Ezio Collection: Relive The Assassin's Creed Legend
Hey guys! Ever wanted to dive deep into the captivating world of Renaissance Italy and experience the thrilling adventures of one of Assassin's Creed's most beloved characters? Well, the Ezio Collection is your golden ticket! This collection brings together three iconic games – Assassin's Creed II, Assassin's Creed Brotherhood, and Assassin's Creed Revelations – all starring the legendary Ezio Auditore da Firenze. Get ready for a wild ride filled with intrigue, assassinations, and breathtaking historical settings.
What is the Ezio Collection?
The Ezio Collection is essentially a remastered compilation of the Assassin's Creed games that form the Ezio Auditore saga. These games chronicle Ezio's life from his early days as a young nobleman in Florence to his twilight years as a mentor in Constantinople. The collection isn't just a simple port; it features enhanced graphics, improved textures, and all the single-player downloadable content (DLC) that was originally released for each game. This means you get the complete Ezio experience without having to hunt down individual DLC packs. For those who missed out on these titles when they first launched, or for fans eager to relive the adventure with a fresh coat of paint, the Ezio Collection offers an excellent way to immerse themselves in Ezio's world.
Think of it as a historical action-adventure buffet. You've got Renaissance Italy in Assassin's Creed II, where you'll explore cities like Florence, Venice, and Rome. Then, Assassin's Creed Brotherhood sees you building your own brotherhood of assassins to take on the Borgia family in Rome. Finally, Assassin's Creed Revelations takes you to Constantinople, where Ezio seeks the wisdom of his ancestor, Altaïr. Each game offers a unique setting, a compelling story, and plenty of opportunities to leap from rooftops and silently eliminate your targets. Whether you're a seasoned Assassin's Creed veteran or a newcomer to the series, the Ezio Collection provides countless hours of gameplay and a deep dive into the lore of the franchise.
Why Ezio Auditore is a Legend
Ezio Auditore da Firenze isn't just any video game character; he's a legend. His charisma, his wit, and his unwavering dedication to justice have made him a fan favorite. Unlike some other protagonists who might be stoic or brooding, Ezio is full of life. You see him grow from a carefree young man into a master assassin, a leader, and a mentor. His journey is one of revenge, discovery, and ultimately, wisdom. He's relatable, even though he's leaping across rooftops and assassinating Templars. His struggles, his losses, and his triumphs resonate with players, making him a truly memorable character.
Ezio's appeal also lies in his development throughout the three games. In Assassin's Creed II, he's driven by vengeance after his family is betrayed. In Brotherhood, he learns to lead and build a network of allies. By Revelations, he's a seasoned veteran seeking deeper understanding and closure. This character arc allows players to connect with Ezio on multiple levels as he evolves and matures. He's not just a killing machine; he's a complex individual with emotions, motivations, and a compelling backstory. Plus, his suave Italian charm doesn't hurt either! Seriously, who wouldn't want to learn a few moves from this guy?
And let's not forget the impact Ezio has had on the Assassin's Creed series. He set the bar high for future protagonists, and many fans still consider him the best assassin in the franchise. His story is epic, his adventures are thrilling, and his legacy continues to inspire new players to pick up the Assassin's Creed games. So, if you're looking for a character who's more than just pixels on a screen, look no further than Ezio Auditore da Firenze. He's a true gaming icon!
What's Included in the Collection?
The Ezio Collection is a treasure trove for Assassin's Creed fans, packing in a ton of content to keep you hooked for hours. Here's a breakdown of what you get:
- Assassin's Creed II: The game that started it all. Experience Ezio's origin story as he seeks revenge against those who betrayed his family during the Renaissance in Italy.
- Assassin's Creed Brotherhood: Ezio leads a brotherhood of assassins in Rome to dismantle the Borgia family's power. Expect strategic gameplay, recruit management, and intense battles.
- Assassin's Creed Revelations: Ezio travels to Constantinople to uncover the secrets of Altaïr, his ancestor. This game blends the stories of two legendary assassins and features a more reflective and introspective Ezio.
But wait, there's more! The Ezio Collection also includes all the single-player DLC for each game. That means you get extra missions, new locations, and additional story content that expands on the main narratives. It's the definitive Ezio experience all in one package. While the collection does not include the multiplayer modes that were present in the original releases of Brotherhood and Revelations, the focus is squarely on delivering a complete and enhanced single-player experience.
For those who appreciate behind-the-scenes content, the Ezio Collection also includes the short films Assassin's Creed: Lineage and Assassin's Creed: Embers. Lineage is a series of live-action shorts that tell the story of Ezio's father, Giovanni Auditore, and provide context for the events of Assassin's Creed II. Embers is an animated short that serves as an epilogue to Ezio's story, showing him in his later years. These films add even more depth to the Ezio saga and are a must-watch for any fan.
Enhanced Graphics and Gameplay
One of the biggest draws of the Ezio Collection is the enhanced graphics. The games have been remastered to take advantage of modern consoles and PCs, with improved textures, lighting, and character models. While they might not look like brand-new games built from the ground up, the visual upgrades are noticeable and make the experience more immersive. The Renaissance Italy and Constantinople come to life with greater detail and vibrancy, making it easier to get lost in the world.
In addition to the graphical enhancements, the Ezio Collection also features some gameplay improvements. The controls have been tweaked to feel more responsive, and certain gameplay mechanics have been refined to provide a smoother experience. While the core gameplay remains the same, these small changes make a big difference in terms of overall enjoyment. Whether you're scaling buildings, engaging in combat, or sneaking through enemy territory, the Ezio Collection feels more polished and refined than the original releases. Of course, purists can still appreciate the classic Assassin's Creed feel, but the improvements are a welcome addition for both new and returning players.
It's worth noting that the extent of the graphical and gameplay enhancements can vary depending on the platform you're playing on. The PC version, for example, may offer more options for customization and higher resolutions than the console versions. However, regardless of the platform, the Ezio Collection provides a significant upgrade over the original releases, making it the definitive way to experience Ezio's story.
Is the Ezio Collection Worth It?
So, the big question: is the Ezio Collection worth your hard-earned cash? The short answer is a resounding yes! If you're a fan of Assassin's Creed, action-adventure games, or just compelling storytelling, this collection is a must-have. You get three full games, all the single-player DLC, enhanced graphics, and gameplay improvements, all for a reasonable price. It's a fantastic value proposition and a great way to experience one of the best storylines in the Assassin's Creed universe.
Even if you've played these games before, the Ezio Collection offers a fresh perspective with its visual and gameplay upgrades. Reliving Ezio's journey in a more polished and refined package is a treat for longtime fans. And if you're new to the series, there's no better place to start than with the Ezio Collection. It provides a comprehensive introduction to the world of Assassin's Creed and showcases the best that the franchise has to offer.
Of course, the Ezio Collection isn't perfect. Some players may miss the multiplayer modes from Brotherhood and Revelations, and the graphical enhancements might not be as dramatic as some had hoped. But overall, these are minor quibbles compared to the wealth of content and the quality of the games themselves. The Ezio Collection is a testament to the enduring appeal of Ezio Auditore and a reminder of why Assassin's Creed has become one of the most popular video game franchises of all time. So, grab your hidden blade and get ready to relive the legend!
