Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced Review (PS5, Xbox Series X/S, & PC)

Few games I’d like remastered, and even then, I’d be very cautious about what’s worth pulling out my wallet for. These days, every decade-old game is receiving a remake, and I’m just over here hoping for something I haven’t seen before. But then you have genuinely unforgettable games like Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag. It came out in 2013, which isn’t too long ago for me to be completely ditching the old for the new. Yet, I couldn’t help but count down the days until Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced got in my hands, and I’ll tell you why.

No other pirate game has yet to accomplish what Black Flag has, and for me, piracy is a guilty pleasure I spend way too many hours indulging in. The Jolly Roger is my aura right before I put my enemies in their place. Around me is a jolly squad who, as much as we clash beer mugs and sing sea shanties, I know if anyone messes with us, the canyons will be up and running before our enemies have the time to turn around and make a dash for it. That’s the fantasy that Black Flag makes possible, above any other pirate game on the market, even these many years down the line. So, for Ubisoft to choose to remake it, I’m most certainly receptive to the idea and sure cannot wait to dig in.

My piracy fantasies aside, though, Ubisoft has yet to prove itself a master of remakes. Let’s be honest as well and admit that their recent Assassin’s Creed games haven’t been the best. A lot is riding on this launch. Shall we see how they pull through? Cue my Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced review?

Pick a Side

The best protagonists are often the ones with inner struggles you cannot even begin to explain. Everyone identifies with a part of their story in vulnerable ways that make you stand in front of a mirror and question your life choices. It’s not every game that creates protagonists who challenge your perception of things. For the Assassin’s Creed franchise, you have Ezio’s arc, which weaves complex themes of vengeance that evolve into staunch belief in liberation and love. For a moment there, it felt hopeless that the franchise would ever receive a protagonist as strong as Ezio until Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced’s Edward Kenway. 

Listen, I adore the guy. He’s human, and by that I mean selfish and opportunistic. He doesn’t question the temporary reprieves before him, even when he should probably think twice about following said path. It takes a minute to sort out the mess inside of him, even as he gets warped into the Brotherhood of Assassins and the Templar Order’s fight, a conflict that has nothing to do with him. Yet, even with the current events happening in the world, you have to pick a side. Playing both sides can only take you so far before people get hurt. 

It’s a most compelling story, which, yes, remains untouched from the original game. Even when unraveling the events that you already know how they will play out, the writing and dialogue in Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced is so strong. The personalities of the characters you meet, Blackbeard, Charles Vane, and more complex pirates with humane struggles, come out so authentically, thanks to excellent voice work. But hey, I understand needing more when you have already seen it all, and the remake caters to you by adding new characters.

Breath of Fresh Caribbean Air

The difference between the original and Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced’s story campaign isn’t glaring, but it exists in the subtle additions to character interactions that flesh out their backgrounds and personalities a whole lot more. In fact, you’ll play through completely new cutscenes. The new “A World Without Gold” endgame chapter and “Blackbeard’s Treasure” quest add fresh storylines and rewards. Sure, some of the new content isn’t as deeply developed, but they do help tie things up in a neat bow. 

Perhaps a subjective change is the complete removal of the modern story sections. Though let’s be honest and agree that the modern-day stories in the Assassin’s Creed franchise barely compare to the historical ones. They were great ideas, taking you to a sci-fi future and answering the lingering questions you may have about, say, the location of The Observatory. But the transition from the past to the future never truly felt seamless. Removing it completely may have been the best decision Ubisoft could have made for Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced, and hopefully, they stick with the same decision moving forward. 

Right. One last thing about the new changes to the story. The addition of new characters in Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced treats you to some fresh personalities to grow attached to. Though some could have used a little more fleshing out and seamless integration into the overall story arc. Instead, they serve their purpose in side missions and become moot onward as you re-focus on Kenway’s pirate-assassin journey. Still, some of these new characters serve a purpose beyond the story, and that’s their availability to join your crew. Fresh crew members bring with them new skills and abilities. These are well-balanced across offense and defense strategies, and play pretty significant roles in winning naval battles.

