If you need a break from stalking and slaying in the upcoming epic Assassin's Creed 3, then the Davenport Homestead is where you'll want to head. That's the rural hub from which assassin hero Connor launches his missions, and where you'll return to regroup and resupply.
You'll be able to populate the homestead with other characters by saving them out in the sprawling gameworld. You may, for example, save a man from a raging river and discover he's a carpenter. He'll then make his home in Davenport, and set to work producing items for you to sell or use. The more tasks and jobs you do to help your neighbours, the more useful stuff they'll produce.
In fact, Davenport is so detailed and compelling that there'll be a mission dedicated to encouraging you to explore it and get to know the people there. "My favourite thing about the Homestead is that in a city, you're anonymous, you blend into the crowds," producer Alex Hutchinson told Official Xbox Magazine in the latest issue. "But at home, everyone knows your name. They don't know you're an assassin, obviously, but they live their lives...It becomes a beautiful video game train set."
"The guys were saying there are 35 people in your Homestead, and each one has around eight activities, with some of the most complex animation we've ever built - and no-one will see it!", "There's one animation where the butcher takes apart a pig, and you can watch it for two minutes. There's definitely some showing off going on."
Assassin's Creed 3 also introduces outdoor woodland areas to the game, as well as naval battles. You'll get your own warship and will be able to upgrade it and take on privateer missions. You'll also rub shoulders with famous historical figures and stab lots of bad guys in the back.