Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag

 Xbox One
User Score
7.7

Generally favorable reviews- based on 492 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 364 out of 492
  2. Mixed: 63 out of 492
  3. Negative: 65 out of 492
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  1. Forza182
    Jan 7, 2014
    10
    I own all of the X1 launch titles worth owning and can safely say this is the best of them all. Runs perfectly, looks great and offers so much to do. Haven't spent this much time exploring and doing side quests since Fallout: NV. Gotta say after a terrible and hateful experience with AC3, I am truly impressed and happy that I bought Black Flag, and that I waited for the next-gen version.I own all of the X1 launch titles worth owning and can safely say this is the best of them all. Runs perfectly, looks great and offers so much to do. Haven't spent this much time exploring and doing side quests since Fallout: NV. Gotta say after a terrible and hateful experience with AC3, I am truly impressed and happy that I bought Black Flag, and that I waited for the next-gen version. Easily a 10/10 experience.
    If I were to nitpick, I didn't enjoy being pulled out of the game for the Animus sequences (even though they themselves were good) or the dated character models, but they very, VERY barely affected my enjoyment of a game I spent a good 70+ hours on.    … Expand
  2. Markus_monty
    Mar 21, 2014
    10
    Fantastic game, have loved it from beginning to end. The combat both melee and ship is excellent, typical AC leaping, running and jumping.

    Probably only a couple of criticism's which I will state up front don't detract from the overall game for me, the characters could be a little more fleshed out, maybe more involved throughout the game instead of just the occasional cut scene and your    Fantastic game, have loved it from beginning to end. The combat both melee and ship is excellent, typical AC leaping, running and jumping.

    Probably only a couple of criticism's which I will state up front don't detract from the overall game for me, the characters could be a little more fleshed out, maybe more involved throughout the game instead of just the occasional cut scene and your home town with all the upgrades just seemed to be a money pit instead of giving something back, didn't really add anything to the game, yes the templar armour set was there but nothing really necessary.

    Ran great on the xbone so no complaints there, and the companion app worked well, i liked being able to manage my fleet with that while still playing missions.    … Expand
  3. ekin09
    Jan 13, 2014
    10
    It's been a while since I've played a game that kept bringing back like this one does. Such a great game, and beautiful to look at. Sometime I find myself starring. This is up there with some of my all-time favorite.
  4. jthiel09
    Nov 25, 2013
    10
    I love Assassin's Creed I've been a fan since day one of the first game. Ezio's story got stagnant towards the end of his run, but when they changed it up with III and involved the Revolutionary war it breathed new life into the series, especially for me. This one continues in that sense with it's focus on a subject that Johnny Depp made popular again pirates.

    Top to bottom this game    I love Assassin's Creed I've been a fan since day one of the first game. Ezio's story got stagnant towards the end of his run, but when they changed it up with III and involved the Revolutionary war it breathed new life into the series, especially for me. This one continues in that sense with it's focus on a subject that Johnny Depp made popular again pirates.

    Top to bottom this game is awesome, graphically it can't get much better for a last-gen game being ported to a Xbox One console. To think of what this game could have been if it was developed from ground up on the new console generations is awesome and makes me very hopeful.

