Ben-DutkaWe know the background of Connor, the hero in Assassin's Creed III . But what will his personality be like?
According to the developer, that's all part of the game: Learning more about the protagonist. We know he's a member of the Mohawk tribe and he sees his village destroyed, so he decides to do something about the chaos going on around the budding country. Connor is lured to the legendary Assassins (although we're not sure why yet), a group that continue to battle the Templars down through the ages.
Creative director Alex Hutchinson told Kotaku that Connor is "more earnest" than Ezio, the main character of the last three AC titles. Furthermore, they didn't want to give Connor any affiliation in the Revolutionary War, so he isn't a Patriot and he isn't a Redcoat.
"It's been a big challenge to get the right guy. It's not like creating an Italian who is part of a robust country. We're sort of picking a character who is part of an oppressed people. We had to be very very careful with it. We wanted to be both historically accurate and earnest in how we treated it. So we wanted to get an actor who is Native American. He is half-Blackfoot, and we wanted to get the events that happen in the game that are historically accurate as possible."
Hutchinson added that people were worried it would be a "ra-ra Team America and flag-waving" type of experience," but he said that really isn't true, and it isn't the story they wanted to tell. As for Connor, Ubisoft wants him to feel like an outsider who doesn't have any allegiance in the war for independence. Ubisoft reminds us that the Native Americans sided with just about everyone; the Americans, the British, and even the French. They sold land because "they thought it was funny," in that they didn't believe anyone could actually own land.
Connor should turn out to be a very intriguing character, and the story could be great, too. Can't wait to get my hands on this one.
P.S. Just out of morbid curiosity, have we really reached a point in the history of the popular self-loathing of this country where "flag-waving" is immediately considered to be a term with negative and ignorant implications…?
Cool. Anyone getting the feeling this game may be up for GotY?
Yup.
Most definitely.
Yes, i'm in awe of AC. Don't think it will achieve it though.
This year saw a very rare thing….a release of a game that can easily be considered one of the best of all time.
Journey.
The 6th game ever i can give a 10/10. I have never seen so many reviews say things like "one of the most awe inspiring games ever created", "The most beautiful game of all time", "Probably the greatest game i have ever played". All these are actual quotes among many similar.
I could write an essay on that profound game.
Last edited by Lotusflow3r on 3/28/2012 6:20:55 PM
I am still going to wait on the game, but glad they clarified the allegiance issue with the character. I suppose it would be best to say his allegiance is to the freedom of humanity, whether they are on one side of an issue or event or the other. What it comes down to is humanity as a whole.
So I will wait and see what is yet to be revealed up and on the date of release. Actually might have been more interesting if the character was female but I guess that would not make sense in the time period.. but still would be an interesting twist. Or allow players to choose whether they are male or female.
Lets wait and see.
Keep playing!
I'll be really interested to see their take on the Revolution. They've handled other historic events rather well, so it should be fascinating to experience major U.S. events with their unique twist to history.
And Ben, in response to your post-script… Yeah, that's pretty much the direction those phrases have gone. I'd say they've gone from meaning "patriotic" to "conservative", which I think many people would argue is about as politically callow as you can get.
I don't agree with that opinion, mind you. Just echoing your sentiment.
Don't hit me all at once, but Connor may be better then Altair. Just sayin'.
Well, he better be. Altair was too faceless. Ezio was a bad-ass, though; I want Connor to live up to him.
This might be my first Assassins Purchase.
ummm, you've at least played an Assassin's Creed game before, right?
P.S. Just out of morbid curiosity, have we really reached a point in the history of the popular self-loathing of this country where "flag-waving" is immediately considered to be a term with negative and ignorant implications…?
I'll try to explain this without offending anybody.
The outside view of America (if I keep world politics out of it) is what's presented to us through movies. In every blockbuster movie when the world needs saving it's the Americans who come to save the day.
Independence Day, Armageddon, Transformers etc… to the rest of the world it's really annoying. Not that anyone begrudges your patriotism but because we don't share your patriotism yet it's thrown in front of us more than you guys even notice.
(Keep in mind I'm keeping specific examples of world politics out of it, we don't all share your gung ho patriotism there either) But you do make good pizzas.
As for this game, I'm also looking forward to it and actually don't mind the setting. Despite everything, I think it does look like an interesting era and makes for fun gameplay.
Last edited by frostface on 3/28/2012 11:26:13 AM
I see what your saying, but sometimes it's rather difficult to get the feel down of another area without it feeling fake. Look at Heavy Rain. Although it was executed nicely, there were some parts that either didn't fit or felt awkward. While playing it, I was wondering if they got most of their references, or the whole 'life in America' feel from movies. So that's why, in my opinion, we Americans sort of stick with America.
Not to say, of course, we've either never branched out, or someone didn't get the feel down perfectly. GTA has always been a perfect example. Liberty City always felt like New York. Then again, I believe the Houser brothers either lived or live in New York. So it made the New York feeling come easy to them.
