Warning minor spoilers ahead. If you haven't played the game and want to avoid any spoilers what so ever I'd stop reading ahead. If you're ok with some minor spoilers here and there then come, join the Devil's Galleon.
If you were in any way dissapointed in AC3. For example how it held your hand for the first 2 hours of the game, how you didn't even play as Connor until quite a lot of time had passed, how unsatisfyingly Dues Ex Machina the game's story ended. Then you're in for a real treat with this game. I can't say it's as deep story wise I mean you're a pirate pillaging the high seas. There isn't much depth you can wrap into that. However, the bits of data such as the subject 17 files help to flesh out not only your role in this whole grand scheme; but, the bits of Desmond's story that were left rather on a cliffhanger from AC3.
Anyways onwards, to victory lads.
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| I do not own this image in any way shape or form. |
Graphics: After 10 years the last-gen consoles graphics are pushing up daisies. They're trying as best as possible to keep up and sadly it really doesn't deliver. In terms of optimization I think the team ended up trying their best, but the hardware-> sadly very lacking. So while running through towns or running in general in any place with dense foliage, or high amounts of structures, the game gets really choppy. Framerates dip below the acceptable 23 FPS mark, constantly. I've been told it performs much better on the PS4/Xbox One/PC, but I can't validate that for myself. In terms of textures and environments. They're lush and well designed. Again working from last-gen console specs it kinda still needs help. It is what it is. The graphics still get a promising 8/10. The game's ability to visually put you into the driver's seat of being a pirate is still very, very much there.
Gameplay: Perhaps one of the best iterations of gameplay since the Ezio storyline. Granted gameplay hasn't particularly changed all that much from game to game in the Assassin's Creed franchise. But, remember how you felt like an invincible bionic man with Connor. Remember the really Overpowered sword sets you could get just by pre-odering AC3? That's been done away with. You feel quite powerful but its nowhere near as crazy as it was with the last title. Edward still combos quite nicely but, if you're surrounded by 10 people expect to take some damage. You're not getting out unscathed. AI feel dumb as ever, and from time to time I've been known to facepalm at just how dumb they can get. I'd say the AI is much worse this time around. I assassinated people in plain visual sight of other enemies and half the time they don't even take notice. This happens in every one of the games in the franchise but I'd say this has probably been one of the worst offenders in a long time. Moving on, The items are spread out quite evenly across the board. The issue of pacing found in the last game seems pretty non-existent in this version. Despite the flaws in gameplay it still gets a solid 8/10.
I do not own this video but rather use it for demonstrative purposes.
Sound: Never really disappointing in the series. However, sound across the board does feel a little monochrome, when a gun fires it sounds the same as every other gun. I own the pistol set, cannon barrel pistol, you all know that really good set of pistols before you get the legendary one from completing all the naval contracts. Yeah it doesn't in the least feel or sound like I'm firing a cannon. I was expecting better and more varied sound bits. The timing and coordination of sounds is all well and good but when a broadsword cutlas sounds the same as a French rapier you know they dun gone and fucked up. Sound gets a 7/10 its good across the board but the monochrome really takes away from the experience.Story: Perhaps the strongest and the weakest portion of the game. I really love how they tried to tie up all the loose ends of Desmond's story with an unknown protagonist, namely you. You're the "new protagonist" that commands Edward Kenway. While this really doesn't help to establish the main storyline it does give a sense of interaction with the story. However, it removes any possibility of great narrative outside of what is available in Kenway's stories. Abstergo is still trying to fuck the world over, there's 1 magical hero that can do it all, that sort of hackneyed plot style. Getting away from that there are also some serious plotholes. I'll give you one example. Early on in the game Edward meets up with Assassin Duncan Walpole, you attack his ship and you end up stranded alone together on an island. Yet, when push comes to shove and you have to chase him down. You're apparently already versed in the skills of parkour, and have the martial skills to take down a fully fledged assassin. Not to mention once you put on the costume. It's like you have full knowledge of exactly how to use all the assassin's gadgets. I'd just like to point that massive plot hole out. In light of all the the story while I haven't finished it has been a delightful romp thus far. I'd say it gets a 7/10.
The game's overall score comes out to a solid 7.5/10. It has its flaws and most of them are caused more or less by the PS3's hardware. It's still vastly enjoyable and much needed return to what made the franchise great. If you haven't picked up a copy of the game yet I'd suggest getting one here
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