What are the best tracks of Assassins Creed III ?

Assassins Creed III maintains the series’ effort to frame itself as offering a critical, well-researched history ; the story is set in the 18th century, before, during and after the American Revolution from 1754 to 1783. It follows Desmond's half-English, half-Mohawk ancestor, Ratonhnhaké:ton, also known as Connor, as he fights the Templars' attempts to gain control in the colonies. 

But does Lorne Balfe hold up to the themes portrayed in the game adequately through the music? Well, here are the best of his work from the game and you can decide for yourself. Read ahead!

 

1. Main Theme

The main theme sets up everything that is not only about the game, but also Connor's character. You can almost feel yourself going across rooftops while the snow of 1700s New York rushes past you, and the smell of gunpowder fills the air. For a story that takes place across years of the Revolution, it matches up with the highs and lows, the loss and the gain, the betrayals and the victories. There is an unique emotional tone lying underneath, which is represented well by the shrill strings and the piano.

The variation on the theme is nicely done too:

2. Through The Frontier

This is another song that fits well with the time period, as well as Connor himself. It is heroic, and there is a sense of calamity and mystery. The vocals of the song can be perceived as Connor's native side urging him for retribution of his people. The instruments achieve the same, and makes it a track that compliments the ambiance of the game.

3. Farewell

This nods to Connor's last memories of his mother and his tribe, as it all burns down around him. It is this point that changes Connor's life. It also plays at the game's ending, when Connor has lost all near to him. Both these points of life are very important to Connor's character as a whole, and this track with its flute achieves the tone it wanted to convey. As Connor removes the ax from the Homestead's pillar, we can sense that he feels his journey has come to a close. Even though his life may feel like it was all gone for nothing, it served an important purpose.

As Connor himself says,

“Sometimes standing against evil is more important than defeating it. The greatest heroes stand because it is right to do so, not because they believe they will walk away with their lives.”

4. Trouble In Town

This track captures what Connor felt while chasing down Charles Lee, and is the epitome of the chase music in the whole game. The bass and the violins, like rest of the album play a vital part here, and gets the player excited for what is happening in the memory.

5. Homestead

This is one of the more relaxing soundtracks of the album. There is calmness, and is a capture of the spirit of the late 18th Century America. The flute is enchanting, and the other sounds makes the player feel protected. It is a nod to Achilles as well, and is a statement to his aging. 

Combined with the ingame ambiance of the fire, it is a fine work by Balfe. The Davenport Homestead was once the headquarters of the Colonial Brotherhood, and this track rightly captures that those days are long gone (Check out the best tracks of the game that explored this! ). 

6. Fight Club

Connor gets stuck in prison, and has to get out by whatever means necessary. What comes afterwards is a fight inside the prison between the inmates, and this track plays out. The strings move rapidly as Connor throws his opponents, and punches through them. Its exciting, fun, and to many, the best track in the whole album.

7. Beer and Friends

Perhaps this is the only happy track in the entire game. Although short, it fulfills the prosperity the Homestead has now, thanks to Connor, and it is one of the few times the game is high spirited, and is a welcome from the rest of the somber tunes. It is fun, and rewarding to hear as the player sees all the progress they have made.

8. What Came Before

This track is a nod to the world building of the franchise, to the ancient race and their power that once were on the Earth, and are long gone by. It also ties in with Desmond's story, his final moments and memories. It is a nod to self discovery, and analysis of what Humanity is. It signifies how some actions can be misinterpreted, and how disastrous they can turn out.

As Juno says, 

"It is the cruelest fate, to have written words that meant well - and see them made wicked and unwise. What was meant to encourage life - used instead to justify taking it! And so you see... that what was shall be again. So tell me. How is this better?"

 

Conclusion:

Assassins Creed III was a game that went more than the just typical Good vs. Evil story line. The game went deeper into both ideologies, and was this was the first game in the franchise to do so. One also meets the many historical figures, which is certainly a plus point for any Assassins Creed game. It is certainly one of the more underrated of the franchise, and because of this, Lorne Balfe's work doesn't get the same appreciation as it should have. 

The eight tracks we have curated should give you an idea of the work the man is capable of, and make you appreciate them, if not dive into knowing more about the time period.

 

Unlike the other Assassins, Connor had nothing, and he lost everything. He gave up his life for freedom and justice, and we all can take inspiration from him, to regard our own values, and protect those we love.

As always, these are just what The DXR Script liked. Share this post with others if you liked it! Which ones are your favorite or have something to add? Tell us in the comments!

Thanks For Reading!

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