We review recent progress on the assembly of metal nanocrystals using dithiol and DNA based bifunctional linkers to create discrete plasmonic superstructures. The structures formed include one-dimensional linear arrays, two-dimensional trimers and tetramers as well as stable three-dimensional assemblies built up on a substrate. We outline specific aspects and challenges within the DNA-assembly technique, including control of the desired interparticle spacing. The optical properties of a number of general classes of assemblies are described and the consequences of symmetry-breaking, such as the formation of Fano-like resonances. The assembly and optical properties of unique three-dimensional structures are described along with a hybrid top-down and bottom-up technique for obtaining long, linear arrays of crystalline metal nanoparticles. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.