Assassin’s Creed is undoubtedly one of the most recognizable gaming franchises in recent history since Ubisoft launched the series in 2007. With 11 main Assassin’s Creed games in total (alongside several spinoffs and DLCs), it is fair to state that the  series has had its ups and downs across the years. Many fans were frustrated that Ubisoft failed to deliver quality content on a regular basis as Unity, Revelations and Assassin’s Creed 3 in particular were subject to strong criticisms.

Assassin’s Creed 2 (2009) remains the high point of the franchise. Despite being only the second installment, AC 2 drastically improved on the flaws of the first game and introduced fans to characters, settings and stories that are yet to be matched by any of the sequels. With Assassin’s Creed Valhalla set to be released on June 19 and provide some fresh competition, here are the reasons why AC 2 still the best game of the series.

Assassin’s Creed 2 laid the groundwork for its sequels, while still being an enjoyable game in and of itself. Cities were bigger and better-looking than in the original Assassin’s Creed, but most significant was the diversification of an assassin’s weaponry. Assassin’s Creed 2 introduced smoke bombs, poisoned blades and a hidden wrist-gun to the player’s arsenal, also allowing them to unlock and purchase superior weapons and armor at local stores.

AC 2 was incredibly innovative in creating a living, open-world where there was more interaction and customization than in the first game. Players were also able to invest their money and bring the town of Monteriggioni back to its former glory, when they weren’t off killing Templars. The second game set the standard that Assassin’s Creed should be more than just hunting down targets: Collectibles, mercenaries, merchants and side missions bring the world to life.

Though the series’ graphics have improved over the years, there’s yet to be a setting that topped the cities in Assassin’s Creed 2. Whether Ezio is climbing up the magnificent Duomo of Florence or leaping over the canals of Venice, Renaissance Italy is the most spectacular environment to explore as an assassin.

Rome in Assassin’s Creed Brotherhood was a large, sprawling mess, but Florence and Venice in Assassin’s Creed 2 are the perfect size. Iconic and beautiful with plenty to do, but not so large so that it is a pain to navigate, Assassin’s Creed 2 masters the 15th Century metropolis, engaging with the histories of these cities through characters such as Machiavelli, Da Vinci and the Medici family.

Assassin’s Creed 2 also surpasses its successors with characters and story. Taking the reigns from Altair, Ezio Auditore Da Firenze — who debuts in the second game — is easily the most memorable and beloved protagonist of the franchise. With his quick wit and boyish charm, this Italian assassin defined the series for years to come and is famous not just within the franchise itself, but in the gaming community as a whole.

Driven by revenge for the unjust execution of his father and brothers, Ezio’s journey and his induction into the Creed is possibly the most intriguing and compelling story of all the AC protagonists (including Ezio’s later adventures in Brotherhood and Revelations). Players learn more about both the Templars and Creed — as well as their goals — than they did in the first game. They also see Ezio grow from a naive and egotistical boy into a skilled and admirable warrior.

Ezio’s rivalry with Rodrigo de Borgia is one of the most enjoyable relationships in the series. Head of the Templar Order, Rodrigo is far more cunning, malevolent and deceitful than any of the antagonists that would follow in the later AC games. Seeing his nemesis become the Pope and most powerful man in Europe, Ezio’s decision to spare Rodrigo’s life at the end of the game shows how his character progressed across the story. Acknowledging that killing de Borgia won’t bring his family back, it is Ezio’s acts of mercy and kindness that make him the most likeable assassin of the series.

Furthermore, it is the game’s emphasis on the life of an assassin which makes it distinct from the more recent additions to the series. Though the likes of Black Flag, Origins and Odyssey were all good games, they don’t feel quite like Assassin’s Creed games. By following the life of a pirate vagabond or ancient Spartan warrior, being an assassin seemed less relevant to the story and stealth-oriented combat was diminished.

Though the underwhelming response to Unity and Syndicate proved the franchise shouldn’t become stagnant, some fans felt as though the series is swaying too much from its roots. Assassin’s Creed 2 therefore marks a nostalgic period in time where what it did was fresh and exciting, embodying the culture and methods of the Creed while still putting out a fun game with terrific characters, setting and story.