Summary
Skull and Boneshas once again brought players back in time to the Golden Age of Piracy, yet something seems to be missing. While players can sail the high seas and make their own fortune, the actual setting has left out one of the most special aspects ofAssassin’s Creed 4: Black Flag. Instead of letting players interact with some of the world’s most iconic pirates, they must surround themselves with completely original characters in brand-new locales. And even though that does not ruin the experience, it does holdSkull and Bonesback a bit.
Not only did players love the groundbreakingpirate gameplay inBlack Flag, but they also enjoyed battling side-by-side or against notable historical figures in real-world locations. That is something that has defined theAssassin’s Creedseries since the beginning, which has made it feel special.Skull and Boneshad the chance to replicate that model, and if done right, it could have led to a fantastic pirate experience. But Ubisoft went another route, and the setting has suffered because of it.
Skull and Bones Setting is Missing What Makes This Time Period So Special
Skull and Bones Did Not Follow in Assassin’s Creed Footsteps
WhileAssassin’s Creed 4: Black Flagwas focused onEdward Kenway’s role in the Assassin Brotherhood, that was not its only focus. Ubisoft wanted to explore the world of pirates from the lens of the Assassin vs Templar conflict, so it filled the setting with countless notable historical figures. That included:
Because of their inclusion, the game was far more than a standard pirate title. Instead, it felt like a true celebration of the world of piracy. Couple that with the exciting gameplay thatAssassin’s Creed 4: Black Flaghad and the real-world locales, and it made for a fantastic experience for fans. That formula is not reserved for this entry either, asthe entireAssassin’s Creedfranchisehas played around with historical characters, which has helped make it feel extremely unique.
The World of Skull and Bones Could Have Benefited From Some Real History
Instead of following in those footsteps,Skull and Bones' historyis its own thing. As of now, the game features no historical figures. While the studio may add some via post-launch updates, the adventure currently revolves around a collection of original characters. That gives Ubisoft more room to tell its own story, however, it also means that the world is missing something special.
Along with that,Skull and Bones' worldalso lacks notable real-world locations. The islands seem to be inspired by the Indian Ocean, but Ubisoft has filled them with fictional locales. The islands do not share the same names, the towns are all made up, and the factions are original toSkull and Bones. This also gives the studio more flexibility to do what it wants within this world, yet it also means that players are not experiencing the true Golden Age of Piracy.
The lack of historical figures and locales just makes the overall experience feel a bit lackluster. WhenSkull and Boneswas first announced, some players may have thought that they were exploring a true historical setting, and since the game originally spun off fromBlack Flag, those theories felt like pretty safe bets. And while the gameplay shares a lot of similarities, the studio has ripped out any real-world elements, which has made the adventure feel like a step down. There is a chance that Ubisoft may re-introduce some real-world elements as the post-launch seasons go on, but for now, players are left with a setting that lacks what could have made it special.
Skull and Bones
WHERE TO PLAY
Set sail into the vibrant open world of Skull and Bones, a naval online action RPG where you rise to become the most fearsome pirate kingpin.ENGAGE IN SPECTACULAR NAVAL COMBATPrepare for devastating battles by crafting a dozen different ships and equip your fleet with powerful loadouts. Unlock stronger weapons as you progress and customize your ships to reflect your unique pirate playstyle.SAIL INTO A DANGEROUS HELL IN PARADISEVoyage into the Indian Ocean and explore a vast open world teeming with cutthroat pirates, deadly sea monsters, supernatural threats, devastating storms, and more.TEAM UP WITH FELLOW PIRATESSail the lawless seas solo or team up with two friends or other players to partake in shareable contracts and rewards.ENJOY EVER-EVOLVING CONTENTEach season, face a brand-new legendary sea lord and discover fresh content, limitless endgame opportunities, and new exciting features designed to enhance your pirate experience.
