Replay value

[PZ]

Because I've finished the main missions, I thought I'd try replaying some of the missions that I've played during the game.  However, only some of the missions are allowed.  For instance, feather acquisition, assassination missions, beat-ups, and the tomb missions are re-playable.  The main memories are not.

Another thing I can offer is that on my second play through, I still can replay items like I mentioned above even though I've not played through yet.

[spaceboy]

yeah I wish all missions were replayable.  The interesting thing that reminded me of the 'ole guard posts in FC2 is that even after you've looted a guarded treasure, the guards will respawn.  Which is great because you can practice different attacks (sound familiar lol).

Also, unrelated did you know that you can "practice/learn" new techniques in your training ground at the villa?  You learn sweeps with long poles, how to throw sand (though I had trouble doing that in Venice - must have been the cobblestone streets)

[Art Blade]

I'm now replaying AC2 as in I started a new career, all from scratch. There are three savegame slots, one per career, and I had only used one so far. Because today I downloaded uplay's DLC, I checked with the first playthrough savegame what it looked like (ie, the "new" old Altaïr outfit) and then continued with my 2nd playthrough. I hadn't touched AC2 for months after the first playthrough, didn't feel like going through all the hassle again: I had finished the main mission at around 45 hours gaming time and still was only at 66% completion; the rest is only the majority of feathers (36/100) and some glyphs and perhaps some treasures. I didn't feel like going through half a world to find feathers.

The 2nd playthrough is really a lot better from start: I was almost immediately familiar with the controls, took a few practice sessions at the training ground, and to answer spaceboy's question: yes, I knew there were techniques to be learned (some cost money) you wouldn't have known about without that training.

Some things are a lot easier now, I remember some of the puzzles (the tombs) and recognise paths where to climb much faster than during the first attempt. I learned my lesson and remembered PZ's tip (collect florins while you can) and spent my money only on things I was forced to by mission design (acquire a dagger and boots when arriving at the villa) and relinquished buying armour or weapons. The villa is the only thing important to spend money on, it will produce so much money in a short amount of time that you'll get to buy whatever there is and can't even spend all of it.

The replay value to me lies in testing new things, for instance the dream sequence (when you are back in the lab and have to switch on the alarm system, you'll find yourself seeing things in Eagle Vision without wanting to).

The dream sequence that sends you to the square next to that tower you'll have to climb to get to that girl.. there are loads of templars walking around and patrolling the area. I found out that your weapons still w@&k.. you can use fists, hidden blades, and your sword by tapping the shortcut keybinds for those weapons. I actually killed all templars there were, they didn't defend themselves nor did it affect notoriety. Quite some fun, really  :)

[PZ]

Good one - I hadn't thought of killing the Templars in the Altair memory  :-X

I know that I'll play AC2 again - I think that I went through 5-6 times, but like always, do not bother to collect all of the collectibles like feathers and treasures.  In fact, while on the road in the RV, I loaded AC2 without Internet connection and it worked fine - 15th century Italy is beautiful, and I like the sound track (I think that space said that you could get it at Amazon - I think I'll get it).

[spaceboy]

I've only played through the campaign once but did collect all feathers and complete all glyphs etc.  I went back to the game a couple weeks ago and did some side assassination missions and races.  Still good fun.  I'll do the rest soon and maybe start another playthrough in prep for Brotherhood in November... ;D

edit: oh and yes the soundtrack is highly recommended and downloadable in DRM free mp3s from amazon!.

[Art Blade]

I reckon you used a guide to find all the feathers?

During my current replay I keep trying different things. Like when you have to escort da Vinci to his atelier in Venice, during that guided city tour, I kept randomly killing guards, hired some thugs or thieves, had them distract guards etc. I did gain some notoriety though.

Also new: I keep hiring gangs, I like thieves the most because they can climb. I have so much money I can afford being escorted all the time. That led to some interesting discoveries: When exploring new territory, like climbing viewpoints where there are guards nearby on the roofs, those thieves distract them even without telling them to do so (probably because those guards react to any stranger up there and the thieves are the slower than you, hence they are the latest attraction and the guards forget about you). If you have thieves with you, you can even use them during other escort missions (like with Claudia, escorting the gondola) and use their help getting rid of distracting guards. Basically, they make life much easier for you when you keep them around, and they're a good laugh sometimes when they drop dead from roofs or drown somewhere on their way back to you :) Just replace the gang when they get too few.. not very useful to have one  thief with you who might croak for stupid reasons when you need him the most  ;)

[spaceboy]

lol those guys are persistent and very loyal even for just the few florins you're paying them.

[Art Blade]

I finished my 2nd playthrough, 33+ hours (no side missions, not all those feathers gathered). It was great, better than the first. Maybe because I knew some of the stuff already and was looking forward to doing it again, especially what I had discovered during the first playthrough: Once you've got the pistol, shoot your targets that are in restricted areas or running away. Saves you a lot of time trying to "infiltrate" a location  ;D

I'ts late at night now (or early in the morning) -- I simply couldn't stop because the end was so near. Excellent replay value. :)

[Art Blade]

I think I'll collect those feathers now, I want to see what the rewards are at 50 and 100 feathers collected. A war hammer and a cape, I believe.  :)

[PZ]

It will be a long time before I tire of the beautiful graphics in this game - that and the music bring me back time and again.  I just love the setting as well - old Italy.  :-X

[mandru]

The last few days I've been getting a lot of mileage out of the replayable DNA memories.  Nice short little snippets of violence that I able to jump in and get straight into it with out all the build up play needed in the normal play through of a regular game.

I'm finding the beat downs with no weapons required particularly enjoyable.   >:D

[Art Blade]

I liked to beat someone to death with bare hands (fists and knees, more like) and the reaction of other people watching that  :-D

[fragger]

I'm finding the beat downs with no weapons required particularly enjoyable.   >:D

Could your neighbours possibly be a source of motivation for that? ;)

Strange thing last night - I dreamt about this game and I've never even played it... ????

[Art Blade]

fragger, perhaps that's a sign of how badly you want to play that game.. so maybe you should get it :)

And indeed, those bloody neighbours.. they should be treated accordingly  >:D

[PZ]

 ^+-+  :-X All you guys!

One other thing to keep in mind regarding your decision on whether or not to purchase AC:B is that even the main memories are now re-playable.  :-X

[mandru]

Could your neighbours possibly be a source of motivation for that? ;)

Yeah,  I'd say that's a solid Bingo.   >:D

[fragger]

 :-D

[mandru]

...even the main memories are now re-playable.  :-X

That really is a plus!