Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag

 Xbox 360
User Score
8.0

Generally favorable reviews- based on 922 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 723 out of 922
  2. Mixed: 96 out of 922
  3. Negative: 103 out of 922
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  1. Brainstorm123
    Jul 20, 2014
    10
    This game blew my mind when I played it. Not only is it the best AC in the series, it's also the best pirate game I've ever played. The naval mechanic shows this brilliantly, with a plentiful world, amazing graphics, great combat and, in my opinion the best part of the game, ship boarding. The rest of the game is no pushover either, with vibrant locations, great hunting mechanics, combatThis game blew my mind when I played it. Not only is it the best AC in the series, it's also the best pirate game I've ever played. The naval mechanic shows this brilliantly, with a plentiful world, amazing graphics, great combat and, in my opinion the best part of the game, ship boarding. The rest of the game is no pushover either, with vibrant locations, great hunting mechanics, combat that's still fantastic, and a great backstory. The parkour is still brilliant too. This game merged two genres, and spectacularly well at that.… Expand
  2. XRaidenX
    May 3, 2015
    10
    This game is cool at the start. Yes, really fun. But, after 4 hours of gameplay, you rather go to sleep them keep sailing to upgrade your ship. The sea battles are fun only at the start, them they get boring, and everything you do in the sea goes the same way, the only really good moments are the ones with the assassin is on the land. It's not a game that is going to entertain you from theThis game is cool at the start. Yes, really fun. But, after 4 hours of gameplay, you rather go to sleep them keep sailing to upgrade your ship. The sea battles are fun only at the start, them they get boring, and everything you do in the sea goes the same way, the only really good moments are the ones with the assassin is on the land. It's not a game that is going to entertain you from the start to the end.… Expand
  3. TheRoyalMelon
    Aug 3, 2014
    8
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I played the whole Assassin's Creed series right from the beginning and sadly i have to say that this one was the weakest (besides AC Revelations). Now, this was not a bad game! You had a lot of things to do, with a open world and graphics which were blowing your mind for the size of the world and amount of animations. I was sailing on the water without thinking about how long I will do that, because it was so much fun. You really had that sailor/pirate feeling!
    Now comes the big...
    BUT, I think that the protagonist (Edward Kenway) is not an Assassin! Until the end he did not enter the Brotherhood of Assassins. Besides that, he did not even have to learn all the stuff like climbing, assassination with the hidden blade or stuff like that. Right from the beginning he was able to do that kind of things!
    The story was, in my opinion, a little bit thin and could not keep up with the other parts of the series. (Except AC Revelations).
    The characters were ok. Not very interesting, not too boring or annoying. Excepting this little guy named Stede Bonnett or whatever his name was. He was just unnecessary...
    But, like I wrote above, this game was not bad! I don't know if I would buy it again for 70€ but Iam ok with the statement that I bought it.    … Expand
  4. CtheKid
    Aug 22, 2014
    9
    This is a great game. It isn't my favorite in the series, but looking passed my bias towards Assassin's Creed 3 and Assassin's Creed Brotherhood, it truly is an interesting and exciting twist on the franchise, where as Edward is more drawn to money and wealth than to finding ancient artifacts. His pirate nature blends nicely with the assassin ways, and wielding dual swords is more thanThis is a great game. It isn't my favorite in the series, but looking passed my bias towards Assassin's Creed 3 and Assassin's Creed Brotherhood, it truly is an interesting and exciting twist on the franchise, where as Edward is more drawn to money and wealth than to finding ancient artifacts. His pirate nature blends nicely with the assassin ways, and wielding dual swords is more than satisfying. This is a great installment in the Assassin's Creed series, and a massive amount of fun overall.… Expand
  5. Unladenswallow0
    Nov 18, 2014
    10
    LEAVE HER JOHNNY LEAVE HER! This game took my conceptions about what an assassin's creed game should be and literally shoved them up my ass. To be honest this is probably one of the best games ive ever played, the visuals are amazing, the open world something to be experienced, the naval combat is vastly improved on ACIII to the extent where they could make an entire game out of it (whichLEAVE HER JOHNNY LEAVE HER! This game took my conceptions about what an assassin's creed game should be and literally shoved them up my ass. To be honest this is probably one of the best games ive ever played, the visuals are amazing, the open world something to be experienced, the naval combat is vastly improved on ACIII to the extent where they could make an entire game out of it (which they have, and assassin's creed Rogue is awesome too).

