The history of downloadable content is a history of faint praise. There have been many worthwhile expansions and extras but few if any that have been essential, or which have met or exceeded the quality of the original game. That’s not a build-up to suggesting that The Infamy is the first to do so, but it is certainly far superior – or at least more ambitious – than the downloadable norm.
The Tyranny Of King Washington is a trio of episodic downloads which tell an alternative history version of the aftermath of the American Revolution. That’s such an immediately more interesting idea than 90 per cent of the expansions we’ve ever played we’re almost tempted to give it a free pass before we begin, although thankfully it doesn’t need it.
Surprisingly the three-party story isn’t being treated as an unconnected spin-off but an actual part of the series’ convoluted canon (if you read our interview with the developer you’ll find the seeds for the story were actually sown back in Assassin’s Creed II). And yet as the episode begins protagonist Connor wakes up in a world where he wears animal skins and still goes by his original Native American name of Ratonhnhaké:ton.
In this version of history he never became an assassin, but his mother is the leader of a resistance trying to fight against the newly-crowned King Washington – who is in control of a mind-controlling Apple of Eden that has sent him mad. Ratonhnhaké:ton/Connor though is the only one that remembers the reality of the original game.
If you’re one of those that wishes Assassin’s Creed had just been a straight historical drama then The Infamy may not be for you, not least because the story set-up is far from the strangest thing in it.
By remaining with his mother Ratonhnhaké:ton is able to take advantage of a number of pseudo-supernatural abilities. He can not only turn invisible but also call on a pack of wolves to help him out in battle. Whether he does actually have magic powers or he’s just imagining them because of the funny tea he drinks is left relatively open, but by this point Assassin’s Creed story has gone full-on nutso anyway – so it doesn’t really matter either way.
As you can imagine these two abilities come in extremely handy, with the wolves working like quickly-recharging homing missiles as you send them out to subdue enemies while you tackle others yourself. Assassin’s Creed’s combat has never been especially interesting but this is certainly a welcome novelty, even if it inevitably wears out before the end of the game.
The invisibility effect is a little more nuanced in that it’s far from foolproof. Enemies can easily see through it if you get too close and you learn to use it as a compliment to your existing stealth tactics rather than a replacement for them. It’s great for dodging behind cover and approaching unseen, and yet ensures that you still have to be skilful about using it and your other abilities.
Interestingly, the idea behind the whole three episode story is that each download is set in a different area of Assassin’s Creed III’s existing world map. Boston and New York will come later, as The Infamy is set in the wilderness during winter. Many have complained that there’s never enough to do in the wilderness areas of the Assassin’s Creed games, but here at last it is given real purpose and character.
Everywhere lay the frozen corpses of men and animals, as Washington’s troops burn down villages and put a musket ball in the brains of anyone that resists. It’s both simultaneously darker and more cartoonish than the main game, with a considerably more gruesome tone but strictly one-dimensional good guys and bad guys. We were fine with that, since it essentially gives you the best of both worlds, but others may find the change in tone jarring.
Since they seemed to get more complaints than praise we don’t think the majority of players will be upset to find that the crafting, economy, and other optional features have been removed completely. And even the hunting greatly simplified. They were a welcome addition in the much larger main game, but would’ve felt like too much padding for the three or four hours that The Infamy lasts.
The game can last longer than that if you pursue every side quest, although it’s the usual convoy-attacking and villager rescuing from before. Given how much everything else has changed it would’ve been nice if these had been as inventive as the main story. Although trying to find the memory artefacts that explain (or at least allude) to why this counts as a proper part of the Assassin’s Creed story are definitely worth pursuing.
The alternative timeline means that there’s no modern day Animus or Desmond nonsense, which in the end had us wishing the franchise was always about alternative timelines, instead of knowing that it’s only a relatively short diversion.
That in itself is a good sign that the download is worthwhile, even if an examination of the actual gameplay and structure shows it to be too focused on so-so combat and repetitive, linear missions. Despite this we were sufficiently gripped to want to know what happens next, and to hope that other games are as inventive with their downloadable content in the future.
In Short: An admirably imaginative approach to downloadable content that has a better story than the main game, but not quite enough variety in action and missions.
Pros: The alternative history story is a great idea and the change in atmosphere very effective. Fun new supernatural powers and a de-emphasis of some of the game’s more tedious features.
Cons: The game structure is still overly linear and the combat remains unremarkable. Dull side quests and very few new locations.
Score: 7/10
Formats: Xbox 360 (reviewed), PlayStation 3, Wii U, and PC
Price: 800 Microsoft Points/£6.85
Publisher: Ubisoft
Developer: Ubisoft Montreal
Release Date: 19th February 2013
Age Rating: 18
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