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. tattoosteve
    Nov 5, 2013
    10
    if you were never into AC games you can get into this one and work your way back to AC1. it's probably the most epic AC game they've made so far. the graphics are unbeatable for current-gen and the plotline is absolutely riveting.
  2. CameoCream
    Nov 7, 2013
    10
    Very enjoyable game. There were few dull missions compared to previous Assassins Creed's and I genuinely enjoyed the whole story and the new game-play elements. What really sets the standard is the new ship combat, it creates a whole new play-style which is enjoyable and there is never a dull fight! I personally think that this is one of the best Assassins Creeds in the series which holdsVery enjoyable game. There were few dull missions compared to previous Assassins Creed's and I genuinely enjoyed the whole story and the new game-play elements. What really sets the standard is the new ship combat, it creates a whole new play-style which is enjoyable and there is never a dull fight! I personally think that this is one of the best Assassins Creeds in the series which holds it's own with ACII and ACB.… Expand
  3. putowtin
    Nov 4, 2013
    10
    Taking us back to the heart-thumping excitement of the Ezio trilogy, Black Flag gives us the Assassin’s Creed experience that the third entry in the series managed to avoid. It’s a rip roaring, shanty singing, whale of a time. Easily my game of the year!
  4. Gfunk839
    Oct 30, 2013
    10
    Assassins creed IV is truly the best best game in the series. Improvements across the board make this game worth a purchase.

    The map is huge, 3 large cities plus a huge open world to sail through and pillage islands. Graphics are excellent, very best seen on the XBOX360. Animations are as great as any AC predecessor . Gameplay is great, with better stealth, fun free running and cool    Assassins creed IV is truly the best best game in the series. Improvements across the board make this game worth a purchase.

    The map is huge, 3 large cities plus a huge open world to sail through and pillage islands.

    Graphics are excellent, very best seen on the XBOX360. Animations are as great as any AC predecessor .
    Gameplay is great, with better stealth, fun free running and cool sailing gameplay. Nice and varied.

    The game lasts a very long time providing great value for your money.

    (any allegations calling this "glorified DLC are utterly ridiculous and unsubstantiated this is the biggesty game in the series and brings the best evolution since 1 to 2. Don't listen to the haters)    … Expand
  5. 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.
  6. Pablocortesi
    Oct 29, 2013
    10
    Totally hilarious game, with lots to do, great essence, mixing the best of the previous installments, with a small point against, the difficulty is very low, but playing and discovering the great map, it becomes secondary. totally recommended.
  7. ForeverFalling
    Nov 20, 2013
    10
    The ultimate AC game and the best pirate simulator out there, lol. Great graphics (current gen), great voice acting, great gameplay, and a huge open world that you can explore with your awesome pirate ship called the Jackdaw. Side missions and collectibles galore as well. Obviously any AC fan should pick this up. If you are not an AC fan, then become one.
  8. 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.    … Expand
  9. 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
  10. JustBenjy7
    Nov 2, 2013
    10
    To put it briefly, I consider Black Flag to be the best Assassin's Creed game, yet. An intriguing story, which I am in the middle of, brilliant naval combat and exploration, a huge, open world, improved combat and crafting systems, streamlining (in a good way) of some features, bringing more obvious humour back into the series... this game takes some of the best elements of the previousTo put it briefly, I consider Black Flag to be the best Assassin's Creed game, yet. An intriguing story, which I am in the middle of, brilliant naval combat and exploration, a huge, open world, improved combat and crafting systems, streamlining (in a good way) of some features, bringing more obvious humour back into the series... this game takes some of the best elements of the previous games, and builds on them. The biggest complaint I have is that some of the outfits don't have loops for the pistols or the blowpipe... and I think I can live with that.