    This size of this game, variety of things you can do and the story all make this something you should definitely try if you are a fan of the series. I was doubtful on how they could pull off the Abstergo continuation (no spoilers from the 3rd will be typed here) but am happy with how they are continuing this. Overall it's a great game and one that takes great leaps ahead and should excite any AC fan for what lies ahead on the new consoles.    … Expand
  5. happymonster
    Mar 7, 2014
    10
    I enjoyed AC1 because of the great middle-eastern setting and fresh ideas. I tried to enjoy AC2, but found Ezio to be an unlikeable turd. Along came AC3 and away went another $60 I will never get back. Garbage, a real crap-fest. So, like a sucker for punishment I picked up AC4 for my xbox one. And I was pleasantly surprised. AC4 is a fantastic game. For me it has been the best in theI enjoyed AC1 because of the great middle-eastern setting and fresh ideas. I tried to enjoy AC2, but found Ezio to be an unlikeable turd. Along came AC3 and away went another $60 I will never get back. Garbage, a real crap-fest. So, like a sucker for punishment I picked up AC4 for my xbox one. And I was pleasantly surprised. AC4 is a fantastic game. For me it has been the best in the series, by far, and an improvement in nearly every way. Don't hesitate to pick this one up.… Expand
  6. partyintheback
    Nov 24, 2013
    10
    Best Assassin's Creed game, no contest. In addition, Black Flag looks downright stunning on Xbox One hardware. The weather effects are better, the foliage is much more impressive, etc. Just a great game all around.
  7. nanibaba
    Nov 22, 2013
    10
    its a quite good game.NOTHING missing.Great job Ubisoft!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
  8. AustinTippy
    Nov 20, 2013
    10
    As a person who didn't like Assassin's Creed 3 I nearly gave up on the series after that.But after playing Black Flag I am happy to say that it vastly improves over it's predecessor and improves the Ship battles so now they have more and are a vital part of the core game mechanics then a easily ignored side quest.The combat is better and it now flows naturally instead of feeling clunky andAs a person who didn't like Assassin's Creed 3 I nearly gave up on the series after that.But after playing Black Flag I am happy to say that it vastly improves over it's predecessor and improves the Ship battles so now they have more and are a vital part of the core game mechanics then a easily ignored side quest.The combat is better and it now flows naturally instead of feeling clunky and uninspired.… Expand
  9. utajet34
    Nov 26, 2013
    10
    I was skeptical about the game before purchasing it,since I'm not really into pirates. After getting the game, its nearly all I've played on my Xbox One. The graphics are great and make it very enjoyable, but above all I was shocked by how smooth it played and all of the options that it gives you. You can transition from being the captain driving the ship to hopping into the ocean andI was skeptical about the game before purchasing it,since I'm not really into pirates. After getting the game, its nearly all I've played on my Xbox One. The graphics are great and make it very enjoyable, but above all I was shocked by how smooth it played and all of the options that it gives you. You can transition from being the captain driving the ship to hopping into the ocean and swimming to an island instantly, no wait time, its great. I also enjoy how large the map is. The map is a scaled down version of the Caribbean and seems at this point it will take a long long time to beat the game and all the quests. Great game, even if you don't like pirate games, you will have fun playing this. Its cool because you attack and shoot other ships and forts, once you lower their health you jump on the ship and fight hand to hand to win their ship and take their supplies. Its a great balance between being on the ship and on land, that is for sure.
    Bad things: I wish there was more customization, you can only get 5-10 swords/pistols each. I feel like they could have really made it fun if they allowed you to customize your stuff in more detail with more options    … Expand
  10. Rick_Canada
    Nov 29, 2013
    10
    This is a phenomenal game. Sub 9 user ratings are ridiculous. The game is easily a 9, but rated 10 to balance the idiotically low ratings some users have submitted.

    The graphics are a great display of next gen potential, the story is entertaining and the single player is addictive and fantastic. A negative is how easily you can be stuck climbing a wall or tree unintentionally...    This is a phenomenal game. Sub 9 user ratings are ridiculous. The game is easily a 9, but rated 10 to balance the idiotically low ratings some users have submitted.

    The graphics are a great display of next gen potential, the story is entertaining and the single player is addictive and fantastic. A negative is how easily you can be stuck climbing a wall or tree unintentionally... Although, it's easy to climb when you do intend to trade off I guess.

