Assassin's Creed IV Black Flag

“A new world, protagonist, and setting help elevate a formula that is otherwise growing stale.”

Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag reinvigorates the series after its patchy performance over the last few years, making it the best game since Brotherhood.

Black Flag takes you where no Assassin’s Creed game has before, and we’re not just talking about the fact that boats are involved. A true open-world treat that will provide completionists with dozens of hours of gameplay, ACIV is the real deal, not to mention a real shot in the arm for a series that was starting to look like something of a one-trick pony to all but the most hardcore fans. Highly r...

There are many hidden elements and motives that unravel as the story progresses but it's an experience worthy of your time. Best of all, you don't need to have played the previous Assassin's Creed titles as the story presents itself with enough depth to feature as a stand-alone story; although previous experience with the storyline will undoubtedly offer a little more substance.

The fears of the malcontents did not come true - the fourth part of the Assassin saga is one of the best sandboxes of recent years, and the switch to a pirate atmosphere turned out to be a bull's-eye.

Man the cannons and brace for impact, because Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag is here to blow up any preconceived notions you had about the annual franchise. With a great cast of characters and a huge world to explore, this next-generation sequel is the best installment since Assassin's Creed II.

Republished on Wednesday 13th July, 2022: We're bringing this review back from the archives following the announcement of July's PS Plus Extra, Premium lineup. The original text follows.

Having plied us with six games in the last five years, it’s little wonder that the Assassin’s Creed series has started to go a little stale.

This game was played on the Wii U.

The game looks absolutely beautiful, is jam packed with things to do, and as ever, the combat is a joy to fiddle with. But for next year? Ubisoft, it’s called Assassin’s Creed: make me feel like one.