Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag (2013)
10-28-13, 09:44 PM
#151
DVD Talk Legend
re: Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag (2014 OUT NOW)
Wow, the game looks almost identical on both consoles. Obviously the PS4 has a better draw distance and doesn't need to add "fog" in the distance, but that's about it. I'm sure the X1 will look the same as well. Not a great upgrade for a next gen purchase but it was most likely just a port anyways.
10-28-13, 10:33 PM
#152
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re: Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag (2014 OUT NOW)
I said "almost" identical 
Honestly, besides the improved draw distance and slightly better water texture, the game looks the same. Even the character models and details are identical. Granted, this is from a 1080P youtube video, not the real game, but still. Not much of a difference.
I wasn't expecting much, as this is obviously a port from current gen, but I guess I was expecting at least some sort of upgrade.
Honestly, besides the improved draw distance and slightly better water texture, the game looks the same. Even the character models and details are identical. Granted, this is from a 1080P youtube video, not the real game, but still. Not much of a difference.
I wasn't expecting much, as this is obviously a port from current gen, but I guess I was expecting at least some sort of upgrade.
10-28-13, 10:40 PM
#153
DVD Talk Legend
re: Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag (2014 OUT NOW)
I think the "fog" exists to cover up some of the graphical disparities. If it was an integral part of the scenario then why don't both versions have fog during that particular part?
10-28-13, 11:27 PM
#154
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re: Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag (2014 OUT NOW)
Yes, the fog exists for that purpose, which was my point. The main and really only difference is that the PS4 has superior draw distance, hence no fog. Also, upon rewatching some of it, the PS4 does have slightly cleaner edges in fine details.
10-29-13, 12:03 AM
#155
DVD Talk Legend
re: Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag (2014 OUT NOW)
Yeah, the biggest part I noticed was the wooden beams behind the characters. In the old gen they area little blurry, new gen crisp and detailed.
10-29-13, 05:33 AM
#156
DVD Talk Hero
re: Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag (2014 OUT NOW)
8.5 from IGN. Who would have thought WWE 2k14 would score higher than this one. I wonder if this is just another AC III (scored in the 8's as well if I recall).
10-29-13, 06:16 AM
#157
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re: Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag (2014 OUT NOW)
There's a difference between a port and a game that is built from scratch for next-gen hardware.
Games that were ported from the original Xbox/PS2 to Xbox 360/PS3 weren't that drastically improved either. For example, Half-Life 2 was on the original Xbox. When it was ported to Xbox 360 it wasn't that much improved. Its because the Half-Life 2 engine was quite simply designed for old hardware, so new hardware wouldn't drastically improve it.
Like the Assassin's Creed 4 engine is designed for old hardware. New hardware is going to be a minimal improvement. Assassin's Creed 5 will be designed from the ground up on new hardware, so it will be a significant improvement.
10-29-13, 08:33 AM
#158
DVD Talk Hero
re: Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag (2014 OUT NOW)
Games that were ported from the original Xbox/PS2 to Xbox 360/PS3 weren't that drastically improved either. For example, Half-Life 2 was on the original Xbox. When it was ported to Xbox 360 it wasn't that much improved. Its because the Half-Life 2 engine was quite simply designed for old hardware, so new hardware wouldn't drastically improve it.
10-29-13, 08:59 AM
#159
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re: Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag (2014 OUT NOW)
I'm trying to think of a game that was actually designed for the PS2 or Xbox and ported to PS3/360, but my mind is drawing a blank. I know there were ports, but I can't think of any. HD remasters like God of War don't count since all they were were simple HD facelifts.
10-29-13, 03:52 PM
#161
re: Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag (2014 OUT NOW)
Tara Long's review:
<iframe width="420" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/m_02nfldGoA" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
<iframe width="420" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/m_02nfldGoA" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
10-29-13, 11:12 PM
#163
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re: Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag (2014 OUT NOW)
Another current gen/next-gen comparison:
Spoiler:
10-30-13, 12:03 AM
#165
DVD Talk Hero
re: Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag (2014 OUT NOW)
I hope the PC port is equivalent to the PS4/XB1 versions. There's no reason it should be but after FIFA 14 (and flimsy excuse EA used), I can do nothing but hope that Ubisoft doesn't imitate such a poor example.