    I have not yet played multi player but it sounds great as well

    Highly recommended    … Expand
  11. FWGHurley
    Dec 11, 2013
    10
    Aside from Assassins Creed 2, this is by far one of the best one from the series. I have played all of them and I am really impreawed to see how deep and rich it has gotten. I love it!
  12. feracga
    Dec 17, 2013
    10
    Assassin's Creed IV is a very good game because even if you're not a fan of the series, you will enjoy every adventure with Edward Kenway. This story is set in the golden age of piracy which is a very enjoyable experience. So, concluding, I must admit that this game is my favorite in all the Assassin's Creed saga, and it's weird but this one is my favorite because there is not a lot ofAssassin's Creed IV is a very good game because even if you're not a fan of the series, you will enjoy every adventure with Edward Kenway. This story is set in the golden age of piracy which is a very enjoyable experience. So, concluding, I must admit that this game is my favorite in all the Assassin's Creed saga, and it's weird but this one is my favorite because there is not a lot of content about the assassins creed, because the saga needed something like this, and this was caused because of Assassin's Creed 3 and its horrible and quickly final.… Expand
  13. lnormando
    Dec 21, 2013
    10
    It is a great action game however minor bugs ruined part of my gameplay such as the spawn of Oz, which always appears in the same place after you leave the site, the explorations are cool but the enemies is stupid and don't attack you in double time but the game is cool
  14. drifter136
    Jan 4, 2014
    10
    I tried to give this game a 9 but couldn't justify it. AC3 was a disappointment, after loving Brotherhood and Revelations never played the first 2 games). This game is simply engrossing. All the awesome open world from prior games with the overbearing RPG elements of AC3 taken back out. Still some great cinematics, though the story sometimes breaks down a bit as they try to incorporate anI tried to give this game a 9 but couldn't justify it. AC3 was a disappointment, after loving Brotherhood and Revelations never played the first 2 games). This game is simply engrossing. All the awesome open world from prior games with the overbearing RPG elements of AC3 taken back out. Still some great cinematics, though the story sometimes breaks down a bit as they try to incorporate an AC angle on real historical events.

    Naval battles are awesome and taking the AC branding off the game and making Black Flag its own brand would have made for an amazing game...and truthfully that's the mindset I have when playing it. Some of the assassin skills and weapons from previous games add a nice depth to the fighting.

    The companion app on my tablet really enhances the game experience as well, with the Fleet minigame being accessible from the app along with REAL TIME tracking your character on the map.

    This game is an all-engrossing experience that I can't put down...and thanks to a great companion app, I never really have to.    … Expand
  15. theDangel
    Jan 9, 2014
    10
    I got so attached towards these characters, I fell in love with them. I cherish every second playing this game, and it completely immerses you in the brutal early 1700's of pirating.
  16. herbertlives
    Mar 14, 2014
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. black flag is MAGNIFICENT! i cant think of a single flaw in this game. the graphics are AMAZING! the gameplay is FUN AND INTENSE! the missions are EXCITING! i cant think of a single time at ALLLL in ANY assassins creed game in which im bored. (!!!SPOILERALERT!!!) probably my favorite moment in ANY game AT ALL is when Edward is haythams father and connor is haythams son! i LOVE the ship customization, as it reminds me of pirates of the carribean! (i love the movie, also!)… Expand
  17. gentrumpet
    Mar 21, 2014
    10
    I've purchased 5 games for xbox one so far (Battlefield, Forza, Dead Rising, and NBA 2K14) and this is clearly the best of the bunch, but the controls are a bit awkward and some parts are too difficult.
  18. jackbun
    Oct 16, 2014
    10
    Possibly the best game on Xbox One? When it was released it was without a doubt that this game was above the rest in terms of an all round experience. With the open world, the great story, stunning visuals and many many missions and collectables, this game has plenty to offer.

    I never enjoy the previous Assassin's Creed games. After reading the reviews I took a risk on this one. In    Possibly the best game on Xbox One? When it was released it was without a doubt that this game was above the rest in terms of an all round experience. With the open world, the great story, stunning visuals and many many missions and collectables, this game has plenty to offer.

    I never enjoy the previous Assassin's Creed games. After reading the reviews I took a risk on this one. In return I was treated with one of the best games I have played.

    There was no better feeling than sailing the seas during sunset, the realistic looking waves and ditties sung by your crew but you in a place that's never been experienced in a game before. Plus look for the waterfall in the jungle. I took 5 minutes just to enjoy the moment.    … Expand
  19. Worldspine
    Nov 8, 2014
    10
    The Assassin's Creed series was kind of becoming stale for me and I never had plans to buy this game or number 3. I received this game when I bought my Xbox One.

