Bringing down the Borgia

GAME OF THE WEEK:Assassin's Creed Brotherhood, Ubisoft Xbox 360 (also PS3, PC) Rating: 18 Score 5

THERE are few games that have grabbed my attention likes Assassin's Creed. The latest addition, Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood, is no exception. Once again it involves taking on the role of Desmond Miles in the modern day and Italian ancestor – and assassin – Ezio Auditore in the 15th century, but ACBpicks up where the previous title left off, with Ezio's return to Monteriggioni after years of struggling against the Templars. The Borgia, ruling over a dilapidated Rome, spur Ezio into action again when Cesare destroys Ezio's home town, killing his uncle and stealing the Apple of Eden.

Your main mission is to take down the Borgia while rebuilding Rome and helping needy citizens along the way. As always, Ezio has his allies, from Machiavelli and Leonardo da Vinci (who provides useful inventions) to thieves and courtesans who pass on information and act as a distraction for Borgia guards.

There has been some evolution in ACB, from Ezio's manner of travel – you can travel by horse within the cities, use lifts to make a quick ascent and spin around awkward turns on hanging lanterns – to the combat system, which is faster and more fun to play. The AI has been tweaked too, becoming more aggressive.

You can recruit some apprentice assassins, who are invaluable in battle, and can also be used to carry out assassin contracts, earning money and increasing their skill level. Your assassin calls are limited, however, so use them sparingly.

It’s not just about killing everything in sight; missions will also require thought and strategy, particularly when it comes to solving puzzles such as how to reach seemingly out-of-reach ledges or posts.

ACBincludes the series' first multiplayer mode, where you take on the role of modern day Templars-in- training. There are a number of game types, but stealth is key, with the basic premise that you're assigned a target to stalk and kill.

ACBis a worthy sequel. Although easier at times than its predecessor, it tweaks an already winning formula, and provides players with a substantial single player campaign and a refreshing multiplayer mode.