All Hands on Deck

Naval battles are my favorite part of Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced, just how you won’t find another game with better crashing sea waves and realistic ship wreckage. Out in the sea is where my pirate soul comes to life, whether I’m picking the next sea shanty to jam to with my crew or aligning my next shot at a stubborn enemy fleet. Forget it, I’ll just let myself onto their ship, slay them from the inside. At any moment, the tables can turn in your favor (or against) based on all number of unforeseeable factors, which I feel mirrors the tension that must go on during naval battles. Even the weather can be your worst enemy, with its hailstorms and turbulent seas. 

It means that all hands literally are on deck at the worst of times if you’re to have any chance at avoiding capsizing. Or an even worse fate, getting captured by a stubborn stalemate. The best part, though? All of that trouble can pay off hugely. It’s what you’re out here in the endless sea for. The chance at reaping huge rewards for your bravery through the storms. Piracy carries its high risks, but man, its rewards are too sweet.

As far as Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced goes, the naval battles are truly way better. You’ll notice both subtle and noticeable changes. Your ship now has alternate fire modes, which you can further upgrade with special abilities that enhance accuracy and precision. However minor you might think it to be, I love bringing a cat or monkey aboard.

Caribbean Lifestyle

But the biggest change of all has to be the audio-visuals. What’s green needs to be luscious green. What’s blue shimmering blue, and Ubisoft understands this when ushering the original game to the modern-day. It’s a beautiful game to look at, whether you’re on sea or land. The details are impeccable on the character models. Close-up, I can see the frown lines and the individual hair strands flailing in the wind. You’ll probably, though, be most excited about diving underwater. This wasn’t present in the original game. And generally, the freedom to say, hey, I feel like a swim, or how about a voyage to a random island, and you’ll seamlessly navigate around the world, without annoying map icons all over, to your destination. Though I suppose you’ll easily be distracted and find yourself laying siege to an unfortunate port that looks to need conquering.

Sounds are just the same, immersive, from the voice acting to the environmental sound effects. The thrashing of wind and the crashing of the waves. It can get pretty scary when a storm’s coming. And the pressure is really felt as you run around on deck, bracing yourselves for impact. 

Die By My Sword

I’ve left actual melee combat for last because it hasn’t changed much compared to the original, although there are certainly minor tweaks and QoL changes that make it smoother and more enjoyable. Swords actually clash, and you can feel the impact as they do. Even driving your sword through an enemy’s torso feels satisfying. Though again, melee combat has never been Assassin’s Creed’s strongest suit. So, please do keep your expectations in check. 

I will say, though, that the number of fun executions you can deliver on enemies is damn thrilling. The leg sweep is fun, tripping enemies before driving your sword through their torso. So is the rope dart, pulling in enemies for the kill. If you can parry, you’ll have an easier time, even with the usual groups of enemies flocking around you. Because of the groups of enemies, though, animations can look a bit rough. There can be a lot happening at once to keep track of actual attacks coming at you.

Don’t Make a Sound

Not much to say about stealth, either. I mean, it’s fun that you can now crouch anywhere, not just restricted to “stalking places.” But the enemies remain clueless to your presence, hardly smart enough to challenge you to strategize your position and movement a lot better. But please, do disable those alarms.

Parkour, as well, is fun, I’ll say, but mostly because of the world itself looking hella stunning. Nothing unconventional here in climbing walls and jumping off ledges. It’s pretty much Assassin’s Creed, though I suppose the annoying bugs in the original are a little less predominant.

Verdict

I’ve just about exhausted all the words in me to justify why Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced is an absolutely fun and worthy remake of the original. It does 2013’s version justice, maintaining everything that worked in the story and gameplay. That’s not to say that the remake doesn’t change some things. It polishes up the audio-visuals, treating you to glistening waters you can dive into. 

Besides deep-sea diving, you can crouch at any time. You can use rope darts to pull in enemies for the kill. You can alternate the fire modes on your ship. New characters add fresh storylines. But they can also become a part of your crew, further diversifying the skills and abilities accessible to you. So many treats for veterans, and a perfect entry point for newcomers.