Assassin's Creed III

Assassin's Creed III
Title	Assassin's Creed III
Developer	Ubisoft Montreal
Publisher	Ubisoft
Director	Alex Hutchinson
Producer	François Pelland
Designer	Steven Masters
Writer	Corey May
Composer	Lorne Balfe
Series	Assassin's Creed
Engine	AnvilNext
Platforms	PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Wii U, Microsoft Windows
Released	October 2012
Genre	Action-adventure, stealth
Modes	Single-player, multiplayer

Assassin's Creed III is a 2012 action-adventure video game developed by Ubisoft Montreal and published by Ubisoft. It is the fifth major installment in the Assassin's Creed series and a direct sequel to Assassin's Creed: Revelations. The game's main narrative is set during the American Revolution from 1754 to 1783, primarily in the cities of Boston and New York City, as well as the expansive American frontier. The story follows Desmond Miles in the modern day and his ancestor, Ratonhnhaké:ton, also known as Connor, a Mohawk Assassin who fights to protect his people and the nascent United States from the Templar Order.

Plot

The modern-day storyline continues the efforts of Desmond Miles and his allies, including Shaun Hastings and Rebecca Crane, to prevent a catastrophic solar flare prophesied by the First Civilization. Using the Animus, Desmond relives the memories of his 18th-century ancestor, Ratonhnhaké:ton. Connor's journey begins with his childhood in the Mohawk Valley, where his village is attacked by men working for the Colonial Templars, led by Haytham Kenway. Trained as an Assassin by Achilles Davenport, Connor becomes embroiled in the American Revolutionary War, crossing paths with key historical figures like George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, and Charles Lee. His personal quest for justice intertwines with pivotal events such as the Boston Tea Party, the Battles of Lexington and Concord, and the Battle of Monmouth, culminating in a confrontation that reveals profound truths about the conflict between Assassins and Templars.

Gameplay

The game introduces a new protagonist and a vast, open-world setting encompassing three major areas: the urban centers of Boston and New York City, and the expansive Frontier. Core mechanics include parkour, stealth, and a refined combat system emphasizing counter-kills and the use of tools like the tomahawk and rope dart. A significant new feature is naval warfare, where players command Connor's ship, the Aquila, in naval battles. The game also includes a detailed Homestead management system, where Connor can recruit artisans and develop a community, and a revamped economic system based on trade convoys. The multiplayer mode returns with new characters and maps, continuing the Templar vs. Abstergo Industries narrative framework.

Development

Development began in early 2010 under the direction of Alex Hutchinson, following the completion of Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood. The team at Ubisoft Montreal, with support from six other Ubisoft studios, sought to create a "foundational" entry in the series. The AnvilNext game engine was built specifically to handle the large-scale environments and new mechanics like dynamic weather and naval combat. Extensive historical research was conducted on the American Revolution, with consultants ensuring accuracy in depicting events, figures, and the life of Native Americans. The character of Connor was created to provide a unique perspective on the war, distinct from the typical colonial narrative.

Release

The game was officially announced in March 2012. It was released worldwide in October and November 2012 for PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360, with a Wii U version launching alongside the console in November. A Microsoft Windows port followed in November. A special "Join or Die Edition" included bonus content like a George Washington notebook. The game was later re-released as part of the Assassin's Creed: The Americas Collection and was remastered in 2019 for PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch as part of Assassin's Creed III: Remastered, which included all downloadable content and Assassin's Creed: Liberation.

Reception

Upon release, the game received generally positive reviews from critics. Praise was directed at its ambitious scope, the engaging naval combat, the refined parkour and combat systems, and its detailed depiction of the American Revolution. However, it faced criticism for a slow-paced opening, technical glitches, and a narrative some found disjointed. It was a major commercial success, becoming one of the best-selling games of 2012. It won several awards, including Best Action-Adventure Game at the 2012 Spike Video Game Awards, and its score by Lorne Balfe was nominated for a BAFTA Games Award.

Legacy

The game is considered a turning point for the series, introducing mechanics that would become staples in later titles, most notably the naval combat system that was expanded into the full game Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag. Connor's story added depth to the series' exploration of moral ambiguity within its central conflict. The game's focus on the American frontier and Homestead mechanics influenced the settlement systems in later Ubisoft games like Assassin's Creed: Valhalla. Its remastered version introduced the experience to a new generation of players, cementing its place as a foundational chapter in the evolving lore of the Assassin's Creed universe.

Category:2012 video games Category:Assassin's Creed games Category:Video games set in the American Revolution Category:Ubisoft games