So, a while ago, I bought Assassin’s Creed 2; looking for some entertainment, I couldn’t go wrong. At least from the positive reviews I’ve received from friends in the past. My laptop, much to my dismay, was too bogged down to run the game, but, after a reformat, it ran. If only barely.  And, yes, I do realize that it’s been out for a while (and that its sequel is already almost out, which I intend to buy, at some point).  Up until now, I haven’t really expected much from video games as far story- and plot-line are concerned; unwittingly, Assassin’s Creed 2 was thought to be no different.

I was proven wrong, somewhat. I like the parts of the game that deal with Italy in the 15th century, while—at the same time—I thought the whole, “this is actually a game,” thing was tad superfluous. Just something tacked on to make it science-fiction-esque. Granted, I came into story part way through, but—still—my point stand. Simply being Ezio in Italy and facing the threat of his father’s murderers would have sufficed.

The mechanics they employed and the storyline they used were well-worn, but I felt that they added enough to make it seem new, fresh, and exciting—at least, for a video game. At points throughout the game, it was a little hard to follow who was who and what was really going on. And the reveal at the end was seen a mile away. It still kept me engaged, though. Long enough to finish the game (and kill a ton of guards while I was at it; after all, Ezio doesn’t kill civilians).

I’ve begun to play Dragon Age: Origins, which has a lot of promise, and—luckily—it runs a lot better than Assassin’s Creed 2.

I’m going to start supplying a word or two at the end of each of my posts, which you may or may not take advantage of as diving boards for writing. Think of them as writing prompts. Or, don’t, if that helps you at all. Regardless, though, of how you take it, write! You can share what you wrote here on my blog, email it to me, or keep it to yourself. It doesn’t matter.

Random Word(s) Objectified As A Springboard: An empty chair stained with blood.