This debate has been raging for over ten years since Assassin’s Creed Black Flag first opened fire. The new screenshots showing the game’s visuals sparked a heated debate about its legacy: some said it’s the GOAT while the others bemoaned how the gameplay hasn’t aged well.
The original tweet was: “11 year old game btw,” next to a screenshot from the game, after which all sorts of reactions started to pour in: “easily the best AC game” by players, among them @therealrupas, while @___Adel_____ replied the combat did feel dated, and it needed a complete modern overhaul. Now this is where the real split lies; some want Ubisoft to leave it alone, and others want a full-blown remake in today’s graphics.
What exactly sets Black Flag apart? For one, ship combat remains better than most pirate games today, including modern ones like Sea of Thieves. The open-world Caribbean setting is brimming with detail, and the story of Edward Kenway is one of the better ones within the series. @Joeyeggzgames was right with, “It’s fine and playable as is.” On the contrary, @MagnusFTS went on to say: “It looks and plays like an 11 year old game.”
Nostalgia is probably the biggest factor here. @Silent_J0E reminisces when Ubisoft “cared to make good games,” while others, such as @Legendary_JT, feel games haven’t gotten better since then. Some even claim that Black Flag’s graphics hold up better than newer ones plagued by poorly optimized ray-tracing.
Of course, the matter of Ubisoft in these days and times comes up, as well: @ZachB52828402 defended them, “They still manage to build beautiful worlds but struggle with writing.” Others, like @Lol_Lolsson03, didn’t stop for a second: “They haven’t done anything good the last 5+ years.”
So does Black Flag need a remake? Depending on whom you ask. Some want things like modern combat; others are afraid Ubisoft will just ruin it. At any rate, however, it is quite clear that this 11-year-old pirate adventure is alive and kicking with its crew. And honestly, that should already be enough to make it one of the most great games ever made at a time where Flip was still a thing.
Maybe it is time for Black Flag, if you haven’t played it yet. Just don’t expect any spoon-feeding like the new AC titles. If you have played it, then it’s time for those sea shanties to start!
