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
Buy Now
Buy on

Review this game

  1. Your Score
    0 out of 10
    Rate this:
    • 10
    • 9
    • 8
    • 7
    • 6
    • 5
    • 4
    • 3
    • 2
    • 1
    • 0
    • 0
  1. Submit
  2. Check Spelling
view
per page
  1. seantimothy
    Nov 5, 2013
    10
    The game is blowing my mind. They've combined all the best elements of all the games before, including Brotherhood, and packed it into what is undeniably the best action adventure game out on the PS3 right now. But don't take my word for it, at least rent it. But I'm thinking the replay value is worth the buy.
  2. Madmaz
    Nov 23, 2013
    10
    Fun, fun fun, thats what you get wen you play this game. Ive only had one other AC game and that was revelations so I was a bit reluctant to get this, but having read a few user reviews Im glad I did. I dont get where the negative reviews are coming from as there is nothing to warrant that in this game,

    Sailing the seas looking to pirate is just awesome, I love the open world aspect    Fun, fun fun, thats what you get wen you play this game. Ive only had one other AC game and that was revelations so I was a bit reluctant to get this, but having read a few user reviews Im glad I did. I dont get where the negative reviews are coming from as there is nothing to warrant that in this game,

    Sailing the seas looking to pirate is just awesome, I love the open world aspect there is so much to do, yes you could mention it might feel a little repetitive but never enough to stop you coming back for more and thats a sign of a good game, and theres still the single player story to keep you going.

    This is a great game to play just go buy it,    … Expand
  3. ThomJ
    Nov 4, 2013
    10
    I am absolutely stunned by the sheer joy I get out of this Assassin's Creed. The world and possibilities are so vast this time. It just all fits very well. After hours of plundering, I can say I am positively surprised about the fact that this Assassin's Creed has "it" for me. For the first time since AC2, I feel they've put an element of perfection in the game. It was totally worth theI am absolutely stunned by the sheer joy I get out of this Assassin's Creed. The world and possibilities are so vast this time. It just all fits very well. After hours of plundering, I can say I am positively surprised about the fact that this Assassin's Creed has "it" for me. For the first time since AC2, I feel they've put an element of perfection in the game. It was totally worth the money and time!… Expand
  4. Gamer44
    Nov 4, 2013
    10
    Assassins Creed IV is a phenomenal gaming experience this is truly the best assassins creed to date. The graphics is gorgeous the controls are smooth and the game is extremely fun and quickly becomes addictive. Ubisoft once again delivered a phenomenal game.

    Being a true die hard fan of the assassins creed games I was not let down one bit by this game it is a flawless gaming experience    Assassins Creed IV is a phenomenal gaming experience this is truly the best assassins creed to date. The graphics is gorgeous the controls are smooth and the game is extremely fun and quickly becomes addictive. Ubisoft once again delivered a phenomenal game.

    Being a true die hard fan of the assassins creed games I was not let down one bit by this game it is a flawless gaming experience and one I will enjoy for many more hours and years to come.

    If you played all the assassins creed games then I highly recommend this for you because simply you won't be disappointed a bit. Each assassins creed game was phenomenal but the fourth installment is by far the most superior one of them all.

    Thank you Ubisoft for delivering and making such an amazing game and I look forward to the future ahead wit Ubisoft    … Expand
  5. Apollus
    Dec 20, 2013
    10
    I really wanted to give this game a 9.5, but I rounded to 10.

    Let me start off by saying that this is my first Assassin's Creed game. I have been reluctant to start one for a while since I figured I didn't know the story or game-play. I easily jumped right into the game. The controls are pretty basic and the gameplay is fairly easy to grasp. I would suggest looking up some major    I really wanted to give this game a 9.5, but I rounded to 10.

    Let me start off by saying that this is my first Assassin's Creed game. I have been reluctant to start one for a while since I figured I didn't know the story or game-play.

    I easily jumped right into the game. The controls are pretty basic and the gameplay is fairly easy to grasp. I would suggest looking up some major plot points before starting, though not really necessary. I do not love this game because of the story, but rather the open world pirate setting. It baffles me that it took this long for a pirate game of this quality to be made.