Those are old movies, my friend. The most recent Hollywood movies all seem to involve an EXTREMELY preachy platform that, while maybe not "anti-American," definitely would call "flag-waving" a negative thing.
District 9 and Avatar are perfect examples. District 9 is essentially nothing besides a big tolerance lesson for children and Avatar is nothing more than a flashier version of the story about how Europeans came and wiped out the Native Americans. It was so transparent; they didn't even bother to hide it. The natives even LOOKED like stereotypical Native Americans, and basically had the exact same culture, while we clod-hopping, ignorant Americans just want to use weapons and get rich.
Maybe if those outside America would catch up with the new stuff, they'd see that the current trend has shifted DRASTICALLY.
Oh man. Please don't take this the wrong way but in one sentence you completely validated my point.
I deliberately choose those movies because off the top of my head they were the biggest blockbuster names I could think of to illustrate my point and that they're movies universally slated for being over the top America saves the world type movies. And these type of movies have been around for so many years that a few recent titles don't make us forget.
And I do agree that 'some' new movies coming out (we actually see everything you guys see and more this side of the pond, you need to catch up yourself) are a little less gung ho than the movies I picked out. But your last line…
"Maybe if those outside America would catch up with the new stuff, they'd see that the current trend has shifted DRASTICALLY."
… touches on one of the main reason's people outside of America dislike the flag waving and 'yahoo America, high fives all round' attitude but I chose not to bring it up because I really don't want to offend. So please take this as me just trying to explain in as least offensive way possible but… and I know you didn't mean it this way, but you guys come off as arrogant a-holes with your assumptions that the rest of the world need to catch up.
I don't know if you've ever spent any time out of the US because then you'd understand better. I've been to the US on quite a few occasions and probably have seen more of the US than most US citizens. I know the people in the US are not the same as portrayed in the media or film industry. Likewise, I like many buy into some of that American culture, it really has travelled far with Hollywood playing a large role.
But there's a lot of real world politics (which I'm not going to elaborate on) were the US pisses the rest of the world off too. Just because I name a few old movies, don't think that they're the sole reason.
Last edited by frostface on 3/28/2012 1:07:52 PM
Ardent conservatives also lament Avatar because of it's anti-big business message.
Don't be too sensitive Ben, I think the worldwide audience was just worried that a franchise which isn't known for nationalism could fall into the trap of typical American media which tends to tout world superiority at every turn.
It's not bad to be patriotic, but it wouldn't fit with what AC is about.
World: I really don't care about that they do with AC. It was a general comment.
frostface: I'm not going to bother. If you're predisposed to have a problem with Americans, and you obviously are, then it's not worth it. The most recent trend in Hollywood, of which there are now countless examples, is hardly one of flag-waving patriotism. That's the only point I was trying to make, because it seemed like you were discounting it by citing old movies.
That's all. If you want to read more into it, as seemingly a LOT of people do when it comes to this kind of thing, that's your business.
No please, this is one of them occasions where you asked a general question and I tried to answer it for you. I have nothing against American people or the culture as a whole. I'm sorry the answer isn't one that you like but it is the truth and not just my truth but a global truth. I do respect your patriotism though.
You really need to not jump the gun and actually read my comment. I share your pet peave about people not actually reading full comments/articles.
Last edited by frostface on 3/28/2012 3:15:05 PM
I think you just need to understand that I wasn't asking the question of people outside this country. This was never about non-US citizens.
It was asking why "flag-waving" would be seen as negative or even ignorant among people in this country. Ask the same question of your own country, if you want. Is patriotism in your country seen as just being "ignorant," as so many people believe here? I bet not.
Last edited by Ben Dutka PSXE on 3/28/2012 3:38:26 PM
Ah ok then. I owe you an apology for misunderstanding.
To answer your question would flag waving be seen as negative or ignorant amongst people in my country, I'd honestly have to answer no it wouldn't.
But to put it in context we had our own civil war in the early 1900's against the Brits and the whole North/South Ireland is still a touchy subject to some. So we really display our colours even though now we share a very close relationship with our closest neighbours.
And whatever the view of the outside looking in, I think it's a shame that your own people would see being a patriot to their own flag as anything negative or ignorant. I wasn't aware that it was an issue there. Once again that's the fault of the media.
Last edited by frostface on 3/28/2012 4:02:40 PM
Well, it's an agenda right now, designed specifically to force guilt on our children. I honestly think certain people believe we should all wake up, look in the mirror, and punch ourselves in the nose for being American.
For the most part, "flag-waving" in this country does seem to be associated with toothless, gun-toting Southerners who think slavery should be reinstated. If you have a brain, you're only supposed to question and criticize the country; you're not supposed to support it.
And yes, it's sad as hell.
Patriotism isn't what it used to be.
