Assassin's Creed II: Discovery

Assassin's Creed II: Discovery is a side-scrolling action-adventure game from 2009, developed by Griptonite Games and published by Ubisoft. It launched for the Nintendo DS in November 2009, with an iOS version following in January 2010. A spin-off of the main Assassin's Creed II (released the same month), it takes place between Sequences 12 and 13 of that game. The story runs from 1491 to 1492, following Ezio Auditore da Firenze as he journeys to Spain to aid fellow Assassins being hunted by the Templar Order, who are operating under the cover of the Spanish Inquisition.

The game was first announced on September 9, 2009, during an Apple Inc. keynote speech by producer Ben Mattes, with a release date set for November 17. The iOS version was delayed to January 7, 2010, though Ubisoft offered no explanation. Critics generally gave the game positive reviews, considering it an improvement over the earlier spin-off, Assassin's Creed: Altaïr's Chronicles. The iOS version was removed from the App Store in 2013.

**Gameplay**

The game is a 2.5D side-scroller where players control Ezio Auditore da Firenze. Set mainly in Italy and Spain, Ezio navigates levels to complete specific mission objectives. He can climb most buildings, roll, jump, and swing across the environment. Players may avoid or fight enemy guards, who include Halberd Guards (stationary versions of Seekers), Captain Guards (more agile Brutes), and Archers. Ezio uses weapons like his Hidden Blades, a sword, and throwing knives, and can silently assassinate guards from hiding spots such as ledges, hay bales, and wooden barrels.

Combat resembles earlier Assassin's Creed titles. In sword fights, players can perform chain attacks to break enemy defenses and counterattacks for instant kills or brief openings. Clash attacks trigger a strength test with a pressure bar; players must overcome the guard's resistance or Ezio takes damage.

Three memory types change the approach: Normal allows free exploration and collection; Chase requires speed, avoiding combat while arrows rain down (avoidable indoors or in hiding spots); Stealth demands silent assassinations, with only three detections allowed before desynchronization, plus a time limit. Optional objectives for 100% synchronization include time limits, minimal damage, and enemy kill counts—similar to later series entries starting with Brotherhood.