Assassin's Creed II
Assassin's Creed II

Easter Eggs & References

Assassin's Creed II is full of hidden Easter eggs and clever references. Find historical nods, pop culture mentions, and Ubisoft connections to uncover more lo.

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Easter Eggs & References

Assassin's Creed II is a treasure trove for eagle-eyed players, packed with delightful Easter eggs and clever references that span historical events, pop culture, and even other Ubisoft titles. Beyond mere visual gags, many of these hidden gems deepen the lore, provide humorous breaks, or offer tantalizing glimpses into the wider Assassin's Creed universe. This section will guide you through some of the most notable and intriguing secrets hidden within Renaissance Italy.

The Truth (Glyphs)

Perhaps the most significant "Easter egg" in Assassin's Creed II is the overarching meta-narrative revealed through the Truth puzzles, also known as Glyphs. These are not merely collectibles but integral pieces of a larger conspiracy, hinting at the First Civilization and the true nature of the Apple of Eden. Locating all 20 Glyphs and solving their intricate puzzles unlocks a cryptic video that profoundly expands the game's lore.

  • Location: Glyphs are hidden on famous landmarks and buildings across Florence, Venice, Forlì, San Gimignano, and the Apennine Mountains. They appear as glowing red symbols that become visible only when Ezio uses his Eagle Vision.
  • Solving: Each Glyph presents a series of puzzles, often involving historical images, audio clips, and cryptic clues. Players must manipulate these elements to reveal hidden symbols or connect disparate pieces of information.
  • Reward: Successfully solving all 20 Glyphs unlocks the "Truth" video, a pivotal cutscene that details the history of the First Civilization and their conflict with humanity, setting the stage for future games in the series. This is a must-see for any lore enthusiast.

UFO Sightings & Anomalies

Despite its historical setting, Assassin's Creed II features several inexplicable phenomena that lean into science fiction, particularly surrounding the mysterious "UFO" sightings.

  • The "Flying Machine" Glitch: While not a true UFO, a famous glitch allows players to fly Ezio's "Flying Machine" indefinitely outside of the specific mission it's used in. If you manage to keep the machine airborne after the "Managed Acquisitions" mission (by not landing or crashing), you can explore the skies of Venice freely. While not an intentional Easter egg, the sheer absurdity and freedom it offers make it a legendary player-discovered secret.
  • Mysterious Lights: Some players have reported seeing unidentifiable flying objects or strange light patterns in the sky, particularly during specific weather conditions or at dawn/dusk. These are often attributed to graphical anomalies or distant environmental effects, but their persistent nature has fueled speculation among the community. Keep an eye on the horizon, especially around the higher viewpoints.

Ubisoft Game References

Ubisoft loves to cross-reference its own titles, and Assassin's Creed II is no exception. These nods often serve as playful winks to long-time fans.

  • Rabbids: In Monteriggioni, within the Villa Auditore, explore Ezio's room. You might find a small, white, rabbit-like figurine. This is a clear reference to the popular Rabbids franchise, a spin-off from Ubisoft's Rayman series.
  • Splinter Cell Goggles: While not directly obtainable, some concept art and early game files have shown Ezio wearing a pair of iconic night-vision goggles, reminiscent of Sam Fisher's gear from the Splinter Cell series. While this didn't make it into the final game as an equipable item, it's a fun internal reference.
  • Prince of Persia: Given the shared Middle Eastern themes and parkour mechanics, references to Prince of Persia are subtle but present. The fluid movement and acrobatic combat of Ezio often evoke the Prince, and some of the environmental puzzles in tombs share a similar design philosophy to the platforming challenges in Prince of Persia.

Historical & Pop Culture Nods

Beyond the lore and internal references, Assassin's Creed II is brimming with clever allusions to historical figures, events, and even modern pop culture.

  • Leonardo da Vinci's Inventions: While integral to the story, Leonardo's fantastical war machines and flying contraptions are themselves a form of historical Easter egg, exaggerating his real-life genius for gameplay purposes. The "Flying Machine" mission is a prime example of this historical embellishment.
  • The "Notch" in the Wall (Florence): In Florence, near the Palazzo della Signoria, look for a small, carved profile of a man's face on the wall. Legend has it that Michelangelo carved this profile in defiance of a man who constantly bothered him. While not confirmed by Ubisoft, its inclusion is a nod to this local Florentine legend.
  • The "Leaning Tower" of Pisa: While not an Easter egg in itself, the game accurately depicts the iconic lean of the Tower of Pisa. However, pay attention to the dialogue of NPCs around it; you might hear humorous comments about its structural integrity or tourists marveling at its unique tilt.
  • The "Plumber" Reference: During certain sequences, particularly when Ezio is navigating sewers or underground passages, you might hear guards or citizens make comments about "plumbers" or "jumping Italians." This is a clear, humorous nod to Nintendo's iconic Mario, a famous Italian plumber.
  • The "Weeping Angels" (Doctor Who): In certain Assassin Tombs, particularly the one in the Santa Maria Novella in Florence, you might encounter statues that appear to move when your back is turned or when you're not looking directly at them. This unsettling effect is a direct reference to the "Weeping Angels" from the popular British sci-fi show Doctor Who, known for their terrifying ability to move only when unobserved.
  • The "Giant Squid" in the Assassin Tomb: In the Assassin Tomb located beneath the Santa Maria della Visitazione in Venice, after completing the platforming challenges, you'll find a large, circular pool of water. If you dive in and swim to the very bottom, you can spot the massive, ghostly outline of a giant squid or kraken. This is a classic mythical creature Easter egg, adding a touch of fantasy to the historical setting.

Hidden Messages & Developer Jokes

Sometimes, the developers leave behind small, personal touches or inside jokes for players to discover.

  • Developer Names: Keep an eye out for graffiti or subtle inscriptions on walls, particularly in less-traveled areas. Occasionally, you might spot initials or names that correspond to members of the development team.
  • Funny Dialogue: Eavesdrop on NPC conversations. The writers often inject humorous or anachronistic dialogue that provides a lighthearted break from the main narrative. Listen for comments about modern-day problems, absurd situations, or self-aware remarks about the game itself.

Exploring Assassin's Creed II with an open mind and a keen eye will undoubtedly reward you with many more hidden gems. These Easter eggs and references not only add replayability but also deepen the player's connection to the game world and its creators.