Today Ubisoft released the Debut gameplay trailer for Assassin’s Creed III and while the animations are fluid an fun as ever, it’s good they mentioned that we’re looking at the pre-alpha build.

The footage shows Connor in various settings of the game, from the frontier to the colonial towns, while the half Native American half English protagonist speaks of his motivations in a deep monologue. Under the motto “Join or Die” the new assassin isn’t lying. During the two minute trailer we get to see a series of choreographed takedowns, one of the franchise’s trademarks, if you ask me. In comparison to Ezio, Connor may not have a second hidden blade but he makes up for it all the most, combining his trusty hidden switchblade with a tomahawk. As in the CG trailer released a while back the combo assassinations utilising the bayonet tipped rifles are still the most entertaining.

A few familiar mechanics are still in place, like the “Wanted” posters, but seeing some of the newly added features make for some interesting scenarios. Takedowns are not limited to counter attacks and sneaky kills this time around, but they can now be executed while charging forward, an idea which seems fun but still looks as if it took more speed out of the momentum, than it should. During a chase we also see the assassin leap through an open window to move to the other side of a building, instead of going over it. By the way it’s animated we can assume that Connor can’t simply jump into any building and stop for tea, but rather sweep through in a cinematic camera panning. Although not to the same extent, think of it as how Altair was able to break through small market stands (a useless manoeuvre, but a fun one).

Having the half Native make use of his surroundings in the frontier is also more than entertaining to watch, giving the players the ability to hang enemies on branches or jump through the trees like an ape, but here is where I’m hoping we will see the most improvement until the game’s release. Sure there is the one or the other choppy texture and hilarious split-second glitch (0:55, soldier on the left) but what I mean is not the mere presentation but feeling of the gameplay. From somebody with experience in rock climbing and freerunning, the way the protagonist can land on branches and climb rocks although they are covered in snow and ice makes me wish I had his boots. At one point he leaps off of a cliff onto a tipped over tree that is angled downwards, yet he falls slightly towards the back. These are small things but if changing weather is supposed to play role, it shouldn’t be merely cosmetic.

A further concern of mine I had from the start, which is still lingering in the back of my mind, is the grand scale of battles. Every second soldier and citizen look the same or have their faces covered and specific animations in combat on the battlefield are identical. Admittedly if they fix up the delays between NPCs a tidbit more during the war scenes, just like in the trailer, as long as they are only ambience, it could work.

My complaints are something I expect to change in time. Ubisoft claimed early on that the game is finished and that they are using all of the remaining time to polish it. Furthermore, this is a pre-alpha build anyway, we’re probably looking at a dated video.

The series has come quite far from being a spin-off. All in all when looking at the gameplay I don’t see giant mistakes, I see room for improvement. The overall tone and familiar style being introduced to a new setting, leaves me wanting more. Even if the Assassin’s Creed III turns out to be a lacklustre title, it’ll still be a feast for the eyes.