    While some of the old Assassin's Creed elements are still there and the city crawling feels wearily familiar. What blew me away and the reason I will be putting many hours into this game is the naval gameplay and combat.    The Assassin's Creed series was kind of becoming stale for me and I never had plans to buy this game or number 3. I received this game when I bought my Xbox One.

    While some of the old Assassin's Creed elements are still there and the city crawling feels wearily familiar.

    What blew me away and the reason I will be putting many hours into this game is the naval gameplay and combat.

    If they released a game that was just the navel aspects of the game I would not hesitate to play it. If you are getting tired of the Assassin's Creed games, but really just want to enjoy a fun pirate game, pick this up.    … Expand
  20. 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.
  21. brunolimalb
    Oct 26, 2018
    10
    This was the first Assassin's Creed game that I've played and what made me fall in love with the series. I've loved every aspect of it, from gameplay to story. This is how a game should be, this is the true synonymous of gaming. I will never forget this fantastic experience.
  22. tomenigma
    Mar 25, 2015
    10
    This is my favourite AC and overall game so far on X1. I loved every minute of it, great Caribbean atmosphere, naval missions, great story with twisted and dark moments.
    If you like Black Flag I suggest picking up Freedom Cry DLC as this pack won't disappoint you. Blag Flag is 10/10!
  23. Action_Critic
    Jun 12, 2015
    10
    Assassin's Creed 4 Black Flag is a very excellent and well-crafted game.

    Like any other Assassin's Creed game, the story is put very well together. Voice acting is top notch too. Gameplay here is amazing, especially with the new, exciting pirate ship mode. You can sail the world as you please and take out all the enemy ships you want. It's seriously fun. The stealth and combat    Assassin's Creed 4 Black Flag is a very excellent and well-crafted game.

    Like any other Assassin's Creed game, the story is put very well together. Voice acting is top notch too.

    Gameplay here is amazing, especially with the new, exciting pirate ship mode. You can sail the world as you please and take out all the enemy ships you want. It's seriously fun. The stealth and combat controls are still good as they still follow the rule "if it ain't broke, don't fix it". You still have your free-run controls, your weapons, your guns, and your stealth moves as usual.

    Presentation is excellent also, like all other Assassin's Creed games (well... except for Unity). I do at times though encounter problems with the camera. Sometimes, you might even miss a jump because of the camera angle. I do also sometimes encounter glitches. One time, I saw a bird fly through the surface of the beach and back out. Another time, I landed on the rail of a ship and was stuck in mid-air for a split-second until I landed on it and took fall damage. All negatives aside though, the open-world layouts are well-crafted and have good graphics. You might even say that the world of Assassin's Creed 4 is way bigger than the worlds in the previous games. You can really tell that the developers took their time with every single detail of the game, especially with how spectacular the ships look in this game.

    Overall, this game is amazing in every category. The story is crafted well, gameplay is amazing, and presentation is beautiful despite a couple of bugs. This game really deserves a ten out of ten! Are all games perfect? No, but this game is essential to fans of open-world action and adventure games. If you love adventure and action games, you need to get this game. It is that good. This joins the likes of Assassin's Creed 2 as one of the best games in the series.    … Expand
  24. UndeadFox
    Sep 29, 2015
    10
    This game was one of the best open world experiences I've had since Skyrim. The ship combat, and the crafting and hunting components are amazing. The combat is smooth and easy to learn, and the game runs very fast. It didn't take that long to download, considering how big it is. You really get hooked on the whole pirate craze instead of the whole "Noble assassin" deal in the other games.This game was one of the best open world experiences I've had since Skyrim. The ship combat, and the crafting and hunting components are amazing. The combat is smooth and easy to learn, and the game runs very fast. It didn't take that long to download, considering how big it is. You really get hooked on the whole pirate craze instead of the whole "Noble assassin" deal in the other games. The only thing wrong that I found was that in one part early on in the game, you go into an endless loading screen. I fixed this problem by uninstalling the game, then reinstalling it. (Which doesn't make you need to restart the game)… Expand
  25. iCSiMarcelinmBR
    Dec 26, 2015
    10
    Fantastic game, have loved it from beginning to end. The combat both melee and ship is excellent, typical AC leaping, running and jumping.

