Assassin's Creed III offers an intricate and captivating universe, building upon the legacy of its predecessors while introducing new elements to the series.

Firstly, it's worth noting that there is a remastered version, Assassin's Creed III Remastered, which includes this game along with Assassin's Creed: Liberation HD. While I prefer the original due to the fact that the remastered butchered the characters faces, I recommend playing the remaster due to certain content today only being available to play on it. Other than the bad faces, the remastered is the definitive way to play the game. You can check my remaster review here).

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The certain content today only available in the remastered is the singleplayer DLCs. Ubisoft has removed the access to them for everybody, although they are already bought and already owned singleplayer content, together with taking down the multiplayer servers. This move has been a significant blow to the gaming community. Despite owning the DLCs, players are now unable to play the content, creating a sense of frustration and disappointment. While it is understanding to take the multiplayer servers down after a while, already owned singleplayer DLCs should not be possible to be taken away from you. Ubisoft's actions set a concerning precedent and raise questions about the company's commitment to preserving the gaming experiences of its dedicated audience.

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Assassin's Creed III marks a notable improvement over its predecessors in several aspects. The graphics are notably better, with a significant enhancement in the visual quality that enhances the overall gaming experience. The parkour and character movement have been refined, providing players with a seamless and fluid traversal system that is immensely enjoyable. Additionally, the combat mechanics are a major highlight, delivering a satisfying and immersive experience that sets a new benchmark for the series.

The present-time storyline in Assassin's Creed III is commendable, offering a gripping narrative that continues Desmond's journey and rewards players for their investment in the overarching plot. The game successfully diverges from the Ezio trilogy, offering a fresh perspective and a different storytelling approach. The conflicts between the Templars and Assassins are brilliantly portrayed, leading players to question the morality of both factions. The presence of compelling characters, including one remarkable individual, adds depth to the narrative and keeps players engaged throughout.

While the game excels in various aspects, there are a few areas that could have been improved. The parkour mechanics, although more fluid, feel somewhat simplified compared to the predecessors, missing the complex and strategic climbing that defined the earlier games. Additionally, the crafting system, while intriguing in concept, suffers from a cumbersome and unintuitive user interface, hindering the overall crafting experience.

One of the most remarkable features of Assassin's Creed III is its exceptional combat system. It elevates the gameplay to new heights, boasting stunning animations and a visceral combat experience that players are bound to appreciate and enjoy.

The addition of naval combat is a welcomed feature, although not everyone may fall in love with it. The game manages to strike a balance in its implementation, preventing naval encounters from becoming overused and ensuring they fit well within the overall gameplay.

It is unfortunate that the multiplayer component of the game is no longer accessible due to the shutdown of the servers. While the multiplayer experience had its flaws, it also offered a fun experience. Nevertheless, some content might still be possible to be played solo, with Wolfpack mode still standing out as a thrilling experience, even in single-player mode.

Assassin's Creed III successfully enriches the franchise with its unique setting and memorable protagonist, Connor. His heroic and resolute nature, combined with his moral compass, sets him apart from the charming Ezio. The game manages to evoke a sense of historical relevance and provides players with an engrossing narrative set against the backdrop of the American Revolution.

For achievement hunters: There used to be a total of 64 achievements available for this game, through the Ubisoft Connect (formerly Uplay) platform. Today (18.02.2025), they implemented 45 achievements on Steam for this game. The ones left out are the multiplayer ones it seems. Although I did work a lot for the multiplayer achievements on Ubisoft Connect, just before they turned the servers down (a huge accomplishment, given how low the pop was, and how buggy the mutliplayer was), and I'm sad to not see them brought here, I can understand the move, and can get past that, because they did not exist here in the first place. If they did, I would have been furious (for example the Counter-Strike situation, where we got from today to tomorrow all achievement removed).

And, as a tip, if you also had the achievements unlocked on Ubisoft Connect, you get them unlocked on Steam also by just starting the game.

If you go for 100% sync and do everything there is to be done in the game, you will end up with only a handful of achievements missing. These handful of achievements are though some of them not the easiest to complete. Especially "Original Gamer" and "An Extraordinary Man". And, of course, doing everything that's optional in an Assassin's Creed game, and going for 100% sync, is a challenge and time-consuming feat itself. So if you want to 100%, it will not be an easy task at all.

In conclusion, despite a few shortcomings, Assassin's Creed III is a compelling and worthwhile addition to the series. It is a game that deserves recognition for its significant improvements over its predecessors, its exceptional combat mechanics, and the way it brings history to life. Whether you are a longtime fan of the franchise or a newcomer, Assassin's Creed III offers an unforgettable adventure that is definitely worth exploring.

**My reviews to the DLCs of Assassin's Creed III:
- The Hidden Secrets Pack
- The Battle Hardened Pack
- Tyranny of King Washington: The Infamy
- Tyranny of King Washington: The Betrayal
- Tyranny of King Washington: The Redemption