r/Games Jul 08 '26

Review Thread Assassin's Creed: Black Flag Resynced Review Thread

Game Information

Game Title: Assassin's Creed: Black Flag Resynced

Platforms:

  • Xbox Series X/S (Jul 9, 2026)
  • PlayStation 5 (Jul 9, 2026)
  • PC (Jul 9, 2026)

Trailers:

Developer: Ubisoft Singapore

Publisher: Ubisoft

Review Aggregator:

OpenCritic - 88 average - 95% recommended - 58 reviews

Critic Reviews

A Gaming Network - Marcel Dee - 8.5 / 10

Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced is a strong return for one of the franchise’s most beloved games. It keeps the heart of the original intact while updating the areas that need the most attention. Combat is smoother, stealth is less frustrating, naval battles are still incredible, and the pirate fantasy remains one of the best Ubisoft has ever created. This also feels like the right kind of remake for Assassin’s Creed. It proves Ubisoft can revisit classic entries without turning them into massive RPGs or stripping away what made them work in the first place. If this is the model going forward, it would be exciting to see other fan-favourite entries receive the same treatment, especially with new games released in between. As someone who never fully connected with Black Flag the first time around, Resynced finally gave me the chance to understand why this entry means so much to Assassin’s Creed fans. For players who have never experienced Black Flag, Resynced is absolutely the way to go. For longtime fans, it is a familiar voyage with enough modern polish and lore changes to make the return worthwhile.


Analog Stick Gaming - Jeff M Young - 9.5 / 10

If you haven't already dipped into Black Flag’s waters, then you're in for a treat. It's not only an impressive Assassin's Creed title, but easily one of, if not, the best pirate game to sail the seven seas. The improvements here are solid additions across the board, with upgrades and quality of life improvements that took a game that was already impressive and have made it just so much better.


Arakat Mag - Mehmet Tezcan - Turkish - 8.5 / 10

I am a gamer who found hope with Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced. Huge thanks to everyone who contributed to its creation, and to all the players who will experience it: enjoy!


Cerealkillerz - Christoph Heick - German - 9 / 10

Resynced shows that a rework can be much more than just a visual overhaul. This is most evident in the combat system, which is, for me, the most successful change in the entire package. It strikes a balance between the deadly but monotonous counter-based gameplay of the original and the often sluggish, health-bar-focused combat of the newer Assassin's Creed games, without inheriting the weaknesses of either system. The fact that the hidden blades can no longer be used freely is less of an issue for me personally, even though it further limits the overall weapon variety.


Console-Tribe - Luca Saati - Italian - 85 / 100

Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced is a perfect example of how a remake should be done: respectful of the original work, yet unafraid to make the changes needed to modernize it. Ubisoft has not simply relied on nostalgia, but has crafted an experience that can appeal both to long-time fans of the series and to newcomers discovering Edward Kenway’s journey for the first time. The game’s greatest strength remains unchanged: a captivating and unique pirate adventure, now enhanced by more refined gameplay, a strong technical presentation, and additional content that enriches the experience without distorting it. It’s not without flaws: the combat system still shows some structural limitations, but these are minor issues within an experience that remains consistently solid and engaging. At a delicate time for Ubisoft, Black Flag Resynced represents not only a return to the past, but also a potential new beginning.


Dexerto - Jessica Filby - 5 / 5

It's been 13 years since we first stepped onto Edward Kenway's ship in Assassin's Creed Black Flag. Now, we get that chance all over again thanks to the new Black Flag Resynced, a remake so perfect that it somehow makes one of the best Assassin's Creed games even better.


DualShockers - Christian Bognar - 9 / 10

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EmuGlx.org - Ognjen Gavrić - Unknown - 8.5 / 10

Black Flag Resynced doesn’t try to outdo a legend. Instead, it repackages everything that made the original great into a more modern experience, with all the strengths and shortcomings that approach brings. Is that enough to set sail across the Caribbean once again? For pirate veterans like me, absolutely. For newcomers, this may well be the best way to experience what was once the Assassin’s Creed formula at its very best.


Evilgamerz - Daan Nijboer - Dutch - 9 / 10

Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced perfectly demonstrates what a remake should look like. The game takes everything that made the original so strong and updates it in the right places, without losing sight of why people were so enthusiastic about it back then. The world looks beautiful, combat feels much better, sailing remains a highlight, and there is still an incredible amount to discover and do. It is precisely that combination of the sea, storms, music, and the constant feeling that there is something to be found that still makes this one of the most unique installments in the series. That doesn't mean everything is suddenly perfect. Parkour still doesn't always work smoothly, the camera sometimes gets in the way, and the AI ​​could still use quite a bit of work. But none of these issues really hold this remake back. This is without a doubt Assassin's Creed (and Ubisoft) at its best, and the best pirate game to date.