    Just brilliant... and For my taste is games, Black Flag is a serious competitor to Grand Theft Auto V.    … Expand
  11. AnotherGamerFRA
    Oct 30, 2013
    10
    Don't get we wrong. This game is not perfect, it has quite some flaws, most notably the story. The story is quite good though, but it's just not quite the sensation the original 2 gave you. Ubisoft has done a great job redesigning the AC series after the last disaster (seriously, AC3). This new installment brings you a lot of freedom and fun, which the 3rd one failed to do, whileDon't get we wrong. This game is not perfect, it has quite some flaws, most notably the story. The story is quite good though, but it's just not quite the sensation the original 2 gave you. Ubisoft has done a great job redesigning the AC series after the last disaster (seriously, AC3). This new installment brings you a lot of freedom and fun, which the 3rd one failed to do, while remaining an unique campaign. Revolutionary? Nope. Appealing, fun and time-worthy? Yes. If you are into sandbox games, you should definitely check this one out. The game deserves a 9, but i will give it a 10 to balance out the haters.… Expand
  12. kingj24
    Oct 29, 2013
    10
    Easily the best entry in the franchise. The scope and depth is unmatched by most games to date. Sunning visuals and and interesting character and engaging if sometimes shaky story make this one of the best games of the year.
  13. miki759
    Oct 29, 2013
    10
    I think this ACIV BF brings a great change to the AC series. The aspect of the open world with a ship is yet unseen with such scope and depth and the quality of the game is undeniable. The attention to details, the evolving gameplay whilst keeping some of the core mechanics of the older AC make it one of the best iterations of the series.
    The AC series clearly needed a change, and Black    I think this ACIV BF brings a great change to the AC series. The aspect of the open world with a ship is yet unseen with such scope and depth and the quality of the game is undeniable. The attention to details, the evolving gameplay whilst keeping some of the core mechanics of the older AC make it one of the best iterations of the series.
    The AC series clearly needed a change, and Black Flag will probably fulfill its mission with a lot of success, with all due respect to players who prefer the typical Assassin's Creed games.

    Edit: I find surprising that none of the people who have rated the game negatively left a review...
    I think that says a lot on what kind of users rate the games (probably haven't even played it) =.=
    Haters... Haters everywhere...    … Expand
  14. ugjackal
    Oct 29, 2013
    10
    By far the most engaging and well thought out gameplay since the iconic original in the series. The seamless world integration and awe inspiring naval battles only make you want to play more. Excellent game, well done Ubisoft.
  15. 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.
  16. 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!
  17. blueheaven923
    Oct 31, 2013
    10
    Incredible Characters along with a solid entertaining main storyline. After Conner, Edward finally brings Assassin's creed back to life. Great Job Ubisoft!!!
  18. MarcusFenix0012
    Nov 5, 2013
    10
    Best of series outside of Assassin's Creed 2. Love the open world combat and I love that they throw you right into the action as opposed to Assassin's Creed 3's five hour long tutorial. I love completing each island in the hope of fully upgrading my ship. Only issue being that Uplay kicked out every once in a while stopping me from playing the Kenway's Fleet minigame.
  19. soccer1414
    Nov 15, 2013
    10
    I thought it is an outstanding game. the graphics are good, the story is outstanding and I enjoy playing it. I think its totally the best Assassins creed that's come out.
  20. Wolfmeister1010
    Nov 17, 2013
    10
    Amazing game! Best of the series by far! I love all the new features and additions.

    All that people have complained about from Ac3 has been fixed or improved. Can not even imagine how awesome the next gen versions are.
  21. DukeVega
    Nov 22, 2013
    10
    "Ahoy, she blows" The Quartermaster shouts as the hurricane bellows down upon your small craft, the aptly named "Jack-Daw".
    Our Hero, a welsh pirate from Swansea manning the wheel, you push the craft high over the roaring waves, before crashing back down again. The whole motion of the sea seems real, the shouts of your men and the crackling of thunder actually makes me stare onwards,    "Ahoy, she blows" The Quartermaster shouts as the hurricane bellows down upon your small craft, the aptly named "Jack-Daw".
    Our Hero, a welsh pirate from Swansea manning the wheel, you push the craft high over the roaring waves, before crashing back down again. The whole motion of the sea seems real, the shouts of your men and the crackling of thunder actually makes me stare onwards, smiling in amazement;- My wife keeps asking me to make her a cup of tea
    "NO!" i scream at her as another wave tear's over the deck, not only washing my poor crew-men away but damaging the ship as well.

