Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag [Gameplay #2]
0I've previously played several hours of the PS3 version of Assassin's Creed IV, but now that the PC port has been released I decided to start over again on the technologically superior platform. Replaying large segments so soon might sound a bit weird, but Black Flag is a rather excellent game which provides more content and sheer fun than most other 2013 titles.
Personally I felt that the inexplicably divisive Asssassin's Creed III was gripping and worthwile from a narrative/character standpoint (something I never thought I'd say about an AC game), but this year's pseudo-historical romp from Ubisoft is a more noteworthy achievement altogether since it offers what's arguably the first true sandbox experience in this allegedly open world-oriented franchise. Previous Creeds all had very nicely designed individual locations but not much of interest inbetween the urban environments, so it's been a pleasant surprise to discover the joys of sailing the splendidly recreated Caribbean archipelago while constantly on the lookout for cargo-filled ships to board, intriguing treasure islands to loot and imposing fortresses to storm.
The needlessly restrictive main mission design hasn't exactly improved over AC3 and the platforming likewise remains as intermittently clumsy as ever, but even so AC4 is probably the most enjoyable installment in the series since the original AC gently backstabbed its way into the gaming establishment six long years ago.