The lights are on
A new Assassin is a big deal. Signifying a new numbered entry in the series chronology, the introduction of a new hero in Assassin’s Creed II brought numerous changes to the gameplay, storytelling, and tone. Assassin’s Creed III continues that trend with the introduction of Connor, a hero who brings along fundamental changes to the game experience. We quizzed the developers of Ubisoft Montreal about the new character in order to get a detailed picture of what fans can expect.
The new hero of Assassin’s Creed III is born into a Mohawk tribe in what is now upstate New York, and given the name Ratohnhaké:ton (prounounced ra-doon-ha-gay-doo). Born of a Mohawk mother and a white English father, his heritage places him with a foot in two very different cultures of the period. “We want to explore this notion of duality,” says creative director Alex Hutchinson. “He’s of neither culture. And if we’re going to talk about the American Revolution, we didn’t want you playing Mel Gibson from The Patriot. And we didn’t want you in a military uniform. The AC universe is one step back.”
Adopting the more manageable name of Connor for his interactions with the colonists, this new hero is a very different character from his predecessors Altaïr or Ezio. Altaïr was at first arrogant but capable, and later stoic and idealistic. Young Ezio was a brash romantic as eager to get into a fight as hop into a beautiful woman’s bed. They were both, in their own way, very big personalities. Connor is reserved and quiet. When he speaks, he carefully considers what he wants to say. Where previous protagonists began their stories without a clear set of guiding principles, Connor has those in place early on. “We wanted Connor to be more of a freedom fighter," Hutchinson says. "He’s not out for personal revenge. If he sees injustice, he will help. The notion is that he fights for his people, and he wants his tribe to be relevant in the future of America. He fights for the Patriots because he believes that side of the conflict is just, and he fights for the Assassins for the same reason. “
Players will witness broad swath of Connor’s life, stretching from 1753 to 1783. The period is fraught with historical turmoil. The French and Indian War began in 1754. The American Revolutionary War erupts in 1775. In between, American colonist agitators, Native Americans, and British loyalists created a hotbed of political turmoil and frequently violent conflict. While the period is filled with historical drama, Ubisoft is careful to point out that the story is squarely focused on Connor and the continuing conflict between the Assassins and Templars. “The story we’re telling is the story of the Assassins versus the Templars,” Hutchinson explains. “The American Revolution is the backdrop. He will be caught up in the Revolution throughout the story, but it’s not about winning the Revolution. It will cross over, but the narrative is about Connor’s journey.”
NEXT UP: Connor's early history, and how he fares in a fight.
Email the author Matt Miller, or follow on Game Informer.
I love how the story is spanning 30 years, comparable to ACII where they were capable of providing a real sense of growth for Ezio even in that single game. Say what you will about Brotherhood and Revelations being stagnant in innovation, two aspects that never took a dip in quality was the script and the realization of Ezio's age and status. So carrying those experiences into an even longer timeframe (for an individual game) should result in a dynamic and interesting character that truly changes through his life.
Its also interesting to hear the makeup of this timeframe - with the actual war erupting in 1775 and Connor's journey ending in 1783, that only comprises 8 years of his story! There are 22 preceding years that make up the majority of the game, proving that AC has not gone action spectacle on us. Just as Mass Effect 3 showed a different side to a war than just conflict, the emotional & personal side, ACIII seems to be focusing not on the blood and cannon fire, but the political & societal upheaval that sparks it.
It will be different with a new assassin,but I know I will enjoy playing as Connor.
I'm pretty excited for ths game and to maybe learn more about Connor. I hope this game is as good as the last games.
I LOVE ASSASIANS CREED (mostly ac II and AC Brotherhood)I cAnT wait until the release ive already reserved a game I JUST CANT WAITTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTT
Connor seems cool but the way they set it up wit playing as the younger him and your village burning down ad getting into a fight with charles Lee makes me think about the first too fables which are both revenge stories.
im excited for the new scenery
DOnt get me wrong i love the assassin creed games but they need to to slow own or else they're going to wear out. Like the call of duty series
Sounding good, hope it lives up to my expectations.
I'm looking forward to this new experience
Okay, there's a main key element for Altair, Ezio, and Connor, and that is familial revenge (at some point in their lives.) And I'm cool with that, because that's the strongest bond in the world: familial love. How cool is that that they did that?
(Or maybe I'm just ranting and am too much of a fangirl, eh?)
One more day!!