While the Assassin’s Creed franchise is still hot, Ubisoft has made sure that they make the best use of it. Now that the curtain around Assassin’s Creed 4: Black Flag has been unveiled it is time take a look at what we already know about the game. The game has been in development for nearly two years and is being spearheaded by one of the veteran Assassin’s Creed teams in Ubisoft Montreal.
The setting
The never-ending battle between Templars and Assassins continues. This time, it is the dawn of 18th Century: the Golden Age of pirates, huge frigates, seafaring scalawegs and the Royal Navy. Assassin’s Creed IV tells us the story of Edward Kenway, a young British man with a thirst for danger and adventure, who falls from privateering for the Royal Navy into piracy. As we’ve become accustomed to seeing famous historical figures appear in the series, Black Flag features some of the most infamous pirates in history such as Blackbeard, Charles Vane and the Gentleman Pirate.
Assassin’s Creed 4 will have the largest open world so far.
You can also command your ship, the Jackdaw, and strike fear in all who see her: Attack and seamlessly board massive galleons, recruit sailors to join your crew etc. If you liked the naval battles in the previous games, you’ll love Assassin’s Creed IV because around 40 percent of the main game will take place in a naval environment.
Even though the game contains over 50 different locations, it is based largely around the Bahamas and the coast of Mexico. This means that Assassin’s Creed 4 will have the largest open world so far.
The protagonist and his new weapons
Edward falls into the Assassin’s order by coincidence and becomes a charismatic pirate captain, trained by Assassins. Fighting with two weapons, Edward can switch between the Hidden Blade of the Assassin’s Order and all new weaponry including four flintlock pistols and dual cutlass swords. If you’re interested in what weapons there are available, look no further:
- Rifles
- Multi-pistols
- Blowpipe with multiple effect darts
- The Rope Dart
- The double hidden blades
- Dual swords
- Single sword
- Heavy Axe
- Knives
One thing worth mentioning is that this time around, YOU are the one entering the animus (the device which renders genetic memories in three dimensions for those unfamiliar of it) to experience Edward Kenway’s life. Now don’t tell me you didn’t see this coming eventually.
Gameplay
Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag is based upon the franchises proven tenants so its probably safe to assume that the gameplay and controls rival those of previous installments. The combat of Black Flag will have you combining the various weaponry of the era allowing you to tackle challenges through stealth and subterfuge or alternatively, charging in guns ablaze.
Attacking enemy ships has been improved upon over Assassin’s Creed III
There are 50 unique locations where you can enjoy swashbuckling action by looting underwater shipwrecks, hunting rare animals in untamed jungles, searching lost ruins for forgotten treasure and of course assassinate Templars in cities.
In addition, your ship, the Jackdraw can be upgraded as you play the game. Through plundering and pillaging, you gain the possibility of upgrading the ship with different ammunition and equipment which will help you fight enemy ships. Attacking enemy ships has been improved upon over Assassin’s Creed III already much beloved naval combat since you can now go ship to ship without cutscenes.
We don’t have much knowledge about the multiplayer yet but we know for sure that you can fight against or cooperate with your friends in the multiplayer mode. There will be an eclectic cast of characters available whom you can use to fight to the death in exotic themed maps.
Platforms and the (leaked) release date
The game is coming out on all major platforms including Xbox 360, PS3, PC, Wii U, PS4 and next generation consoles. Kotaku has also reported that the release date will be October 29th
Customers who purchase Assassin’s Creed IV Black Flag on PlayStation 3 or PlayStation 4 can download 60 minutes of additional gameplay via the PlayStation Network after the game’s launch. Collector’s Editions of Assassin’s Creed IV Black Flag will be available in the EMEA region.
Marko Kari
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