25 Movies, Games And Books To Check Out Before Playing "Assassin's Creed 3"

Image via Complex Original

Media Type: Video Game

The Connection: Gamers get to learn more about Altair while seeing the growing relationship between the Assassin and the woman that would become his love.

Made for the PSP, Bloodlines captured the flavor and setting of the original game with less of the complications. Gamers controlled Altair as he thwarted more plans of Templar global domination. 

Media Type: Movie

The Connection: While panned by critics, Revolution’s battle scenes and storyline will remind gamers of AC3 and send them right back to playing.

Al Pacino stars as a fur trapper who is dragged into the forces fighting for independence from Great Britain.

Media Type: Video Game

The Connection: Where the first AC was more of a solo run, AC: Brotherhood required you to interact and build ties. Working alongside American revolutionaries is going to mean building bridges…in blood.

Where Assassins Creed and Assassins Creed 2 put the gamer on solo missions against the corrupt, AC: Brotherhood gives you the chance to build an empire. Rather than fight alone, you fight with Assassins. When Ezio saves lives, he recruits new killers.

Media Type: Book

The Connection: Knowing the battleground and its players will add interest and legitimacy to the AC3 experience.

We call it the Constitution, but before it became official, it was considered a risky move by rebellious men. American Creation puts a close eye on the efforts of Washington, Jefferson and others who struggled to create a country’s foundation while missing issues such as equality.

Media Type: Movie

The Connection: It gives great detail into the mindset of the Loyalists, those who wanted to stay under British rule – probably people you’ll have to assassinate.

The infamous traitor forever tied to betrayal and eggs, this film delves into Arnold’s career rise and fall. Benedict Arnold: A Question of Honor stars Aidan Quinn and Kelsey Grammar.

Media Type: Book

The Connection: It humanizes out one of gaming’s most iconic characters. It will set a solid understanding of who and what Connor Kenway represents.

The untold tale of the great Altair. Told by Nicolo Polo, Altair’s life from his father’s death to his aged return to reign over the assassins is chronicled. 

Media Type: Book

The Connection: While it’s still unsure if Ezio will play any clear role in the game, his legacy lives on. This novel examines one of the greatest master assassins ever.

The novelization of the highly acclaimed game, AC: Revelations (the novel) gives more background to Ezio’s pilgrimage from Italy to Masayaf. Why is this good for AC3? 

Media Type: Movie

The Connection: Live action and somewhat interesting, Lineage showcases the role that Assassins play in world events. You’ll know Connor comes from a line of not just killers but guardians.

In three short films, Giovanni Auditore da Firenze (father of Ezio Auditore) is tasked with using his blades to stop political power grabs decades before his son takes over. 

Media Type: Movie

The Connection: It is a great ending to the long career of Ezio who paved the way for Connor. The action and storyline reflect the style of action and story-telling of AC3.

This animated movie chronicles the days of an elder Ezio Auditore in the twilight of his life. He meets a new female assassin and enjoys one more adventure.

Media Type: Book

The Connection: The documents included in 1776 will put substance and emotion to AC3.

A key year for the American Revolution is portrayed in masterful writing with replicas of documents from that time. Items include letters from Washington to his wife and Loyalists’ petition that bring heart to that pivotal year.

Media Type: Movie

The Connection: While not necessarily part of the main storyline, AC: Ascendance is great knowledge for the history of the Assassins.

The animated film short fills in the space between AC: Brotherhood and AC: Revelations. It details Cesare Borgia's rise to power.

Media Type: Book

The Connection: Connor's Native American heritage is part of the backstory for AC3. Read this and get a glimpse of what makes the boy a hero.

Unknown and equally forgotten, the Oneida Indians joined the fight for independence during the Revolution. This book delves into the lost history of these noble yet unheard of warriors.

Media Type: Movie

The Connection: Last does more than use Native American culture as a backdrop, it immerses the film and view into it. AC3’s American Indian influences will be heightened by Last and its portrayal.

