Assassin's Creed III: Liberation

About Assassin's Creed III: Liberation

Ubisoft Milan released Assassin's Creed III: Liberation for the PlayStation Vita on October 30, 2012. This title stars Aveline de Grandpré, a mixed-race woman navigating New Orleans during the late 1760s. The story unfolds as Spanish forces eye the region while colonial tensions rise. You play as an Assassin who must dismantle plots using three distinct social personas. The setting moves from bustling city streets to voodoo-infested swamps and ancient Mayan ruins. It serves as a direct prequel to the main AC III campaign while offering a standalone experience on handheld hardware.

Gameplay

You control Aveline through third-person action sequences that rely heavily on stealth and crowd blending. The core loop involves switching between her Assassin, Lady, and Slave outfits to access different areas and abilities. As an Assassin she uses hidden blades and parkour for vertical movement. As a Lady or Slave you can infiltrate high-society events or work in the fields to gather resources. Combat allows for quick takedowns from shadows or direct sword fights with Spanish soldiers. The Vita's rear touchpad helps aim crossbows while gyro controls assist with shooting arcs. Most missions require gathering intel before striking, forcing you to move carefully through open world zones filled with patrols.

What Players Think

Critics gave this title a mixed reception with an OpenCritic score of 65 out of 100 and only 13.33% of reviewers recommending it. IGDB shows a similar 65.2 rating based on 193 user scores. TotalBiscuit praised the game highly, calling it a restoration of faith for the series, while GameWatcher gave it an 80 and noted its quality. The community moods reflect this divide with players appreciating the character depth but criticizing technical jank common to early Vita ports. Average playtime hovers around 12 hours for a standard run through the campaign. Achievement hunters find a solid set of challenges to unlock, though completion rates drop significantly once you finish the main story objectives.

PlayPile's Take

PlayPile suggests this game only if you own a PS Vita and want a specific narrative slice of the franchise. The price point varies by region but often sits lower than recent releases due to age. You will encounter achievement hurdles that reward exploration rather than perfect combat skill. Do not expect a polished modern experience as the frame rate stutters during crowd scenes. Aveline offers a fresh perspective on the lore but the controls feel dated compared to console entries. Skip it if you need smooth performance or broad multiplayer options.

Storyline

The year is 1765. As the events leading up to the American Revolution heat up in the north, Spanish forces plan to take control of Louisiana in the south – but they have yet to reckon with Aveline, a deadly Assassin who will use every weapon and ability in her arsenal on her quest for freedom. . Whether eliminating her enemies with her multiple assassinations technique or luring them into deadly traps using her tools, Aveline strikes mortal fear into the hearts of those who stand in her way. As an Assassin, Aveline soon finds herself on an unforgettable journey that will take her from the crowded streets of New Orleans to voodoo-haunted swamps and ancient Mayan ruins. She will play a pivotal role in the turbulent New Orleans revolution and the beginning of a new nation. As she fights for freedom, not for herself, but for those whose life and hopes have been squashed.