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. willhojm
    Nov 20, 2013
    10
    I played the game for only a few hours and I found that it was the most intriguing and appealing game in the franchise to date. The sea combat system is really well made. Can't wait for the Xbox One to come out so I can get the game for that.
  2. NateAvocadoGame
    Oct 31, 2013
    8
    Ubisoft years ago have been at it's peak releasing great...nay, outstanding games such as my favorite Assassin's Creed II. Outside of the walls of the Ubisoft building they praise on how well their game are going to be and how well they are, but I secretly think inside of the walls they are collapsing. I'm not saying Ubisoft is a bad company and that they are going balls-up like companiesUbisoft years ago have been at it's peak releasing great...nay, outstanding games such as my favorite Assassin's Creed II. Outside of the walls of the Ubisoft building they praise on how well their game are going to be and how well they are, but I secretly think inside of the walls they are collapsing. I'm not saying Ubisoft is a bad company and that they are going balls-up like companies such as THQ did in 2011, no I'm saying that recently they have been making some calls. Some examples are the push backs of some anticipated games like watch dogs and (sadly) south park the stick of truth. Plus, there quarterly financial bulls*** they have said is taking a terrible toll. Like I said, their not a bad company just making some bad call on the games that could make them a little dough. I don't want to see them go under I love their games, but the more they turn Assassin's Creed into a yearly release like CoD the more it's the same old and same old. Assassin's Creed IV was the story changer in the series that should be over now, not saying it was the worst (Assassin's Creed 1 in my book in the worst, good but not the best of them all) but still could have been better. The story note a big changer, but not the best in the story-line (the games went historically future, future, future, and then past? Why?). I will admit the huge open world was great, loved the huge naval-pirating features that really added to what the game was to be about. The addition of Blackbeard is also a nice touch, and some twists (while foreseeable) were still nice. The music and shanties were great. The story outside the animus added that Desmond feel but still felt empty without him, but the secrets that the game answers while at the same time asks added that feel that makes it Assassin's Creed. Assassin's Creed IV:Black Flag: +Huge Open World. +Naval and Pirating adds a great feel. +Music fits in with game. +THE SECRETS...WHAT DO THEY MEAN? -No Desmond Miles. -More of the same old, same old with yearly releases. -No end in sight, lets try to put some IPs to rest (at least for a few years).… Expand
  3. BurdIzTheWurd
    Nov 15, 2013
    7
    A great effort by Ubisoft to follow up to AC3, which, in my opinion, paled in comparison to previous entries. However, Black Flag's character models are ugly, to the point where the main character looks inhuman. I feel that AC2 still remains the best entry in the series. However, this game gets a decent score because the all-out ship battles are fun, and the controls are intuitive. WhatA great effort by Ubisoft to follow up to AC3, which, in my opinion, paled in comparison to previous entries. However, Black Flag's character models are ugly, to the point where the main character looks inhuman. I feel that AC2 still remains the best entry in the series. However, this game gets a decent score because the all-out ship battles are fun, and the controls are intuitive. What probably impressed me the most was the broad variety of things to do while playing and the near-complete lack of loading screens. I also felt that the voice actors in this game are more "time appropriate" if that makes sense. Overall, a decent game from beginning to end.… Expand
  4. Mikelkaram
    Dec 22, 2013
    9
    I have played all of the games in the assassin's creed series, and while I can't say its the best, it is certainly not as bad as ac 3. The gameplay and graphics are great on both the latest gens and the story line is twisted and contains a good transition from sequence to the other
  5. BorisZrilic
    Dec 28, 2013
    9
    Assassin's Creed IV Black Flag is a beautiful game with amazing story
    It improves almost every problem of Assassin's Creed III and improves it in AC4. The game just a beautiful game from Cuba,Nassau,Kingston combat has also been improved just by a little having a pirate theme makes the game even better. the pirate theme has Ubisoft putting famous characters in the game like    Assassin's Creed IV Black Flag is a beautiful game with amazing story
    It improves almost every problem of Assassin's Creed III and improves it in AC4. The game just a beautiful game from Cuba,Nassau,Kingston combat has also been improved just by a little having a pirate theme makes the game even better. the pirate theme has Ubisoft putting famous characters in the game like
    BlackBeard,Captain Kidd. the only problem i have with the game is the present day story some parts felt dull and boring but thats only one problem overall this game is amazing and has a strong story i give the game 9/10 i haven't even talked about the pirate ship combat!    … Expand
  6. soulfunk
    Apr 30, 2014
    7
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. My progression so far is around 30% for the campaign, if you loves arts ,graphics are matter to you ,then this game probably suits you as the graphics are pretty stunning and the environments are impressive and remarkable and i'm quite often take screenshots for wallpapers.
    My 1st AC game was AC:Brotherhood,Revelation as the following game, i think the combat is much more satisfying than the AC III and this new AC IV ,i meant the feel is not there ..felt something missing...
    The combat system in AC series are fairly easy, i don't really want to complaint about it, but i hope the following sequels will getting more challenging in combat system.
    The sea hunt side missions are a lot fun & challenging than others hunter missions on land.
    The Assassins contract mission ,its tends to be repetitive and soon you will felt tedious.
    Naval missions are one of the good features,as they are improved on control and fast pace combat.
    AC series has always being my favourite , but i would like developer will make the stealth and combat more challenging, more bad ass feeling, more blood, more realistic martial arts.
    AC series has the charm to keep me playing despite it is not perfect in some aspect ,and i am happy to see more improvement in future sequels.    … Expand
  7. Hugeonpluto
    Feb 8, 2021
    9
    The best Assassin's Creed game out there. It's also one of the best games out there.
  8. Dwalk27
    Jan 11, 2014
    9
    Easily the funnest game in the series. Feels like a fleshed out next gen Sid Meier's Pirate's, which to any right minded soul, would be the greatest game EVER!!!! Of course it suffers from minor bugs and glitches any game, but these do little to distract from the sheer awesome of sailing the HIGH seas.
  9. Magic
    Mar 12, 2014
    9
    The best entry so far in the AC series. A must-buy if you're really into pirates. The mapo is huge, a lot of things to see and do, but the 'tail and eavesdrop' missions kind of bring the game down. It's still a great game though, despite those flaws.
  10. MalFet1999
    Jan 15, 2014
    6
    I'm having some difficulty understanding the 10/10 scores for this game. Don't get me wrong, it's good. But it isn't a 10.

