Assassin's Creed II

Assassin's Creed II

Ubisoft is proud to announce the launch of the highly anticipated interactive game, Assassin's Creed II, which goes on sale nationally 19 November 2009. Assassin's Creed II is the sequel to Assassin's Creed the title that became the fastest-selling new IP in video game history, selling more than 9 million units world-wide.

More than a game, Assassin's Creed represents the convergence between Hollywood and Gaming with the release of three short films, entitled Assassin's Creed II: Lineage. These three short films, each 8 -12 minutes, directed by Yves Simoneau, an awarded director and scriptwriter whose work includes Nuremberg, Marie-Antoinette and Napoleon, prequel Assassin's Creed II. Each film is a mix of live action with virtual backgrounds created by special-effects studio Hybride Technologies, revered VFX creator known for their work on Sin City and 300.

Interactive gaming is now as popular as watching TV or surfing the net with 68% of all Australians playing video and computer games. With mainstream awareness of the industry, comes the rise of gaming talent on the celebrity circuit, in the same vein as feature film Directors.

In 2008, Australia's video and computer game industry recorded sales of $1.96 billion. Games software sales increased by 57 per cent, games consoles increased by 43 per cent and gaming hardware rose by 68 per cent. (*Source: Interactive Games & Entertainment Association www.igea.net).

Assassin's Creed II invites players to incarnate Ezio Auditore da Firenze, a privileged young noble in Renaissance Italy who is set on a path of vengeance after his family was betrayed by the rival ruling families of Italy. Players will navigate some of the most beautiful and historically relevant locations in the world including St Mark's Basilica, Florence, Venice and Tuscany. They will be invited to master their skills in swordplay and weaponry; befriend iconic historical figures including Leonardo Da Vinci, Machiavelli, Medici Family and Nobleman of Florence; and explore an underworld of thieves, courtesans, mercenaries and assassins.

In conjunction with the games release, Ubisoft has created Assassin's Creed II: Lineage, three short films, each 8 -12 minutes, directed by Yves Simoneau, an awarded director and scriptwriter whose work includes Nuremberg, Marie-Antoinette and Napoleon, which prequel Assassin's Creed II. Each film is a mix of live action with virtual backgrounds created by special-effects studio Hybride Technologies, revered VFX creator known for their work on Sin City and 300.

To view the Assassin's Creed II Trailer go to: www.assassincreed.com

Assassin's Creed II is available on PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, PC (Also available on handheld consoles - PSP and DS).