Assassin's Creed IV Black Flag

Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag is the best game in the series, and one of the finest accomplishments of the generation

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Assassin's Creed IV Black Flag is a historical open-world game set in the Golden Age of Piracy, where players can experience the life of ruthless pirates through single-player, co-op, and multi-player modes. The game boasts a fabulous story, spectacular game mechanics, outstanding visuals, and a fantastic soundtrack, but it can be very grinding, missing optimization, and full of bugs. The Jackdaw Edition offers additional items to customize your ship and stand out in the Caribbean seas.

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Play Modes

Reviews

88%

Audience ScoreBased on 22,468 reviews

story2,738 positive mentions

stability469 negative mentions

story
7,809 mentions
35 % positive mentions
57 % neutral mentions
8 % negative mentions
The story of "Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag" is generally praised for its engaging narrative centered around Edward Kenway, a pirate turned assassin, and his interactions with historical figures like Blackbeard. While many players appreciate the character development and emotional depth, particularly in the latter parts of the game, the frequent tailing and eavesdropping missions are often criticized for being tedious and repetitive, detracting from the overall experience. The modern-day segments involving Abstergo are seen as unnecessary distractions that disrupt the flow of the pirate adventure, leading to mixed feelings about the game's storytelling. Overall, the game is recognized for its rich pirate theme and immersive world, making it a standout entry in the franchise despite its flaws.
- “The supporting cast of characters, including the enigmatic Aveline and the infamous Blackbeard, adds depth and authenticity to the story.”
- “The richly woven plot keeps players engaged from start to finish.”
- “The story is enticing, exploring the philosophy of good and bad in a deeper sense.”
- “The story is awful; if this game was made outside of the Assassin's Creed universe, it would have been so much better. The whole animus and the crap about some mysterious library is just holding it back - I don't care for how it all works.”
- “The story is a bit weak as it doesn't strengthen or really change the outlook that we have on the main character. The pirate story is believable, the setting and maps are absolutely breathtaking, but the story is easily the worst in the series.”
- “The story is mediocre; it starts out strong but gets progressively worse. The modern-day segments are boring and completely unnecessary, and they could have just told Edward's story from start to finish without interruptions.”
gameplay
2,785 mentions
41 % positive mentions
53 % neutral mentions
6 % negative mentions
The gameplay of "Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag" is widely praised for its engaging naval mechanics, which allow players to command their own pirate ship and engage in thrilling sea battles, making it a standout feature of the game. While the traditional assassin gameplay remains intact, it often feels secondary to the pirate experience, leading to a mix of opinions on the overall balance between the two styles. Despite some repetitive mission structures and minor control issues, many players find the gameplay enjoyable and immersive, with a vast open world filled with activities that enhance the overall experience.
- “The gameplay was varied and very fun with different activities (ship combat, assassinations, stealth, hunting, parkour, and fishing).”
- “The naval gameplay is a standout feature of Black Flag, offering exhilarating and visually stunning ship battles.”
- “The gameplay seamlessly blends land-based exploration, ship combat, and stealthy assassinations, providing a diverse and engaging experience.”
- “The gameplay also falls short, particularly in combat, which feels repetitive and lacks depth.”
- “Gameplay systems are easy to understand & use – but they lack depth & variety and thus get tiresome in the long run.”
- “The gameplay is very repetitive and the difficulty is virtually nonexistent.”
graphics
1,680 mentions
60 % positive mentions
38 % neutral mentions
2 % negative mentions
The graphics of "Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag" receive a mixed but generally positive reception. Many players praise the stunning visuals and vibrant environments, particularly the depiction of the Caribbean, which still impresses even years after its release. However, some users report performance issues, including frame rate drops and graphical glitches, particularly on lower-end systems, indicating that while the graphics are beautiful, they can be demanding and occasionally problematic.
- “The graphics are stunning and the gameplay is smooth and engaging.”
- “The game's portrayal of the Caribbean is breathtaking, with stunning graphics that capture the vibrant colors of the tropical setting.”
- “The graphics are absolutely breathtaking, and you are inside this game on PC better than on any other platform.”
- “Point blank, the graphics completely suck.”
- “The graphics options are abysmal, there is no option to do full screen or play on anything other than 60 Hz.”
- “The graphics are not good quality because of the release date of the game.”
music
604 mentions
51 % positive mentions
48 % neutral mentions
1 % negative mentions
The music in the game has received widespread acclaim, particularly for its engaging sea shanties and atmospheric soundtrack that enhances the immersive pirate experience. Players appreciate the variety of songs that can be collected for the crew to sing while sailing, adding to the overall charm and nostalgia of the game. The orchestral score, composed by Brian Tyler, is noted for its emotional depth and fittingly complements the game's adventurous themes, making it one of the standout features of the title.
- “Additionally, the game boasts an outstanding soundtrack that sets the tone for the adventure, with epic sea shanties and atmospheric music that enhance the immersion and the feeling of being part of a pirate crew.”
- “From rousing sea shanties to haunting melodies, the music adds depth and emotion to every moment, further immersing players in the world of pirates and adventure.”
