Assassin’s Creed III: what you need to know

This week is undoubtedly one of the biggest in gaming for the year. The anticipation and excitement for Assassin’s Creed III couldn’t be any more electric as the game prepares for release, but being the climax in a lineage of games, things can be a bit daunting for newcomers to the throat-impaling series.

Never fear though, as MyGaming will help prepare you for the colossal release, by squishing-in everything you need to know before you play your part in the American Revolutionary War.

What’s happened?

To try and explain the story of Assassin’s Creed is on par with trying to comprehend the Matrix trilogy.

While gamers are familiar with the heroes of the box-covers, the real overarching protagonist of the series is Desmond Miles. Once a mere bartender, he learns he is part of a long line of assassin ancestry. Desmond is thrown into a century-spanning war between the Assassins and their arch-enemies, the Templars.

Desmond is required to use a futuristic machine called the Animus, which allows him to relive his ancestors’ memories. These ancestors were Altair (Assassin’s Creed), Ezio (Assassin’s Creed II), and now Connor (Assassin’s Creed III).

What’s the point of all of this? Well, Abstergo Industries (the front for the Templar bad guys) put Desmond in the Animus to find out where 28 artefacts are hidden around the world, which if found, can be used to control the world, or destroy it (which has apparently happened before).

So, in a very concise summary, ACIII will see Desmond (who is continually gaining killer skills from a “bleeding effect” of his bloodline through the Animus machine) and Connor piecing together the rest of the puzzle to find out how to save the world.

What should I expect?

The whole series follows multiple stories within a bigger overarching story. In Connor’s own personal tale, we see him trying to fit in with society, struggling with the conflict between his Native American and Britsh roots, and helping the Colonial Americans defend the against the British invaders who are there to stamp out the revolution.

Desmond will also play a much more significant role, stepping into the spotlight once again in the present day.

In terms of gameplay, Assassin’s Creed III offers a wealth of new features. The traditional action-adventure blend will return, albeit with some substantial leaps in scale and detail.

A revamped combat system allows Connor to dual-wield weapons, adding another layer to the melee mechanics. Hunting will also play a role, as Connor can hunt down wild animals, gathering skin and meat to sell for weapons and other items.

A surprising addition is the inclusion of naval battles. Almost a game unto itself, the naval sequences allow Connor to control an entire ship, armed with cannons and a crew, and engage on the oceanic battleground, even boarding and pillaging other ships.

Assassin’s Creed III is looking to be the biggest of the bunch by far, and as much as we know, there’s still a lot we don’t. The game is said to tie up Desmond’s story, so expect some big revelations this around.

Assassin’s Creed III releases on 31 October 2012 for Xbox 360 and PS3, and 23 November for PC.

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