    I am still curious as to whether I would like another Assassin's Creed game due to somewhat repetitive trailing missions, but this was the perfect dose for me.    … Expand
  6. XxBlackpoisonxX
    Dec 26, 2013
    10
    I thought no AC game could top AC2, but then this game came out, and it was by far the best assassin's creed game I have ever played, and easily the best game I have ever played, after playing the last of us this year, I said it was my favorite game ever, but this game topped it, you should really buy it
  7. RobyMarian2800
    Nov 3, 2013
    10
    Guys, the AC series is one of the best video games ever made. Yeah AC4 brings some things from AC2 like exploration but the are a lot of things that are better in AC4: 1.the Jackdaw is like the AC3 manor. In AC3 you needed to upgrade it in order to unlock some upgrades to the weapons. The Jackdaw is more resistent if you upgrade it.
    2. There are new weapons in the game like the dual    Guys, the AC series is one of the best video games ever made. Yeah AC4 brings some things from AC2 like exploration but the are a lot of things that are better in AC4: 1.the Jackdaw is like the AC3 manor. In AC3 you needed to upgrade it in order to unlock some upgrades to the weapons. The Jackdaw is more resistent if you upgrade it.
    2. There are new weapons in the game like the dual swords, the blow pipe, berzerk pipe, and the best of them all the 4 pistols that have free aiming.
    3. the treasures are all over the world
    4.you can hunt sharks.
    So before leaving a negative review to this game, please PLAY IT!    … Expand
  8. X_Matt_X
    Nov 6, 2013
    10
    After seeing the trailer, I will not hide that I was not placing much hope on this game. However, after playing for nearly 10 hours straight, I was pleasantly surprised. In past Assassin's Creed games, being in the city felt natural as you were always in it. In ACIV, I found myself longing for my ship and the vast open world that is the sea/ocean. Additionally, successfully capturing aAfter seeing the trailer, I will not hide that I was not placing much hope on this game. However, after playing for nearly 10 hours straight, I was pleasantly surprised. In past Assassin's Creed games, being in the city felt natural as you were always in it. In ACIV, I found myself longing for my ship and the vast open world that is the sea/ocean. Additionally, successfully capturing a high-level man o' war, or any ship for that matter, is incredibly satisfying. You would think that such an act would get repetitive and boring, but it does not. I predict that the opinions will be split on this game, as you either hate it or love it, but I personally think that it is a huge step-up from the odd ACIII.… Expand
  9. moviefan2
    Nov 6, 2013
    10
    i was not in the mood to write a review, but i thought this one deserves some props. when i first started playing, i was thinking brotherhood, which i did like. as i continued to play it just kept getting better. there is so much to do. the side missions and challenges were rewarding and challenging. the choice to do inland or sea missions was great because sometimes your mood wantsi was not in the mood to write a review, but i thought this one deserves some props. when i first started playing, i was thinking brotherhood, which i did like. as i continued to play it just kept getting better. there is so much to do. the side missions and challenges were rewarding and challenging. the choice to do inland or sea missions was great because sometimes your mood wants something different. the ship action was fun. i can't imagine why some didn't like this unless they don't like ac games. this is probably my favorite ac game so far. thank you ubi for a awesome game. the only thing i didn't like about this was that you can't attack the characters that aren't part of the mission. i like being able to interact with the innocent like in brotherhood. you can run into them or not them off of the docks, but that's pretty much it. great game still, just bring back the cheap attacks on the innocent...sounds bad, but it added a little mischievousness to the game.… Expand
  10. Shahid646
    Nov 5, 2013
    10
    It took me a while to make an honest opinion. Those who wrote their comments on the 1st, 2nd or 3rd day, didn't wrote a review after understanding the game.

    In start you just feel that graphics has been improved in much much much better way. Then as the story passes you feel newness and new strategies. I bet you cant explore the whole world in 2 or 3 days. There is lot lot lot to    It took me a while to make an honest opinion. Those who wrote their comments on the 1st, 2nd or 3rd day, didn't wrote a review after understanding the game.

    In start you just feel that graphics has been improved in much much much better way. Then as the story passes you feel newness and new strategies. I bet you cant explore the whole world in 2 or 3 days. There is lot lot lot to explore and lotto do. Pirates part is beautiful. Castle are superb. Graphics are of high class. Missions has new tactics. I can write a lot on it.

