Colonial America on the Eve of the American Revolution
Why here?
It's a setting in upheaval as secessionists conspire to revolt against a powerful monarchy. The events leading up to war span decades, and a number of large colonies like Philadelphia, Boston, and Williamsburg. There were also powerful business interests in the form of the British East India Trading Company.These are all practically requirements for Assassin's Creed – a merchant organization was a prime front for Templar activities, for example.
Plus, Indians, er, Native Americans. Let's just avoid the clichéd Native American Princess love interest, ok? Tribal camps on the outskirts of settled areas could be used as a hub and point of research for new weapons and tactics – after all, some colonial irregular forces learned guerilla tactics from native populations, especially during the French-Indian war.
Of course, alliances would change and betrayal would seem inevitable once the major tribes sided with the British after war broke out in earnest. Still, forest environments and port settlements would be an interesting and stark contrast to the bustling Renaissance metropolis of Florence or Rome, or the religious iconography of a city like Jerusalem.
Who are the bad guys?
The Monarchy and English military, obviously. The British East India Trading Company would be an excellent host for the Templars, given their evolution into a major corporation in the 20th century. We'd love to see a climactic assault on a major architectural setting in England itself.
What else would be new?
While muskets and flintlock pistols defined the combat of that era, engaging in all-out gun fights with the enemy has never been the Assassin's Creed way. Instead, the protagonist would equip himself with swords, sabers and concealable blades that his adversaries, prepped for musket duels, would never see coming. Additionally, the "poison dart" angle that has made its way into the series in the past could be introduced through the Native American trade, introducing natural poisons as well as medicinal aids that your opponents would never see coming. Sneaking up behind a guard and sticking him with your blade is one thing, but poisoning him with a psychedelic opiate that causes him to unwittingly create a distraction is a much more devious way to clear a path to your target. The same could be said for launching cannons from afar to collapse walls and reveal new entryways, or better, piloting a one-man submarine to sneak into a port without ever breaking the surface.
The American West
Why here?
The "Wild West" marked the end of America's pre-industrial era, when the frontier had been exhausted and the country was recovering from almost tearing itself apart. Where would an assassin fit into a society that uses murder to decide justice? In some ways, this is the period in American history that most resembles the feudal conditions of previous Assassin's Creed games, where the rich and powerful held sway outside of the scope of government. And it would be fun to stab them until they weren't evil anymore.
While saloons and stage coaches may not seem like the best architectural playgrounds for the franchise, the possibilities of sprawling canyons rife with crumbling cliff sides and craggy mines open up the opportunities immeasurably. Throw in mining camps, water towers and towering oil pumps and the absence of magnificent cathedrals isn't a big deal.
Who are the bad guys?
Railroad barons, oil magnates and corrupt sheriffs are all ripe for infiltration by the Templars. Then there's the everyday drunken saloon scum that typically preyed on the civilian populace of the west. And yes, they all deserve to be stabbed. Repeatedly. On a roof. And then off it.
What else would be new?
Lassos! In fact, new weapons and mechanics are probably the best justification for such a different setting. The American west was a dirty, vicious place removed from the decorum of European culture, or for that matter, much civility at all. Imagine Assassin's Creed-tinged bar fights, complete with broken bottles and sassy prostitutes aplenty. Also there's no better way to conceal a murder than behind a rickety bar piano covered in drunken, bloodied slobs.
Guns would play a prominent role for the first time in an Assassin's Creed game, although not to the extent where the franchise would devolve into a full on shooting spree. Rather, disarming your opponents to avoid a public bloodbath in the first place would be in your character's best interests. And you'd certainly need to find a strategic way to use and conceal something like a shotgun – which doesn't make the most sense in terms of stealth but will absolutely get the job done in the moment when it's needed most.
Post-World War II France
Why here?
Depression, poverty, hope and reconstruction were all present in the aftermath of the German occupation of France. Majestic even in partial ruins, major French cities like Paris and historic landmarks are ripe for scaling – and stalking kills. There was also a very distinct culture and atmosphere in post-war France that hasn't really been tapped effectively in games, and this would be a great opportunity for it.
Who are the bad guys?
When you think about it, this time period is perfect for the Assassin's Creed fiction – there was a determined manhunt for German war criminals to be put on trial at the Hague, but many of the most influential members of the German war machine (the men most likely to be in league with the Templars) negotiated their way out of danger. This would mean a lot of targets for an angry faction of Assassins, who may also want to find out exactly what Hitler learned about the Apple and other ancient technologies during the Reich's campaign across Europe. The only way they'll find that information is to take out those war criminals, a number of which are being held at the International Criminal Court complex at the Hague.
What else would be new?
A weakened and unstable society means a Resistance left to cobble and scrounge together what they can to create makeshift weaponry. Practically speaking, this means antique assassin gear being repurposed, primarily Altair's original assassin's blade. In the interest of poetic justice, the female protagonist would also carry a German officer's Luger handgun, taken from her first kill - and carried until her last.
Modern New York
Why here?
We've only ever gotten a glimpse of scaling the modern day architecture found in something like New York through the tinted windows of the Abstergo Corporation. Because it's literally been right there before our eyes, it's almost impossible to believe that the series just hasn't allowed it yet. Other games like Prototype and Grand Theft Auto have given us the ability to run wild in contemporary metropolises, but none allow us to scale every inch and appreciate every nook and cranny of each building the way Assassin's Creed does. A true-to-life setting teeming with crowds, crooks and shady politicians seems like a fantastic fit for the series, even if only for flash-forwards to further flesh out a story happening during parallel centuries in the past.
Who are the bad guys?
A corrupt police force and the even more corrupt CEOs and soldiers of the Abstergo Corporation itself would be your primary targets. Deservedly so - nothing will stand in your way to discover exactly why Desmond was taken captive and damn near tortured by them to begin with.
What else would be new?
Smoke canisters, tazers and stun guns would play a major role in setting up stealth kills unseen by the population at large. But effectively finishing main assassinations would take something more traditional, like a modernized, titanium upgrade to the Assassins' staple concealed blade. Bulletproof vests and light climbing gear would also be a must. Armed guards would protect every floor of buildings that tower over any structures the franchise has seen before.
Modern New York. Definitely.
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