    Like a cake at a fat kids party we battle on through the storm until eventually the storm clear's and the ocean's settle,

    "Neptune be begging our graves, captain" a man shouts,

    "No Davy Jones locker today" another replies

    We sail on towards an island in the distance, this is one of hundreds of locations across the map, as we sail my men begin singing old sea shanty songs, they sing of women and booze and treasure the songs sometimes get lost in the wind as we howl towards the island
    - and as we settle down to make repairs, I slip into the captains quarters to change my outfit back to the nice garments we stole from the stupid assassin.

    As i return moments later, something magical appear's on the GTA like radar?

    The White whale !!!!!!!

    My crew tell me its a beast from hell, urge me to harpoon it.

    Whale Hunting is legal in this century, so I gather some men and a small row boat and we head out to capture the beast,
    White Wale for dinner tonight boys?

    I cant go on writing this review any longer, sorry... I need to get back in what is no doubt THE GAME OF THE YEAR !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    I can only describe this game as "Grand Theft Sid Miers Pirat'rim Creed" (The Rim is from Skyrim btw)

    Buy it buy it NOW     … Expand
  22. TheSaminator
    Nov 29, 2013
    10
    An overall truly great game. AC3 I thought was the worst in the series with a horrible main character but they definitely corrected that in AC4 with a more realistic likable character. The gameplay is definitely different than other AC games, with the main focus on the high seas. However, it is beautifully done and has a huge diverse open world that you can spend hour upon hour exploring.An overall truly great game. AC3 I thought was the worst in the series with a horrible main character but they definitely corrected that in AC4 with a more realistic likable character. The gameplay is definitely different than other AC games, with the main focus on the high seas. However, it is beautifully done and has a huge diverse open world that you can spend hour upon hour exploring. The only downside to this game at all is the story line is somewhat weaker than the rest of the series but it does continue from AC3 and makes up for it with all the extra gameplay you can do. Overall a 10/10 for me with one of the most enjoyable AC games so far for me.… Expand
  23. 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?
  24. SirGengar
    Dec 4, 2013
    10
    By far one of my favorite titles this year. The game looks gorgeous, is incredible to explore, the characters are great, and the naval bits are fantastic. I would recommend this game to absolutely anyone. I've been playing nonstop since I purchased it. I was up until 2 AM this morning playing!
  25. Sigmund98
    Dec 5, 2013
    10
    Ac 4 is probably the best ac game in the series. A truly epic open world, bursting with things to do. While the story might be a little bit deferent from the previous installments, it's still enjoyable. The graphics are amazing, kinda like an enhanced version of Far Cry 3. The stealth segments have been greatly improved from ac 3. A must own for any pirate fan
  26. etb444
    Dec 26, 2013
    10
    This is everything you want out of an Assassin's Creed game. The visuals are stunning plus the gameplay is flawless. From exploring the high Caribbean seas to hunting the many islands for treasure. The depth of the game is almost unmatched and the freedom of being able to just go on your ship and plunder anything that flies by is one of the things you will love the most about this game.This is everything you want out of an Assassin's Creed game. The visuals are stunning plus the gameplay is flawless. From exploring the high Caribbean seas to hunting the many islands for treasure. The depth of the game is almost unmatched and the freedom of being able to just go on your ship and plunder anything that flies by is one of the things you will love the most about this game. Not to mention constantly taking down waves of Spanish soldiers one by one in Havana. Truly the best game in the series and one of the greatest of the year.… Expand
  27. edward22
    Jan 1, 2014
    10
    2nd best game of the decade.I loved the game as no other game till now has the given the whole pirate life adventure except this one it can be the 2nd best in the series after revelations
  28. XMagneto
    Jan 11, 2014
    10
    I put a lot of money in this game including paying for the $120 version, so I took a high risk and I don't regret it. I thought the game was really fun and made me want to explore the world and the ship mechanics were better than the last game, and this game had a lot of feel to it. even though I was disappointed in Edwards origin story I still enjoyed it and I will play it again and again.
  29. edwardloppez
    Jan 22, 2014
    10
