We’ve hit the same point that we got to in the original release of Assassin’s Creed Black Flag. Which, admittedly isn’t very far. But, getting to start-over when we’ve got less of that Assassin’s Creed fatigue, has been amazing. Black Flag Resynced feels like it might be something quite special.
Stunning to look at, it handles and feels like the classic Assassin’s Creed games, whilst simultaneously feeling like a modern, new game.
Black Flag Resynced
As is usually the case, this full review will likely be done in two or three parts as we play through the game over time.
That being said, the only time we’re going to talk about the differences between Black Flag and Black Flag Resynced. Largely because we don’t have the experience of the original game in full, and because we want to review the game as-is, not just comparing it to what it was.
It’s important to look at what’s changed and why the experience is different in Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced. But it’s not the basis of our review at all.
The game as an experience is what we’re looking at.
So, let’s cover-off the changes now and get on with the full review of what the game actually is in future parts.
All change
So what’s all the fuss about? What has changed in Black Flag Resynced to warrant a full remake and all fuss?
Ubisoft hasn’t just given Edward Kenway a quick coat of paint; this is a full top-to-bottom remake built from the ground up in the modern Anvil engine.
Replacing the legacy assets of the 2013 original with physically based rendering, ray tracing, and dynamic weather systems that actually alter naval combat, the visual leap is immediately striking.
Crucially, the world design finally catches up to the original vision: the tedious loading screens that once cut off major ports like Havana have been completely erased, creating a truly seamless Caribbean to explore alongside expanded islands and deeper underwater wreck sites.
Underneath the graphical overhaul lies a sweeping modernization of Black Flag’s core gameplay loop. Stealth has been given far more agency with the introduction of a manual crouch, a weather-dependent visibility gauge, and the much-welcomed removal of instant-fail conditions on tailing missions.
Combat has undergone a similar transformation, trading the instantaneous counter-kills of the 360/PS3 era for a posture-based parry system, dedicated weapon stances, and a strict emphasis on using Edward’s swords for open brawls while reserving the Hidden Blades purely for stealth.
Plain sailing?
Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced feels special. Both modern and classic, and it’s really scratching an itch for the classic AC games.
Whilst we’re early doors, it feels like the care and attention applied here by Ubisoft, is exceptional.
We’re captain of the Jackdaw and taking more screen shots whilst sailing, then is reasonable.
So far it feels great, it looks amazing and we’re in for the full ride.
Will the story work for us? Will we get over the faces on the characters (they look a little odd)?
Where will the journey of Edward Kenway take us?
This is a new a game as any other, to us. A brief dalliance with the original counts for very little and we’re casting all comparisons aside now.
Next steps
We’ll continue with Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced and just take our sweet time. Sailing, assassinating, chasing treasure and being pirates.
We need to understand the story and how well the characters are developed. We need to look at player progression and upgrades.
Looking at key narrative elements, game pacing and all the usual good stuff.
It’s really promising so far. But only time will tell how much of a joy Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced actually is.
The wider reception to the game has been really positive. So we’re incredibly hopeful and just pleased to be taking our sweet time out on the open seas.