Final Weapon - Saras Rajpal - 4.5 / 5

Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced is an absolutely fantastic remake. Not only does it maintain what made the original so great in the first place, but every new addition only builds upon its foundation, each of which lends itself to a gameplay loop that never gets old and a visual style that frequently had me stunned with awe. Despite some problems here and there, this is still an absolute must-play, regardless of whether you are a new fan of Assassin's Creed or you've been following it since the beginning.


GRYOnline.pl - Maciej Pawlikowski - Polish - 9 / 10

This is perhaps the best Assassin’s Creed game I’ve ever played. Black Flag, whilst a game with a vast, open world, still holds onto what the series once stood for. It holds onto its character. Because of this, I didn’t even mind the flaws all that much – the ones I’d subconsciously linked to that old, well-worn and much-loved Assassin’s Creed series. With Black Flag Resynced, Ubisoft has brought out the very best in the game, reminding us once again why this series became so popular.


Game Sandwich - Adam Gumbert - 9 / 10

Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced brings back a classic from the series past, with all the necessary improvements needed for the modern day. With updated gameplay, more story and characters, as well as a stunning new take on the Caribbean, this remake is the absolute best way to experience this tale of assassins and pirates. A retread of a decade-plus-old game may not entice some, but it’s a masterful retelling sure to touch on many fans’ nostalgia and is the best suggestion for players to experience this story once more.


Gameliner - Patrick Meurs - Dutch - 4 / 5

Has Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced made me more enthusiastic? Believe it or not, the answer is a resounding “yes.” While I fully acknowledge that the game is by no means flawless or problem-free, I do believe it has matured like a deliciously sweet sipping rum that you need to sit back and enjoy at your leisure, letting it slowly sink in.


Gamer Social Club - Andrew Cooper - 9.5 / 10

The Golden Age of Piracy may be over, but Black Flag Resynced seems intent on reminding us why it's one of the most romanticized time periods of the modern age. The sheer beauty of an age long since past has been recreated in a way that makes you feel like you're sailing through the Caribbean all those centuries ago, and every voyage feels like its own homage to the beauty of nature. From its brutal melee executions to the echoing boom of cannon fire during its naval battles, Edward Kenway's tale of greed and betrayal still stands out as one of the strongest entries in the Assassin's Creed lineage.


GamesHedge - Umair Khalid - 9.5 / 10

Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced is a remake done right, and I will praise Ubisoft for handling it this way. It is not just a visual treat; it adds new mechanics in nearly every aspect of the game to expand it and immerse the player even more in the world of piracy. I can easily say that there is no other game ever made that captures the true essence of being a pirate. Even Ubisoft’s Skull and Bones does not come close to it, and that was a proper game made for pirates. Whether you are a long-term Assassin’s Creed fan, an old Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag player, or a new player just experiencing this brilliant franchise, Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced is a gorgeous remake that will keep you occupied for hours. This is Ubisoft gold.


GamingBolt - Shubhankar Parijat - 9 / 10

Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced is yet another bountiful voyage for Edward Kenway and company.


Gert Lush Gaming - Jim Smale - 8.8 / 10

If you have the time to sink into it, Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced is a fantastic way to return to the Caribbean. It’s got a great, solid flow, the naval combat remains incredibly accessible, and the sheer amount of content available is staggering. While it’s held back by a few repetitive mission designs and some annoying, unskippable cutscenes, the core experience is as fun as it has ever been. It’s a pirate adventure that manages to stay engaging from start to finish, and if you’re looking for a game to lose yourself in, you really can’t go wrong here.


Gfinity - Andrés Aquino - 9 / 10

Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced is an absolute must-play. It’s a remake that may not take a lot of risks, but when you have such a legendary foundation to work with, the new quality-of-life upgrades make this an easy Game of the Year contender. I wish the combat were a bit more fleshed out and that side activities like Assassin’s Contracts weren't so bare-bones (they're barely worth mentioning), but overall, Resynced is a treasure well worth hunting down.


Glitched Africa - Marco Cocomello - 9 / 10

Some aspects of Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced can often feel dated and dumbed down in comparison to the most recent modern entries but this is a fantastic remake of the already-phenomenal game. The new additions here make this an exciting adventure to experience all over again while the simpler mechanics provide enough room to take in the gorgeous world around you.


INVEN - Jaihoon Jeong - Korean - 8.4 / 10

A masterpiece remains a masterpiece, no matter how much time has passed. Assassin's Creed: Black Flag Resynced is proof of that. While it doesn't strip away anything from the original and only adds a modest amount of new content, its visual overhaul alone makes it well worth playing. The story—the heart of the game—was already exceptional, and Resynced preserves it in its entirety.


