Today is one for celebration, for it is the birthday of one of the greatest heroes of all time. In gaming, there have been few protagonists who have managed to be as charismatic, skillful, and deserving of empathy as the man being honored today. On this day, June 24 in the year 1459, Ezio Auditore da Firenze was born in Florence.
A Happy Birthday To The Coolest Assassin
While the first game featuring Ezio is about to celebrate its tenth year of existence this November, it’s important to remember the hero that made the game so special. Assassin’s Creed II was one of- if not the- best games in the long-running franchise. The game was praised for its evolution the previous game’s action, as well as a vibrant renaissance setting. Yet, the one thing that made Assassin’s Creed II a fond memory in every gamer’s heart was Ezio.
After watching his father and brother be hanged, the young womanizer Ezio’s life changed forever. No longer could he afford to be the carefree man he once was. On his quest for revenge Ezio was shaped and molded into a deadly member of the Assassin Order. Fighting a covert battle with the Templars one slit throat at a time, the man changed his own world just as much as he changed games themselves.
While the first Assassin’s Creed did garner interest for its unique mechanics and engaging plot, it could be easily argued that it was the title’s younger brother that solidified it as a flagship franchise. Assassin’s Creed had quite a few nagging flaws, and were Ubisoft to drop the ball on the sequel fans very well may have seen an end to the games altogether.
However, given the success of the franchise, that clearly did not come to pass. Instead, players around the world have been able to enjoy over a decade of releases. While some have certainly been more outstanding than others, it’s all been thanks in large part to the assassin with a winning grin. So from Assassin’s Creed fans around the world, thank you Ezio, and happy birthday.