Ubisoft has unveiled Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced, a remake of the 2013 fan-favourite, which will receive improved graphics, enhanced gameplay and a whole host of new additions to one of the most beloved games in the long-running franchise.
This new edition is a 13-year anniversary tribute to the original game and represents a new wave of big publishers of popular games that are reviving major titles to attract both old and new gamers.
Assassin’s Creed is one of the most successful games of all time in terms of worldwide sales, with an estimated 230 million units sold. With numerous releases under its belt, Black Flag is one of the standout entries, boasting an open-world exploration of the Caribbean in the early 18th century with a pirate theme.
Once again, players take on the role of Welsh pirate Edward Kenway, sailing between tropical islands, waging naval warfare and searching for treasure. After many games released in the early 2010s were in darker tones, Ubisoft has made the game brighter, with better environmental details.
The new edition features amazing islands, detailed coral reefs and improved lighting, making the Caribbean look more vibrant while maintaining the feel that made the original so popular.
The remake also cuts away the modern day office scenes from the 2013 version, leaving players with more time to spend in the historical adventure. Many fans have been happy to see that change, as they felt those parts of the original game were among the poorest.
Gaming channel Outside Xbox co-editor Andy Farrant called Black Flag as the best game in the series. The world with updated graphics, and spending more time with characters like Edward Kenway, Anne Bonny and Stede Bonnet, would be enticing to longtime players, he said.
As the costs of game development keep rising, remakes are getting even more crucial for game publishers, industry analysts say. Game industry veteran Christopher Dring pointed out that today’s blockbuster games are much longer to make, so firms are now looking to revamp hits and continue development on new titles.
Black Flag Resynced doesn’t change much from the visuals and keeps much of the original gameplay intact, such as ship battles and exploring islands for treasure. There are a number of familiar mechanics and animations that have stayed the same as Ubisoft didn’t want to start from scratch, while maintaining the identity of the original game.
The remade version also incorporates some of the more recent Assassin’s Creed combat mechanics to the classic gameplay, crafting a mixed combat experience. However, some dedicated fans might take a hit on what they missed such as being able to use the iconic hidden blades at will during combat.
With a price tag of £50, the game is a relatively cheap buy in comparison to a number of new blockbuster releases, and that is precisely what matters in a world of increasingly expensive top-tier games.
If Ubisoft can get Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced to succeed, it could propel them forward after a rough stretch that saw studios shut down, games cancelled and projects delayed. If sales are robust, it could also lead the company to revisit more classics from the franchise in the years to come.
