[Update: The first Assassin's Creed 3 screenshots have leaked!]

When an image purported to be promotional art for the next entry in the Assassin's Creed franchise, rumored to be simply titled Assassin's Creed 3, leaked online it seemed too good to be true. Not only had we successfully hypothesized that Ubisoft might be taking their assassin franchise to the time period of the American Revolution, but the image itself, which featured a new assassin sporting some Native American weaponry, was downright awesome.

All of the pieces that fans had hoped would fall into place were correctly aligning, but there still remained a nagging feeling that the image was a fake -- a very good Photoshop job, but a fake nonetheless. While that still may be the case, yet another 18th Century Assassin's Creed 3 image has appeared, and it too puts more weight to this rumor.

Seen in this second image, which was believed to have been leaked by Game Informer but has since been taken down, the new protagonist is seen brandishing a bow and arrow, as well as guiding George Washington in his famous crossing of the Delaware. The first part of the image, the assassin posing, seems legitimate, but the other feels like a poorly Photoshopped combination of Assassin's Creed art and Leutze's painting.

Judge for yourself:

Its feels strange speculating on the setting and story for Assassin's Creed 3, especially since we are mere hours away from an official announcement from Ubisoft, but typically zero hour is the key moment when big news leaks. If this rumor does prove to be true, and Assassin's Creed 3 will not only be set during the American Revolution but will feature some of America's founding fathers in key roles (much like Da Vinci's relationship with Ezio) it makes the franchise's forthcoming entry even more exciting than we ever thought possible.

There are, of course, plenty of other enterprising time periods that the franchise can visit. And it may feel like Ubisoft is missing out on them by jumping so far forward, but by the time the game releases all those thoughts will be a distant memory. Bring on Assassin's Creed 3, and bring on a new era no matter what it is.

Are you sold on Assassin's Creed 3 being set during the American Revolution? What other prominent historical figures would you like to see this new protagonist interact with?

[Update: Check out these new Assassin's Creed 3 gameplay details]

Assassin’s Creed 3 releases on October 30, 2012, for the Xbox 360, PS3, and PC.

Source: NeoGAF