Set during the Southern Spanish American wars of independence (1806-1833), Includes an Isu Temple in Cordoba, a Sword of Eden in the hands of San Martin (Assassins Ally) and a Conspiracy.
Development[]
The Artificial Intelligence framework created for Origins, was used since the developers wanted the non-player characters, both human and animal, to have their own agenda and activities. Full day cycles were created to make the world feel dynamic and alive.
To refine how the game displayed colors, the team designed a new color-grading feature to help them create specific and unique color ambiances. They also used satellite images of South America to fine-tune the colors for the ground and the vegetation and make them as realistic as possible.
Synopsis[]
Setting[]
Past[]
Using the War of Independence from Latinamerica as background features a huge map (from southern Colombia to Buenos Aires city). The story features a young assassin recruit (Marcos Aguilar) who ends up desilusioned with mankind over time due to the War and suffering, and almost turns to the Templars but remains true to the Creed in the end. One of the Key locations included is an Isu Temple (used for storing energy based weapons) located in the Cerro Uritorco area in the Cordoba province.
Modern[]
Layla is out, Independence features a new MD character named Juan Sokol (who uses the Animus HR-8-5), also features also a diferent team, new assassins (Miles is far from the protagonist yet). More investment on developing the importance of the Past into the present and how does that affects the War in the present day.
Gameplay[]
The game features RPG elements, including dialogue options, branching quests, multiple possible endings, romance options. Reportedly, the game is a "full RPG". Interactions with NPCs can have consequences, either short or long term, in regards to the story. Choices are said to "add up." There is no "right" way to play the game in regards to character choice. Gear can be selected, and is classified by rarity. Trade Goods can also be collected or sold. These items range in value depending on rarity, such as legendary items.
Parkour system developed from Unity(freerunning up and down are now separate.[7] Social Stealth has been improved upon with a special crouching mode activated by button), combat from Origins (the hitbox system), there's a heavy emphasis on stealth (more XP from stealth than combat). Will retain RPG Choices (but no super-powers), based on improving Combat (Warrior/Enforcer), Stealth (Assassin/Shadow) & Support (Huntrer/Specialist) options only (based on the Skill tree system). Some naval missions are present, but not many as it's not the main focus.
For the first time in an AC game, the Riding skill will gain much importance as combat, stealth and exploration are now part of it.
Customization[]
The Assassins' weapons and appearance are customizable, while experience gained can be spent on the skill tree. Aguilar can also unlock a disguise skill to escape pursuing guards. Once finished the main game, the player will be able to upgrade all of Aguilar's skills, given he ended up becoming a Master Assassin.
There are around 200 choices for Marcos' gear, which can benefit gameplay:
- Hoods can decrease a guard's reaction time as well as increase the radius of Eagle Sense.
- Chest items refer to the Assassins' robes, which changing can increase the time you can spend blended in the crowd, and the time it takes for a guard to detect you.
- Arm items change the appearance of the Hidden Blade, increasing melee damage, but can also increase the time it takes to revive allies.
- Belts and sashes increase the number of health points and items carried.
- Pants and boots can decrease fall damage and running noises, as well as providing extra health.
Cooperative play[]
Rebuild the Brotherhood[]
The "Rebuild the local Brotherhood" concept from AC Brotherhood is back. improved however, the Templars are a constant threat, instead of the Revelations den defense, the "Dens" are now Bureaus, so you have to fight and plan strategies to avoid being overruned on the whole map (diferent tactics and strategies to be used on the map Assassins' Bureaus).
[]
Independence's map encompasses South-america (from Buenos Aires to Santafé de Bogotá), which can be explored seamlessly without encountering loading screens, and has been described to be "20% bigger than the size of Origins map". Players are able to visit major cities such as Buenos Aires, Bogota, Lima (and later Rio de Janeiro), as well as various smaller villages and settlements. Local indian tribes are present, but normaly they are hostile towards the Spaniards and the Main character until an alliance is forged (Side quests). The Map is subdivided in three regions: Rio de la Plata, Peru and Nueva Granada (Brasil is available in the First DLC). The game features a dynamic weather system.
Similar to Assassin's Creed Origins, Independence has no mini-map, instead employing an Elder Scrolls-esque compass bar that points the player in the direction of quests and objects of interest. Interiors are accessible. Viewpoints are primarily used to reveal information about an area and its surroundings.
Underwater environments return from Black Flag, with players now being able to dive in any sufficiently deep body of water to explore wrecks and underwater ruins in search of loot. Since hostile animals such as crocodiles and snakes inhabit these waters, an underwater melee combat system is also used. In terms of transportation, Marcos Aguilar can use Boats to traverse the water, and horses, llamas and chariots to travel on land.
The world is divided into a number of zones divided by level (similar to an MMO), but level scaling features to a point. For instance, if a player starts at a level 2 zone, then returns after having reached level 20, the enemies there will be scaled up to be 2-3 below the player's character.
First DLC[]
Features an Assassin turned Templar, set in the "the United Kingdom of Portugal, Brazil and the Algarves" (Brazil), trying to rebuild the Order and intending to expand it's power on Latin-America.
Second DLC[]
Features an Assassin, set in the "Viceroyalty of New Spain" (Current Mexico), trying to fight alonside the Independence movement there.