By Saniah Etienne

Assassin’s Creed Black Flag: Resynced expects you to be a pirate before you’re an assassin. And that’s simultaneously the beauty of it and the biggest hurdle to overcome. Assassin’s Creed was one of the first videogames I played growing up, so I was very excited to dive into this new version. As a child, I was enthralled by its dynamic protagonist, open world and complex storyline. Consequently, I started Assassin’s Creed Black Flag anticipating a story centered on the conflict between the Templars and the Assassins. Instead, I unexpectedly became immersed in the life of a Welsh pirate named Edward Kenway.

One of my favorite aspects of this most recent remake was the shanty player! Listening to the crew sing songs like “Johnny Boker” and “Roller Bowler” made the long journeys a lot more fun. The songs help because, throughout Black Flag, you spend a significant amount of time traveling the sea. For players expecting a more traditional Assassin’s Creed experience – on foot – this might be offputting at first. 

But the new graphics are spectacular, and the game runs smoothly, with very few problems. The remaster does a fine job modernizing the large and small features that players know and love: the crystal blue waters, the animals and the lively ports. The parkour system is a little bit glitchy, though; sometimes it misreads input, which can be frustrating when you’re being chased. This created a couple of awkward run-ins with Spanish officers.

And I struggled to enjoy the naval warfare aspects of the game. There were so many moving parts that, at times, the gameplay was more oppressive than enjoyable. I had to steer the Jackdaw and avoid obstacles while also attempting to line up broadsides, brace for enemy impact and take down other ships. Even when I upgraded the Jackdaw’s abilities to include a mortar or fiery cannons, I often felt overwhelmed, almost out of control. On one quest, I had to destroy a number of other boats. There was a steep learning curve, and it took me around six tries. When I was finally able to board enemy ships, fight other sailors and repair the Jackdaw, it was a relief. The payoff exists, but the game makes you work very hard for it.

Nevertheless, the aquatic world felt alive and immersive. From views of the coastal mountains and colorful marine life to dramatic shifts in the weather, the Caribbean scenery is beautiful. I enjoyed exploring the bustling seaports of Nassau and Havana; I had a blast visiting taverns, getting into fights, synchronizing viewpoints and doing parkour from building to building. It was also a good fit with Edward Kenway’s rowdy streak. Overall, this segment felt like the traditional Assassin’s Creed experience. 

Edward’s character is less developed than some other Assassin’s Creed protagonists, many of whom have more fleshed-out origin stories. It’s unclear what his true relationship is to the Templars and the Assassins. He struck me as more of a mercenary driven by opportunity than a principled assassin driven by ideology. Thus, it was harder to connect with him than with other Assassin’s Creed protagonists like Naoe or Aveline, whose motivations are better established. 

Every now and then we see flashback vignettes of Edward with his wife, Caroline, who left him due to his wild life as a privateer. His primary goal seems to be to simply make enough money to buy land back home in Wales and try to win her back, so he doesn’t seem to be a traditional assassin. As the game began, I wondered how Edward would eventually come into alignment with the brotherhood. The assassins are slow to accept him at first, which I found amusing.

The relationship dynamic I found most interesting was the one between Edward and his quartermaster, Adewale, a formerly enslaved man who is levelheaded and provides Edward with guidance throughout the quests. Adewale became a pirate because of the freedom it offers, in contrast to Edward, who sees it as a means to an end. Their association highlights the tension between people who can live similar lives while being committed to completely different ideals. 

At first, Assassin’s Creed Black Flag: Resynced challenged my positive view of Assassin’s Creed. But by the end of my playing time, I was a fan. The Assassin’s Creed Universe is big enough for a pirate game, and I understand why this one is well loved. Exploring the Caribbean, interacting with the Templars and the brotherhood, and leading your own ship and crew through naval battles creates an experience unlike any other game in the franchise. Some may need to adjust to the balance between piracy and the traditional assassin experience. But those who can adapt and see the vision will find a unique and rewarding playing experience. 

Saniah Etienne is an NYVGCC intern who attended The Lab School in the Bronx and is currently in her first year at Howard University.

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