If you are a patriot of your country, then you are considered to be a red-neck hillbilly (in the US) or a dumb beer drinking bogan (in AUS), or something similar in other countries.
I personally, have absolutely no feelings of patriotism for Australia at all, that is because I associate proud Aussies as losers. It is only 'cool' to be proud, because you are part of a larger group.
My girlfriend is a very proud Aussie, covers herself in fake Aussie flag tattoo's on Australia Day every year, and I am embarrassed to be around her on that day.
Plus, the state of our government and our country isn't something to be proud of here.
I think there's a big difference in being a 'Patriot' and believing what your government tells you.
And I'm most certainly not just referring to America when I say that. I'm very proud to be Irish but I question every single thing my government does and a good example would be to do with one of our former Taoiseach (Irish prime minister) who lied his arse off, him and his political party over 'donations' and was just 'officially' exposed over the last week.
Also how they made a crap load of promises in last years elections and went back on each and every one of them.
I won't get into the whole story of what's happening right now with our elected officials but I will say that being 'Patriotic' and who you are is not the same as just agreeing with every decision your elected official's or country's policies dictate.
Right now I hate my country's sucking up to the bankers and the EU but I love being Irish.
And American's should be proud to be American. Lots of other cool stuff that outweighs all the crappy stuff. But do question things too.
Ben, as another outsider looking in I think one of the biggest reasons patriotism has become a negative thing is because of the many high profile politicians and individuals who believe america is always right and profess this no apologies attitude. Then those who disagree with that attitude go overboard in the opposite direction pointing out all of America's faults. In my opinion, true patriotism is saying hey our country has done many great things but is by no means perfect, and even though it isn't perfect I stand by my country and do what I can to make it better.
I'm sure you all know by now, but I'm damn proud to be Canadian as well and wouldn't want it any other way in a million years.
But like Frosty, I'm a little frickin' ticked at our government as well. We're going through a bit of a fiasco as well about Conservative sponsored phone calls letting Liberal and NDP voters know they are supposed to vote in the wrong place. lol… Or provincially, they are slashing the deficit, but they are cutting social programs while maintaining benefits and extras for teachers, doctors, and other government jobs. (Yes, doctors and teachers are paid for by the government here) They also aren't changing tax exemptions for rich folks that poor folks can't claim…
So I guess in short, I agree with Frosty on the being proud of who you are and your country but not necessarily liking your current government.
I think it's clear now that Ben meant to point out fellow Americans who see the flag waving thinggy as a bad thing. But when I first read it, I thought the same things as Frostface too. I'm glad to hear Connor will have no affiliation with anyone. AC seeing beyond the politics to that other level that supersedes politics is one thing I love about the franchise. Very glad to hear they are sticking to it.
As for us having people who aren't patriotic like the US has, it's kind of a different culture altogether. So I'm not sure how to compare. We have our socialist and anarchistic types, of course, but most people here are pretty patriotic, I guess. But to a very different degree. We have very few debates about sending soldiers overseas, for example. We have a pretty big presence in Afghanistan, but everywhere else, we're just there as UN peacekeepers. But ya… I dunno, just a different culture about patriotism. Our history and creation of Canada was a relatively peaceful one, and we've maintained that peace since, with the exception of the world wars. Since Confederation, we've never had civil wars here…
The only section of Canada that is really unpatriotic is much of Quebec. They actually tried to separate from the country 2 decades ago. But even that was peaceful… it went to a national vote, which didn't pass, then people let it die and moved on. lol. But ya… I'm not even sure we can be compared to the US because it's just plain different.
Last edited by Underdog15 on 3/29/2012 9:34:17 AM
What's with all the earnestness?
I'm one of those who initially were very disappointed with this franchise going to the USA. But I am really starting to like this. It looks like they might be able to pull this off after all.
Last edited by Beamboom on 3/28/2012 3:29:34 PM
I initially felt the same way but then I realized that natives aren't featured in many games and there has been no game I can think of that takes place at this point in history. So why not give it a shot?
I absolutely agree…I heard that they were thinking about scalp hunting but it was deemed too offensive but I honestly can't wait to get a tomahawk in my hand and mess stuff up.
I'm a fan of Native American history as well. I'm looking forward to it afterall. This article has turned me about face pretty well.
Super excited for this!
Ha, if he meant the movie Team America, he used it in the wrong term, that movie ripped America to shreds lol. One of the best satires ever.
i really hope they tie the previous games stories into this properly.
one thing i was really disappointed with revelations was it was suppose to detail the sequences of subject 16s story, his events in 1,2 and brotherhood but it really did jack sh*t!
and where does desmond and his team fit into the whole story of this?
the story of the last 2 games has been a bit like swiss cheese, pretty flexible and full of holes!
i want a story as in depth and well thought out as what we got in AC2!
I really like the direction they are taking with this 😛