- “The music was top notch as usual, perfectly reflecting the vibe of the pirate's life, and the sea shanties are the best part about this all that I absolutely adore.”
- “The biggest downturn is the music.”
- “The musical score is forgettable.”
- “In story-driven games like these, it helps to have a strong musical background to communicate the journey's emotional highs and lows, but Black Flag doesn't have any of this.”
stability
490 mentions
4 % positive mentions
1 % neutral mentions
96 % negative mentions
The stability of the game has been widely criticized, with numerous players reporting frequent crashes, freezes, and various glitches that significantly hinder gameplay. Many users have noted that the PC version is particularly problematic, often requiring extensive troubleshooting to achieve a playable state. While some players find the game enjoyable despite these issues, the overall consensus is that the game's stability is a major drawback, making it difficult to recommend without reservations.
- “The game is pretty much bug free.”
- “As of now, I have been able to play the entire game mostly bug free, and it is a fantastic game.”
- “Great graphics, good story, and no glitches or bugs.”
- “The game is more or less completely unplayable, absolutely riddled with bugs and glitches.”
- “I just can't figure out why the game constantly freezes and crashes every 10-15 minutes.”
- “This game is way too buggy for me to even say it's good.”
optimization
434 mentions
16 % positive mentions
44 % neutral mentions
40 % negative mentions
The optimization of Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag has received overwhelmingly negative feedback from users, with many reporting severe performance issues such as constant stuttering, frame rate drops, and crashes, even on high-end hardware. While some players have managed to achieve smoother gameplay through community fixes and tweaks, the general consensus is that the game is poorly optimized for PC, making it difficult to run at stable frame rates. Despite its engaging story and graphics, the optimization problems significantly detract from the overall experience.
- “The game is impeccably optimized, offering a smooth and seamless gameplay experience.”
- “Its engrossing storyline, impeccable optimization, and poignant portrayal of friendships and conflicts make it a must-play for fans and newcomers alike.”
- “Well optimized, stunning graphics that don't cook your rig; if you don't own this game and love RPGs, pirates, open world, and sailing, then you've missed out on an amazing game.”
- “Constant lags, stuttering, screen freezing for like 15 seconds every minute or so if unlucky, every 5 minutes if lucky.”
- “The game is a stuttering mess on a solid rig, and after looking for help it seems that this is a known but not fixed issue.”
- “This game is unoptimized as hell; despite meeting or exceeding the recommended system benchmarks I still get barely 10 fps.”
grinding
281 mentions
1 % positive mentions
13 % neutral mentions
86 % negative mentions
The grinding aspect of the game has received mixed reviews, with many players finding it tedious and repetitive, particularly in relation to collecting resources, completing side missions, and engaging in tailing missions. While some enjoy the naval combat and ship upgrades, they often feel that the grinding required to progress can detract from the overall experience, leading to a sense of monotony. Overall, players suggest that while the game offers enjoyable elements, the grinding can become overwhelming and detracts from the fun.
- “They're simple enough to the point where they're not tedious and frustrating, but they also convey a small story that fits into the rest of the game's lore.”
- “Grind is satisfying, not tedious.”
- “You'll need a second life for grinding.”
- “The mini games are more tedious than anything.”
- “Was hoping for a cool pirate game, but they've 'assassin's creeded' the heck out of this till it's just tedious.”
- “The main quests amount to a completely scripted and linear series of tedious and annoying tutorials primarily designed to partition off the freedom of the world.”
emotional
190 mentions
96 % positive mentions
0 % neutral mentions
4 % negative mentions
The emotional aspect of the game is widely praised, with many players reporting that the story and character arcs deeply resonated with them, often leading to tears during pivotal moments, especially the ending. The narrative effectively captures themes of loss, friendship, and personal growth, making players feel a strong connection to the characters, particularly Edward Kenway. Overall, the game is noted for its ability to evoke a range of emotions, from joy to heartbreak, solidifying its status as a memorable and impactful experience.
- “Even when faced with adversaries, the game delicately portrays the longing for those once considered friends, fostering a profound emotional resonance.”
- “The story of Edward Kenway in this game is really exciting and yet in the finale, it managed to get so emotional.”
- “I spent a whole night finishing the storyline, the ending made me cry; don't know if it was me being tired or it being the greatest ending in the whole world.”
- “Boring story, repetitive combat.”
- “This is an awful Assassin's Creed game, with a boring story and awful cameos from previous games outside of the animus.”
- “Long time AC fans might be disappointed with the story, but all the other stuff will help you forget the boring story and just go out there and board some ships and find some treasure.”
atmosphere
173 mentions
57 % positive mentions
40 % neutral mentions
3 % negative mentions
The atmosphere of the game is widely praised for its immersive and vibrant depiction of the Caribbean pirate experience, enhanced by stunning visuals, a captivating soundtrack featuring sea shanties, and detailed environments. Players feel a strong sense of freedom and adventure while sailing the open seas, with the combination of sound, graphics, and setting creating an unparalleled atmosphere that draws them into the world. Despite some criticisms regarding gameplay repetition and story depth, the overall ambiance and attention to detail make it a standout title in the genre.
- “Sailing on the open sea, with those tunes in the background, creates an atmosphere that's hard to match.”
