Shenmue Dojo

Assassin's Creed 3 will offer in-game currency to buy using real-world money, product listings on the PlayStation Store and Xbox Marketplace have revealed.

Bundles of Erudito Credits are available to buy in various amounts. It is a feature that Ubisoft has not spoken of to date.

The most expensive, a pack of 925 Erudito Credits, costs 1600 Microsoft Points (about £13.60).

The currency differs from the one used in Assassin's Creed 3's single-player campaign (that's good old British pounds), which suggests the credits will be used in the game's robust multiplayer mode - which now has its own disc.

"Buying this pack will grant you Erudito Credits in-game, allowing you to acquire some game items, disregarding your current level," an Xbox Marketplace listing reads (snapped by WorthPlaying).

The UK Xbox Marketplace currently shows no sign of the packs, although they were previously visible to some gamers. Meanwhile, the US PlayStation Store has listed the bundles in 20, 50, 155, 380 and 925 Credit amounts.

The credit system appears similar to the multiplayer packs used in Mass Effect 3, which provide weapon and character upgrades. These can be unlocked through currency earned in-game, or more quickly by parting with real-world cash.

Riku Rose wrote: I've read that you should pretty much avoid anything about the game now if you don't want it spoiled. Apparently there is something that is a big aspect of the game that Ubisoft has left out of trailers and screenshots to keep a secret.

As one of the few major games franchises that did not feature a primarily U.S. cast or setting, there was understandable disappointment that it was beginning to pander to an American audience.

And it’s hard to argue it’s not, especially given the distorted view of history that makes Mel Gibson’s The Patriot look like a documentary