Thursday, 25 Jul 2024

Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag

Since its inception in 2007, the Assassin’s Creed series has followed a set of established ground rules. Players have taken on the role of Desmond Miles, a hero in a secret war between Assassins and Templars, using the Animus device to uncover modern mysteries and aid the Assassin cause. But now, with Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag, things are changing.

A New Era and Hero

Instead of continuing Connor’s story from Assassin’s Creed III, Black Flag takes us back in time to the days of Edward Kenway, Connor’s grandfather and a pirate captain in the West Indies. This installment introduces expansive cities in the Caribbean and a fully realized open-world ocean to explore. Ubisoft is steering the franchise in a new direction.

The Real Pirates

The development of Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag began in 2011, with the team capitalizing on the success of ship combat in AC III to create a pirate-themed game. Lead scriptwriter Darby McDevitt explains that they wanted to explore the golden age of piracy, featuring real-life pirates like Blackbeard, Calico Jack, and Anne Bonny.

Multiplayer

Competitive multiplayer is making a return in Black Flag, offering new characters, maps, and game modes. Ship battles, essential to the pirate gameplay, may also be incorporated. Ubisoft is striving to deliver the ultimate pirate fantasy to players.

Naval Warfare

Black Flag boasts the first true naval open-world experience in the series. The game features an expansive ocean that connects 50 unique land locations in the Caribbean. The water is not just a means of transportation; it plays a central role in new gameplay mechanics, setting this installment apart from its predecessors.

The Fate of Edward Kenway

Edward Kenway, the protagonist of Black Flag, has already appeared in the book Assassin’s Creed: Forsaken. The story delves into Edward’s past and explores his connection to Connor. Without revealing too much, fans of the series can check out the book to learn more about Edward’s journey.

Present Day

Black Flag takes a different approach to the present-day storyline. Players assume the role of an Abstergo Entertainment research analyst, diving into the memories of Edward Kenway using the Animus device. While this may seem like a departure, Ubisoft assures fans that the ongoing present-day tale continues, building on the events of previous games.

FAQs

Q: Will there be ship battles in multiplayer?
A: Ubisoft has not confirmed ship battles in multiplayer, but considering their importance in the pirate gameplay, it would be a missed opportunity if they were not included.

Q: How does Black Flag differ from previous Assassin’s Creed games?
A: Black Flag introduces an open-world ocean to explore, expansive cities in the Caribbean, and a pirate-themed storyline. It also features improved naval combat mechanics and a new approach to the present-day storyline.

Q: Can players explore islands and underwater areas without loading breaks?
A: Yes, players can sail to any island, explore it without loading breaks, and even dive underwater using a diving bell to search for treasure and secrets.

Conclusion

Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag sets sail on a new course for the franchise, offering a refreshing take on the series with its pirate-themed storyline, open-world ocean, and improved naval combat mechanics. Fans can expect a rich and immersive experience as they explore the Caribbean and unravel the secrets of Edward Kenway. Get ready to embark on a thrilling adventure in the golden age of piracy.