Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag (PC, PS3/4, Wii U, 360/One)

**Yoshi** · 06 Dec 2013, 08:39 PM

Originally Posted by Digital Foundry

As a huge multi-platform release factoring in no less than six different formats, Assassin's Creed 4 is a remarkable achievement for Ubisoft, with the core experience replicated across all formats without any fundamental cutbacks outside of graphical changes and superficial downgrades. The ability to switch seamlessly between land and sea exploration is superbly handled, helping to make the entire expanse of islands and ocean feel like one coherent world where you are free to plunder and pillage at will. Coupled with beautiful visual design and the careful integration of real-life historical figures, Ubisoft has created one of the best titles in the franchise so far - the only tangible negative point being that some of the gameplay mechanics and mission structures come as across as dated and overly familiar.

However, while AC4 is indeed feature-complete on PS3, Xbox 360 and Wii U, the highly variable frame-rates genuinely impact gameplay. While the Assassin's Creed series has never really required a crisp controller response, the heavy drops in fluidity simply make it harder to quickly traverse the environment, particularly when chasing down targets. With performance so far behind every other version of the game, it's hard to recommend the Wii U game at all, despite its image quality matching PS3 and Xbox 360.

With the next generation consoles we have the level of stability required to let the gameplay breathe without hardware limitations getting in the way. This is perfectly demonstrated on the PS4 after the release day patch has been installed: 1080p visuals allow the intricate artwork to shine, while the rock solid 30fps update means that control is never disrupted outside of the game's somewhat erratic animation blending system and automated climbing mechanics. The Xbox One version unfortunately has a harder time delivering the same accomplishments, due to the lower 900p resolution and sharpening filter giving the game a much rougher look. The appearance of frame-rate drops in some scenes is also disappointing, considering the 30fps target and sub-native visuals, but on the plus side these issues were a fairly rare occurrence during our capture session, outside of isolated experiences.

"The combination of 1080p visuals, rock-solid frame-rates and the return of Aveline via bonus download content makes the PS4 version our pick of the bunch."

In terms of the console versions of the game, the PlayStation 4 version rises to the top - it offers the highest resolution and best overall image quality, plus - just like the PS3 game - you get an extra hour's worth of content featuring Aveline from the Vita title, Assassin's Creed 3: Liberation.

On that note it's clear that the PS4 game is the definitive release of Assassin's Creed 4 on the console formats. While the experience doesn't come close to defining next-gen gaming, the boost in hardware capability now makes it possible to enjoy Black Flag for all its flaws and accomplishments without anything else getting in the way - plus you get an hour's worth of exclusive content too, available only on PS3 and PS4. In that respect the PS4 game is worth coughing up extra for over the current gen releases, and if you already own the PS3 version then trading up to the PS4 edition for just £10 is a no-brainer.

Despite its failings in image quality and some occasional drops in performance, the Xbox One version still delivers a worthy upgrade over the 360, PS3, and Wii U versions for owners of Microsoft's new console, although we hope that the unsightly sharpening filter can be disabled on system-wide level in a future update.

That said, there is a more affordable choice available that offers all the visual refinement of the PS4 version - and more. If you have a decent gaming rig, the PC version is the way to go from a software price/performance perspective. Black Flag is available on PC for around £35 online, while you'll be looking at no less than £48 for the PS4 and Xbox One releases - a tidy saving of £13. Factoring in the ability to achieve a similar level of image quality to the PS4 game while running at double the frame-rate without needing Titan-level hardware, it's clear that PC's stranglehold on the top-end multi-platform experience isn't going to change any time soon.

**bVork** · 07 Dec 2013, 02:29 AM

I'm still going to play it on PS3. Because that's what the local library has.

**Shou** · 09 Dec 2013, 05:14 AM

Yah, still playing on the PC and getting the PS4 version when it hits the bin to play the exclusive parts.

**Brand X** · 13 Dec 2013, 02:10 AM

So I randomly decided to download this game today when I was home with the flu, trying to block out the memories of me playing the first hour of nearly every Assassin's Creed game and getting bored, quitting, and saying I'll never play another. Holy shit am I happy I did. The free climbing controls are still a bit annoying, especially when you are in a chase and your character randomly grabs onto something totally not in the direction you're headed. Aside from that, from what I've played it's actually a really great game. The missions have seemed to be relatively varied. The story line is actually digestible. The environments are gorgeous and full of life, definitely one of the best looking "next gen" launch games. Most importantly to me, fighting mechanics feel much more refined and have a solid flow to them. Though I attribute that to them having an insane number of animations that happen during hand to hand battles.

I didn't bother with 3, but the naval battles in 4 are awesome. It doesn't seem to be a huge part of the game, but large enough that if the mechanics weren't well done it would be miserable to play the game. Which is what I heard about AC3. Being able to board ships, swing from ship to ship taking down enemies, hopping back onto your ship, flanking another ship taking it out with your cannon, all while just trying to get to your destination is really really fun. I'm guessing I'll fast travel later in the game, but an extremely impressive open world system they have put together.

Basically they have Far Cry 3'ized the Assassin's Creed series. There are so many mechanics and hooks to get you to keep playing (hunting/crafting/collecting especially), that are similar between the two games that it's no wonder I'm enjoying this one. So far, a fantastic game.

**No One** · 13 Dec 2013, 03:55 AM

This one really hits the ground running, too. No bullshit ten hour long tutorial before you get to the meat of the game. I'm not that far into it and it's already my favorite game in the series by far.

And yeah, if you've got a decent GPU it's just absurdly pretty on PC.

**Diff-chan** · 13 Dec 2013, 10:10 AM

Originally Posted by Brand X

Basically they have Far Cry 3'ized the Assassin's Creed series. There are so many mechanics and hooks to get you to keep playing (hunting/crafting/collecting especially), that are similar between the two games that it's no wonder I'm enjoying this one. So far, a fantastic game.

this applies to AC3 though.

I still don't get the AC3 hate. It's a great game.