Assassin's Creed was actually a game for the 360 and PS3 in which you controlled Altair. I won't spoil the plot directly, but i will say that the plot was VERY disappointing and the ending had to be one of the worst endings in gaming history. But this is Assassin's Creed: Altair's Chronicles. It is not just another sci-fi, it is the prequel to Assassin's Creed (Except i haven't figured out how exactly it ties into the main plot). Once again, take control of Altair and take on a journey throughout the early middle-east during the times of the crusades.

Plot: Like i said, this time it isn't just another sci-fi. It isn't just some stupid flashback sequence. But like the main council title, this IS a Prince of Persia ripoff. Altair (The Winged One) has returned from some quest that is not mentioned at all, and finds himself a**-deep in a plot in which he must take on the evil Templars! Oh wait... that was in the first game. Okay, the guys who made this game fail as far as plots go. There. I said it.

Gameplay: The touch screen acts as a radar, and is also used to select your tool of the trade (Sword, explosives, crossbow, smoke bomb, or throwing knives) or to purchase upgrades. The A.I. in the game lacks variety, and is extremely predictable with unrealistic patrol patterns and stupid civilians. Navigation is also a little muddled... and there are a few glitches which will interrupt gameplay from time to time. Since Altair possesses so many instant-kill techniques (The counter attacks except for Chest Breaker, and the attacks like Lazy End or Heavy Sting are all unlocked by default) you can take out entire swarms of sentries with simple timing, making the stealth element mostly benign.

But, it does make more use of the DS touch screen then you'd think with tricks such as pickpocketing, or interrogating your foes by gouging pressure points. For the most part, it requires good timing. And... er... that's it.

Okay, there are two boss fights. Well... okay, there are more than that, but you only take on two boss characters. One is some random big guy that is absolutely inconsequential to the plot. The other is a big Templar guy named Lord Basilisk. Oh, and by the way, the fight is so easy it is a complete joke. And for some stupid reason, your Assassin lets Lord Basilisk get away several times. Some killer he turned out to be.

Graphics: Glitchy sprites, nothing attractive. Though there are some cutscenes which have some nice animation. No blood, and no unique twists.

Music: Of all the music, there is one good song that plays when you assassinate a major target (That rarely puts up a fight). Otherwise, it is very repetitive. You'd expect better out of a GBA title.

Difficulty: What is this "Difficulty" you speak of? The only time you'll see the game over screen is when you fall from too high a platform. The fighting is so easy, even on Hard mode. Even with the elite guards who can't be hit with counter attacks.

Overall: If this game was a horse, it'd be shot. A bad Prince of Persia ripoff with repetitive combat, horrible sprites, and horrible sound effects. A plot with more holes than a wheel of swiss cheese, and an ending that makes you want to gag. Gameloft, you may very well be the worst hand-held game publishing company in the world. Do not pick this up, even if you are a fan of the series. The only time i regretted buying a game more than this is when i picked up South Park 64. At least that game had decent voice acting! This game has got to be the most half-assed games i've played.

My rating: 1/10

Extra: If you own a cell-phone and played the Mobile version, take note that Altair has the same pain recoil sound effect in the Mobile version as he does on this game.