Sequence 06

Road Trip: Medici’s gratitude (and, perhaps more importantly, his rewards) mark a fitting end to Ezio’s time in Florence. Once you have spoken to him, this is a good time to begin completing Secondary Memories that remain, particularly the new Assassination Contracts. Though you can return to Florence and its surrounding towns later, spending a little time in pursuit of florins (and upgrading Monterigionni) will be of great benefit in the long term. When you are ready, head to Leonardo’s workshop to receive further instructions.

Romagna Holiday: Follow the Memory Start marker to reach the Apennine Mountains zone, where Ezio is reunited with Leonardo and a brief yet unusual gameplay sequence begins. The horse-drawn carriage is sturdier than most, but collisions will inflict gradual damage reflected by a gauge in the top left-hand corner of the screen. Use the Movement Stick to steer, but don’t bank too sharply-should the carriage overturn, you’ll be returned to an earlier checkpoint. Naturally, there’s more to this set-piece event than negotiating obstacles. Assailants will jump from horses to grab either side of the carriage, progressing from there to the roof, before finally attacking Ezio. Those on the sides can be dislodged by brushing against roadside scenery, though this is a fairly high-risk strategy. To deal with enemies who can reach the roof, sharp banking mixed with quick left-right motions can cause them to lose their balance and fall. Driving beneath low branches has a more immediately satisfying result. Should an attacker reach Ezio, tap the Empty Hand Button rapidly to thwart his assault. In the second stage of the escape, Ezio’s opponents use Greek fire to set sections of road ablaze. If you can evade the flames while attending to combatants on the carriage, you should reach the third and final part of this mission, where Ezio jumps out of to challenge his pursuers directly. Make the Brute your priority, and his death should weaken the resolve of his surviving allies.

Tutti A Bordo: Feel free to take in the sights and sounds of rustic Forlì and its surrounding wetlands before you head to the dock to meet Leonardo. There is a brief gondola tutorial to complete before Ezio sets sail for Venice, but the onscreen prompts will furnish you will all the guidance you need.