Summary

  • Rumors of an Assassin's Creed 4: Black Flag remake remain unconfirmed by Ubisoft.
  • If it happens, the remake must carefully balance honoring the original while evolving the gameplay.
  • A complete overhaul could be risky, but modern upgrades could attract new players.

Despite every installment since its release, Assassin's Creed 4: Black Flag is regarded as one of the best games in the Assassin's Creed franchise, with some fans even claiming it is the best overall. Some of that may be due to the game's quality, but it also has some advantages, being the first game in the series to introduce a vast open world, as well as a unique pirate setting that sees players exploring a sprawling ocean for treasure and conquering enemy ships in intense naval battles. There is certainly a lot to love about Assassin's Creed 4: Black Flag, so the ongoing rumors that a remake is in the works are most welcome.

At this point, the rumors that an Assassin's Creed 4: Black Flag remake is in development have not been confirmed or denied by Ubisoft. As such, there's absolutely no telling what a remake of the classic game might look like — whether it would be more of the same built with modern technology or an entirely different experience altogether. There is something to be said for going either way, but each route comes with its upsides and downsides.

Edward Kenway watching a whale in Assassin's Creed 4 Black Flag
Assassin's Creed 4: Black Flag Remake Wish List

If the rumors are true about Assassin's Creed 4: Black Flag getting a remake, there are several features Ubisoft should consider implementing.

By 

The Rumored Assassin's Creed 4: Black Flag Remake Will Need to Choose Its Path Carefully

The Rumored Assassin's Creed 4: Black Flag Remake May Not Work as Little More Than a Polished Version of the Original Game

Remakes are tricky, as developers face the insurmountable task of recreating a popular classic in a way that both honors and evolves the DNA of the original. That sentiment would certainly be no less true of Assassin's Creed 4: Black Flag, especially with a crowd of loyal fans who expect the heart and soul of their favorite Assassin's Creed game to come out on the other side of the remake process mostly still there. The thing about Assassin's Creed 4: Black Flag is that it's already such a successful game that attempting to overhaul it completely might ruin it in the end.

In light of that, Ubisoft might opt for more of a remaster-style remake that simply upgrades the original game's visuals and adds some necessary quality-of-life improvements here and there to make it feel like a fresh experience. Unfortunately, that might not be enough to make it succeed a second time, as it might be seen as nothing more than a cash grab — and with the reputation Ubisoft has established in more recent memory, that definitely wouldn't be the best move.

Then again, completely remaking the game from the ground up might take things a bit too far.

A Complete Overhaul of the Original Assassin's Creed 4: Black Flag Might Take Things a Bit Too Far

Attempting to break down and then reassemble Assassin's Creed 4: Black Flag with different pieces could potentially "ruin" the game, since it was already considered perfect to begin with. Very rarely have developers been able to pull off a top-down remake of Final Fantasy 7 Remake or Resident Evil 4's caliber, due to time and budget restraints, as well as the tightrope that such a project requires its developers to walk. That being said, completely overhauling an original concept to produce a full-fledged remake isn't impossible, and Ubisoft could pull it off.

Assassin's Creed 4: Black Flag with an entirely renewed take on exploration, parkour, combat, and stealth — along with enhanced modern visuals to boot — would effortlessly provide players with a fresh experience to enjoy. It would also be a surefire way to get newcomers involved who have yet to set sail in Assassin's Creed 4: Black Flag, as they might be turned off by a mere remaster. At the same time, any major insufficiency in an Assassin's Creed 4: Black Flag remake might spark outrage among longtime fans of the game, which would ultimately cause its reception to plummet. If the rumors are true, this remake will need to tread lightly.

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Assassin's Creed 4: Black Flag

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Action-Adventure
Open-World
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Systems
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Top Critic Avg: 85 /100 Critics Rec: 91%
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Released
October 29, 2013
ESRB
M For Mature 17+ Due To Blood, Sexual Themes, Strong Language, Use of Alcohol, Violence
Developer(s)
Ubisoft Montreal
Publisher(s)
Ubisoft
Engine
AnvilNext
Multiplayer
Local Multiplayer, Online Multiplayer
Franchise
Assassin's Creed
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WHERE TO PLAY

SUBSCRIPTION
DIGITAL
PHYSICAL
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Genre(s)
Action-Adventure, Open-World
How Long To Beat
24 Hours
How Long To Beat (Completionist Runs)
60 Hours
PS Plus Availability
Extra & Premium