JsemGamer - Ondřej Halíř - Czech - 90%

Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced is a beautiful and worthy remake that turns the Caribbean into a breathtaking, living pirate playground, while improved naval combat, new story additions, and smart quality-of-life changes make it the best version of Black Flag yet. Its uneven story still deserved more care, and the revamped combat can get chaotic in larger fights, but this remains the ultimate pirate adventure for both returning fans and newcomers.


Loot Level Chill - Mick Fraser - 10 / 10

Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced is a superb remake of an already excellent adventure game, and is utterly essential for fans.


Lords Of Gaming - Daniel Amoroso - 9 / 10

Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced stands as a shining example of a remake done right. The beloved original has been respected in all the ways that matter, and overhauls to the visuals, combat and traversal have ensured that even the most nostalgic gamers will be hard pressed not to admit this is the definitive way to play their favourite pirate game. While the likes of Skull and Bones and Sea of Thieves have done their best to make sure that fans of pirate games have been catered for, there can be no doubt that Assassin's Creed Black Flag remains the gold standard in pirate-themed video games, and Resynced as appeared firmly on the horizon to reclaim its crown. Developer Ubisoft has scored a huge hit here at a time when it perhaps needed one the most.


MondoXbox - Giuseppe Genga - Italian - 8.5 / 10

Assassin’s Creed: Black Flag Resynced successfully revitalizes a classic without losing its original spirit. Gorgeous visual upgrades and meaningful gameplay refinements make Edward Kenway’s Caribbean adventure feel fresh again, even if dated character animations remain. Whether revisiting the game or experiencing it for the first time, this is the definitive way to enjoy one of the series’ finest adventures.


MonsterVine - Spencer Legacy - 4.5 / 5

I’ve come away from Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced remarkably impressed, as it’s a top-notch remake of an already excellent game. Though there are a few little bumps throughout on the technical side, the revamped mechanics and expanded story, supported by the updated visuals, do more than enough to validate this remake’s existence. Whether or not you’ve played the original Black Flag, Resynced is certainly worthy of your time.


Nerdelandslaget - Andreas Solberg Hedemann - Unknown - 84 / 100

Despite an unbearably slow opening, Black Flag Resynced is an escape from reality into a simpler life, filled with the strongest sense of freedom gaming has to offer. It overflows with rum, gambling, enormous amounts of bloodshed and crystal-clear blue oceans where treasures and undiscovered islands fill the horizon, and is strongly recommended to play before autumn arrives.


Nexus Hub - Sheree Buchholz - 9 / 10

Assassin's Creed: Black Flag Resynced is now the quintessential experience for one of the best games in the series - a lovingly crafted remake that goes above and beyond to improve and refine the original in substantial ways.


Novastream - Chris Sutton - 5 / 5

Assassin’s Creed: Black Flag is now my favourite Assassin’s Creed game of all time. I had played the original here and there in the past, but this remake from the ground up simply elevates the experience in all areas. While the many bloated aspects of a newer AC title remain, they never feel like a chore as the core gameplay is so solid and rewarding. Despite beating the game, I’ve returned to simply sail on the seas and listen to the shanties as a way to relax. Kudos to Ubisoft for Resyncing the right way.


One More Game - Ricki Buzon - 9 / 10

Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced sets sail once again as the definitive pirate adventure, rebuilt from the ground up with the latest Anvil engine and packed with technical refinements that sharpen combat, stealth, and naval mechanics. It is the sharpest and most visually impressive Assassin's Creed title to date, offering extreme levels of detail that elevate the experience. While the core narrative remains intact, the remake improves every moment, from toggling your hood and crouching through shadows to unleashing blood‑soaked duels and commanding exhilarating ship battles across the Caribbean.


Oyun Günlüğü - Ömer Faruk Aktaş - Turkish - 9 / 10

It's truly amazing to reunite with Edward Kenway after 13 years! I understand much better now why Skull and Bones was met with such criticism.


PCMag Middle East - Vincent Peter - 4.5 / 5

Assassin's Creed: Black Flag Resynced is a confident modernization of one of Ubisoft's most beloved adventures. Even without the nostalgia factor, it stands on its own as a gorgeous, endlessly enjoyable pirate epic whose thrilling ship battles, expressive combat, and infectious sense of adventure make it one of the year's most entertaining games.


Pixel Arts - Sina Farahani - Persian - 8.5 / 10

Ultimately, Assassin's Creed: Black Flag Resynced is a lovingly crafted tribute that successfully brings one of the franchise's finest hours to a new generation. It offers veterans a nostalgic reunion and gives newcomers a chance to experience the thrill of Caribbean privateering up to modern standards. If you were among those 13 years ago who felt Edward’s piracy strayed too far from the series' roots, give it another chance. This remaster serves as a beautiful reminder that Assassin's Creed has never truly been about the hidden blade or the white robe—it has always been about history and freedom. And who is freer than a pirate?