    As you've undoubtedly read the naval combat is addictive and loads of fun, and the characters (especially Edward) are engaging and drive emotional moments. Hunting animals and boarding ships for gear/weapon upgrades is a blast, and will have you using Eagle Vision    I'm having some difficulty understanding the 10/10 scores for this game. Don't get me wrong, it's good. But it isn't a 10.

    As you've undoubtedly read the naval combat is addictive and loads of fun, and the characters (especially Edward) are engaging and drive emotional moments. Hunting animals and boarding ships for gear/weapon upgrades is a blast, and will have you using Eagle Vision to track down monkeys instead of vile Templars, which I found particularly amusing. The element of mystery and tension featured in the portions of the game that take place outside the Animus were a big highlight for me, as are any quest lines involving the First Civ.

    However, the combat and free running elements of this franchise are tired, just like they have been for a couple of years now. If it weren't for a fun, engaging story I would have shelved this one after the first mission. The combat is button-mashingly boring, and the stealth/tailing sequences feel tacked on in order to keep this entry in line with the franchise as a whole.

    I understand rave reviews for a triple-A game with a few flaws, but you won't find that here. This could have been a unique game, about pirates of all things. Instead it's bogged down with franchise history, and chooses to follow meekly behind instead of setting its own course. This series needs a new direction.    … Expand
  11. Spedattack
    Mar 20, 2014
    9
    With the last three Assassin's Creed games disappointing me to no end (especially AC3). I was pleasantly surprised to find this game as good as it was. This is what Assassin's Creed needs to be and what it should of been for the past three games. For the first time since AC2 the story was actually good, and unlike AC3 the voice-acting was great. There is so much to see and do in this gameWith the last three Assassin's Creed games disappointing me to no end (especially AC3). I was pleasantly surprised to find this game as good as it was. This is what Assassin's Creed needs to be and what it should of been for the past three games. For the first time since AC2 the story was actually good, and unlike AC3 the voice-acting was great. There is so much to see and do in this game that you actually feel like a buccaneer during the "Golden Age of Piracy". It was great to see historical figures who were accurately portrayed this time unlike AC3. This game is so much fun that I recommend it to anyone who would enjoy good adventure games.… Expand
  12. TheSquirrel
    Feb 3, 2014
    7
    Assassin's Creed 4 is a thoroughly enjoyable pirate adventure game that has no business being tied to the Assassin's Creed franchise. This is a stand alone game that happens to use the same engines and styles as Assassin's Creed, with a weak story line taking place somewhere you're not interested in.

