Assassin's Creed III: The Tyranny of King Washington - The Infamy explores a provocative "What if?" scenario that reimagines the aftermath of the American Revolution. Released on February 20, 2013, for PC, Xbox 360, and PlayStation 3, this action downloadable content presents a twisted alternate history where George Washington has become a power-mad king. This expansion is a bold departure from the franchise's norms, offering a narrative that is treated as part of the series' convoluted canon rather than a disconnected spin-off. The seeds for this story were actually sown back in Assassin's Creed II, making it a significant event for dedicated followers of the lore.

The Tyranny of King Washington - The Infamy: A Disorienting Narrative

In this episode, the story begins with the protagonist Connor waking up in a world where he never became an Assassin. He is draped in traditional Native American garb, complete with a wolf head rug covering his back and head, and retains his birth name, Ratonhnhaké:ton. His mother leads 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. Connor is the only one who remembers the true reality of the original timeline, leaving him completely lost in a whirlwind of confusion as he sees previously dead people and pieces together events that should not exist.

Gameplay Mechanics and Notable Features

As an action title, the DLC introduces pseudo-supernatural abilities that allow Connor to exercise new talents. Players can utilize an invisibility cloak and call upon a pack of wolves to assist in battle. The wolves work like quickly-recharging homing missiles to subdue enemies, while the invisibility effect offers tactical advantages, though it is nuanced and far from foolproof. These abilities are designed to help fight back against the King's forces, but the wolf summons inevitably wear out before the end of the game. The mission structure also presents specific challenges:

  • Stringent eavesdropping requirements that test player patience.
  • Strict mission fail states that punish errors.
  • Route objectives that can feel tedious and overshadow the central conflict.

While the combat retains the fluidity of the core game, the DLC highlights holes in the mechanics through its mission design, which often feels like glorified side missions rather than a cohesive standalone experience.

Platform Availability and Release Date

Release Date: February 20, 2013
Platforms: PC, Xbox 360, PlayStation 3

Who Will Enjoy The Tyranny of King Washington - The Infamy?

This expansion appeals primarily to players who enjoyed the original Assassin's Creed III and are eager to explore an alternative timeline. It is essential for lore enthusiasts who want to see how this story ties into the wider series canon. However, the narrative takes the series into supernatural territory, moving away from straight historical drama. If you wish Assassin's Creed had remained a grounded historical drama, this expansion may not be for you. Conversely, those who welcome a power-mad Washington, unique abilities, and a reimagining of Connor's origins will find this to be a more ambitious and intriguing addition to the franchise.