    AC IV is the best ac so far. it has amazing beautiful massive open world. it has very good story which talk about CAPTAIN EDWARD KENWAY a young man who dreamed to be rich and a respectable person after he suffered a lot from poorness and you will travel with him in his journey to find yourself between the Templar and Assassins war. I loved naval combat they made it a little more difficultAC IV is the best ac so far. it has amazing beautiful massive open world. it has very good story which talk about CAPTAIN EDWARD KENWAY a young man who dreamed to be rich and a respectable person after he suffered a lot from poorness and you will travel with him in his journey to find yourself between the Templar and Assassins war. I loved naval combat they made it a little more difficult as in ac3 the man of war was not big threat as well as the storms but in ac4 you need a lot of upgrades to board the man of war. the boarding system was amazing you feel like a real pirate there a lot of activities like diving and hunting shark and a lot of dangerous sea creature. they improved land as well they made the stealth very good they improved the eagle vision so you can see enemies behind the walls you actually feel it is quiet fun unlike ac3 as I felt it was so boring. Edward is very interesting character he is fearless ruthless but he has good amount of humor unlike Connor .finally I could say that as Red dead redemption gave us the complete feeling of the COWBOY , ac4 will give you the complete feeling of being a PIRATE… Expand
  30. ZachC
    Feb 5, 2014
    10
    Assassin’s Creed Black Flag is the fourth installment in the Assassin’s Creed franchise, made by Ubisoft. In this game we delve into a genetic memory of a Pirate named Edward Kenway. Genetic memory is a concept from the creators of the assassin’s creed franchise that allows you to sit in a machine, called the Animus, and view/relive parts of your ancestor’s life, or like in this gameAssassin’s Creed Black Flag is the fourth installment in the Assassin’s Creed franchise, made by Ubisoft. In this game we delve into a genetic memory of a Pirate named Edward Kenway. Genetic memory is a concept from the creators of the assassin’s creed franchise that allows you to sit in a machine, called the Animus, and view/relive parts of your ancestor’s life, or like in this game someone else’s ancestor’s life. In this game you play as a pirate who acts pretty much like how you’d expect him to, wanting to get rich, have his own island, and drink as much rum as he could get his hands on. In this game, unlike the others, your character doesn’t really want anything to do with the assassins he just wants the pirate’s life. Slowly he is pulled into the world of the assassins and helps them with what they are trying to accomplish but only for a price.
    I liked the game it was a lot of fun and had a lot of different new elements that the previous games didn’t have. For example the open world is expansive, you have two swords on your sides at all times, you can have up to 4 pistols strapped to you at one time allowing for rapid shots, and if you want to you can play almost completely nonlethal. The world is huge and as you sail the open seas you can pretty much go where ever you want. You’re a pirate so you act like one, attacking and plundering any ship you want and taking the resources from it. One of the things I liked the most was the ship battling system; if you were able to take down a ship you could claim it as your own and add it to your own fleet. By doing this you can gain even more money and resources by sending this said fleet of ships on missions for you.
    The story line in this game was pretty good, it was basically about a man that was tired of being poor and wanted to change that and provide for his wife. The only way he saw to accomplish this was to become a pirate and when he had enough he would send for his wife and be done with the life. He however gets sucked into the pirate’s life and takes longer and longer and eventually he gets introduced to the Assassins and sucked into their battle with the Templars. Now I don’t think I should go any farther into the story least you haven’t played it yet and I ruin it for you.
    Their weren’t really many bad things that I felt the game had but I feel in order to give a fair review I should point out the very few things that I didn’t like about the game. While the story was entertaining there were just so many other things that I kept getting distracted with, other side missions and things that I would forget what was going on in the main story. Now this is probably my own fault, I should have just tried harder to stay on topic until I had finished the main story, but this may be a problem for you too if you’re like me and get distracted easily. The other thing that bothered me if I’m nitpicking was the one or two glitches that I had while playing. I had one enemy fall through the floor and couldn’t get to him to quiet him, the other part that messed up on me was when I was battling another ship and it wouldn’t allow me to board it and take it as my own. The last thing I didn’t much like, and this is completely a preference, I would have enjoyed having more things to do outside the Animus. There are many people on both sides on this opinion of liking being outside the animus and not, so this is just personal preference but I would have liked more to do.
    In the end I really liked it and thought the story was pretty good, I am still going back and doing the many side missions they provide for you, that I never finished, so I still have hours of fun left to play. The game was well made and very fun to play, and as far as I’m concerned didn’t really have any big problems with it. I really enjoyed playing it and feel that anyone else that has ever enjoyed any of the other Assassin’s Creed games, or likes action adventure games, will enjoy this one too.    … Expand
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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

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 »