    The positives: Great sailing and naval combat experience, beautiful sea environment,    Assassin's Creed 4 is a thoroughly enjoyable pirate adventure game that has no business being tied to the Assassin's Creed franchise. This is a stand alone game that happens to use the same engines and styles as Assassin's Creed, with a weak story line taking place somewhere you're not interested in.

    The positives: Great sailing and naval combat experience, beautiful sea environment, excellent soundtrack, great side missions, and an awesome open world experience.

    The negatives: Very poor storyline, more follow a conversation missions, some frustrating environment interaction glitches, resource collecting requires some serious pirating farming.

    A very good game I like to break out when I feel the need to sail, but held back primarily by a lack of unifying story to drive the player.    … Expand
  13. XhAPPYSLApX
    Jan 12, 2014
    9
    Here is my pro/con review of Assassin's Creed IV

    Pros: - Edward is in my opinion, almost better than Ezio as a protagonist - The graphics are really spectacular on any system you choose - This game is filled to the brim with side activities, I spent 15-20 hours in the first set of places to explore. And there are three sets of places to go to. They range in difficulty from Easy, to    Here is my pro/con review of Assassin's Creed IV

    Pros:

    - Edward is in my opinion, almost better than Ezio as a protagonist
    - The graphics are really spectacular on any system you choose
    - This game is filled to the brim with side activities, I spent 15-20 hours in the first set of places to explore. And there are three sets of places to go to. They range in difficulty from Easy, to Medium, and finally to Hard.
    - The ship battles are freaking epic
    - This game really reminds me of Far Cry 3, and that is a really good thing. Everything from the music (which is made by the same composer.) to the side activities are really FC3-esque.
    - The side characters are good
    - The controls, most of the time are excellent
    - The ground combat is REALLY improved over AC3, and is just really fun this time around
    - Finally I can free-aim with my pistol!
    - Going back to the side activities, I almost forgot to mention that almost all are really fun
    - Pirate shanties are fun
    - I did not play the multiplayer yet, but I am pretty sure that it is fun too.

    Cons:

    - You know when I said that the controls are mostly good, when they are not working well you might rip your hair out
    - Even though I REALLY like this game, I fear for the future of this series. Since it is probably going to suffer from Call of Duty syndrome
    - It can get boring sometimes, but only on rare occasions