    The environments were stunning, palm trees waving, crystal blue waters, storms and lightning, rogue waves and pirate hunters. Ive never actually played a game that made me want to quit my job and go off and sail the seas, catch a whale, run through trees after song sheets and jump into floating yellow orbs in the sky.

    If you havent played this game, then you are a sailor and dont need to. If you arent a sailor then play this game you bloody land-shark. Get out there, buy this game, become a god damn sea god and SET SAIL, Y'ALL **** NEED THE SEA!    … Expand
  6. BigTx1
    Nov 12, 2014
    10
    A very good game in all departments. I have got the game to 94% completion, only things outstanding are a few multiplayer bits.

    If you have not tried this franchise before this would make a great entry point as it is slightly disengaged from the previous stories, although there are some flashbacks. If you are reading/making the negative reviews with regards to it being repetitive /    A very good game in all departments. I have got the game to 94% completion, only things outstanding are a few multiplayer bits.

    If you have not tried this franchise before this would make a great entry point as it is slightly disengaged from the previous stories, although there are some flashbacks.

    If you are reading/making the negative reviews with regards to it being repetitive / the same as all the previous games, then don't bother playing Assassin's Creed games! Surely now after 6+ games you get the idea of the basic premise of the game, its controls and general feel.

    IF YOU DIDN'T LIKE THE PREVIOUS ONES DON'T BOTHER BUYING THIS ONE!!! SIMPLE!!!    … Expand
  7. spikeq
    Dec 12, 2014
    9
    After 2 rather disappointing games, Ubisoft finally gets it right. This is a very fun, plenty to do game with a lot of great characters, most of which are based on real people e.g. Blackbeard, Black Bart, Mary and Anne. Most of your time is spent on the sea as a pirate but NOT an assassin. The outside world story is not very interesting and the game can become repetitive, but the game moreAfter 2 rather disappointing games, Ubisoft finally gets it right. This is a very fun, plenty to do game with a lot of great characters, most of which are based on real people e.g. Blackbeard, Black Bart, Mary and Anne. Most of your time is spent on the sea as a pirate but NOT an assassin. The outside world story is not very interesting and the game can become repetitive, but the game more than makes up for it.… Expand
  8. GuywiththeGames
    Apr 5, 2015
    8
    YEAH! Pirates! Treasure! Adventure! Assassins! Everything is fun in this game. I love it. Its one of my favorite games. But, it cant get a higher score because of some boring stealth sections and glitches.
  9. Termin8ter
    Jun 14, 2015
    9
    Assassin's creed IV: Black Flag is a joy to play from start to finish. Being a pirate in the Caribbean has never been so much fun. The gameplay is very smooth and easy to learn just like the previous Assassin's creed games. Combat is way improved over the previous Assassin's creed games too. The graphics are also amazing to look at and full of detail. There are also some fun puzzles youAssassin's creed IV: Black Flag is a joy to play from start to finish. Being a pirate in the Caribbean has never been so much fun. The gameplay is very smooth and easy to learn just like the previous Assassin's creed games. Combat is way improved over the previous Assassin's creed games too. The graphics are also amazing to look at and full of detail. There are also some fun puzzles you can do to earn a ton of cash to buy more weapons and upgrade your ship. The soundtrack is simply amazing and very cleverly done. This is a must-buy.… Expand
  10. Watty9923
    Apr 19, 2015
    10
    Absolutely loved this game. This is truly an Open World and there is plenty to do. The seafaring steals the show from the main story. The atmosphere when sailing is truly amazing. This is a Must buy
  11. thelion71
    Aug 28, 2015
    8
    Scores first:
    Graphics 8.5/10
    Sound 9.5/10
    Story 10/10
    Game play 9/10

