When it comes to the actual assassinating, Assassin's Creed misses the jugular by a bit. While you'll enjoy singling out a target and causing their death in a number of ways, the aftermath somewhat disappoints. That's because the guards don't really have a full quiver of arrows, if you get our meaning. Sure, they'll pay attention to your behavior and watch to see if you act suspiciously, but they don't know how to handle themselves in combat. You could wipe out the target and his entourage with several quick sword swipes just as easily as you could escape from them, leaving very little to risk. In addition, outrunning guards and hiding from them is pointless because, if by chance they do catch up and ambush you, they don't really attack in droves – only two at a time. At least some of the townsfolk know how to play it smart, sometimes requiring a heated pursuit throughout the city.

Ubisoft Montreal has done an impressive job recreating a medieval landscape. The game moves very fluidly, whether walking through the crowds or riding on horseback into the next town. Also a plus – you rarely have to fight the camera. Climbing up to the top of a tall structure affords an impressive vista – and of course, it's fun to jump off and dive into a haystack several hundred feet below with nary a scratch.

Even with braindead guards and occassionally repetitive gameplay, Assassin's Creed is worth a stab (no pun intended). Its scenic presentation, teamed with violent gameplay and an involving story, gives you more than enough reason to step into this killer's shoes.