    After all of that, I actually might think that this should have at least been nominated for Game of The Year
    don't get me wrong, I am really happy that GTA V won, I freaking love that game too, but I just had more fun with this game overall. So if you love pirates, and love Assassin's Creed, then you will absolutely love this game.    … Expand
  14. iKen
    Apr 13, 2020
    9
    Played on XBOX 360.
    Gameplay: GREAT.
    Story: GREAT.
    Graphic: GREAT.
    Music/Sound: GREAT.
    Dialogue/Voice Acting: GREAT.
  15. Matty2012
    Jan 2, 2014
    6
    Very ambitious but not as good as last years AC3. I had a lot of fun with last years AC3, couldn't put it down for days, but ACIV Black Flag has failed to float my boat and keep me entertained. Some of it is pretty cool, the underwater missions for instance and a few cool set pieces that I won't spoil for you. I also like the whales, sharks and dolphins jumping and splashing about, theyVery ambitious but not as good as last years AC3. I had a lot of fun with last years AC3, couldn't put it down for days, but ACIV Black Flag has failed to float my boat and keep me entertained. Some of it is pretty cool, the underwater missions for instance and a few cool set pieces that I won't spoil for you. I also like the whales, sharks and dolphins jumping and splashing about, they add a nice touch. The problem i have with this game is the combat. The combat is so so boring and repetitive this time around and has less moves than AC3, and the combat has been watered/dumbed down so you get annoying pop up messages in the middle of the combat saying "Press A to break defense" or "Press B to counter" to cater for novice gamers. Performing the same sets of moves over and over and the text pop ups soon get boring. Most of the animals are done quite well, really well in fact, the sea life looks amazing. However, the same can't be said for all the land wildlife. I came across a couple of black panthers and they are seriously broken. They run into objects, get stuck, fly around when running about, they really are bad and take away from the experience of the game. You have this cool soundtrack and following the "ok" if slightly boring story, and then come across a flying black panther going bat crazy flying around crashing and getting stuck into things. Another annoyance with ACIV Black Flag is the amount of tailing and eavesdrop missions, there are far too many and have always been tedious. There are also some seriously pathetic stealth missions which are very poorly thought out and constructed. You're sneaking around apparently in stealth mode yet you are 2 feet away from an enemy in the bright scorching sunlight of the Bahamas and they supposedly can't see you! And these enemies are supposed to be other assassins like you! They can't see you because they are all on sequence mode walking from point A to point B while you have to sit and wait for them to move before you can pass by. However if you walk at the wrong moment during their sequence, they will spot you. You can also make a lot of noise rustling around and running around in a bush directly millimeter's behind them and they don't have a clue you are there, yet if you give off a light whistle it will distract and alert them. It's all very silly and poorly done. Naval combat has added a lot of improvements over AC3, but has also taken some away. For instance, in AC3 you use the chain shot to take out an enemy sails and slow them down to a halt before finishing them off. You also heard a cool ripping cloth sound as the chain shots ripped through their sails. This has been removed from ACIV and the chain shot now seems pretty pointless and has the same effect as a normal cannon ball. And you can only fire chain shot from the front of the ship. Another problem with the naval battles is the side guns. Once you conquer a ship, you then have to board it and take it over. While boarding you can then control small side cannons to take out a few gunpowder barrels on deck or a few enemies. However, it often doesn't work. You can clearly shoot a mass of gunpowder barrels or an enemy and nothing will happen, the cannonball will do nothing and travel right through them, even at close range. Also being open world it can take quite a long time getting across the map in a slow arse sailing boat, even if it does suspiciously zip across the water like a speedboat. As an AC game it's just "ok" not the best and not the worst. Oh and be warned, the many sea shanties your crew sings will stick in your head for days and days lol.… Expand
  16. Bo33y
    Sep 9, 2015
    8
    A solid game with many hours of game play, they took most of the best out of the many assassin games and put it into this one. Although possibly debatable if it is better then the second assassin Italian game, a matter of preference.

    A few gripes; The game is easy.. The wanted level should have stuck, until lowering it, not from de-syncing, possibly also causing a loss of cargo if    A solid game with many hours of game play, they took most of the best out of the many assassin games and put it into this one. Although possibly debatable if it is better then the second assassin Italian game, a matter of preference.

    A few gripes; The game is easy.. The wanted level should have stuck, until lowering it, not from de-syncing, possibly also causing a loss of cargo if from de-syncing. The naval combat in the previous game was often much harder and timed. I agree there are some exceptions, but a few upgrades later, invicibly it becomes an exercise in really simple repetition. Even those legendary ships are easily mortared using speed at a range for their easy sinking. In naval combat there shouldn't have been any quick repairs via boarding until after combat, making combat a lot easier. There is far to much pointless assimust, low value chest, and some other craft that will never get used. I agree sometimes some of these collectibles provide other challenge with their exceptional customization. However those many sandbars with that single assimust fragment, or some cheap chest are more often just annoying. When playing the fleet side mini mission naval routes game, I really don't want to wait for them all to come home and get emptied, before later selecting just how I want to arrange my fleet. I wanted to hold stock of ships, within storage, choosing how to later customize my fleet. Who designed the awful sim city in the Assbergo HQ, the traffic on those roads is colliding into each other. Please make a separate run button outside of the free run button, I really don't want to be climbing walls every time I sprint.

