An instant classic, a MUST buy!!!!!!
The gameplay mechanics of Assassin's Creed are the best part, second only to the amazing graphics (still amazing a year later). The environments are beautiful and fun to interact with. Although this game has a central storyline (more central than a game like Oblivion, where you can completely ignore the main story and do a lot) it is mostly open world and sandbox style, and sometimes it is fun just to wander around the game's three main cities: Jerusalem, Acre, and Damascus, or the countryside between the cities. The fighting mechanics in this game are amazing, and some moves just look plain awesome without being unrealistic. You will have to do assassinations assigned to you in the game, and you can go at them in many ways. You can sneak to the target's location by blending yourself into the crowds on the streets, or you can jump on rooftops and sneak into the building where the target is by climbing. You can start an all out brawl and take out your sword (not the smartest decision), or you can sneak around with your dagger killing guards from behind. To be able assassinate the target you are assigned, first you have to do investigations around the city, which are usually not that hard. There are other small side things you can do like saving innocent people from guards and collecting flags, but they are not that time consuming or fulfilling compared to the main quests. I thought the sci-fi frame story was actually entertaining and the end made me clamoring for a sequel, which I hear is in the works.
Graphics: 9.5 The graphics were amazing and showed the potential of the next gen systems.
Gameplay: 9.5 The gameplay was very addictive and fun but at times felt a little empty.
Story: 9.0 The storyline was good and entertaining, but I think it could have been elaborated a bit more.
Replayability 8.0: The game keeps you entertained for some time, but it felt a little short. After you complete the game there is not a whole lot to do, and it begins to grow a little stale.
Overall (Not an average of above scores): 9.5 Fun and innovative gameplay with great graphics put this game easily in my top 10 games of all time, and it is a MUST PLAY experience.