    A worthy addition to the series though lacking in the depth that AC2 set. Totally saves itself with PIRATES and fun ship combat.
  12. Jenkmeister
    Mar 4, 2016
    9
    I occasionally dip my toe in and out of the Assassins Creed franchise, a casual fan of the series at most. I was pleasantly surprised by this addition to the series, one of my least favourite parts of my previous endeavour into the Creed (Assassins Creed III), was the sea segments, I always felt the sea combat was lacking something, However Black Flag grabs this aspect by the horns,I occasionally dip my toe in and out of the Assassins Creed franchise, a casual fan of the series at most. I was pleasantly surprised by this addition to the series, one of my least favourite parts of my previous endeavour into the Creed (Assassins Creed III), was the sea segments, I always felt the sea combat was lacking something, However Black Flag grabs this aspect by the horns, updates and seamlessly combines it with the hand to hand combat element of the series, which is the main staple of previous games.

    You will become truly immersed in the golden age of piracy, with a vast open world, populated with genuinely interesting characters coupled stellar voice acting (Ralph Ineson "Finchy" of "The Office" fame, being one of the most notable).

    My only major gripe, would be of the modern day "missions", in which you play the role of a silent, manipulated Abstergo Entertainment employee. These segments are certainly lacking and don't really have much weight, just serve as an inevitable mundane segway between different sequences, This was something that was done somewhat well in previous games, but not here.    … Expand
  13. rsulliva
    Jul 7, 2016
    9
    The best game in the franchise. The game's unique settings of being a pirate and an assassin make it my favorite game for a long time. A player virtually plays two games: the common assassin role, and as a pirate with incredible amounts of incentive to keep playing and upgrading your ship. Their also cool additions such as hunting, harpooning, and underwater diving for treasure chests. OneThe best game in the franchise. The game's unique settings of being a pirate and an assassin make it my favorite game for a long time. A player virtually plays two games: the common assassin role, and as a pirate with incredible amounts of incentive to keep playing and upgrading your ship. Their also cool additions such as hunting, harpooning, and underwater diving for treasure chests. One doesn't necessary love the main character as he is incredibly self-interested, but other than the slight lacking of a true story line, this game is amazing.… Expand
  14. GuilhermeO
    Oct 15, 2016
    9
    O melhor que o jogo tem a história incrível de Edward, um cara que apareceu na frente de templários do nada e chego causando, jogabilidade boa e com missões secundárias que chegam a ser mais complicadas do as da campanha( como derrotar os navios lendários), e claro com o realismo de sempre da saga do jogo com a presença de barba negra e vários outros piratas e corsários que tocaram oO melhor que o jogo tem a história incrível de Edward, um cara que apareceu na frente de templários do nada e chego causando, jogabilidade boa e com missões secundárias que chegam a ser mais complicadas do as da campanha( como derrotar os navios lendários), e claro com o realismo de sempre da saga do jogo com a presença de barba negra e vários outros piratas e corsários que tocaram o terror no Caribe. Só não dou 10 por que tem algumas coisas sem sentido na história como cabeças azuis voadoras.… Expand
  15. ladygaga93
    Aug 17, 2017
    10
    My first game from AC. Black flag is very good game, gold area of piracy, beatiful Carabbean Sea, nice mature story without happy ending. Very good graphic on xbox 360, nice soundtrack and also swimming by boat on the sea, finding treasure, secrets map, side missions. I think it was the best game on xbox 360 since i play on this console.
  16. punkmilitia
    Nov 24, 2020
    8
    TL;DR spoiler-free Review.

    Great story, good gameplay, the AI feels poor, still.

