EPIC, in one word. Simply EPIC. It's been years since I played this, but this is one of the few games I have replayed more than once. It's beautiful, immersive... A work of art. The characters, the storyline, the narrative.. Ah, Italy, you beauty, and that too during Renaissance. A game is all it took to establish Ezio Auditore da Firenze as my favorite protagonist. He was charming, cocky, confident, focused. Ever since this game, I've had an immense desire to someday visit Italy, to see with my own two eyes the structures and monuments and sceneries depicted in the game and say "I'm here at long last!" or "Been here, climbed that!"
I was never more engrossed in historical events and key figures than I was while playing this game, and the other two in the Ezio trilogy. Till date, this game and this trilogy remains my top favorite.
Last but not the least: the soundtrack? Oh, a sureshot masterpiece YET again. I became a dedicated fan of Jesper Kyd after this game.
Oh, how I wish I could scrub my memory and discover this game again to get lost in.