    Overall a really solid 8. This game is very enjoyable and fun it contains mostly everything wanted within a better game, containing a lot of customisation and problem solving, using great graphics, characters and gameplay. Although it soon can become quite easy and repetitive..    … Expand
  17. Hoopie
    Jan 7, 2014
    8
    Let just give a quick review on the game. A lot of aspects are repeated from earlier games, such as mostly the same combat, but I feel that a lot of new features were added that almost freshen it up. Assassins Creed 4 is a good game, maybe even a great one, but there aren't enough changes done and new features added to make it really great. Also the story could have been better. It wasn'tLet just give a quick review on the game. A lot of aspects are repeated from earlier games, such as mostly the same combat, but I feel that a lot of new features were added that almost freshen it up. Assassins Creed 4 is a good game, maybe even a great one, but there aren't enough changes done and new features added to make it really great. Also the story could have been better. It wasn't terrible but their were many boring parts, then occasionally it would draw me back in. Overall I think I over hyped it, and expected to much, but new features make it very much deserving of my time.… Expand
  18. Sean-M
    Jul 23, 2020
    7
    Really enjoyed being a pirate and all those sailing and raiding stuff. But the game itself is not really good with a bland story. This was the last ASSASSIN'S CREED that I have played.
  19. WorstReviews
    Jan 18, 2014
    10
    2013 for videogames was definitley meant to be a year of outstanding and new style of brilliant of video games. Sadly, and personally this was not the case. I felt 2013 was one of the blandest years for videogames, besides, of course, GTAV and the Playstation exclusive The Last of Us. Yet one game did shine through the darkness, and it's a completely worn out and overused format Assassin's2013 for videogames was definitley meant to be a year of outstanding and new style of brilliant of video games. Sadly, and personally this was not the case. I felt 2013 was one of the blandest years for videogames, besides, of course, GTAV and the Playstation exclusive The Last of Us. Yet one game did shine through the darkness, and it's a completely worn out and overused format Assassin's Creed sequel. But this game is so much more. It is the funnest game i've ever played, and for once Ubisoft doesn't waste our time with this confusing real world missions. There are real world missions within the game, but for the first time, I didn't hear myself sigh over-dramatically when I had to play them. They're interesting, and fun. I really Ubisoft learns from the success of this game and makes more like it. 10/10 Amazing.… Expand
  20. memus
    Jul 13, 2021
    6
    The weakest one so far: Brotherhood's structure with hi-def version of Liberation's setting.

    The good: * Pirates! Everyone loves pirates. Also, their shanties are great. * Sailing the ship can be quite fun. Fight and plunder! * The side missions with treasure maps are great. * The weather changes were surprising. Both storms at sea and rainfalls at land were a nice change of pace.    The weakest one so far: Brotherhood's structure with hi-def version of Liberation's setting.

    The good:
    * Pirates! Everyone loves pirates. Also, their shanties are great.
    * Sailing the ship can be quite fun. Fight and plunder!
    * The side missions with treasure maps are great.
    * The weather changes were surprising. Both storms at sea and rainfalls at land were a nice change of pace.
    * It's less glitchy than AC3. Still, it's glitchy.

