Ezio Auditore's Legacy: Celebrating 15 Years of Assassin's Creed II with Roger Craig Smith

The legacy of the Assassin's Creed franchise has been significantly shaped by its characters, particularly Ezio Auditore. While Altaïr introduced the world to the series, it is Ezio who has won the admiration of audiences worldwide. Roger Craig Smith, who lent his voice to this beloved character, recently participated in a video celebrating the 15th anniversary of Assassin's Creed 2, where he shared his excitement about portraying Ezio.

Smith reflected on his experience, emphasizing how being the voice behind Ezio Auditore da Firenze stands out as the highlight of his professional journey. His captivating Italian accent certainly brings depth to the character, as he embodiesEzio's charm.

In contrast to the more serious Altaïr, Ezio offers a vibrant personality that evolves throughout the trilogy. Players witnessed Ezio's transformation from a wealthy young man in Italy to a skilled assassin. Throughout his adventures, he crossed paths with notable historical figures such as Leonardo Da Vinci, Niccolò Machiavelli, and Caterina Sforza, while also clashing with powerful foes, including the Pope. Despite his growth, he maintained his charismatic, carefree flair.

One memorable aspect of working on Assassin's Creed 2 for Smith is the enduring sense of community surrounding the game. He cherishes the collective passion for its storytelling, music, gameplay, and rich characters. This strong connection continues to resonate, even years later.

For Smith, hearing the iconic theme song acts as a trigger, inspiring a strong desire to navigate the enchanting streets of Florence and Venice once more. He expressed gratitude for being part of such a remarkable project, stating that this experience is truly unparalleled. In a nostalgic moment, he even slipped back into his Ezio persona to perform a line from a poignant scene where he and his siblings confront a grave conspiracy.

Assassin's Creed 2 was the pivotal title that solidified my affection for the franchise. It significantly outperformed its predecessor in virtually every aspect, yet I still find it puzzling that it lacked a mission replay feature, which is often standard across many other entries in the series.

If you're eager to reimmerse yourself in the Assassin's Creed universe, consider exploring our curated list of the top games in the series. Among my favorites are the second installment and Black Flag—my love for pirates adds an extra thrill to that adventure.