Why is Ezio so loved?

Ezio Auditore da Firenze has been admired by gamers for over 10 years as one of the most charismatic and celebrated protagonists in Assassin‘s Creed. As a long-time fan myself, let me provide some insights into why he leaves such an impression.

A Compelling Character Arc That Resonates

As you may remember, we witness Ezio‘s entire life story unfold across three pivotal games. We meet him literally moments after his birth, and we travel alongside him over decades as he evolves from a reckless youth to a wise Mentor.

This longevity allows us to truly grow up with Ezio. When we lose family members to betrayal in AC2, our rage mirrors his drive for vengeance. When he discovers lost history that shifts his worldview in Revelations, his solemn acceptance challenges us as well. Such raw emotional connection over years cements him as more than just a digital avatar, but a friend who inspires us.

Some key moments that exemplify Ezio‘s appeal:

• AC2 Opening – Playing as a arrogant, naive 17-year-old immediately endears him as a relatable hero full of potential
• Bonfire of the Vanities DLC – His mindless womanizing results in heartbreak later, humanizing his flaws
• Revelations Ending – His humble commitment to reforming flawed systems defines him as a selfless leader who sacrificed everything to uphold noble values

Polls on fan sites like Reddit frequently rate Ezio among the top 3 Assassins. One recent survey saw 19% vote him as their "best friend in the Animus", which shows how this decades-long relationship sticks with gamers.

Legendary Exploits That Cemented His Reputation

While charisma establishes his likability, Ezio‘s incredible exploits as an Assassin sealed his reputation as one of the Brotherhood‘s greatest champions. He systematically dismantled Templar control across Italy, toppling the mighty Borgia family that dominated society and politics.

In hard numbers:

• Templar Conspiracies Dismantled: At least dozen across 30 years
• Notable Templars Assassinated: Rodrigo Borgia, Cesare Borgia, Prince Ahmet
• Cities Liberated: Florence, Venice, Rome, Constantinople
• Assassin Recruits Trained: Over 200 by end of Revelations

You surely remember his show-stopping attack on Cesare during the siege of Viana in Brotherhood. Emerging from smoke amidst chaos, Ezio‘s calculated pistol shot despite his age and declining health encapsulated his precision and determination that made him a legend.

Apart from key targets defeated and cities freed, Ezio pioneered innovative combat tactics like the iconic dual hidden blade, the Hidden Gun, poison blade, and smoke bombs. Such creativity kept him fighting masterfully even in his 50s against enemies in their prime.

Skills That Set the Gold Standard

While later Assassins may wield more modern weapons or ASF Parkour moves, Ezio established benchmarks for the quintessential Assassin skillset:

• Peak Physical Abilities: Even towards the end of his life, Ezio remained a agile freerunner who could outclimb and outfight soldiers a third his age
• Eagle Vision Mastery: Ezio honed his preternatural senses and intuition over decades, using Eagle Vision fluidly in combat, freerunning, and investigations
• Stealth Capabilities: Blending seamlessly with groups of monks then springing out for stealth assassinations highlighted cunning few opponents could match
• Diverse Arsenal Mastery: Wielding Hidden Blades, swords, smoke bombs and Leonardo‘s contraptions, Ezio adapted skillfully to overcome any adversity

The extensive training montages in Brotherhood established Ezio as the ultimate Assassin, capable of thinking on his feet and innovating new techniques. Even as he aged, Ezio modifying his usually flashy style for more precisely-timed strikes highlighted why even half a century of experience never dulled his edge.

An Enduring Legacy that Shaped the Franchise

While later entries introduced fresh modern settings and heroes, Ezio‘s virtuoso performance across three top-selling games defined the image of the suave hooded Assassin dispensing poetic justice that still dominates pop culture.

That enduring status is evident in metrics even today:

• Ezio Costumes Remain Favored Cosplay: AC cosplayers at 2022‘s PAX East showed Ezio‘s continued popularity among fans expressing fandom through costume, with 25% appearing in his iconic robes according to event photography
• Screenrant Named Him #1 Assassin This Year: Ezio topping yet another "Best AC Characters" list for his wit and skills showcases lasting impact even against modern heroes like Bayek
• Italians Overwhelmingly Know Ezio Over Other Assassins: In a 2020 survey by broadcast company RadiocorriereTv, 71% of Italian gamers instantly recognized Ezio compared to just 48% recalling Altair – showing how he has become a modern folk hero synonymous with the Assassin image

Without Ezio establishing that fantasy which captivated fans for years as gaming‘s ultimate swashbuckling hero, the excitement around becoming a hooded assassin central to the series might have faded. Instead, he anchored a genre-defining trilogy that laid the franchise‘s foundations.

Conclusion: An Icon We Watched Mature Into A Legend

Ezio‘s appeal lies in his overall presentation across iconic games that represented evolutionary leaps for interactive storytelling. By experiencing the life of this charismatic force of nature who overcame tragedy through courage and determination, we forged an unforgettable connection.

Watching his transformation from a brash youth seeking personal vengeance to a principled leader ushering in an Assassin golden age created a bonafide hero whose exploits and sagacity left an indelible impact. Just as his long-term influence shaped the Brotherhood he rebuilt, his towering legacy assured his memory as the quintessential Assassin would endure for generations.

And that is why a decade later, whether we first met him as teenagers ourselves back in 2009 or were introduced to his story through later compiled editions, Ezio Auditore da Firenze remains so beloved.