Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag

 PlayStation 3
User Score
8.2

Generally favorable reviews- based on 1141 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 894 out of 1141
  2. Mixed: 145 out of 1141
  3. Negative: 102 out of 1141
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  1. TheBeardBro
    Nov 1, 2013
    10
    Playing through AC3 last had me sorely disappointed. I was expecting a lot, but it just never came. With this AC, I was expecting it to do worse. I am happy to say that I am very happy with how it turned. It has a fresh new to the series that's seemingly going stale. Putting more emphasis on exploration also really shows as well as a deathly similarity to Far Cry 3 (especially gameplay,Playing through AC3 last had me sorely disappointed. I was expecting a lot, but it just never came. With this AC, I was expecting it to do worse. I am happy to say that I am very happy with how it turned. It has a fresh new to the series that's seemingly going stale. Putting more emphasis on exploration also really shows as well as a deathly similarity to Far Cry 3 (especially gameplay, hunting, etc). Story might not be great, but it's a nice fun type of story that will most leky keep you guessing. Graphics were a marvel on current (which leaves me wandering what will be of the next gen!). It feels surprisingly smooth. Not interested in the multi, but I can tell you that this game is just as great without it. This can be on level of GTA5 (which I thought was somewhat disappointing though still amazing).… Expand
  2. dj51234
    Nov 1, 2013
    3
    I feel like this is a DLC extension of Assassin's Creed 3. And like the other user said, it is the same missions from past games. Follow a guy, trail some guy, kill another guy. SAME missions, different setting. The ship stuff was a good idea but it is boring to me.
  3. sandlefoxiv
    Nov 1, 2013
    9
    My favorite parts of AC3 involved the naval combat and sailing. It was so well done that I wished Ubisoft would just make a game revolving around this fantastically developed sailing mechanic. Well look what showed up, and dang is this a wonderful game. My only issue are occasionally missteps in traveling--the main character leaping from ledges to ledges while I just want to be on theMy favorite parts of AC3 involved the naval combat and sailing. It was so well done that I wished Ubisoft would just make a game revolving around this fantastically developed sailing mechanic. Well look what showed up, and dang is this a wonderful game. My only issue are occasionally missteps in traveling--the main character leaping from ledges to ledges while I just want to be on the ground, but that's been in the games since the beginning. The naval combat is excellent, boarding other ships is a fluid and fun process. There's so much to buy and unlock. I've played for 20 hours and I've not progressed through the story much, I've simply been sailing around plundering Spanish and British treasure ships alike. Fantastic game, thanks for making it.… Expand
  4. erichurt12
    Nov 1, 2013
    10
    This game takes the series in an amazing new direction. Beautiful graphics, diverse open world like no other, crazy awesome action, and a badass protagonist. Assassin's Creed IV is a must have for any Assassin's Creed fan. BUT BEWARE: YOU MAY NOT BE ABLE TO PUT THE CONTRTOLLER DOWN.... Most people love criticizing the yearly releases of the series but who wants to wait that long to seeThis game takes the series in an amazing new direction. Beautiful graphics, diverse open world like no other, crazy awesome action, and a badass protagonist. Assassin's Creed IV is a must have for any Assassin's Creed fan. BUT BEWARE: YOU MAY NOT BE ABLE TO PUT THE CONTRTOLLER DOWN.... Most people love criticizing the yearly releases of the series but who wants to wait that long to see what happens next?… Expand
  5. sirstevey
    Nov 1, 2013
    10
    Honestly you just cannot give this game a 0 if you have actually played it. The game is not fully broken and is playable so I don't understand where it's coming from. This is actually the first Assassins Creed game I have actually purchased and played the story. Previous games I had played at a friends house walking around killing people. With that being said the customization in AC:BF isHonestly you just cannot give this game a 0 if you have actually played it. The game is not fully broken and is playable so I don't understand where it's coming from. This is actually the first Assassins Creed game I have actually purchased and played the story. Previous games I had played at a friends house walking around killing people. With that being said the customization in AC:BF is amazing and has made it a very difficult game to put down each time I play it. If you're on the edge about this game I honestly don't see where you could go wrong. The naval combat is amazing also.… Expand
  6. Moazzan646
    Oct 31, 2013
    10
    Oye Oye Oye... Worth to buy. I can guaranttee you it is the best release of AC series. From the begining it is superb. The special effects and the SEA is awesome. Memories and sequesce reload option is great. And feedback option is good as well you can rate the memory after completing it. World is huge. and many more.
  7. Sillver
    Oct 31, 2013
    10
    A good game,the new naval warfare is great and a lot of fun.I also liked the new crafting system,and assassination contracts are back.This is the game to put the series back on track.
  8. BelloBaksteen
    Oct 31, 2013
    10
    It's such an Incredible fun game! Just got my crew and I really like the character! perfect! It's fun to walk around in the office and check other employee's Perfect D:
  9. DarrMunny
    Oct 31, 2013
    9
    Great game yes of course we know what we are getting Oh pay no attention to the Zeros they are purposely doing this to bring down the overall score so irrelevant really
  10. Elli27
    Oct 30, 2013
    9
    I'd say this is the best AC game in the franchise much better than brotherhood, the pirate theme is awesome and hopefully they expand this one to a trilogy I can relate to Edward since we all want to be well off
  11. gaminggod
    Oct 30, 2013
    9
    Just played 3hours of AC4:BF and it is as good as everyones been saying. the nicest looking graphics on this gen of consoles up there with uncharted, The last of us, GTA V.

