You are free to explore the world, climb the buildings, jump around and other things but you are not that free during the missions. There is a way to complete every mission and game doesn't let you complete them with another way. That's a little annoying for me actually. In this game, side missions make you feel like thay are not relevant to the story but they are fun. Like I said before, don't expect many changes, but I think you'll enjoy it. If you are not sure about playing Assassin's Creed III, I suggest you to wait for Splinter Cell: Blacklist :)
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