Stunning graphics, excellent atmosphere but repeatable game play.
The modern futuristic start acts as a "main game screen" but also adds atmosphere and a floating mystery for the main character, who is a descendant of Altair. A professional assassin, based on the well known story of Hashshashin (myth and history are tied together, in everything, considering this secret sect of Shiite Islam) who's life and acts also hide a powerful secret. A good scenario is always welcomed, even in action titles and here Assassin's Creed takes good credits!
The game starts with the best of intention's with stunning world design, with an acceptable historical accuracy considering the cities and places and an easy to follow control and movement of the main character. The all around feeling is very good and some of the movements and "stunts" of Altair is at least impressive.
The stealth aspect is given nicely to the player and the execution of combos in fight becomes second nature quickly. Play it with a gamepad is recommended but also the keyboard-mouse combination seems to work flawlessly.
But ... (there's always a "but" somewhere :D)
After the two first cities, the repeatable gameplay starts to tire a bit. In every city the procedure of your mission is exactly the same with only different places and number of guards. There's some places like the country sites with a lot of potential, but they act only as transactions between cities and the mini-game of collecting hiden flags .... is so ... kiddish, most players won't bother search for them.
With that said, the game is a good action title and you'll have some pleasant gaming hours.
"Action game" fans should not miss it, other gamers may want to consider it first as the game is quite small (about 20 hours if you take your time) and with no replayability value.