    I am A HUGE AC fan and the AC series lost its way after AC2 which was my all time favorite, its safe to say that they are back on track, its alot more action orientated than AC3, from right at the start they put you    Just played 3hours of AC4:BF and it is as good as everyones been saying. the nicest looking graphics on this gen of consoles up there with uncharted, The last of us, GTA V.

    I am A HUGE AC fan and the AC series lost its way after AC2 which was my all time favorite, its safe to say that they are back on track, its alot more action orientated than AC3, from right at the start they put you in the action. Its not your usual AC story as your more of a pirate theme, which i think is cool, its a fresh take on the series. Good story so far, great graphics a must have, i cant wait to play it on the ps4.

    It will be interesting to see what the series does in the future, hopefully Ancient Japan Ninja/Samurai, Or Roman times, theirs endless history periods which id like the series to go to.    … Expand
  12. ARRRDEEE
    Oct 30, 2013
    10
    This game is incredible! Leave it to Ubisoft to re-invent the Brand! I love all aspects of this game as it takes you wherever you want to go! Great Job Ubisoft...Keep it up! I know Watch Dogs will be great as well!
  13. georges344
    Oct 30, 2013
    9
    This Assassin's Creed is one of the best since two came out, the game play is not very different but that's not a bad thing, the naval battles are really fun, the man character is more charismatic like and Ezio and not boring like Conner. If you didn't think this was going to be a good game because it came out a year after the third game think again because there was another team makingThis Assassin's Creed is one of the best since two came out, the game play is not very different but that's not a bad thing, the naval battles are really fun, the man character is more charismatic like and Ezio and not boring like Conner. If you didn't think this was going to be a good game because it came out a year after the third game think again because there was another team making this game. If you played any assassins creed games or if you want to start playing them for the first time this would be a good game to pick up. Almost forgot the multiplayer is a fun getaway from the single player.… Expand
  14. Raayaar
    Oct 30, 2013
    9
    Awesome game, sooo pretty, tons of stuff to do! I tried to finish it quickly, but it still took me 30 hours to finish the story. Mainly because of so many interesting distractions behind every corner. Really really cool game, AC is back on track!

    The only thing that bothered me a little is somehow unpredictable AI (that's why I gave it 9 instead of 10). But even that seems to bee much    Awesome game, sooo pretty, tons of stuff to do! I tried to finish it quickly, but it still took me 30 hours to finish the story. Mainly because of so many interesting distractions behind every corner. Really really cool game, AC is back on track!

    The only thing that bothered me a little is somehow unpredictable AI (that's why I gave it 9 instead of 10). But even that seems to bee much better than in AC 3 or even Brotherhood.    … Expand
  15. GarryRyder
    Oct 29, 2013
    10
    I've enjoyed this game real good This game has better graphics gameplay, game mechanics, the storyline was awesome They've added extra new features Its better than AC 2, AC 3 for sure I bought a game worth all my penny The world in this game is typically large U can search for treasures and many more things The Visuals was f*****g great
  16. msg91
    Oct 29, 2013
    10
    this a dlc? this guys are crazy...great game, its a mix of assassin creed 2 with brotherhood...so is good game!! This game, is the one and only true assassins creed game since ac 2 Buy it!!
  17. knox140
    Oct 29, 2013
    10
    *Looks at user reviews*

    "its nothing but a glorified dlc pack"

    *spits out drink*

    Fun so far, haven't finished it but I'm having a great time. In depth world, loads to, great game.
  18. DownHere
    Oct 29, 2013
    10
    This game for me, is the definitivt ac experince since ac 2! I am just running around, enjoying the game like i did with ac 2. This game, is the one and only true ac game since ac 2 Buy it
  19. AuroMarin93
    Oct 29, 2013
    7
    First off, if we were to review the game as a separate title from the series ACIV is amazing.If we are going to review the game based on the previous games then it's far away from what Assassin's Creed 2 offered us. Edward is clearly a PIRATE not an assassin. The real world missions are not so good. The yearly releases are ''killing'' this game.Even though Ubisoft said that each game hasFirst off, if we were to review the game as a separate title from the series ACIV is amazing.If we are going to review the game based on the previous games then it's far away from what Assassin's Creed 2 offered us. Edward is clearly a PIRATE not an assassin. The real world missions are not so good. The yearly releases are ''killing'' this game.Even though Ubisoft said that each game has been developed by a separate team, the game lacks quality.Look at GTA V,they spend 5 years developing the game and the game is SUPERB in every aspect.5 years is too much, but a new game should be released every two years and it must be done by a full team.Nevertheless the game is way better than AC3 but apparently the experience of AC2 won't be repeated again :(.....Also the game misses a main plot. The main plot ended in AC3. Ubi released AC:Revelations and especially AC4 just for profit ,'cause their initial ideas for the game, when they didn't know it would have become so successful ,ended a year ago with the release of AC3. AC4 is a new game and part of a new series and that ''IV'' after Assassin's Creed is ''useless'' and inappropriate, it can be a spiritual successor but not a real sequel.I'd give it a 9/10 ,if not related to the other games and 5/10 as part of the series, 'cause the game focuses on pirates and hackers and not assassins,characters are weak and the main character,Edward doesn't establish that connection between players and him.As I previously said,the game hasn't a ''Real'' Main plot.....… Expand
  20. sanpilou
    Oct 29, 2013
    10
    This is, by far, one of the best entries in the series. It feels fresh and different. And you know that feeling? Yeah, the one you have when playing AC2 and that was missing from AC3? It's back.
  21. DevilHound
    Oct 29, 2013
    10
    I honestly thought they killed Assassins Creed with the infamous AC3 but IV is surprisingly good and sets a high standard for any future games.

