If anything, you could probably just read a brief plot synopsis of AC1 online and be done with it.



Basically, it's the near future. There's a machine that lets you relive your ancestor's memories. In the first game, Our Hero has been abducted by a mysterious corporation and shoved into the machine.

Turns out he's the descendant of a famous Assassin! Throughout the game, you find out that the Templars were the head of a conspiracy to brainwash humanity, by using an artifact called the "Piece of Eden," that somehow can brainwash humanity (Game 1 doesn't really tell us how or why). After defeating the Templar bad guys, your mentor turns out to be a Templar as well. You kill HIM too, and become the leader of the order of Assassins.


Then it turns out that, back in the modern world, the company that abducted you is actually a front for Templars.



I think that's about it. There's some sexual tension between you and a female Templar back in the past, and the secretary of the Bad Guy in modern times is secretly an Assassin. The game ends with the Bad Guys suddenly going "OK, that's it, we've got the information!" and you're still locked in your room.



____


And don't worry, I know what you mean about AC1 being repetitive. Eavesdrop on the guy, pickpocket the courier, find meaningless flags. Again and again and again and again.

AC2 is much better. There's a lot more "Extras" like armor and equipment. My favorites are the poison blade, and throwing down a fistful of coins to draw a crowd to distract guards. You can also hire prostitutes, thieves, or thugs to accomplish different tasks (occupying, drawing away, or fighting enemies, usually)

The combat is better, and tougher- you don't automatically regain your health if you hide for a bit. A lot of different weapons, all with strengths and weaknesses (although honestly, basic swords tended to be the best, until you get good enough you can just counter-kill with the Hidden Blade).


Oh, and duel Hidden Blades=greatness.