Recommended is definitely a controller, and here I recommend a decent controller. I have played most of the game with a subclass controller for less than 20 EUR, and it was often confusing, since the control of the game is sometimes a bit vague, and some fairly complex combinations of buttons is needed (Advanced Jumping, especially in the the last six secret locations ... * shudder *)
I'm sure that with a reasonable controller of game enjoyment would have been even greater, because - the game is insanely good! The story is captivating and interesting planning of assassinations fun (even if the right way is often given), just like the exploration of places.
From leaving the hometown you get the opportunity to renovate and expand a base that constantly brings in tons of money that you can use for further renovation and expansion, for better weapons and armor etc.
The learning curve when it comes to weapons, pleasant ... first the arsenal is limited, later always new methods to ... this should extensively test and apply, instead of each target to stab.
The fun factor fell slightly in the to be created under Zeitdruch racing and puzzles. Part time is very generous, sometimes it is just that there are countless attempts needs (race against Le Volpe, Capture The Flag in Venice, last secret crypt). By partly spongy control (could be that with a better controller, the controller is accurate), these races are often frustrating, even if the sense of achievement is then all the greater if one creates it.
The graphics are still wonderful, you feel, in fact, in the Italy of the Middle Ages added, and specifically the view of viewpoints is beautiful.
I noticed that I sometime deep drinsteckte in history and mitfieberte with Ezio and his companions. There is plenty to do much, so that the release of the game needs a lot of time. My Time Counter currently says about 15 hours of playing time, but I'm not even in Venice finished and left out many side missions and exploration.
At first I was not sure why the AC games have become so developed a hit, and after about 1 hour of play in AC 2 I knew why, and have become a fan.
One star deduction for the spongy control and the occasionally frustrating serious racing, etc. (which are rather frustrating and I prefer when Assassin game rather crawl, assassinations, struggle and intrigue, not race through the control), otherwise the game would easily five star worthy.
Even though it is a bit dated, I recommend trying out, and I got for the 10 EUR far more entertaining than I had thought. Very very nice!