    Visuals are beyond what could be expected by 8 year old consoles, and you will notice it. The water effects omfg. Gameplay wise its what we have been waiting for, especially with all the new items (weapons, Outfits, ship upgrades etc.) The    I honestly thought they killed Assassins Creed with the infamous AC3 but IV is surprisingly good and sets a high standard for any future games.

    Visuals are beyond what could be expected by 8 year old consoles, and you will notice it. The water effects omfg.
    Gameplay wise its what we have been waiting for, especially with all the new items (weapons, Outfits, ship upgrades etc.)
    The Jackdaw is the home the "homestead" never was, and you really grow to care for the ships well being which was quite surprising.

    I can't really describe how good i found this game to be.
    It improved on EVERYTHING from AC3 and added a free roam world with astounding visuals and epic naval gameplay.

    **** buy it.    … Expand
  22. 6un5ling3r
    Oct 29, 2013
    10
    Possibly the 2nd best game of this year, first being Grand Theft Auto V. Too bad Watch_Dogs has been delayed. Some say that Black Flag won't have the Assassin element anymore. Truth is, not only did the game stay true to its core theme, but it's mixed the core element with an ecstatic spice of piracy. All in all, the game might have yet another disappointing main storyline like in AC3Possibly the 2nd best game of this year, first being Grand Theft Auto V. Too bad Watch_Dogs has been delayed. Some say that Black Flag won't have the Assassin element anymore. Truth is, not only did the game stay true to its core theme, but it's mixed the core element with an ecstatic spice of piracy. All in all, the game might have yet another disappointing main storyline like in AC3 (again, highly unlikely), but it also promises hardcore open-world gameplay.… Expand
  23. datoriprogram
    Oct 29, 2013
    5
    Very nice new scenery and things to explore, it's starting to feel less and less like an assassination game. This doesn't mean that it's bad, but just it might not be what you expect from the AC franchise. I enjoyed most of the story, while sometimes it felt forced and dull. The pirate aspect can get repetitive more than previous installations. All in all, a quite good game, butVery nice new scenery and things to explore, it's starting to feel less and less like an assassination game. This doesn't mean that it's bad, but just it might not be what you expect from the AC franchise. I enjoyed most of the story, while sometimes it felt forced and dull. The pirate aspect can get repetitive more than previous installations. All in all, a quite good game, but personally I didn't enjoy the pirate aspect as much as you probably might. Try it for yourself and see how it goes!… Expand
  24. ikjot10001
    Oct 29, 2013
    10
    Best addition to ac series after ac 2 it is a landmark game and keeps you busy with it's thrills and rich environment. It is a game which define both ac and the pirates.
  25. Big_Boss_Snake_
    Oct 29, 2013
    10
    playng it since thursday awesome game its a mix of assassin creed 2 with brotherhood with pirates and assassin themes wich is awesome edward is a badass
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Awards & Rankings

5
#5 Best PS3 Game of 2013
11
#11 Most Discussed PS3 Game of 2013
15
#15 Most Shared PS3 Game of 2013

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
88

Generally favorable reviews - based on 36 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 35 out of 36
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 36
  3. Negative: 0 out of 36
  1. CD-Action
    Dec 13, 2013
    90
    All the distinguishing features of the series – the Templars, parkour and brutal assassinations – are here, but now they are not the core, they are just elements of the best pirate game ever, of a Red Dead Redemption at sea. [13/2013, p.52]
  2. Impulsegamer
    Nov 16, 2013
    90
    Black Flag is a remarkably new take on the series, and I would go as far to say it’s the finest entry we’ve seen to date.
    Read full review
  3. XGN
    Nov 15, 2013
    85
    With the new Assassin’s Creed we find ourselves in the Caribbean with a new main character called Edward Kenway. Black Flag focuses on the sea battles we saw in the third game and continues with this, with some new additions. Overall, you’ll be busy for a while – 40 hours, give or take – but the story isn’t that compelling.
    Read full review
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