    Overall: 85
  17. Snowertx64
    Jan 7, 2018
    8
    Assassins'Creed IV: It is a game Developed by Ubisoft, Being the sixth installment of the main saga

    History: That tells The story Edward Kenway a pirate of the era of the Reconquest of the Caribbean, although the story is well built and filled many gaps in the vacuum of the saga, I can not stop thinking that It could have been more and during the Most of the game, I did not feel what    Assassins'Creed IV: It is a game Developed by Ubisoft, Being the sixth installment of the main saga

    History: That tells The story Edward Kenway a pirate of the era of the Reconquest of the Caribbean, although the story is well built and filled many gaps in the vacuum of the saga, I can not stop thinking that It could have been more and during the Most of the game, I did not feel what they wanted to tell me But that's why it's much more heartbreaking The end, Edward realized that despite all his effort to return home he just realizes he has a daughter and that his woman died, along with all her companions, if the story conveyed her message as it should give her a 10 but does not pay attention until the last minute

    Gameplay: I'm not going to overreach, The gameplay on land is almost the same as previous deliveries but adds the maritime component that is a good plus since almost all the game happens at sea, but we know that it is ubisoft and there is always some bugs in my case were not very important but they were somewhat annoying

    Music: Even though I do not stay for the memory as a legendary melody, I'm not going to say that they were not interesting, they transmit a story normally about their protagonists and that's appreciated

    Art: The art is beautiful and The truth gives the sensation of being in our own Caribbean game field But it seemed to me that they should vary a little more the landscape between the small islands

