User Score
7.9 out of 10

Generally favorable reviews- based on 727 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Negative: 66 out of 727

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  1. John
    Nov 17, 2007
    10
    Altair is one of the best characters ever developed. Who else jumps off of 300 foot tall Church steeples into bails of hay? That being said, this game is absolute perfection. I bought Assassin's Creed the day it came out, and the second I started playing it I wished I had been an assassin during the crusades. The interactive environment and fighting system were ridiculously good and I have never played anything that comes close to this game. All the critics hating on the repetition of the investigations and poor storyline development need to look at the bigger picture. I'll put this simply. Assassin + swords + knives + concealed throat cutting blade = awesome. Expand
  2. RobP.
    Nov 18, 2007
    9
    Lots of fun glad i got it over COD4, agreed that its a really nice break from shooters. I love the combat and hence repeating it is very satisfying. Not to mention great free running and graphics. In response to Johnny, have you ever played a video game? 'doing exactly what the makers intended to do' is exactly why there are people that make games... they make fun things to do. If you don't want to do what the makers intended then draw a picture or something. This game doesn't even deserve a 7 rating let alone a zero. Expand
  3. LiamG.
    Nov 18, 2007
    10
    I've never played a game as addictive and compelling as Assassin's Creed. I'm a casual gamer, and most games i buy get a few hours play then are put on the shelf - I've got 30 or so 360 games and not completed a single one, but this one i've been playing every single second that i can, and it will definitely be my first 100% title!
  4. HS
    Nov 18, 2007
    10
    Simply amazing, the key to getting the most out of the game is not to rush around the place but ake things slowly and explore, then the game truly becomes excellent.
  5. JohnnyQ.
    Nov 21, 2007
    10
    What a challenge. Assasin
  6. NickV.
    Nov 21, 2007
    9
    THE GOOD THINGS: Visuals: Best looking game I've seen to date, with great character animations, sprawling cities and quality lighting effects. Controls: The game controls great. It's easy and intuitive, with only swordfighting requiring a bit of practice. Storyline: This seems to be one of the key issues with reviewers. Frankly, I feel the dual storylines has been very engaging, and if you don't rush the game, you can get really immersed in the plot. THE BAD THINGS: Details: Really, Ubisoft only failed in the details of this game. First and foremost is that there isn't much variety in dialogue out of the main quest lines, especially in regards to civilians and guards around the city. You'll hear a lot of comments over and over again. Repetition: This is the 2nd big issue reviewers seemed to have, and while it definitely could have used a bit more variety, isn't close to as bad as some might have you believe. I guess it's point of view. But I fail to see how this game gets the stigma of being repetitious, when FPS's (as in shoot-run-hide-repeat every 10 seconds) rarely seem to be branded as such. Overall, this is a 9.5 game, and just misses the perfect mark because of some details that could have used tweaking. Expand
  7. PhilipV.
    Nov 21, 2007
    9
    Very fun,open-ended,and stealthy;what is there NOT to love? (Besides the fact of repetitive side-missions...).
  8. TomE.
    Nov 23, 2007
    10
    One word to describe this game... WOW!!! This is a great experience. Ubisoft Montreal (Prince of Persia, Splinter Cell, Rainbow 6) is the team behind this outstanding title. The open level design is visually stunning and the puppet system for directing the main character is probably the best aspect of the game. As you progress through the game you gain or "regain" weapons and skills. This is where the control system comes back into play. The subtle ability to counter and attack during combat is one of the most rewarding aspects of the game. Time it just right and you unleash an animation sequence that is impressive and different a majority of times it is activated. You have the ability to choose your objectives and the order you want to complete them. You have a vast kingdom to explore and many side quests are available if you have the time. The visuals and open world presentation are what truly sets this apart from other titles. Expand
  9. JH.
    Dec 18, 2007
    10
    This game is underrated. People complain because of "the repetitive missions", when clearly if all you care about is a storyline, get a game that needs one. The ability of free roaming, the graphics, and the environment are amazing. I'd advise this game to anyone who's intelligence can expand past being able to follow a linear story.
  10. MatthewH.
    Dec 23, 2007
    10
    A truly spectacular achievement that isn't for everyone. The repetitiveness that so many seem to enjoy bemoaning is something that I never had a problem with, but I just enjoyed the process of doing these tasks because everything else is so incredibly well done. The vastness and beauty of the cities you explore have to be seen to be believed. The story, while ambiguous at the end, only left me wanting more, not necessarily disappointed. Any every "contrived" element (for example, scholars walking only once you join them or 12th century people from Damascus speaking modern english) are explained and make since within the context of the story. And the virtual lack of load times is, in my opinion, one of the greatest achievements. While a critically adored game like Mass Effect has a minute-long load-time for practically every single room, Assassin's Creed loads an entire city of thousands of people in half the time. Go figure. Expand
  11. DanielT
    Nov 19, 2009
    9
    I actually only played this game several months ago (instead of playing it on the spot like others) and was incredibly pleased with the result. From the moment I stepped into Desmond's shoes and until the end, I had an insane amount of fun (due to my inexperience and making mass incidents) on my first play-through. I watched this game closely from the moment it was announced, to when it was released; so, of course, I knew the entire premise of it all. After beating the storyline and getting the achievements, I noticed that the mission structure was a bit repetitive. But, you know what? I didn't care. Sure, the way you get information on your targets is practically the same, the environments and the way to access you targets was unique in it's own way (my favorite being the execution stage mission: had a lot of fun with that one!). The *only* reason it's not a perfect ten is the controls were a bit too sensitive, regularly plunging me to my desynchronization. Not being able to swim does not count, as that is only a nitpick! - Number 4 on my "Greatest games of all time" - Expand
  12. Aug 15, 2010
    9
    Assassin's Creed is a great game and a must have any action/adventure gamer. Pros:

    Exploration: One of the highlights of the game is exploration. You can go anywhere, climb any building and ride a horse in any feild. In between locations is huge country and mountain side for you to explore or wreck havoc. The citites are huge and very enjoyable to search the place for nook and cranny.

    Gameplay: The gameplay is very cool. There are no levels just assassination contracts. You could do them stealthly or all out swords.

    Grpahics: Graphics make use of the X-Box egine and is very detailed. The cities don't look generic but has a style of their own. Voice Acting/Plot: The voice acting is great and the plot is straight thriller satutes giving twist and turns.

    Cons:

    Combat: While the combat is very cool, you only get three different kind weapons. The Hidden Blade, a sword and a small dagger. Each weapon has a unique set of moves but their the same for the enitre game. Never improving and no unlockables.

    Weapons: There is no weapons system no upgrades for weapons except for damage. It would be cool to get other weapons.

    Minor Tecnical Glitches: There minor ones, when Altair goes on the view points his cape goes through the floorboards. Enemy AI can get stupid sometimes and you can lose them sometimes too quickly.

    Overall Consensus: AC's combat system is reaptive but it still provide thrills and a good refreshing entry into the action genre. 90%
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  13. Oct 8, 2010
    9
    Somewhat repetitive game play and missions, but the visuals and imaginative story line make for an enjoyable experience. The flag collecting felt dated, but makes for some each gamerscore accumulation
  14. Apr 1, 2011
    9
    I loved the story and it played so well. It's kinda of a little bit too easy though. The original does not compare to AC: Brotherhood, but it might be better than AC2.
  15. Jun 17, 2011
    9
    Before I played Assassin's Creed i thought that it was going to be a cool game but wow they just blew me out of the water. I love so much about this game that it's difficult to even begin how amazing it is. That being said that there are a few flaws that detract from the game.
  16. Jul 26, 2012
    9
    Though the missions get repetitive quickly, the sheer joy of stalking your target from the rooftops before sneaking in for a brutal assassination managed to keep me hooked the whole way through. The graphics are absolutely stunning, especially standing at the peak of a tower or church steeple and looking around you. Combat is deceptively simple and not hugely innovative, and it's the assassination feature that will really grab your attention. The storyline is gripping and intelligent and comes together with the rest of the features to create a hugely immersive and impressive title. Expand
  17. Aug 23, 2011
    10
    The first installment of an amazing series. This is the game the started it all, it is a revolutionary achievement in gaming history. Assassin's Creed pulled me in and left me in awe, when I first played it four years ago. Although the graphics have improved over the series, I'll never forget that special feeling I had when I first interned the world of Assassin's Creed, beautiful.
  18. Oct 4, 2011
    9
    Story: 9
    Characters: 7
    Graphics: 10
    Setting: 9
    Multiplayer: N/A
    Soundtrack: 8
    Audio: 7
    Gameplay: 10
    Re-Playability Value: 8
    Fun Factor: 9

    Score: 8.5/10 = A
  19. Sep 22, 2012
    9
    Assassin's Creed is truly a wonderful game. The visuals are gorgeous, (except the people--I'll get to that later), the cities teem with life and the ending will shock you to the core.