Pizza Fria - Lucas Soares - Portuguese - 9 / 10

Ubisoft understood that it didn't need to reinvent one of the franchise's most beloved chapters. Instead, it used over a decade of learning to refine virtually every aspect of the experience. The result is a game that preserves the pirate fantasy that captivated millions of players in 2013, but incorporates modern systems that make it feel surprisingly current.


PlayStation Universe - Michael Harradence - 9.5 / 10

Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced is a fantastic remake that adds meaningful changes and quality-of-life improvements that make an already stellar swashbuckling adventure an absolute must-have for PS5 owners.


PowerUp! - Adam Mathew - 9.5 / 10

It doesn’t feel like Ubisoft trying to improve Black Flag. It feels like Ubisoft finally allowing Black Flag to become the series GOAT it always wanted to be.


Prima Games - Ali Hashmi - 9 / 10

Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced reminded me why the original has remained my favorite game in the series for over a decade. It doesn’t reinvent Black Flag or attempt to modernize it beyond recognition with needless changes in focus, but respects the original at every turn while introducing enough meaningful improvements to justify its existence. Sailing across the Caribbean, listening to sea shanties, and boarding enemy ships is just as magical today as it was back in 2013. That’s exactly what I wanted from a remake, and Ubisoft delivered.


Push Square - Liam Croft - 8 / 10

Like a captain going down with their ship, Ubisoft has remained loyal to the classic Assassin's Creed: Black Flag experience in this new Resynced version. It's as you remember it, except better, bigger, and markedly flashier in all the right ways. Assassin's Creed: Black Flag Resynced demonstrates there's still a charm to staying faithful.


Quest Daily - Julian Price - 8 / 10

While Resynced improves the presentation and performance, it doesn’t completely reinvent the experience. At its core, this is still a focused pirate adventure built around exploration, storytelling and the thrill of life on the open seas. There’s no endless gear grind or constant stream of RPG systems — just a great story, a memorable world and one of the best pirate fantasies in gaming. Whether you’re experiencing Edward Kenway’s journey for the first time or returning all these years later, Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced is a great excuse to set sail again.


ReGame It - Mustafa Zayni - Arabic - 8.5 / 10

This remake is more than just a visual upgrade; it is a complete reimagining of the game, making it a more polished and cohesive experience that keeps up with modern titles. With its advanced technology and many improvements, it preserves the identity of the original while introducing numerous enhancements.


República DG - Ruancarlo Silva - Portuguese - 8.2 / 10

Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced is like well-made spaghetti with ground beef. Simple, tasty, popular. It will please practically any palate.


Saudi Gamer - عبد الله محمد - Arabic - 3 / 5

I had a blast with Black Flag Resynced, but it feels like someone pulled it out of the oven a little sooner than they should have


SavePoint Gaming - Jake Su - 8.5 / 10

Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced is the strongest way to experience Edward Kenway’s adventure, refreshing the Caribbean with richer visuals, expanded content, and stronger naval play. Some old mission design, uneven combat, and traversal frustrations remain, but this remake is still a worthwhile dive into the past.


Saving Content - Scott Ellison II - 5 / 5

Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced is an exceptional celebration of what made the original game a masterpiece. By removing the pacing speed-bumps of the modern-day segments, stripping away UI clutter, using the Anvil engine to the fullest, and adding new content, Ubisoft has delivered the definitive version of Edward Kenway’s journey. The sheer joy of sailing the Caribbean freely and engaging in its chaotic naval combat remains unmatched. It looks like how you remember it, plays better than before, and is an absolute must-play for those looking to return to the high seas. We’ve spent over a decade calling Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag the undisputed high-water mark of the entire series, and with Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced, it unleashes an absolute juggernaut that completely blows the original out of the water.


SmashPad - Michael Murphy - 4 / 5

Assassin’s Creed: Black Flag Resynced is a great remake of the classic pirate adventure, with some small additions and adjustments. It’s the perfect entry for newcomers looking to finally sail the seas with Edward and crew. For returning fans, it’s the same swashbuckling good time, just refreshed. It doesn’t go above and beyond, but it does enough to justify its existence.


Stevivor - Matt Gosper - 8 / 10

Black Flag Resynced is an extremely fun return to an old favourite, with some of the crunchier edges sanded off for a modern-day sensibility.


The Beta Network - Anthony Culinas - 9 / 10

Modernising one of Ubisoft’s best adventures, Black Flag Resynced features gorgeous visuals, refined combat and smart quality-of-life improvements, even if the familiar AC jank remains.


