Assassin’s Creed 4: Black Flag unique because of Jackdaw ‘progression’

On paper, Assassin's Creed 4: Black Flag differs mightily from past series installments, but according to Game Director Ashraf Ismail, the biggest difference comes from progression.

“We have something previous Assassin’s Creeds didn’t, which is progression,” said Ismail in a recent UbiBlog update.

Ismail notes, though, that Black Flag’s progression is unlike most open-world games’. Where most developers can get away with upgrading character’s skills, armor, etc. by defeating tougher enemies, Ubisoft doesn’t have that luxury seeing how every target is potentially a “one-hit kill target.”

As UbiBlog author Gary Steinman puts it, “Enter the Jackdaw.”

“Having the Jackdaw allows us to have a really deep progression system,” Ismail added. “We have a lot of different weapons with a lot of upgrades. This really ties everything together. It gives us a reason to travel the world. It gives us a reason to find collectibles.”

Ismail doesn’t believe the Jackdaw’s presence is forced, though. Instead, he sees the addition, including the hours that will come by way of visiting specific locations for Jackdaw items, as a mechanic that will add depth and enjoyment to the overall game.

“At some point you’ll look back and realize you just spent the last two hours going to this place and that place and killing this guy and attacking this ship,” Ismail said. “It’s so natural. I think that’s one of the coolest things we have in the game.”

Assassin’s Creed 4: Black Flag ships on October 29 for current-gen consoles.

Source: [UbiBlog]