- “The lush tropical environments, the bustling cities, and the authentic pirate atmosphere make you feel like you've truly stepped into the world of pirates and assassins.”
- “The atmosphere is wonderful, with the sound of the waves and the various sea shanties sung by your crewmates.”
- “The same case when the sensation of the sea, the storm, the elements are transmitted perfectly, millions of man-hours and francs are cracked, but the developers do not understand anything in the atmosphere and immersion.”
- “It sorely lacks atmosphere when compared to games like Dishonored or The Witcher or films like 'Pirates of the Caribbean'.”
- “On the flip side, the story has several ups and downs and the modern day detracts the atmosphere of urgency the other games had.”
humor
161 mentions
98 % positive mentions
1 % neutral mentions
1 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is a standout feature, with players frequently noting its funny dialogue, quirky character interactions, and amusing glitches that enhance the overall experience. Many reviews highlight the lighthearted tone, particularly in contrast to previous entries in the series, and the entertaining antics of the protagonist, Edward Kenway. While some bugs can be frustrating, they often add a layer of humor rather than detracting from gameplay, making for a uniquely enjoyable pirate adventure.
- “The story was great, with fascinating characters and great/funny dialogue, exploring islands was fun, and the boat combat is amazing.”
- “Thanks to the wonky mechanics, there's several glitches and weird things that happen, but I think it adds more entertainment value to the game as a whole; it isn't exactly perfect, but the odd moments add a humor factor in a game that's otherwise pretty serious.”
- “The ship controls are fantastic (though not really realistic), the world looks gorgeous, the soundtrack is really good and the songs your pirates sing are hilarious.”
- “What's not funny is when you get the first tutorial mission to take down military ships, which is the second ship combat mission ever. You not only find out that instead of level 4 ships, you face level 17 ships, but they also ram you.”
replayability
80 mentions
36 % positive mentions
54 % neutral mentions
10 % negative mentions
The game's replayability is a mixed bag, with some players praising its naval combat and overall enjoyment, suggesting it has high replay value, while others criticize its linearity and lack of new game modes, leading to limited replayability. Many agree that while it may not offer endless replay options, the fun mechanics and nostalgic elements keep players engaged for multiple playthroughs. Overall, it seems to have a decent replay value, particularly for fans of the series, but it may not satisfy those seeking extensive replayability.
- “Naval combat is a pure joy with nearly infinite replay value.”
- “The parkour is amazing and the amount of things you could do gives the game so much replay value.”
- “Its just extremely fun, so much story, so much replay value, it's amazing.”
- “Playing it again is fun if it's been a long time, but not that replayable if that's what you are aiming for in this game.”
- “One other problem is replay value; there isn't much once you have beaten the game as the game itself is quite linear.”
- “Lack of choice and options make for 0 replayability, though.”
character development
65 mentions
55 % positive mentions
37 % neutral mentions
8 % negative mentions
Character development in the game is widely praised, particularly for the protagonist Edward Kenway, whose journey from a greedy pirate to a more complex character is seen as a standout feature. Many reviewers highlight the depth and realism of character arcs, noting that both Edward and supporting characters undergo significant growth throughout the story. However, some critiques mention inconsistencies and a lack of development for certain secondary characters, suggesting that while the main narrative is strong, it could benefit from more cohesive character progression overall.
- “Most assassins are driven by revenge or something bland, but Edward's story is unique and is about his character development and changing himself to become a better man.”
- “The character development is beautiful, from the main protagonist Edward Kenway to the supporting characters like Edward Thatch and Mary Read.”
- “I felt very invested in Edward's character, and I felt that he underwent significant and realistic character development.”
- “He's super entitled to everything, so there's zero character development and I have no reason to root for him.”
- “The main character, Edward Kenway, has zero personality and the game makes only the most feeble attempt at character development.”
- “However, character development was terrible.”
monetization
25 mentions
12 % positive mentions
24 % neutral mentions
64 % negative mentions
The monetization strategy in recent Assassin's Creed titles has drawn significant criticism, with players expressing frustration over intrusive advertisements, mandatory DRM systems, and a heavy reliance on microtransactions that detract from the overall experience. Many feel that the games are designed to push players towards in-game purchases, leading to a perception of cash grabs rather than genuine content expansion. Additionally, the introduction of NFTs and the prevalence of ads within the game menus have further alienated fans, who long for a return to more straightforward, less monetized gameplay.
- “No microtransactions in the single player.”
- “No microtransactions, and some very solid naval combat.”
- “The things that remain the same are the audio credits, which use microtransactions to buy play money that is used to buy perks.”
- “Everything I paid for didn’t show up; instead, I just received ads for buying said content, adding insult to injury.”
- “They are trying to bring idiotic NFT systems into the gaming industry on top of all the other monetization crap that they already have.”
- “I didn't play the multiplayer, but I did check out the menus and such, which enable you to buy just about any upgrade, weapon, cosmetic, etc., for real money as well as in-game currency, which can lead to a sort of pay-to-win attitude since you can just buy anything you need with microtransactions.”