Quality Study: Assassin’s Creed 3

Assassin’s Creed 3: An Underrated Gem in the Franchise

Introduction

Assassin’s Creed 3 is one of the most misunderstood entries in the franchise. Many players were disappointed with its open-ended conclusion, leaving unanswered questions that were never revisited. But what about the rest of the game? Set during the American Revolution, this installment presents a pivotal conflict between the Assassins and the Templars. With the Templars on the brink of victory, Connor Kenway steps in to change the course of history. The game features strong characters and deep ideas, making it one of the most compelling entries in the series. Today, we’ll explore its highlights in this Quality Study.

The Story

The game begins with an assassination carried out by Haytham Kenway, a character who initially seems to embody the qualities of an Assassin—bravery, intelligence, and strength. However, it is later revealed that Haytham is a Templar searching for the Grand Temple in America. His mission fails because he lacks the Apple of Eden, leaving him frustrated. This revelation introduces a shocking twist: one of Desmond Miles’ ancestors was a Templar. This moment adds complexity to the narrative as Desmond grapples with the implications of this lineage.

Connor’s Journey

Years later, the story shifts to Connor, a Native American boy. The game’s slow introduction—spanning nearly five hours before Connor dons his Assassin gear—was a major criticism. However, the narrative payoff is worth the wait. Connor’s journey is deeply personal, as he seeks revenge against Charles Lee, who burned his village and killed his mother. His quest intertwines with the larger battle between the Assassins and Templars, showcasing his bravery and unshakable commitment to freedom.

Key Story Arcs

The game features three major narrative arcs, which define its greatness:

1. The Modern-Day Story

The modern-day narrative, featuring Desmond Miles, revolves around preventing the apocalypse predicted to occur in 2012. While this plot was timely when the game was released, it now feels dated. The execution of this storyline was also criticized for its lack of depth and focus, making it the weakest part of the game.

2. The Assassin-Templar Conflict

This arc shines brightly, offering a rare opportunity to play as a Templar. Haytham Kenway is a charismatic and intelligent character who challenges the player’s perception of good and evil. On the Assassin side, Connor’s dedication to freedom and justice is deeply moving. The dynamic between Haytham, Connor, and the Assassin mentor Achilles is a highlight, particularly during their ideological clashes.

3. Historical Integration

The game masterfully integrates historical events, such as the American Revolution and encounters with figures like George Washington. The recreation of 18th-century America is stunning, with detailed environments, clothing, and dialogue. However, the fragmented portrayal of the Revolution’s events is a missed opportunity to fully explore this rich historical backdrop.

Gameplay Innovations

Assassin’s Creed 3 introduced several groundbreaking gameplay mechanics, including:

• Tree climbing for stealth and traversal.
• Using enemies as human shields.
• Naval battles, which became a franchise staple.
• Trading and crafting systems.
• Hunting mechanics.
• New weapons like the bow, arrow, and rope dart.

These mechanics added depth to the gameplay, with naval battles and trading standing out as innovative features. The introduction of the bow and arrow, in particular, enhanced stealth gameplay, even without a crouch mechanic.

Graphics

The game marked a new era for the series with a revamped graphics engine. The visuals, including facial animations and environmental details, were impressive for their time. However, technical issues like glitches and frame drops detracted from the experience. Despite these flaws, the game remains visually striking.

Conclusion

Assassin’s Creed 3 may not have received the recognition it deserved upon release, but it stands as a significant entry in the franchise. Its compelling narrative, strong characters like Haytham Kenway, and innovative gameplay mechanics make it a must-play. If you missed it, now is the perfect time to experience it through the remastered edition, which includes all the expansions.