Between reader reporting at Kotaku and accidental slippage at Game Informer, we now know where exactly Assassin's Creed 3 will take place. After the series moved from the Middle East to Italy, and spent two more half-sequel games there for Brotherhood and Revelations, the series is finally jumping to it's next location:
America.
Specifically colonial, Revolutionary War era America, which is a far cry from places like Paris or Japan which were previously speculated as possible locations. I don't actually remember anyone guessing that the series would come to America, as Assassin's Creed typically goes to unexpected and nontraditional places. Though to be fair, 18th century America is an era few modern video games tackle, and I think it's a damn good idea.
The two images leaked show another one of Desmond's ancestors looking as much the assassin as ever with new weapons in tow. I believe a hidden blade still remains but a tomahawk, musket pistol and bow and arrow would appear to the new additions, and I'm sure there will be plenty more.
Yes, it's an era where guns ruled the battlefield for the most part, but as an assassin must remain silent, blades and bows would seem to be the more covert weapons of choice. How the templar/assassin fight will affect our Revolution, I'm not sure, but the leaked Game Informer image with George Washington implies there will be some pretty heavy hitters at play.
There's speculation that because of the unnamed hero's weaponry and certain aspects of his clothing, he's going to be a Native American. That doesn't exactly make sense to me however, as if he's supposed to be another descendant of Altair and Ezio, there would have to be some fancy genetic tricks involved to allow him to be a Native American. But still, he does look the part, and I'm wondering how they'll explain that if it does end up being the case.
I like the whole American Revolution concept the more I think about it, and the only real problem I can envision is a distinct lack of tall buildings in old world America. Sure, you might have the odd church or town hall, but there aren't going to be any sprawling metropolises like we've seen in the past few games, or landmarks as ornate as the ones found all over Italy. Will this be a less climbing-based stealth game for a change? It could be an interesting new direction for the series.
More details as they emerge, and Ubisoft is expected to make an official announcement about the game in a few days. This should be a big hit across the Xbox, PS3 and possibly even the WiiU, which has promised us an Assassin's Creed game since its initial reveal.
UPDATE: Ubisoft grows tired of the leaks, and has dropped the official box art for the game. Check it out below:
