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on May 1, 2017
This game tends to get overlooked because firstly, it's game by Ubisoft, who's reputation isn't that great in
the video game community; and secondly, it's one of many Assassin's Creed games, some of which (Unity, AC3)
have been pretty awful.
That said, this game is an absolute jewel:
1. Story: one of the best stories for a computer game ever. Strong, memorable characters, like the pirates
Blackbeard, Mary Read and Bartholomew Roberts. And the lead protagonist (Kenway) is pretty likeable too.
Story is long enough for you to get invested, while short enough that you don't get bored.
2. Graphics: considering the game came out in 2013 it boasts some pretty impressive graphics.
3. Gameplay. Gameplay is an utter blast. The standout feature of this game is the perfect balance between
naval warfare and assassin missions. The story constantly switches between the two, so you never get bored of
either.
4. Weapons: Nice array of weapons for both the assassin missions (eg. blow gun with sleep and beserker darts,
smoke bombs, rope darts) and naval missions (try the mortar guns -- you won't be dissapointed!)
In short, a very good looking game with oh so much to do. Highly recommended.
(Hint: build up the Jackdaw right from the start. You will face a very tough naval battle by the end of the game,
and you will need an over-powered Jackdaw to survive that fight).
the video game community; and secondly, it's one of many Assassin's Creed games, some of which (Unity, AC3)
have been pretty awful.
That said, this game is an absolute jewel:
1. Story: one of the best stories for a computer game ever. Strong, memorable characters, like the pirates
Blackbeard, Mary Read and Bartholomew Roberts. And the lead protagonist (Kenway) is pretty likeable too.
Story is long enough for you to get invested, while short enough that you don't get bored.
2. Graphics: considering the game came out in 2013 it boasts some pretty impressive graphics.
3. Gameplay. Gameplay is an utter blast. The standout feature of this game is the perfect balance between
naval warfare and assassin missions. The story constantly switches between the two, so you never get bored of
either.
4. Weapons: Nice array of weapons for both the assassin missions (eg. blow gun with sleep and beserker darts,
smoke bombs, rope darts) and naval missions (try the mortar guns -- you won't be dissapointed!)
In short, a very good looking game with oh so much to do. Highly recommended.
(Hint: build up the Jackdaw right from the start. You will face a very tough naval battle by the end of the game,
and you will need an over-powered Jackdaw to survive that fight).
on June 17, 2014
I was a big fan of AC2, but didn't give AC3 much attention. I was skeptical a bit, on this one, but the pirate theme is one that hasn't been done enough in gaming, and the reviews are good, so I hopped on board. Now I can't put it down. Yes, it's pretty much "AC in the Caribbean", but the execution is masterful, and the variety of activities is so vast and seamlessly integrated, it's an absolute gem of a game. Treasure hunts, sea battles, exploration, pirate/assassin missions... each feature unique and yet engaging in its own right. When you get tired of killing, .. you can take to the seas .. or explore a new town... or decipher a treasure map.. or hunt for wild animals... or.. you get the idea.
However, I was never quite interested in the whole "Animus" angle, that you're actually reliving an historical character through some virtual reality headset, like in the other AC titles. It just doesn't seem necessary to the game and I've never really understood that storyline anyway. Why would I want to "turn off" the pirate game so I can walk around an office building and have meetings with middle managers? Sounds too much like my real life. So I just stay a pirate as much as possible.
All in all, a gorgeous game, well voiced, with a deep story, and an enormous, diverse world to keep you entertained for weeks.
However, I was never quite interested in the whole "Animus" angle, that you're actually reliving an historical character through some virtual reality headset, like in the other AC titles. It just doesn't seem necessary to the game and I've never really understood that storyline anyway. Why would I want to "turn off" the pirate game so I can walk around an office building and have meetings with middle managers? Sounds too much like my real life. So I just stay a pirate as much as possible.
All in all, a gorgeous game, well voiced, with a deep story, and an enormous, diverse world to keep you entertained for weeks.
on May 23, 2014
I upgraded to the PS4 version using the digital download code that came with the game. Huge difference in graphics between PS3 and PS4. I know because I got to play it on both systems.
I originally got this on PS3 for my brother. He had just got Grand Theft Auto V and was busy playing that. Lucky for me, I got to play it for awhile. I payed the $10 to upgrade to PS4 and I enjoyed the game so much that I ended up purchasing my own PS3 copy after my brother took his back.
This is my favorite Assassin's Creed by far. I've played the original and a few others. I love that they focused on pirates for this game. The sailing is new to the series and hardcore fans seem to dislike it. I guess I'm not a hardcore fan because sailing was my favorite thing to do! I loved this part of the game! LOVED it! You can customize the ship as well as upgrade it and its cannons. You can pull up to other ships, board them, have an epic sword fight and then rape and pillage! Well maybe not rape but you can pretend (haha). I hope they make another game focused on being a pirate.
Besides the sailing, this game keeps to the core of the series. All the usual stuff from previous games. Still a ton of optional objects to collect, things to unlock and places to locate. I thought the story was good, never had an issue with it. Another new thing is the addition of diving underwater in order to explore shipwrecks while evading deadly sea creatures. I enjoyed this as well.
Bottom line is that there are not many games on the PS4 to choose from, good games anyway. Currently, I believe this game is definitely one of the best on the PS4. I highly recommend this one!
If you have questions, I'll answer them. Take care!
I originally got this on PS3 for my brother. He had just got Grand Theft Auto V and was busy playing that. Lucky for me, I got to play it for awhile. I payed the $10 to upgrade to PS4 and I enjoyed the game so much that I ended up purchasing my own PS3 copy after my brother took his back.
This is my favorite Assassin's Creed by far. I've played the original and a few others. I love that they focused on pirates for this game. The sailing is new to the series and hardcore fans seem to dislike it. I guess I'm not a hardcore fan because sailing was my favorite thing to do! I loved this part of the game! LOVED it! You can customize the ship as well as upgrade it and its cannons. You can pull up to other ships, board them, have an epic sword fight and then rape and pillage! Well maybe not rape but you can pretend (haha). I hope they make another game focused on being a pirate.
Besides the sailing, this game keeps to the core of the series. All the usual stuff from previous games. Still a ton of optional objects to collect, things to unlock and places to locate. I thought the story was good, never had an issue with it. Another new thing is the addition of diving underwater in order to explore shipwrecks while evading deadly sea creatures. I enjoyed this as well.
Bottom line is that there are not many games on the PS4 to choose from, good games anyway. Currently, I believe this game is definitely one of the best on the PS4. I highly recommend this one!
If you have questions, I'll answer them. Take care!
on July 23, 2014
I wasn't expecting to buy this game--at least not near the launch date--as I was disappointed by AC3, and Black Flag's release seemed a bit soon after the previous installment. I also hated the ship battles in AC3, so there's that. However, after hearing good things about this game, and seeing that it was only $15 on here, I gave it a shot.
The game started off rocky, as I had trouble processing the story. However I soon began enjoying it, as some aspects did remind me of fellow Ubisoft games Far Cry 3 (wildlife, islands) and Splinter Cell Blacklist (pulling the enemy in from cover and killing him). After a while the story began to piece itself together, and the plot was actually enjoyable. The ship battles were fun a times, mostly due to improvements to upgrade my ship. The story was emotional at times, and I almost shed a man tear (almost... last time this nearly happened was The Last of Us).
I never enjoyed the present day storyline in any of the Assasin's Creed games, and this one was a little confusing. Also there weren't any answers to the present day storyline from AC3. Usually I would take a star off for this, but the Kenway story was enjoyable enough to cover the damage. A very good game overall, and now my expectations for Unity are very high (stealth mode coming, finally!).