The theatrical version of the classic novel, Daniel Day-Lewis portrays Hawkeye as he risks life and limb to escort Cora (Madeline Stowe.) Last of the Mohicans is critically acclaimed and deserving of it. Featuring a cast including Pete Postlethwaite, Sebastian Roe and the legendary Wes Studi, this is a great film to watch.

Media Type: Book

The Connection: As Connor Kenway’s adventure runs through the beginning, middle and ends of AC3, knowing the battles he moves through will add more flavor to the game.

War is hell and this book reminds us of the price of freedom. Every battle of the American Revolution is depicted.

Media Type: Book

The Connection: Although the game will focus on the battle against the British and the Templars, knowledge of the internal struggle amongst the soon-to-be Americans is great seasoning.

While geared towards a younger reader, this book gives a unique view of both sides of the American Revolution, those who wanted independence and those that did not.

Media Type: Book

The Connection: It's the perfect compendium for the game, taking gamers along for an image gallery of weapons, battles and people that Connor may meet.

DK Eyewitness books are noted for their visual detail. Let the images of the War for Independence take you to the time of Minutemen, Red Coats and Assassins.

Media Type: Book

The Connection: While AC3 may be fictional, its roots and background are built upon actual events. The Glorious Cause maps out those happenings with Pulitzer prize winning writing.

History at its best. The in-depth look at the years leading up to the Revolution is a must for both history buffs and Connor wannabes. It covers events building up to the conflict between Britain and a young grouping of colonies. The book highlights the Stamp Act, battle at Yorktown, individuals such as the Sons of Liberty and the authors of the Constitution.

Media Type: Movie

The Connection: Once again, players will interact with Washington during the Revolutionary War that is featured in The Crossing. Atmosphere and additional details will be fleshed out for gamers.

The film covers George Washington and the crossing of the Delaware River. Actor Jeffrey Daniels portrays General Washington as he and his men move across the river to do battle with Hessian mercenaries.

Media Type: Video Game

The Connection: It is where it all starts and it will provide a foundation for the world of Templars, Desmond Miles and eagle vision.

Yes, the origin of the series is a great place to start for anyone who is new (and old) to the game. Players jump into the white robe of Altair, a rash young member of the Assassins, an esoteric order of noble killers.

Media Type: Movie

The Connection: Any game which features the Revolution plus historical characters such as George Washington can always use additional reference material; 1776 is it.

The adaption of the musical stage play depicts the struggles between the colonies for agreement on ratification and solidarity.

Media Type: Video Game

The Connection: It is the peak of Assassin’s Creed and the best the series has to offer thus far.

Experience the last chapter of the great assassin Ezio Auditore. Award winning and stunning on multiple levels, this game is a must for any AC fan. From the graphics to the gameplay, Assassin's Creed: Revelations runs with the torch before passing it. Why is this good for AC3?

Media Type: Movie

The Connection: John Adams portrays several of the characters that Connor will run into during his Revolutionary War adventures.

The highly acclaimed series featured a top notch cast depicting the early days of the American Revolution. Actors Paul Giamatti, Tom Wilkinson and Laura Linney bring a volatile colony to life as a country built on danger and threatened principles.

Media Type: Book

The Connection: George Washington is a major character in the game. Washington: A Life will flesh this man out from pixels and renders and into a statesman and soldier.

Author Ron Chernow covers the life, successes and defeats of the first American President. He was once just a surveyor but Washington was a master tactician, dedicated soldier and rugged politician. Washington: A Life makes the legend into a man.

Media Type: Book

The Connection: Connor is a man of two worlds, British and Native American. Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee is one of the best showcases of the American indigenous people’s struggle.

While not taking place during the revolutionary period featured in AC3, Bury My Heart is a novel chronicling the atmosphere of the displaced Native American.  

Media Type: Movie

The Connection: From the weapons used to the overall theme, The Patriot and Assassin’s Creed 3 are matches on multiple levels.

Mel Gibson (when he was still likable) portrays a strong family man who just wants to tend his land and raise his children. However, war interferes and the battle for independence brings out a dark history for Gibson’s character. The Patriot is a perfect way to get in the groove for Assassin’s Creed 3. Red coats beware.