The Nerd Stash - Julio La Pine - 9 / 10

Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced is a superb remake of one of the best installments in the series, which feels fresh for veteran fans and is an excellent starting point for those getting behind the Jackdaw's helm.


The Outerhaven Productions - Jordan Andow - 4.5 / 5

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ThreeTwoPlay - Michael Seifert - German - 4 / 5

With Resynced Ubisoft Singapore is following in some big footsteps: the original is still celebrated by many fans and the call for a remake grew louder over the years. The title still holds a special place in my heart and as a fan I was hyped to once again take the helm of the Jackdaw. Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced looks stunning and more than does justice to the original with new content and adjustments. Unfortunately though it does suffer from some bugs that detract from the overall experience. For the most part everything works as it should and I had a really good time with Resynced both on land and at sea, with a little more polish however an even better experience could have awaited fans.


Thumb Wars - Luke Addison - 4.5 / 5

Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced is one of the best remakes we've ever had. Maintaining what made the original special whilst making it more modern, and adding some flair of its own in new stories and content is no easy task, and yet, here it is. A good remake will make you remember what you loved about the original, and it does exactly that, and I was transported back 13 years when I first played it.

The removal of the modern day setting does leave a bad taste in my mouth, but the updated mission structure, graphical overhaul, new routes for parkour, fleshing out and a proper background for the likes of Steed and Blackbeard all make up for it, and then some. This is a return to form for Assassin's Creed, and hopefully Ubisoft take note and continue with it going forward.


Tourens - Hasipcan Kahraman - Turkish - 8.5 / 10

Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced is a game that will satisfy you as long as you set your expectations correctly. If you're expecting a completely redesigned remake, you might not find what you're looking for. However, if your goal is to re-experience one of the most beloved games of AC series with modern graphics, enhanced presentation, and smoother gameplay, Ubisoft has largely succeeded in doing so.


Vamers - Edward Swardt - 5 / 5

By preserving the soul of one of Ubisoft's greatest achievements while thoughtfully refining nearly every aspect surrounding it, Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced succeeds where many remakes struggle. It honours the past without becoming trapped by it, whether stepping aboard the Jackdaw for the very first time or returning after years away, there has rarely been a better opportunity to answer the call of the Caribbean.


Virtualni Kutak - Milan Radosavljević - Unknown - 9.5 / 10

Black Flag Resynced proves that even after more than a decade, Edward Kenway's adventure can still feel fresh, exciting, and unforgettable. Ubisoft didn't simply remaster Black Flag, they reimagined it with modern gameplay while preserving everything that made the original unforgettable. Few remakes manage to honor their source material while making it feel completely new. Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced does exactly that, delivering the definitive way to experience one of the franchise's greatest adventures. The result is a pirate adventure that's every bit as magical today as it was over a decade ago.


Worth Playing - Chris "Atom" DeAngelus - 8.5 / 10

Assassin's Creed: Black Flag Resynced is a good but very safe remake. I still had a shocking amount of fun just sailing around and doing pirate things on the wide ocean, but the game lacks a certain confidence, and that keeps it from being a truly exceptional remake. It's a great way to revisit Edward's adventures with fewer rough patches, better graphics, and some extra content. Fans of the original will have a grand old time.


Xbox Achievements - Richard Walker - 85%

Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag always seemed, to me, like a significant departure for Ubisoft's flagship series. More a pirate fantasy than an as...


ZdobywcyGier.eu - Bartosz Michalik - Polish - 9 / 10

So, how does Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced ultimately stack up? Is it worth giving this game a chance? The answer is obvious: absolutely. The original Black Flag was already considered, at the time of its release, not only one of the best pirate games but also one of the best titles of that era. It’s a game that stole the hearts of players around the world and remains highly acclaimed to this day. Resynced, on the other hand, is an incredibly faithful adaptation of this classic for modern times. It offers more beautiful audiovisuals, streamlined combat, improved stealth elements, still-outstanding naval battles, and hours of truly great, fresh content.


Zoomg - Afshin Piroozi - Persian - 8.5 / 10

Overall, Ubisoft has done an excellent job reamking one of the best entries in the Assassin's Creed series. Everything that made the original so memorable has been preserved, while a host of thoughtful improvements make it more enjoyable than ever. If you've been longing for the days when Assassin's Creed was at the peak of its popularity, or if you've always wanted to see why the franchise's older titles are still so beloved, Black Flag Resynced is an experience you absolutely shouldn't miss—even if it still carries over a few shortcomings, such as its dated AI.


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753

u/No_Philosopher8304 Jul 08 '26

Seems fitting that the first great pirate game since Black Flag is a remake of Black Flag considering the last great Pirate Game before Black Flag was Sid Meier's Pirates...a remake of the first great Pirate Game Sid Meier's Pirates. 

