Platforms: PlayStation 5 (version reviewed), Xbox Series, PC
Genre: Action Adventure, Open World, Pirate, History, Remake

Ubisoft’s Assassin’s Creed franchise has always been a mixed bag. While we enjoyed the lore and gameplay it presented during its early years, our interest in the brand waned over the years. Mostly due to the fact that most games post-Black Flag – which happens to be my favourite of the franchise- were rehashes with different coats of paint slathered over a tired formula.

However, other games such as Sucker Punch’s Ghost of Tsushima out-AC-ed Assassin’s Creed with better story, combat mechanics and overall gameplay, further distancing ourselves from the franchise, underwhelmed in most of its releases. AC: Odyssey felt grindy and punishing. AC: Valhalla felt like Ubisoft cashing in on the viking lore hype and was a bloated mess. You know the drill.

So imagine my excitement when Ubisoft announced the modern remake, or in their fancy marketing jargon ‘Resynced’ of the beloved instalment, ACIV: Black Flag. All hands on deck! Anchors aweigh! Hoist the sails! We are on to another Caribbean adventure in 2026!

A Pirate’s Life For Me. Again.

There were many things to love about the original Black Flag game. The pirate theme was a breath of fresh air for a franchise very much landlocked in its adventures. Sure, we got a whiff of seafaring gameplay in Assassin’s Creed III, but Ubisoft rightfully rode on the positive response to their ocean combat and ramped it to eleven in Black Flag.

Edward Kenway was a relatable and likeable rogue protagonist. An aspiring privateer by trade entangled in the Assassins vs Templar struggle, Kenway convincingly brought us gamers into his world, torn between chasing his dreams of riches and fame or being part of a much more global yet clandestine order sworn to operate in the shadows.

The setting in the open Caribbean seas opens up a different arena of combat with Kenway’s ship, The Jackdaw. A novelty on its release and is still seen as the gold standard when it comes to period ship warfare, Black Flag made Assassin’s Creed felt new again. But that was thirteen years ago.

In short, with Resynced, Ubisoft took upon the criticism aimed at the original release and with the most honest of intentions, make the game better with modern sensibilities with varying results. The combat mechanism has been tweaked but are we feel is still far behind from what was presented in Ghost of Tsushima. Takedowns (pressing Triangle) animations which are triggered after a perfect parry waters down the combat experience, where you can easily thin out half of the mob almost in no time.

At times, Kenway feels grossly overpowered even by mob captains while he cosplays a sitting duck in other instances due to awkward target focus. Quick target acquisition via R3 does help but good luck evading or even parrying a stray axe swing as Kenway has his eyes fixed on mob goon A instead of mob captain B.

High Seas Havoc Redux

The parkour elements have always been a staple in Assassin’s Creed games and in Resynced, it has been improved. Sort of. Sure, better than the old one but still clunky. Numerous time we found ourselves trying to vault over a ledge to only see Kenway scooting to the side turning what would have been a cool clip to be shared on social media into something comedic.

Ubisoft added some modern gaming and Assassin’s Creed elements into the game such as improving your ship’s perks via appointments of specific crew members, special hideouts perks – think of the homestead elements like in Assassin’s Creed: Shadows and your standard skill tree. Although the idea of Kenway needing to hunt for ocelots and rabbits in order to ‘upgrade’ his holster allowing him to carry more guns is … a nuisance we could live without. He’s in Nassau. Surely he’s able to buy one from the merchant. Ubisoft really should just move on from the tired crafting elements in their games.

One of the biggest gripes from the past would be the instant failure of tailing missions. That now is gone “thanks” to Kenway’s ability to crouch and or seek cover in almost any structure near him. However, the biggest hurrah would be reserved for Ubisoft’s decision to totally omit the modern-day Abstergo portion which is easily the most pointless, unwelcomed addition in any of modern gaming. That alone deserves a bump in the score.

Similar to a more recent ‘modern remake’ of a beloved game from the past in Metal Gear Solid Delta, graphics improvements all around which is best fully experienced in maximum performance and graphical settings. However, the comparison stops there. Unlike MGS Delta which enhanced the original release, Resynced left us in questioning our affinity for the game which was originally released in 2013. After several hours of parkour-ing, assassinating, looting unsuspecting Spanish schooners, we cannot help but feel that Resyced, once you remove all the nostalgia and familiarity, is an average game at best.

Yo Ho Ho And A Bottle Of Ho Hum

Underneath the heavy layers of paint lies a decent game, mostly due to good memories and nostalgia of the original. Sure, the story is still engaging but writing alone cannot hide the cracks. A rebuild of the original but using their Anvil engine, Resynced does appear modern but lacks in depth, which befits it. Don’t get us wrong. It is a gorgeous game and full plaudits to the art department. But peel over the layers and you’ll soon discover an underwhelming truth.

For example, kudos to Ubisoft for making the game world feel lived in but once you take your time to observe the NPCs and the world they are in, the jig is up. Bumping into invisible walls, sliding down staircases, random voice lines not fitting the situation. Even animations and interactions between characters in cutscenes appear stilted and unnatural. Resynced just feels like there should be more to it and it frustrates us that it missed the mark, making us doubt the original release, which we thoroughly enjoyed.

It’s like returning to your favourite roadside burger stall after many years and realising that it isn’t all that because your taste has evolved. You tried much better stuff. Your palate, expanded and your affinity for this burger joint was fuelled by simplistic taste which fails to keep up with the times.

What was awesome then is now, at best, mid. Or as kids nowadays call it, “SIX, SEVEN!”

Final Score 70/100

Review copy provided by publisher. Played on a PlayStation 5 Pro.