10-30-13, 12:28 AM
#166
DVD Talk Hero
re: Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag (2014 OUT NOW)
10-30-13, 11:09 AM
#167
DVD Talk Hero
re: Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag (2014 OUT NOW)
So consensus is that this is the best AC game yet?
Guess I'll get it...
Still gonna wait for the inevitable price drop, which should be by Black Friday.
Guess I'll get it...
Still gonna wait for the inevitable price drop, which should be by Black Friday.
10-30-13, 12:57 PM
#168
DVD Talk Hero
re: Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag (2014 OUT NOW)
From the review, it looks like the franchise is transitioning
Spoiler:
10-30-13, 02:36 PM
#170
DVD Talk Hero
10-30-13, 02:55 PM
#171
gamer for life
re: Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag (2014 OUT NOW)
Just a note...this game actually locks out some single player content`if you don't by new. Not that big of a deal, it is the missions you send your team out on to get resources and level them up (in the past games it was assassins, this game it is your extra ships.) I think they are justifying it because there is also a feature that lets you sync those missions with people on your friends list to speed them up, but ultimately it is a way to limit resources on people who buy used or loan a game to a friend.
10-31-13, 01:16 PM
#173
re: Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag (2014 OUT NOW)
I can't remember, but do you get perks / unlocks for found save files for playing any of the other games? I played all of the other games in the series on 360, but might end up picking this one up on the PS4 for the exclusive content if it doesn't make a difference.
10-31-13, 03:35 PM
#175
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re: Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag (2014 OUT NOW)
Ubisoft Kills Online Pass Program
Great news! 
Ubisoft is dropping its Uplay Passport online pass program for all future games. And it will effectively remove it from the just-released Assassin's Creed IV by providing the passes for free to all ACIV gamers, whether they get the game new or used.
The online pass program had required users of ACIV to input a code printed on a flyer packaged with each copy of the game. The code activated a variety of online features for the game's multiplayer and singleplayer modes. Some of those features made the game easier.
Anyone who bought the game used or simply borrowed it from a friend would need to buy their own Uplay Passport for $10 to experience those features.
And yet only two days after the game's release and after blowback from fans and reports in the press, Ubisoft is essentially removing the feature and vowing to allow online access to all consumers in this game and all upcoming ones.
Here's the company's statement:
"In Assassin's Creed IV Black Flag, "Edward's Fleet" is an innovative online single player feature that allows players to interact with multiple players on consoles or via the game's companion app. Every new copy of Assassin's Creed IV Black Flag includes the Uplay Passport code needed to unlock this online feature. However, we listen to our community and understand that there are concerns over some players' ability to access this feature, so we have decided to eliminate the cost of the Uplay Passport for Black Flag. This ensures that everyone will be able to use the companion app, Edward's Fleet, online multiplayer and available bonus content at no additional cost.
Also, we will be eliminating the Uplay Passport program from all future Ubisoft games moving forward."
Ubisoft, long known for its stringent DRM has been changing its strategy in the last year or so. Credit public pressure, perhaps? Regardless, this is most likely a welcome trend.
The online pass program had required users of ACIV to input a code printed on a flyer packaged with each copy of the game. The code activated a variety of online features for the game's multiplayer and singleplayer modes. Some of those features made the game easier.
Anyone who bought the game used or simply borrowed it from a friend would need to buy their own Uplay Passport for $10 to experience those features.
And yet only two days after the game's release and after blowback from fans and reports in the press, Ubisoft is essentially removing the feature and vowing to allow online access to all consumers in this game and all upcoming ones.
Here's the company's statement:
"In Assassin's Creed IV Black Flag, "Edward's Fleet" is an innovative online single player feature that allows players to interact with multiple players on consoles or via the game's companion app. Every new copy of Assassin's Creed IV Black Flag includes the Uplay Passport code needed to unlock this online feature. However, we listen to our community and understand that there are concerns over some players' ability to access this feature, so we have decided to eliminate the cost of the Uplay Passport for Black Flag. This ensures that everyone will be able to use the companion app, Edward's Fleet, online multiplayer and available bonus content at no additional cost.
Also, we will be eliminating the Uplay Passport program from all future Ubisoft games moving forward."
Ubisoft, long known for its stringent DRM has been changing its strategy in the last year or so. Credit public pressure, perhaps? Regardless, this is most likely a welcome trend.