The game started off rocky, as I had trouble processing the story. However I soon began enjoying it, as some aspects did remind me of fellow Ubisoft games Far Cry 3 (wildlife, islands) and Splinter Cell Blacklist (pulling the enemy in from cover and killing him). After a while the story began to piece itself together, and the plot was actually enjoyable. The ship battles were fun a times, mostly due to improvements to upgrade my ship. The story was emotional at times, and I almost shed a man tear (almost... last time this nearly happened was The Last of Us).
I never enjoyed the present day storyline in any of the Assasin's Creed games, and this one was a little confusing. Also there weren't any answers to the present day storyline from AC3. Usually I would take a star off for this, but the Kenway story was enjoyable enough to cover the damage. A very good game overall, and now my expectations for Unity are very high (stealth mode coming, finally!).
on July 23, 2014
Ubisoft seems to be in love with their newly developed naval battle system from AC3, which i personally hate, it looks amazing and all, but it's just not what i'm looking for in a assassin's creed game.
The world is too big, quests are repetitive, it's a long grind to finish every quest and most importantly, the story is... i don't want to say lame, but i don't even care what happens next. I guess character development takes a part of the blame too, i simply do not care. For months i've just been exploring the open world, when i get bore i'd just stop playing and maybe a week or two later i'd wanna play for a few more hours again.
Anyway, to sum up,
- it does not have an amazing story (so far, since i still haven't finish the game)
- poor character development, players don't get any attachment to the character
- long and repetitive gameplay
- 85% naval battle, not what i am looking for in an AC game
Not looking forward to the next assassin's creed game, maybe it's better that way to not have any expectations at all.
The world is too big, quests are repetitive, it's a long grind to finish every quest and most importantly, the story is... i don't want to say lame, but i don't even care what happens next. I guess character development takes a part of the blame too, i simply do not care. For months i've just been exploring the open world, when i get bore i'd just stop playing and maybe a week or two later i'd wanna play for a few more hours again.
Anyway, to sum up,
- it does not have an amazing story (so far, since i still haven't finish the game)
- poor character development, players don't get any attachment to the character
- long and repetitive gameplay
- 85% naval battle, not what i am looking for in an AC game
Not looking forward to the next assassin's creed game, maybe it's better that way to not have any expectations at all.
on July 20, 2014
I have loved every game in the Assassin's Creed line from the very first one. The graphics, gameplay, story, historical information, everything is simply stunning. This one is no exception. Even though the Pirate fad dried up a few years ago, this game might just bring it back. Once you get into this, you won't want to let it go.
When you start the storyline, you are sort of skeptical, waiting for the cliches, hoping that they don't say, "why is the rum gone," or "bloody pirates," or "arr matey," but even when they do it is well placed and feels right. Besides that, it is basically another of the Templar vs. Assassin plot lines, but with pirates thrown in. Plenty of historical fun facts too.
When the beginning of the story ends, and you find yourself more or less free to do as you please, everything gets real, and fast. Your ship can be customized, with sails, figureheads, etc. The open world gameplay means you can finish the story at your own pace. You can transition from piloting your ship to free running on foot and back again WITHOUT a loading screen, and that alone is wonderful.
The game controls almost the same as AC3, with the enhanced free running and smoother controls. Above all else, the ships are pure glory. You can freely roam around the caribbean seas, sinking all kinds of ships, destroying forts, and just being a boss. I have never seen a game capture the effect of pirating or even sailing quite like this.
Ever seen the sun set on the seas of tortuga? With the graphics and art in this game, you will. Everything has detail, all of the sunsets and harsh storms and little tropical towns have a realistic feel. This is like a vacation in a game.
If you liked pirates at any point in your life, I strongly, personally, recommend this one. Just being at the helm of a tall ship, crashing through the waves, your crew of misfits singing a shanty to pass the time and raise the spirits...It's all worth it. Even if that ship on the horizon with the red sails is coming for you.
If you read all that, thanks, and my apologies for practically writing a book and gushing over the game. Simply said, buy this one, you won't regret it.
