I think I pretty much summarized all the points above for the XBox 360 controller.
Want to play Assassin's Creed now?
Let me help you out..
1) There are three games out now, and a final one coming
2) I recommend you SKIP the first game, but read the highlights at Wikipedia or somewhere to get the plot
3) if you decide to play AC#1 you need to understand how to properly setup:
a) the XBox 360 controller mapping, and
b) the Graphics
Assassin's Creed #1:
1. Remapping the XBox 360 controls (they should look exactly like this when done so copy this)->
Move forward - Y axis
Move backward - Y axis
Move Left - X axis
Move right - X axis
High Profile - Button 5
Armed Hand - Button 2
Open Hand - Button 1
Head - Button 3
Feet - Button 0
Short Blace, Throwing Knives - Hat Switch
Hidden Blade - Hat switch
Sword - Hat switch
Fists - Hat switch
Pan camera up - Y rotation
Pan camera Down - Y rotation
Pan Camera Left - X rotation
Pan Camera Right - X rotation
Target Lock - Button 4
Action Camera - Button 8
Center Camera - (NOTHING)
Map - Button 6
Pause - Button 7
2. Graphics
Several options are not accessible for some odd reason, including Anti-Aliasing if your resolution is too high. I can play with full settings on my HD5870 graphics card. It looks like crap without AA on.
http://www.tweakguides.com/AC_8.html
*IMPORTANT:
1. You will need to unlock "hidden folders" (Windows Explorer->Organize-> Folder Options->View) to view the ini folder in Vista or Windows 7.
2. Don't RESAVE any graphics options from the in-game settings or it will overwrite your INI file changes requiring you to re-edit them.
Other:
About all four games briefly:
#1: okay, but repetitive. Considering there's three more and you can just summarize it by reading I'd skip it.
#2: AWESOME!!! Must play.
#3: More graphics intensive than #2. I decided to WAIT for my next graphics card as I have several games (thanks STEAM for all those sales) and not enough time.
#4: coming