    Probably only a couple of criticism's which I will state up front don't detract from the overall game for me, the characters could be a little more fleshed out, maybe more involved throughout the game instead of just the occasional cut scene and your    Fantastic game, have loved it from beginning to end. The combat both melee and ship is excellent, typical AC leaping, running and jumping.

    Probably only a couple of criticism's which I will state up front don't detract from the overall game for me, the characters could be a little more fleshed out, maybe more involved throughout the game instead of just the occasional cut scene and your home town with all the upgrades just seemed to be a money pit instead of giving something back, didn't really add anything to the game, yes the templar armour set was there but nothing really necessary.

    Ran great on the xbone so no complaints there, and the companion app worked well, i liked being able to manage my fleet with that while still playing missions    … Expand
  26. DzmitryBoston
    Jun 4, 2020
    10
    A phenomenal game with a great atmosphere. One of the best AC games ever. Must play!
  27. AdrikD
    Aug 31, 2021
    10
    Nice game with many interesting characters, good animation and music. I miss the past parts of assassin's creed (
  28. Ratohnhaketon
    Apr 26, 2023
    10
    Assassin's Creed 4 Black Flag Review:

    THAT'S WHAT I'M TALKING ABOUT! THIS GAME HAS EVERYTHING! THAT'S WHY IT'S THE GOAT! THE GOAT! Assassin's Creed 4 Black Flag is one of the best Assassin's Creed games ever. There is like loads of freedom spent in the Caribbean, combat system looks well-choreographed when compared to other games today, gameplay is pretty good, mainly the naval    Assassin's Creed 4 Black Flag Review:

    THAT'S WHAT I'M TALKING ABOUT! THIS GAME HAS EVERYTHING! THAT'S WHY IT'S THE GOAT! THE GOAT!

    Assassin's Creed 4 Black Flag is one of the best Assassin's Creed games ever. There is like loads of freedom spent in the Caribbean, combat system looks well-choreographed when compared to other games today, gameplay is pretty good, mainly the naval combat, the score is wonderful, and Edward Kenway is so goofy. Overall, it's the GOAT! I'd rate this a 10/10!    … Expand
  29. BetinhoSJDR
    Aug 14, 2023
    10
    Melhor de todos os games da coleção! A parte pirata no barco é perfeita! É o tempo inteiro nos lembra do mundo dos Assis sinos e templários!
  30. ShaunnyBwoy
    Nov 23, 2015
    9
    Great game. Definitely worth my xbox live subscription fee.

    Plus: gorgeous graphics, vast content, nice touch with historical components, free roaming at it brilliance, easy to pickup and play. Minus: controls should be more customisable (run and climb same button annoyingly), a bit repetitive AI, almost too easy, especially fight scenes. Was a fan from the beginning, but faded.    Great game. Definitely worth my xbox live subscription fee.

    Plus: gorgeous graphics, vast content, nice touch with historical components, free roaming at it brilliance, easy to pickup and play.
    Minus: controls should be more customisable (run and climb same button annoyingly), a bit repetitive AI, almost too easy, especially fight scenes.

    Was a fan from the beginning, but faded. This release has reignited my interests, and will be looking at other releases.    … Expand
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Critic Reviews

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No score yet - based on 3 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 3 out of 3
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 3
  3. Negative: 0 out of 3
  1. Gameblog.fr
    Apr 20, 2014
    90
    Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag is the best Assassin's Creed experience in terms of scale, freedom and gameplay. Between land and sea, the journey of Edward Kenway is really captivating.
    Read full review
  2. Gamers' Temple
    Dec 15, 2013
    92
    I've played all of the major titles released with the Xbox One, and the one that I've had the most fun with, the one that I keep going back to, is Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag. If you get only one game with your shiny new Xbox One console, make it this one.
    Read full review
  3. IGN
    Dec 4, 2013
    85
    Beyond the underwhelming main campaign, Black Flag delivers a world brimming with gorgeous places to go, amazing secrets to discover, and nefarious pirates to stab.
    Read full review