5/5 Stars, hands down.
When you start the storyline, you are sort of skeptical, waiting for the cliches, hoping that they don't say, "why is the rum gone," or "bloody pirates," or "arr matey," but even when they do it is well placed and feels right. Besides that, it is basically another of the Templar vs. Assassin plot lines, but with pirates thrown in. Plenty of historical fun facts too.
When the beginning of the story ends, and you find yourself more or less free to do as you please, everything gets real, and fast. Your ship can be customized, with sails, figureheads, etc. The open world gameplay means you can finish the story at your own pace. You can transition from piloting your ship to free running on foot and back again WITHOUT a loading screen, and that alone is wonderful.
The game controls almost the same as AC3, with the enhanced free running and smoother controls. Above all else, the ships are pure glory. You can freely roam around the caribbean seas, sinking all kinds of ships, destroying forts, and just being a boss. I have never seen a game capture the effect of pirating or even sailing quite like this.
Ever seen the sun set on the seas of tortuga? With the graphics and art in this game, you will. Everything has detail, all of the sunsets and harsh storms and little tropical towns have a realistic feel. This is like a vacation in a game.
If you liked pirates at any point in your life, I strongly, personally, recommend this one. Just being at the helm of a tall ship, crashing through the waves, your crew of misfits singing a shanty to pass the time and raise the spirits...It's all worth it. Even if that ship on the horizon with the red sails is coming for you.
If you read all that, thanks, and my apologies for practically writing a book and gushing over the game. Simply said, buy this one, you won't regret it.
5/5 Stars, hands down.
on February 18, 2016
This is almost as addicting to watch as it is to play. My husband was obsessed with this game for weeks, and I have to say I was pretty entertained just sitting an watching. The graphics are amazing, plot line fun, my only gripe was that he hit a "level" or stage about halfway through that he tried for over a week and couldn't figure out how to get through, I dislike when there are games that feature an area so difficult that you either a) give up b) tear your hair out playing it for hours and having a nervous breakdown or c) "cheat" and look online to see how to pass it. Other than that, fun game!
on December 28, 2013
I say this is the best Assassins Creed because I didn't really get bored like the other games. I would say the game is 50% Pirate 50% Assassin. This game stays true to the assassins creed formula and playing it feels the same. Now your thinking ok whats new.
True open world game which allows you to really do what you please even if you start playing the story missions you can still do side activities. People have always complain that the money system sucks because you become a millionaire and theirs nothing to use the money for. This time the game makes you feel like a pirate because no matter how much money you have its never enough, damn its never enough, you actually have to think and plan what do you want to use the money for and what's worth purchasing first. You need money for your hideout, for ammo, weapons, ship ammo and upgrades. And ship upgrades is a must if you want to survive in the long run. Even after completing the game and having about 40% of side missions completed how much treasure do I need to find, How many men do I need to continue to kill to have the money to fully upgrade my ship. and the thing is not only do you need money you also need materials to upgrade your ship so you need to go hunting, exploring or go plundering other ships.
If you played Assassins Creed 3 Naval Battles then this is what Black Flag is all about and you will enjoy it. In the beginning your gonna try to avoid the big bag guys to being fearless and destroy any ship that comes near.
Activities
-Treasure hunting on Land, Islands or under water
-Assassination Contracts
-Templar Hunts which is a short story about you trying to find the 5 men with the key to the ultimate Templar outfit
-Plunder other ships
- Searching for Collectible items
Exploration
-Islands, oceans and wreak ships
-For hunting there are a variety of animals and you can also go hunting in the oceans for sharks and whales.
After completing the game is it still worth playing. Yes because I need to fully upgrade my ship in order to battle the Legendary ship which is a beast. I get destroyed whenever I try my luck. So the ultimate challenge would be to send that ship to hell. Not one but 4 Legendary ships.