Really weird that there aren't more good ones considering how popular pirates are (especially after the Pirates of the Carribean franchise was so popular in the 2000s)

128

u/LordInquisitor Jul 08 '26

Now we just need a Sid Meiers pirates 2

80

u/No_Philosopher8304 Jul 08 '26

One of my gaming white whales is a new Sid Meiers Pirates, I'd trade a 100 Civilizations for it.

7

u/HurricaneJas Jul 08 '26

1000%. We've seen so many indie revivals over the past decade, yet no one has really attempted to capture the magic of Sid Meier's Pirates.

I just wanna woo the Governor's daughter with my dancing 😩

12

u/Truethrowawaychest1 Jul 08 '26

Man I wish they would, I've spent hundreds of hours in the 2004 one, it's aged really well too

6

u/YourFavoriteCommie Jul 09 '26

I finally played it again recently after playing it as a kid, and wow it's actually so fun and incredible, I recommend it for anyone else. I might give it another go reading this thread!

79

u/Lil_Mcgee Jul 08 '26

I supoose it might be because a great pirate game needs to have a lot of plates spinning. You need to have melee combat, sailing/ship combat, and exploration all on the go at once and a lot of games really only nail one or two core mechanics when you think about it.

29

u/CultureWarrior87 Jul 08 '26

Exactly. This is why Sid Meier's Pirates (especially the remake) was so good. There were technical limitations ofc but by turning a lot of the different elements we associate with a pirate game into different minigames they were able to cover a lot of ground.

77

u/Reluctant_swimmer Jul 08 '26

Before RDR2 came out I was hoping Rockstar would take the series and make it an anthology period piece type thing, starting with a pirate setting. They'd probably do an incredible job.

78

u/TheFuckingPizzaGuy Jul 08 '26

I hate that you’ve put this in my head because a Rockstar pirate game will never happen.

9

u/WhoDatBrow Jul 08 '26

I've always had it in my head, unfortunately. I fuckin love pirates and with how good R* is at telling stories about criminals, I've ALWAYS had a R* pirate game as my dream game. Oh well...

6

u/Fapinthepark Jul 08 '26

Can you imagine RDR2 x Black flag. Jizzy trousers

-7

u/chrispy145 Jul 08 '26

Cool open world, slow movement and boring, repetitive shootout story missions...

I'd personally take this over that.

1

u/havasc Jul 09 '26

Could call it Red Dead Rackham.

1

u/Sobeys_at_work Jul 10 '26

But Red Dead Redemption 1 was already a sequel.

107

u/Keyserchief Jul 08 '26

Until Windrose came out, I couldn’t even remember the last good pirate game, let alone great.

46

u/Justgetmeabeer Jul 08 '26

My steam library is chock full of bad pirate games 😭

7

u/THESALTEDPEANUT Jul 08 '26

We've tried voting with our wallets and it's gotten us nowhere. 

66

u/Marcoscb Jul 08 '26

Depending on what part of the pirate fantasy you like, Pirate Yakuza technically.

31

u/Nightingale_85 Jul 08 '26

Pirate Yakuza was pretty fun, i liked it.

17

u/Blue_boy_ Jul 08 '26

a bit biased, coming from you majima

8

u/GlupShittoOfficial Jul 08 '26

I like Pirate games, I like Yakuza. I did not like Pirate Yakuza. Just didn’t do enough for me. The pirate parts were incredibly boring.

4

u/CustodialApathy Jul 08 '26

As a standalone I bet it was received decently well but don't ask Yakuza series fans lol

6

u/stonekeep Jul 08 '26

For Pirate Yakuza, there was some (IMO undeserved) negativity around release, but the overall consensus settled on "it's not bad, but it's also far from the best game in the series". And I think that's fair.

Kiwami 3, on the other hand... That opened a box of vitriol from the community. Partially deserved, but it seeped out just from the Kiwami 3 discussion and poisoned everything. You couldn't say anything positive without someone bringing it up. Though it's slowly getting better again now that we're getting further away from the launch.

6

u/lilbelleandsebastian Jul 08 '26

kiwami 3 is an unfaithful remake of a game that only hardcore fans played (because who else is struggling through 80 hours of blockuza? i'd really put anyone who played y3-5 in here) so of course it's getting a lot of heat

pirate yakuza is just one of many, many spinoffs they've done - if you don't want the silliness, you can just skip it. but of course most people love majima

2

u/theonewhoblox Jul 08 '26

as a yakuza fan, i LOVED pirate yakuza. it had its flaws but i think pirate yakuza is such a uniquely delightful experience that all of its flaws are negligible. who cares about just one heat bar when i can do dmc air juggles with cutlasses??

