Rumors and speculation have been no stranger to the Assassin's Creed series since it became clear that surprising players was one of the development team's main goals. While the setting and events of Assassin's Creed 3 have been kept under tight wraps, it seems that some close to the project are already whispering. The world of political intrigue and shadowy assasinations on hand for Assassin's Creed 3 is apparently none other than the American Revolution.

Loyal readers will be less surprised by this new development, since we provided our case for why the early days of the American colonies would make for a perfect game. Not long after we let our desires be known, Ubisoft consulted the fans themselves on where they would like to see the franchise head for its climax, with colonial America as one of several possible time frames.

But that was all theory and conjecture, and while Ubisoft was willing to admit that AC3 would indeed have a new hero any hints have been hard to come by. Ezio and Desmond uncovered several clues in both Brotherhood and Revelations, but the new reports cited by CVG are hopefully more free of fiction. According to the site, a source close to the project has confirmed the suspicion that the next game would be jumping the pond to North America, and Ubisoft is likely to unveil more plot details by April 2012. The source also confirms a new protagonist is on the way, which we assume means Desmond will be walking the genetic footsteps of a new ancestor.

Considering just how much evidence has been hinting at a shift west, this news isn't exactly a bombshell. Since terms like 'Early America' and 'Revolution Era' encompass the better part of a century or two, having this suspicion confirmed leaves as much unanswered as laid to rest.

Will it be European settlers going to war with the Native Americans? That's possible, considering the tribal clothing and writing linked to 'the ones who came before' in the franchise's mythology. Or will it be the British and American forces bringing new life to the classic battle between Assassin and Templar?

A story that precedes the Revolution itself could work for a few reasons. Shadowy 'Europeans' seeking the knowledge and treasure of the sacred natives would be more palatable for a modern audience than 'evil Brits' and 'good Americans,' and exactly how the Assassins would fit into that struggle is harder to grasp. Sure, the Freemasons could be Templars - thanks, National Treasure - but we're hoping to be surprised.

What are your thoughts on the rumored setting? Think one time or setting would be better than the other, or are you hoping Ubisoft has something altogether different planned for "the franchise's biggest game yet"?

Assassin’s Creed 3 (title unconfirmed) will release during the 2012 holiday season for PC, PS3 and Xbox 360.

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Source: CVG