    It is the best game.     … Expand
  11. 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.
  12. manofawker
    Nov 27, 2013
    10
    There's no way I could give it a lower score. AC IV is what AC III should have been and it's even more. It takes everything its predecessor has done right like the smooth movements, fluid, brutal fights and naval combats and improves to make them even better. It brings back the "Assassin's Creed" feeling that had been lost in AC III, because they also took references from past games, likeThere's no way I could give it a lower score. AC IV is what AC III should have been and it's even more. It takes everything its predecessor has done right like the smooth movements, fluid, brutal fights and naval combats and improves to make them even better. It brings back the "Assassin's Creed" feeling that had been lost in AC III, because they also took references from past games, like the insuperable AC II. Nothing feels repetitive and boring; and talking about "boring", Edward is a WAY more interesting character than Connor was, I don't even know why he is Connor's grandfather, because his personality remembers me more of Ezio's than Connor's. He's womanizer, funny, smart, and very serious about his business. The game visuals are outstanding, the environments are rich, even the AI is improved. Missions are more diversified and Ubisoft has even implemented a mission review system. After completing a mission, you simply fill up to 5 stars and send them as a notice of how much you enjoyed that mission, it's very cool.… Expand
  13. 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.
  14. 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
  15. 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
  16. 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
  17. artemartem
    Nov 2, 2013
    10
    The game features original stealth system and a beautiful open world!A great story,good graphic.The game is enclosed in one original ecosystem!The game has something Activities
  18. hooper-316
    Dec 30, 2013
    10
    Top game absolutely great fun and I wish I had picked it sooner rather than later.
    I love nearly all aspects of this game from free running to taking control of a full sized galleon but if there is any criticism I would say the online modes are most definitely the worst I've played in recent years which is a crying shame as the rest of the game is a joy to play.
  19. 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!!
  20. Munich
    Nov 6, 2013
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Since the release of GTA V, this is the highest score I am giving to a game. I played almost all of the AC games. Not particularly a fan of them ,but I enjoyed most of them a lot. The only games I haven't played are Assassin's Creed III and Liberation. I didn't expect anything major when I first inserted the disc in my console, but just when you don't expect it, miracles happen. I found myself playing for 5 straight hours with a bunch of soda cans to my left, and some sandwich left overs to my right. The game just dragged me in, in some sort.

    Apparently, you play as Edward Kenway, a privateer who takes down a rogue member of the Assassins and assumes his identity in order to make some profit about himself. Kenway is a really good character, perhaps my favorite videogame character of all times. He is charismatic, mature and yet pretty naive in a few occasions. Very relatable, to say the least. There are also some very interesting historical figures that make an appearance in this game, like Stede Bonnet, the failed pirate, Edward Thatch also known as the devilish Blackbeard, Bartholomew Roberts, Benjamin Hornigold and more. The voicework is also perfect, and the dialogue makes the characters feel very lively.

    What makes Assassin's Creed IV so addicting is the world that surrounds it and the number of activities you can do. You have your own ship, with your own crew, with which you can attack other ships and steal their cargo. You can go hunting, or diving around shipwrecks in an attempt to find lost treasures. It's all up to you, really. After I was done with the campaign, I spent most of my time shooting berserker darts at a bunch of guards in Kingston and then had fun watching them brawl with each other. It's all up to you on how you wanna spend your free time, really. The main campaign is not something to be noted, though. With a handful of missions being quite repetitive, but all of the sandbox games suffer from that, even GTA V.

    Overall, I think the game totally deserves it's score. It's the best games in the franchise, and probably one of the best games released in PS3 this year. It's totally worth your cash.    … Expand
  21. 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
  22. fanboykiller
    Nov 10, 2013
    10
    best assassins creed easily... I thought nothing could top assassins creed 2 but this game... what a suprise, I honestly didn't expect a game this good. Congratz to ubisoft, since the addition of the multiplayer and the yearly releases I saw this franchise going downhill and turning into another disgrace like call of duty but AC4 has totally changed my mind. So much stuff has beenbest assassins creed easily... I thought nothing could top assassins creed 2 but this game... what a suprise, I honestly didn't expect a game this good. Congratz to ubisoft, since the addition of the multiplayer and the yearly releases I saw this franchise going downhill and turning into another disgrace like call of duty but AC4 has totally changed my mind. So much stuff has been changed, the only thing that makes me associate AC4 with AC3 is the "walking on trees" feature. Even the naval aspect (which was pretty good in AC3) is so much better. It brings the best out of all the games and so much more.… Expand
  23. MitchellKiss
    Nov 6, 2013
    10
    Fantastic game! Best in the series since the glorious Assassin's Creed 2 and fixes almost all of the issues of the divisive Assassin's Creed 3. Black Flag delivers a beautiful open world experience which is as good as other open world games we have seen this gen, like Red Dead Redemption and Far Cry 3!
  24. 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
  25. 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.
  26. 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
  27. 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.
  28. 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!
  29. 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
  30. 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:
prev
Page:

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

All reviews »
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
See all critic reviews »