Graphics 9/10
Controls 8/10
Sound 10/10
Story 7/10
Side Missions 7/10
Replay Value 7/10
Game Play 8/10
True open world game which allows you to really do what you please even if you start playing the story missions you can still do side activities. People have always complain that the money system sucks because you become a millionaire and theirs nothing to use the money for. This time the game makes you feel like a pirate because no matter how much money you have its never enough, damn its never enough, you actually have to think and plan what do you want to use the money for and what's worth purchasing first. You need money for your hideout, for ammo, weapons, ship ammo and upgrades. And ship upgrades is a must if you want to survive in the long run. Even after completing the game and having about 40% of side missions completed how much treasure do I need to find, How many men do I need to continue to kill to have the money to fully upgrade my ship. and the thing is not only do you need money you also need materials to upgrade your ship so you need to go hunting, exploring or go plundering other ships.
If you played Assassins Creed 3 Naval Battles then this is what Black Flag is all about and you will enjoy it. In the beginning your gonna try to avoid the big bag guys to being fearless and destroy any ship that comes near.
Activities
-Treasure hunting on Land, Islands or under water
-Assassination Contracts
-Templar Hunts which is a short story about you trying to find the 5 men with the key to the ultimate Templar outfit
-Plunder other ships
- Searching for Collectible items
Exploration
-Islands, oceans and wreak ships
-For hunting there are a variety of animals and you can also go hunting in the oceans for sharks and whales.
After completing the game is it still worth playing. Yes because I need to fully upgrade my ship in order to battle the Legendary ship which is a beast. I get destroyed whenever I try my luck. So the ultimate challenge would be to send that ship to hell. Not one but 4 Legendary ships.
Graphics 9/10
Controls 8/10
Sound 10/10
Story 7/10
Side Missions 7/10
Replay Value 7/10
Game Play 8/10
VINE VOICEon December 28, 2013
Like most video game reviews that I write, I make it very clear that I'm not one of those "gamers" that spends 24 hours on a new game to solve it immediately. I play for about an hour at a time, not only to draw out the experience, but to relish the game. Also, as a fairly "older" player (I'm in my 40's), I tend to expect a lot from my gaming experiences (not a big fan of games primarily for little kids). I'm happy to report my complete satisfaction with UBI Soft's new game "Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag".
I first picked up this line of games with Assassin's Creed III. Because of the historical content (I wanted to see the renditions of Boston and other places), I was intrigued, and loved many aspects of the game. One of them was the sea battles that you completed from time to time. It only made sense that the new game capitalized on that aspect. And boy, they did.
You are a pirate, completing missions and ever increasing the strength of your ship as you progress through the game. There are still aspects of the game (the modern day story) that I'm not too fond of, but unlike III, that aspect doesn't confuse or bother me as much.
The sea battles are quite fun and quite stress reducing. Having a bad day? Attack and raid a few ships! As soon as I upgraded my ship the Jack Daw, attacking even the larger ships was fun. Going on raids, discovering buried treasure, and even harpooning sea life all makes for an enjoyable, escapist environment.
I highly recommend this game for casual players like me, just wanting some fun, to those more experienced, who truly want to make the most of the game and environment.
I first picked up this line of games with Assassin's Creed III. Because of the historical content (I wanted to see the renditions of Boston and other places), I was intrigued, and loved many aspects of the game. One of them was the sea battles that you completed from time to time. It only made sense that the new game capitalized on that aspect. And boy, they did.
You are a pirate, completing missions and ever increasing the strength of your ship as you progress through the game. There are still aspects of the game (the modern day story) that I'm not too fond of, but unlike III, that aspect doesn't confuse or bother me as much.
The sea battles are quite fun and quite stress reducing. Having a bad day? Attack and raid a few ships! As soon as I upgraded my ship the Jack Daw, attacking even the larger ships was fun. Going on raids, discovering buried treasure, and even harpooning sea life all makes for an enjoyable, escapist environment.
I highly recommend this game for casual players like me, just wanting some fun, to those more experienced, who truly want to make the most of the game and environment.
