In a move that has pleasantly surprised the gaming community, Ubisoft has unrolled a fresh update for Assassin’s Creed 4: Black Flag, a celebrated game that was initially launched a decade ago in 2013.
Black Flag, fondly remembered for its seamless blend of stealth-action gameplay and for pioneering the series’ expansive naval exploration and combat mechanics, is considered one of the finest entries in the Assassin’s Creed series.
The game throws players into the thrilling life of a swash-buckling pirate, stepping into the shoes of the unforgettable protagonist, Edward Kenway. While Kenway might not hold the same popularity as Ezio Auditore, another notable character in the franchise, he’s considered one of the most impactful characters in the franchise’s rich history. With modern platforms supporting this game, players can readily relive this immersive Caribbean adventure.
Ubisoft has released update 1.08 for Assassin’s Creed 4 for PC gamers, a quick download of just 12 MB on Steam and 13 MB on Ubisoft Connect. Although seemingly inconspicuous, the update provides a valuable fix, addressing an issue where the game would launch in windowed mode, a bug that has been irking players for some time. It’s a testament to Ubisoft’s commitment to quality that they have chosen to rectify this issue rather than let it slip through the cracks, an approach that not all companies might adhere to when dealing with decade-old games.
Ubisoft’s commitment doesn’t stop at individual game updates. The gaming giant has made a concerted effort to bring a handful of its main series Assassin’s Creed games to modern platforms. While the PS4 and Xbox One versions of Assassin’s Creed 4 ensure its compatibility with PS5 and Xbox Series X via backward compatibility, it’s notable that older AC games have received remasters. Still, one exception remains: the original Assassin’s Creed, which is only available on PC, PS3, and Xbox 360.
Fans of the franchise have more to anticipate as Ubisoft has ambitious plans for Assassin’s Creed. Assassin’s Creed Mirage is set to release later this year, and there are other exciting developments like an Assassin’s Creed VR game, and an open-world Assassin’s Creed set in feudal Japan. Furthermore, word on the grapevine is that there’s a full-fledged Assassin’s Creed 4 remake on the way, although Ubisoft has yet to confirm these speculations.
Amidst the flurry of these updates and upcoming releases, Ubisoft is not losing sight of a potential foray into the mobile gaming industry. With Codename Jade’s closed beta test on the horizon, Ubisoft seems to be efficiently juggling its focus across its diverse portfolio.
However, the journey is not without its bumps. Ubisoft now faces the task of addressing issues with Assassin’s Creed Black Flag – Gold Edition. Currently, players can’t access the post-launch Downloadable Content in the Gold Edition, a problem that has cast a shadow on an otherwise stellar game. As such, players are advised to purchase the standard version until these issues are resolved.
Whether it’s providing fixes for ten-year-old games or developing new, exciting ventures, Ubisoft is honoring its legacy and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in the Assassin’s Creed franchise, contrary to popular belief.
As the line between past, present, and future blurs in the world of Assassin’s Creed, fans have an abundance of adventures to look forward to, each promising its unique flavor of historical intrigue, thrilling action, and captivating storytelling.
Ubisoft currently has a handful of projects lined up for the current fiscal year, which includes the Black Flag offshoot, Skull & Bones, and an unnamed “large game”.