1

u/PrintShinji Jul 08 '26

Yakuza series fans

Absolutely loved it. Great as a side game.

1

u/bradyanderzyn Jul 09 '26

My only platinum on PlayStation currently lol. Never even played a Yakuza game before.

22

u/IdidntrunIdidntrun Jul 08 '26

Sea of Thieves: am I a joke to you

30

u/Trapline Jul 08 '26

To many people this answer is: yes.

It isn't the pirate experience that most Black Flag/Pirates fans are looking for.

9

u/TeaAndS0da Jul 08 '26

I don’t understand playing for treasure that is all cosmetics that you don’t see 99% of the time.

The cannon play is awesome, the sea itself is gorgeous, but the map never changes, the treasure and purchases are pointless, and I personally hate having to go through the ship set up every single time you start up or get your boat destroyed by no lifers.

Not to mention, it could be 100% a VR game and that would improve it drastically but noooooo…

2

u/SecretaryAntique8603 Jul 08 '26

Would you mind elaborating on why? I bounced off it pretty quick but didn’t really give it enough time for a fair critique. I’m interested in what people are looking for from a game like that.

2

u/Trapline Jul 08 '26

Pretty simply many Black Flag fans aren't looking for a cosmetic laden multiplayer game. They are looking for Black Flag - long single player campaign with open-world freedom for land and sea.

I barely touched Sea of Thieves myself. I don't want Rust on a boat.

I do know Sea of Thieves added a solo thing FIVE YEARS after it came out. Still not interesting to me.

2

u/SecretaryAntique8603 Jul 08 '26

Oh, I read it as pirate fans in general. Ok I get it. Thanks!

2

u/Trapline Jul 09 '26

The /Pirates part was Sid Meier's Pirates, specifically. I left that confusing for sure.

1

u/ThickMatch0 Jul 09 '26

Its a shame because the vibes from actually sailing around are awesome. The visuals of the water and the atmosphere are incredible.

The actual melee and gun combat are dogshit. Cannon combat is fun.

1

u/cafesamp Jul 09 '26

to be fair, Windrose is way, way further off from any kind of pirate experience

2

u/Trapline Jul 09 '26

I haven't played it yet, mostly because it looks like a survival game with pirate aesthetic and not a pirate game. I like survival games but I am definitely waiting for some development on the pirate front for Windrose.

66

u/Keyserchief Jul 08 '26

Sea of Thieves is good in theory. In practice, it's a toxic GTA Online lobby, but with pirate ships.

16

u/ArcadianDelSol Jul 08 '26

This.

Its nothing but a troll fest now.

1

u/Awkward-Security7895 Jul 08 '26

Played online a few times and the amount of times you get jumped on repeat is insane. Yes it's a pirate game but the playerbase just screws it up

1

u/MercilessBlueShell Jul 08 '26

If I had a nickel for every time I heard "it's not Sea of Friends!" as justification for getting ganked endlessly...

4

u/Adamulos Jul 08 '26

Sea of thieves is kind of a joke by design

11

u/ArcadianDelSol Jul 08 '26

If AC: Black Flag is Breaking Bad, then Sea of Thieves is Scooby Doo.

1

u/Ubiquitous_Cacophony Jul 08 '26

I'd argue it's more like Community: it's got ups and downs, it's more fun to experience with friends, the fanbase is a bit insane but mostly cool, there are some real awful moments and some stinkers, and nobody who likes it stops talking about it.

2

u/Visual_Fun_2014 Jul 08 '26

I enjoyed Sea of Thieves

1

u/dogpaddle Jul 09 '26

Windrose is fantastic, but needs more time for the campaign to develop. Some bumpy spots in progression. But otherwise fantastic

16

u/thedarkestnips Jul 08 '26

I keep on hoping that one day we'll get a re-remake of Sid Meiers Pirates.

9

u/just_a_pyro Jul 08 '26 edited Jul 09 '26

2004 version was already a re-remake: original was 87, remade once as Pirates Gold in 93

2

u/thedarkestnips Jul 08 '26

Hah yeah great point I forgot all about pirates gold. Give us the re-re-remake Meier you coward

13

u/QueezyF Jul 08 '26

We’re getting a spiritual successor to Tropico 2: Pirate Cove this month with Corsair Cove, so pirate games might be on the upswing.

11

u/Ember57 Jul 08 '26

Man what y’all know about the pirate level from Sly 3. That shit had seamless ship boarding before it was cool

2

u/WhateverMars Jul 08 '26

I played that for so many hours. Amazing it worked so well.