    Final Note: History: 8.5

    Gameplay: 7

    Music: 8.5

    Art: 9

    Final Score: 8.25    … Expand
  18. YASIFAIZI
    Jan 19, 2018
    10
    Assassins Creed Black Flag is masterpiece
    its have big open world full of things to do, side activity to complete, animals to hunt and use it for armor or weapons,
    big fishes to kill on water, explore under the water, upgrade your ship, destroy templers outposts and many more things aside of that it have great story, awesome game-play, and beautiful graphics for any platforms. i highly    Assassins Creed Black Flag is masterpiece
    its have big open world full of things to do, side activity to complete, animals to hunt and use it for armor or weapons,
    big fishes to kill on water, explore under the water, upgrade your ship, destroy templers outposts and many more things
    aside of that it have great story, awesome game-play, and beautiful graphics for any platforms.
    i highly recommend this game for every one.    … Expand
  19. brendo214
    May 21, 2019
    8
    Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag is easily my favorite Assassin's Creed game. The combat, which super simple when you break it down, is tons of fun and super satisfying.
  20. Kross466
    Dec 19, 2018
    9
    Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag is one of the best Assassin's Creed games, because of many pros, like the story, the battleship system, the stealth system and the upgrading system.
    The story of the game is my favorite of all Assassin's Creed games, the intersection of the old days with the pirates and "nowadays" with the Abstergo trying to acquire all informations about the assassins    Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag is one of the best Assassin's Creed games, because of many pros, like the story, the battleship system, the stealth system and the upgrading system.
    The story of the game is my favorite of all Assassin's Creed games, the intersection of the old days with the pirates and "nowadays" with the Abstergo trying to acquire all informations about the assassins stories, is just rad!
    The battleship system is exciting, your pirate ship attacking other ships imposing fear and submission to the black flag, it's just amazing!
    The stealth system is one of the best I have ever seen before, not like the stealth of The Elder Scrolls 5.
    The updating system make all sense and is equilibrated among the player and NPC's.    … Expand
  21. Nandokan
    Jan 23, 2019
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Cuando lo anunciaron ya lo esperaba con ganas,una temática que me encanta y las batallas navales,parece que aprendieron del 3 y lo mejoraron todo, sin duda uno de mis favoritos,además Edward Kenway me parece sublime,tiene una evolución a lo largo del juego brutal,como un hombre que lo tenía todo lo abandona por un sueño y lo vuelve a perder todo de manera drástica,se hunde y resurge de sus cenizas mas fuerte que nunca,lo dicho...sublime.… Expand
  22. david01126
    Jul 1, 2020
    9
    One of the greatest Assassin's Creed game. They took out the best feature from AC3, and made it 10 times better. Edward is a brilliant character. The only bad thing I can talk about is the modern story.
  23. Totemic
    May 29, 2020
    10
    Unbelievable how much fun this game can be, the main missions are some of the best I've ever played with lots of variety, with a great story of course, and then all the side content gives you plenty more to see. Stunning graphics that pull you into the world and leave you wanting more (gonna play freedom cry next!)
  24. Arya977
    Jan 10, 2021
    9
    Gameplay..............Great
    Graphics................Amazing
    Story.......................Good
    Score.....................Amazing
  25. SupahGualtah
    Jun 4, 2020
    10
    i love this series and loved this game gotta be honest havent played them in a while in fact this was the last one i played through but when people were sayin this was boring and all that to me this one was the best of the bunch gameplay wise okay. they were actually getting better with each one. gotta get me the pc vers of this too and play on ultra
  26. LukasBoii
    Dec 18, 2020
    10
    Best Assassins Creed imo. Loved it when I played it on my XBOX 360 some time ago.
  27. Nart566
    Apr 13, 2021
    8
    I feel like I am pirate. Open world is very big and amazing. Graphics are good for 2013. But Edward's combat mechanics aren't enjoyable It is simple and it looks weird. Story is so so but characters are very bad especially our enemies
  28. CloudStrife05
    Aug 17, 2021
    10
    A drunken Pirate turned Assassin who is the grandfather of the protagonist and father to the antagonist in the previous game with being able to command a ship and have side missions with the ships based in the Caribbean? Bet your bottom dollar this is my fav. AC game there was, especially when it came out.
  29. JJ2FAS4U
    Dec 28, 2021
    9
    Atmosphere: 9
    Enjoyment: 10
    Gameplay: 9
    Graphics: 8
    Music: 10
    Story: 8
    Total: 9.00
  30. TheGuzart604
    Feb 13, 2022
    10
    A MASTERPIECE S2, extremely amazing game, little cloying, addictive gameplay, memorable fights and improvement system, the best game I've ever played without a doubt.
  31. Lucaschavesz
    Jul 16, 2022
    10
    Jogo que mais me marcou. A imersão e o protagonista são simplesmente incríveis.
  32. farrrullll
    Jan 27, 2023
    8
    Assassins Creed Assassins Creed Assassins Creed Assassins Creed Assassins Creed
  33. Jebuss
    Feb 1, 2023
    10
    Incredible game. Just don't go in wanting difficult combat mechanics. For those who complain about all the side things just don't do them.
  34. Jerg4n
    Apr 7, 2023
    8
    One of the best pirate games ever made but not that great of an assassin game. The story is really good though, and the pirate aspects alone make this one of the best games in the series, for all the wrong reasons. They should've called it Pirate's Creed.
  35. FrankCreeper
    Jul 28, 2023
    8
    A beatiful sequel of Assassin's Creed 3 with a fantastic free roaming style....and a great setting of atmosphere and a beatiful story.Still worth it to play after a decade only one thing is bad the repetitive of combat system style P.S. (I Played both version of the game PS3/PS4 and XBOX360)
  36. M1sfiT
    Sep 3, 2023
    8
    Gaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaameeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeees!acbf
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Awards & Rankings

15
#15 Best Xbox 360 Game of 2013
9
#9 Most Discussed Xbox 360 Game of 2013
12
#12 Most Shared Xbox 360 Game of 2013

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
86

Generally favorable reviews - based on 35 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 33 out of 35
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 35
  3. Negative: 0 out of 35
  1. Pelit (Finland)
    Mar 11, 2014
    92
    The sun, the waves, the smell of salt in the air. Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag offers an amazing pirate adventure experience. [Nov 2013]
  2. Level7.nu
    Jan 3, 2014
    80
    Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag is a game that feels locked between two worlds. Not only between to generations of consoles but between a run of the mill AC-game and an astonishing pirate game. It’s not only a well needed spark to the series as much it’s a redefining of it. Everything that is use is great and everything old feels like it should be thrown overboard. Try it regardless of your thoughts about earlier Assassin’s Creed games.
    Read full review
  3. X-ONE Magazine UK
    Dec 7, 2013
    80
    Black Flag tightens enough screws and adds enough cool new stuff to make it the best in ages. [Issue#105, p.79]
See all critic reviews »