Ezio take to the skies.
Is It Any Good?
Yes, indeed, but as the name of the game suggests, parents need to be aware of the strong violence in Assassin's Creed II, as well as its sexual references and profanity (please read our breakout descriptions above). This epic story is played out over more than 100 missions, many of which are non-linear, and let you take advantage of the open-world -- and meticulously detailed -- environment, such as historically accurate buildings, city streets, and landmarks. With role-playing game-like skill upgrades, tens of thousands of lines of dialogue, and varied objectives to keep things fresh, Assassin's Creed II is well worth the price of admission.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about whether violence in a game like Assassin's Creed II -- against humans -- is worse than games that have you kill zombies (such as the Resident Evil or Left 4 Dead series) or aliens (as in Halo or Gears of War). That is, does it matter who the victims are? Why or why not?
Families can also discuss whether a game that takes place in an historical setting such as the Italian Renaissance helps remove the player from reality (as opposed to games that take place during a contemporary time and familiar place, like Grand Theft Auto IV).
Game Details
- Platforms : PlayStation 3 , Windows , Xbox 360
- Pricing structure :
- Available online? : Not available online
- Publisher : UbiSoft
- Release date : November 17, 2009
- Genre : Action/Adventure
- ESRB rating :
- Last updated : February 15, 2023
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