    However, the people are poorly done, or maybe it's just my PC. Their legs show through their robes when they walk, and their index and middle, ring and pinkie fingers are stuck together, making them look l
    ike aliens. It's also rather formulaic, with you completing the same types of things (flag challenges, stealth assassinations, stall destroying) over and over in different circumstances.

    It's great fun to just mess around, though. You don't have to follow the story after a certain point--you can just mess around and kill civilians if you so chose. Seriously, buy this game. You'll love it.
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  20. Aug 8, 2012
    10
    I loved Assassin's Creed, it was an amazing story to play through, the controls were new and a little hard to get used to, but I played it hours on end, I would definitely recommend this game, great job once again Bioware.
  21. Nov 15, 2012
    9
    Primo e grandissimo capitolo di una serie adventure/stealth che sicuramente tutti conosciamo!
    La trama del gioco riesce subito a rapirti ed è accompagnata con un comparto grafico davvero raffinato e ben fatto.Per quanto riguarda il gameplay intravediamo solo il sistema di combattimenti veloci che sono possibili nei capitoli come Revelations e Brotherhood ma comunque gli scontri ris
    ultano godibili, invece per quando riguarda il lato stealth del gioco troviamo anche qui un buon lavoro con situazioni che richiedono un minimo di pianificazione e un'accurato studio dell'ambiente circostante.
    Per molti la più grande pecca di questo splendido gioco e la sua ripetitività nelle azioni da svolgere ma che secondo il mio parere, questa peculiarità, è stata quasi voluta dagli sviluppatori per ricreare quella atmosfera scandita da dogmi e regole che viveva la setta degli assassini in quel periodo, il che comporta lo svolgere di precise azioni più volte da parte di Altair per sottostare al credo dell'assassino.
    Inoltre Assassin's Creed è ricco di riferimenti storici che danno ancora più valore a questo gioco ricreando tutte le varie atmosfere del tempo, che forse però, non tutti sono stati in grado di apprezzare nella loro minuziosa ricostruzione e resa grafica.
    Il tutto verrà nettamente migliorato e portato ad un'altro livello nel secondo capitolo ma il primo rimane sicuramente uno dei più belli grazie anche alla sua ambientazione medievale che dona all'opera un che di mistico che riesce ad affascinare il giocatore.
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  22. Apr 4, 2013
    10
    This game is awesome. Though people complain about its historical Inaccuracy its an amazing game and propelled the series. I suggest this game to anyone looking for a good RPG
  23. Dec 15, 2012
    9
    Although I didn't give this game a shot until 2011, I am very glad that I did! While the graphics don't hold up that well compared to recent releases, the gameplay and story line keep you entertained and eager to keep playing. If you were to run through the story-driven missions without taking any time to sight-see or attempt side missions, it is around a 10hr game. I took my sweet time and played much longer. There are fun weapons and ways in which you can "take care" of your targets. All in all, my favorite thing about the AC franchise is free running around the city and jumping off the tops of ancient wonders. Oh yeah, the historical accuracy in AC is quite riveting. As a history buff I thoroughly enjoyed seeing much of the game's story line and characters following their destiny. Great game. Expand
Metascore

Generally favorable reviews - based on 77 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 55 out of 77
  2. Negative: 0 out of 77
  1. Its stunning visual style, high concept story, and wildly open level design are like nothing else, even if too much repetition begins to frustrate in the later hours. It’s a game people will still be talking about five years from now.
  2. 100
    It's hard to put the sheer size and brilliance of Assassin's Creed into words. It is an epic game that you have to experience for yourself. I will caution that the game is not for the impatient or the faint of heart. While you can plow through the main storyline in under 20 hours, to truly get every single last shred of gaming goodness, you will probably have to put in twice that number.
  3. With its riveting story, beautiful visuals and surprisingly lifelike world, Assassin's Creed is an incredibly deep, enjoyable game that kept us addicted from beginning to bizarre end.