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While the release date for Assassins Creed IV: Black Flag is still a long ways ahead of us, I’m cautiously wary and excited for more information to start sprouting about once Gamescon rolls in. This not only being a numbered game to the franchise but also taking the approach of opening the world for more exploration is what I call taking the bull by the horns as they try to get up from the controversial backlash that AC3 gave Ubisoft. Now I could easily title this piece a simple ‘What I Expect from AC4?’, but it’s rather a ‘What I’ll be Paying Close Attention To’ blog that will address more subtler things than simply increased character development, a rebirth of the modern day time period and range of exploration.
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WANTED?: It’s the golden age of piracy and without a doubt Ubisoft has confirmed that Edward Kenway will be a ruthless man seeking his own interests before anyone elses. The whole terminology of being a pirate consists of rule-breaking, infamy, thievery and all things “vile.” With this in mind it’s key to remember that during the beginning of the game the protagonist plays more to the strengths of a pirate before an assassin. I’d say Matey that an upgraded notoriety system is in order! How they develop this is key to me in relation to bringing out the seadog in Edward.
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Nothing is True, Everything is Permitted: We know Edward’s story arc for the game is his desire to lay his hands on a mysterious object that can make him both powerful and wealthy (possibly made from that rare mineral known as MacGuffinite), that the Templars are also relentlessly pursuing. But what of the Assassins? Bringing the presence of the Brotherhood will add flavour to an already broad game and regain a feeling largely invisible in his grandsons’ endeavors. While Haytham pretty much eradicated all the Assassins in the Colonial Brotherhood, it’ll be interesting to see a brotherhood that is good in number should they ever implement it in that aspect. If not, I would like to see the relevancy of true assassins against Edwards albeit at first greatly skewered one.
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HBO Scallywag: One major flaw in Edward that may become more apparent in comparison to previous protagonist will be his moral compass. His self-centeredness and his willingness to bend the Creed in order to serve his own purposes should be seen and understood immediately. Edward takes the central tenet of “Nothing is true, everything is permitted” to mean that he can do whatever he wants – even killing or robbing innocent civilians without fear of retaliation. I want to see Edward at his worst. Giving pirates the HBO treatment means heavily mature scenes of violence and sex – as hinted in the first trailer.
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This is a particularly unusual moment. The reveal feels as though it's meant to be shocking — Two women! Two races! Chocolate and Vanilla Yum!— but it does seem gaudy at first. This sort of tongue-in-cheek sexuality has been pushed to the back of the franchise, so now it's slightly predictable seeing a God of War-style nude scene appear in promotional materials in order to gain more attention. But that being said, it’s a pirates life so bring it on. I want to see it all. Especially killing the innocents. And hey, a threesome or two. XD
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Eww, as long as it's not this.
Open that Map but Find the X: Taking the concept of open world into a whole new level still leaves me cautiously watching the sidelines in terms of how they properly space loading times. Hopefully it doesn’t turn into a choppy mess of great proportions. But the fluidity of gameplay has to match against the continuity of storyline with the proper dose of cinematic cut scenes. Exploration of your choice with great attention to pacing.
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Fire and Slice: I’m keen on seeing how they balance the use of firearms with rebuilding the prominence of the Hidden Blade and keeping its reputation as the custodian of Assassins Creed weaponry. By going back in time developers must realize that pistols and such were much more complex than they were in terms of keeping guns up to stat. If you compare them to the years of the 1760's, they had much more drawbacks. It was common for flintlocks to misfire. Moisture was also a big game changer in terms of gunplay since moisture on the frizzen or damp powder left a gun completely unusable until dry. Which meant the guns could not be used in rainy weather. Interestingly the Caribbean had at least 7 months of rain every year. And in some cases would rain every single day. I'd assume that this is when the blade becomes handy due to it's reliability. I don't know whether or not Ubisoft will create a scheme for this but if not I will be closely looking at the balance of weaponry types in general.
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A Man and his Crew: There has to be something that grounds Edward the way he is. To me it would have to be the people he associates himself with. They need to be layered and relateable enough as both comrades to Edward and as sole individuals. With Edwards, first mate Adewale getting his own DLC this is more than possible.
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Dancing the Hempen Jig: We need to see someone die in this notorious fashion, the hanging at the end of a rope was a form of entertainment only used for executing. Pirates like Captain Kidd and Calico Jack were left to swing in the air until the flesh rotted off in iron cages prior to their public deaths, this would take years at times before they were eventually killed by the rope. Dramatic death much.
- So here's my list. Is there anything else you would add to that, 'cuz I'd love to hear your thoughts. Ciao!