Assassin’s Creed II: Melee Weapons Guide

Damage, Speed and Deflect are the three determining characteristics of all Melee Weapons. These attributes, combined with the wielder’s own abilities, will influence each manuver of every battle.

• DAMAGE: Acts as a multiplier for the wielder’s attack strength
• SPEED: Determines attack speed, higher values allow faster attacks.
• DEFLECT: Affects the recovery time of the opponent whose attack is deflected, higher values result in a longer recovery time for an opponent upon their attack being deflected.

SPECIAL TECHNIQUES: Some weapon categories allow Ezio to perform charged attacks that will take some time to prepare in battle, but are delivered with devastating consequences. Special Techniques can be learned by training at Villa Auditore’s Training Ground.

Fists

Throughout the game, it is necessary to utilize Ezio’s fist fighting techniques. If used correctly, agile, unarmed combat can be extremely effective against all enemies. The honed skills of an experienced martial artist can suffice to disable attackers wielding Long and Heavy weapons.

SPECIAL TECHNIQUE: THROW SAND

Hold the armed hand button while in Fight Mode, standing unarmed on the ground. As an enemy approaches, release the button to throw sand in their face and break their defesnes (You will be unable to move for the duration of the throw).

• Follow up with an unarmed finishing move or a switch to your Quick Inventory weapons for a speedy assassination.

Hidden Blades

Hidden Blades are required to perform assassination techniques. These blades are the scret weapon used by Ezio’s father, and evidence of his true nature. Consisting of a double-edged blade and an arm mounting, the blade enables an assassin to strike invisibly and to hold or pin his enemies in place.

Leonardo da Vinci will perform upgrades to the Hidden Blade by referencing a series of Codex design documents that can be discovered throughout the game.

Small Weapons

Although Small Weapons lack range, they prove advantageous over long blades with speed. The Dagger being the fastest against all other weapons.

Medium Weapons

Guards most commonly carry swords and maces that are categorized as Medium Weapons. These weapons offer a good balance of speed and protection.

Bludgeoning weapons, such as hammers, are especially effective at breaking through an enemy’s defense.

Heavy Weapons

Trading finess for size and sheer force, a blow from a Heavy Weapon will often crush or disarm an opponent. With the exception of Ezio’s Fists and Hidden Blade (and precise timing), Heavy Weapons may only be countered by other Long and Heavy Weapons.

A lethal result is guaranteed from a successful counter with a Heavy Weapon, but upon doing so the weapon will remain embedded in the enemy.  So, counter manuvers when wielding a Heavy Weapon should only be performed against the toughest of opponents.

SPECIAL TECHNIQUE: SMASH SKILL

With a Heavy Weapon equipped, a Smash can be charged by holding the Weapon Hand button. The charge is slow, leaving Ezio vulnerable to other attacks that can cancel the Smash, but once unleashed it will break through enemy defenses and deal a large amount of damage while either disarming them or knocking them to the ground. Release the Weapon Hand button after charging to perform a Smash.

Long Weapons

The length of Long Weapons helps keep enemies at bay. Evasion of these weapons is very tough as dodging manuvers often fail to create the necessary distance and blocking attempts can be overpowered. Just as with Heavy Weapons, Long Weapons can only be countered by other Long or Heavy Weapons, with the exception of Ezio’s Fists and Hidden Blade.

SPECIAL TECHNIQUE: SWEEP ATTACK

Similar to the Smash technique of the Heavy Weapon class, a Sweep Attack is also charged by holding the Weapon Hand button, but the attack does not have to be charged in full to be executed. The amount of charge determines the range and effectiveness of the attack.

A brief charge will allow Ezio to perform a quick, short sweep of nearby enemies. A complete charge will enable Ezio to trip all enemies attack from his front, while simultaneously bludgening all enemies to his rear. Take note that the Sweep Attack should not be used in excess. Performing this technique more than three times with the same Long Weapon will cause it to break.

SPECIAL TECHNIQUE: LONG WEAPON BREAKING

This technique allows the wielder of a Long Weapon to block a Smash attack from a Heavy Weapon. The result prevent the wielder on the receiving end of the Smash attack to avoid absorbing any damage, but their Long Weapon will be shattered into two pieces. The Wielder may then use one of the pieces as if it were a bladed Medium Weapon.

Article from Gamersyndrome.com

Related posts:

1. Assassin’s Creed II: Ranged Weapons Guide
2. Assassin’s Creed II: Armor Guide
3. Assassin’s Creed II: Cape Guide
4. Assassin’s Creed II: Trophies & Achievements Guide
5. Assassin’s Creed II: Feathers, Glyphs and Statuettes Guide