(AfroGamers.com) Ubisoft’s 2012 release Assassin’s Creed III is a title with a mixed reaction and while I typically don’t check impressions on a game until I’ve finished it, ACIII was an interesting case because early on many were annoyed by the game. Now, I tend to enjoy any Assassin’s Creed game and I’m usually satisfied with the ending but even I was a bit turned off by the end.
While the ending factors into why players were turned off by the game, there were other features and elements that annoyed others and some I actually understand and agree with while others were more nit-picky. We’ll look at three of the standout reasons for the dislike of ACIII.
Linear Open World
I’ve read that some players felt the open world—based in the American Colonies leading into the Revolutionary War—was too linear at times. The high seas action definitely felt somewhat restrictive but I really noticed that running through woods and hunting left something to be desired. This is also the case for AC: Black Flag. In both games, I found the towns and settlements more interesting but some missions definitely restricted your exploration of them.
For me, it was the chase missions—which I hate in any game. They’re just not fun to me at all. There are other side missions in the colonial period that I find enjoyable such as managing the Homestead and the sea trade but again, when you play through the second time—or even after time in the first play-through—you notice that things are a little snug freedom-wise.
The Death of Desmond Miles
Now, I’ve never been a fan of the modern day stuff in Assassin’s Creed. I appreciate it as a means of driving the main storyline but sometimes it could go on and on and the jumps into the past are simply more enjoyable. Hell, I even find the period stories more interesting. It was no different in ACIII. I just wanted to play Connor’s adventures and see his story unfold in the ongoing conflict between the Brotherhood and the Templars.
However, Desmond dying at this point was an exceptionally mid writing decision. I had gotten used to playing Desmond’s story even though I had little interest in the modern day stuff. If the franchise was ending there, fine but there’s several games following ACIII and each one gets better story-wise and mechanically.
It’s to the point that the first two games just feel clunky and stripped down when I go back to play them. The stories themselves still hold up but everything just felt dated gameplay-wise. The original plan was for it to end at ACIII but with future games focusing on Layla Hassan—and Hassan hanging around for several games—I can’t help but think that Desmond didn’t have to go out like at that point.
It would’ve interesting to see how the franchise would’ve panned out with Desmond alive but having played the newer games, Layla is a good protagonist for this stage of the franchise.
Connor Was a Dry Character
This is a view I actually agree with to a degree. Connor had a reason to ally with the Colonists and his story and lineage were interesting but at times it felt like Connor would rather be doing anything else but these missions. Now, I agree with him on some missions like the sneak and follow ones but there could’ve been more enthusiasm or conviction in doing the missions themselves. Hell, even if it was expressed that he was aiding America as a means to an end would’ve helped. Me playing as Connor was similar to me going through Fallout 3 and 4 and not caring about the “finding missing family” storyline. I simply couldn’t be bothered—until the end.
So, he was a pretty wooden character but a good enough character to experience the world through mainly because of his personal story and the twists involved, he simply lacked the appeal of Ezio from ACII and his grandfather Edward Kenway from Black Flag.
What were your gripes towards ACIII, if any? What did you really enjoy in the game? Take a look back and let us know!
Staff Writer; M. Swift
This talented writer is also a podcast host, and comic book fan who loves all things old school. One may also find him on Twitter at; metalswift.