    The bad:
    * Edward is the weakest protagonist so far. And the overall story doesn't make much sense and is boring. In general, despite game's length all the characters seem hollow and disconnected.
    * The art direction is weak. All the cities and islands look the same. There is no great architecture. And the game doesn't uses colors in an interesting way. It's no Uncharted by any means.
    * Also, that's the first game where climbing is boring. There is no precision to it. And with the weak art direction, I was always confused what's climbable and what's not.
    * The Animus puzzles are bad. Maybe even worse than in ACR.
    * The soundtrack is copied from Pirates of the Caribbean and Game of Thrones
    * The achievements are a disaster. You need to play multiplayer and buy DLC to get them. Ubisoft, what?!    … Expand
  21. Bradyboy12
    Feb 10, 2014
    9
    A great, ambitious, and innovative entry in a great series. You play as edward Kenway a selfish privateer captain who actually isn't an assassin and switches around and works for booth sides. The story is better then ac3, but not ac2 that starts of slow but has exciting story arcs and climaxes. The story feels like a compilation of classic pirate tales! However, the real fun in the game isA great, ambitious, and innovative entry in a great series. You play as edward Kenway a selfish privateer captain who actually isn't an assassin and switches around and works for booth sides. The story is better then ac3, but not ac2 that starts of slow but has exciting story arcs and climaxes. The story feels like a compilation of classic pirate tales! However, the real fun in the game is the huge sandbox. Instead of doing the story you can explore a massive Caribbean ocean sandbox with hidden islands, villages coves, underwater wreckages, and huge cities the size of a GTA city. You can upgrade Kenway and your ship as you gain reales the currency. With plenty of side missions, random events and collectables as well as a solid story. This game will keep you busy for awhile.… Expand
  22. vonzuchter
    Apr 27, 2015
    8
    I liked it... its the first assasins creed title I play.. I played it cause it was free on xbox live gold on the 360. Smart move cause now I'm definitly byuing more games of this franchise. Great game.
  23. Andremax
    Sep 10, 2018
    9
    The game is simply different to predecessors in AC's franchise. AC IV is full of things to do, too many secondary missions, giant map to explore and traces of RPG, beyond playability got better. Story is not too captivating, it would said weak, but just for the fact being changed in relation past games, its a worthwhile game.
  24. Adriaan1
    May 21, 2014
    10
    This game is on par with Assassin's Creed 2, absolutely fantastic! Surprises you around every corner. There are many things to keep you busy, well worth the money!
  25. TheOneWhoKnox
    Jan 13, 2014
    9
    This is the best Assassin's Creed game, with number 2 as a very close second. The combat was kind of similar to the Batman: Arkham series or like Ryse: Son of Rome or even Sleeping Dogs in a way, it flows smoothly and amazingly. Ubisoft wanted to be so authentic that they added infamous pirates like Blackbeard (Ed Thatch), Charles Vane, Stede Bonnet, Jack Rackham, Mary Read, and much,This is the best Assassin's Creed game, with number 2 as a very close second. The combat was kind of similar to the Batman: Arkham series or like Ryse: Son of Rome or even Sleeping Dogs in a way, it flows smoothly and amazingly. Ubisoft wanted to be so authentic that they added infamous pirates like Blackbeard (Ed Thatch), Charles Vane, Stede Bonnet, Jack Rackham, Mary Read, and much, much more. It has the most gameplay packed with the game than any of the other games I believe. Apart from a few glitches and pop-ins it is in my top 5 or even top 3 games of the generation.… Expand
  26. ChespinJ
    Jan 21, 2014
    10
    One of the best games around. Beats out minecraft any day. I am suprised that it is not higher. Like a 100. How can something stupid like a drama movie get higher?
  27. abutton
    Dec 27, 2013
    9
    The epic comeback of the series. When Conner kenway thought he ruined the saga. Edward saves the day with the kick butt ac4. The online was as great as last time and very good.
  28. Terpander
    Jan 16, 2014
    9
    This game for me is the game of the year. It was deep, rewarding, fun, and encouraged exploration. The characters are great and the progression is well paced. The only issue I have is the storyline not being particularly consistent. The main character is great well designed, however some of the other characters don't seem as though they were fleshed out very well. This is something thatThis game for me is the game of the year. It was deep, rewarding, fun, and encouraged exploration. The characters are great and the progression is well paced. The only issue I have is the storyline not being particularly consistent. The main character is great well designed, however some of the other characters don't seem as though they were fleshed out very well. This is something that Ubisoft has had a problem with in all the other games. In terms of overall game-play and depth of experience, I loved this game, but in terms of storyline, AC 2 was much better. That being said, its dynamic naval combat, settings, fun gameplay and good enough storyline makes it a game that it is worth spending money on.… Expand
  29. Chrisell918
    Dec 22, 2013
    9
    Assassins Creed 4 is a great addition to the series, the revamp of the game play gives it a new feel but the story keeps the game's identity. Black flag is the best in the series since AC2
  30. misterduck
    Sep 14, 2014
    3
    The setting is great, but gameplay-wise it's more or less the same than Assassins Creed 3. Same sounds, same game mechanics, same sounds, same enemies, same missions, same collect-everything and get a new uniform for it.

    I don't even care about graphics, the Caribbean is put in scene very nicely and for "last-gen" this is pretty good looking! Character models are great and the whole    The setting is great, but gameplay-wise it's more or less the same than Assassins Creed 3. Same sounds, same game mechanics, same sounds, same enemies, same missions, same collect-everything and get a new uniform for it.

    I don't even care about graphics, the Caribbean is put in scene very nicely and for "last-gen" this is pretty good looking! Character models are great and the whole scenery, jungle or ocean feels very alive.

    What I care about that nothing has changed or is new. Some things are even worse than before, like the fights, they don't feel as "raw" as in AC3, it's just smashing buttons and get your kill. Naval battles are the same as in AC3, the only change in being able to board enemy ships. Which gets very repetitive after a short wile. Smart tactical elements like the chain canon balls have been left out.

    As a DLC Black Flag would have been great, as a stand-alone game it is very disappointing since everything in the game is well-known.    … Expand
Page:

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

All reviews »
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 »