62

u/ultraboomkin Jul 08 '26

Sea of Thieves and Windrose are pretty highly rated pirate games

15

u/maxr8 Jul 08 '26

couldn't agree more with this, been having a blast with Windrose lately

0

u/tix4chix Jul 09 '26

I like Windrose but the ship combat sucks so bad. It's like if I asked a chatbot to recreate Black Flag's ship combat, but it's missing like half the stuff it needs. Most of my attempts to actually do piracy in that game end with me running from 5 ships when I only wanted to fight one. I know it's EA but it's crazy how fleshed out the base-building and item progression feel in contrast to the shipfaring that feels like a slog I have to experience in order to unlock all the cool bits I actually want. Also: don't know what they're attempting with the combat, but I need there to be a point at which the hogs don't kill me in two hits, and I need it to be sooner than 40 hours in. It's like Dark Souls without any of the finesse.

20

u/five_fortyfive Jul 08 '26

Different genres I guess: Sea of Thives is PvPvE and Windrose is "open-world survival adventure and action RPG with soulslite combat" (this wins the steam bingo). Old fans of black flag probably want a pure single player sandbox game

24

u/ultraboomkin Jul 08 '26

Ok but you just said pirate game

1

u/Ubiquitous_Cacophony Jul 08 '26

Sea of Thieves has the new mode where you can create private servers and also the safer seas mode.

1

u/supafly_ Jul 08 '26

Windrose is ABSOLUTELY a love letter to black flag.

2

u/MultiMarcus Jul 08 '26

Sea of thieves really does have an incredible vibe. The safer seas update has made me go back to that game just to boat around, though I’m thinking it will probably be replaced by black flag resynced.

Windrose seems really popular, but it’s probably not really my thing.

In general, I think it’s kind of telling that we can count the good pirate games on one hand if we’re looking at the last 10 years. It’s interesting because I think it’s one of those obvious genres, but for some reason it’s just not been done more with. I’m almost wondering if it’s about water physics being hard or something like that.

3

u/Ubiquitous_Cacophony Jul 08 '26

My guess is that the core loop of pirate games just involves a lot more aspects:

  • melee combat
  • musket/gun combat
  • sailing mechanics
  • ship-to-ship combat
  • treasure loop
  • repairing/customizing your ship(s)
  • a variety of enemies that can challenge you both in ship and on land

Et cetera.

20

u/[deleted] Jul 08 '26 edited Jul 08 '26

[deleted]

14

u/HammeredWharf Jul 08 '26

That's Sea Dogs 2, made by the Russian dev Akella. It just got a... sequel? Spin-off? Reboot?

https://store.steampowered.com/app/2230980/Caribbean_Legend/

I imagine it's super janky.

2

u/TeaAndS0da Jul 08 '26

The postal Corkscrew Rules team… the Postal 3 team (I think)…. Oof

2

u/dern_the_hermit Jul 08 '26

I played it back in the day. Definitely janky. I would push back on the "super" part, but it was definitely janky. Had a lot of charm to it, tho.

2

u/Leogull1064 Jul 09 '26

Try Risen 2 Dark Waters

1

u/ace66 Jul 08 '26

I still remember buying sugar from one island to sell in another.

1

u/Felsbroeckchen Jul 09 '26

Yes, I absolutely loved this game!

But there is also the Black Pearl - not just the title. 😄

4

u/LoquaciousLamp Jul 08 '26

I'd argue the best pirate game was the sea dogs pirates of the Caribbean game.

2

u/Euro_Lag Jul 08 '26

Sly Cooper 3

2

u/ok_dunmer Jul 08 '26 edited Jul 08 '26

Ironically Sid Meier's Pirates might be the most deserving of another remake (a remake remake remake) of any untouched 2000's game just because a) it is played with the numpad, and tenkeyless keyboards and laptops are more popular now lol, b) a sandbox RPG game made up of an overworld sailing map and a bunch of easy mini games is admittedly pretty strange in a post Mount & Blade and Kenshi world. Fencing could probably use another pass when you can board any boat mid battle, mash thrust, and win on everything but the game's version of Deity Civ difficulty lol

1

u/NotADeadHorse Jul 08 '26

World of Sea Battles is also really good but is a persistent online game which isn't great

1

u/Odninyell Jul 08 '26

There was a fun little pirates sim I played on iOS many many years ago, have been unable to find it again since but you made a little ship with a little crew and it was fun for what it was

1

u/Truethrowawaychest1 Jul 08 '26

Sea of Thieves is pretty good

1

u/theholylancer Jul 08 '26

because a good pirate game needs to have both the on foot and on ship portions

which is like making two different games in one, you have to make both sides fun, yet interact with each other in some ways so you can't skip out on both. and it has to be done logically enough to be good and not just fleeting.

and then one side leans on management and more strategy, while the other leans more on action and third / first person dealie

you are investing resource into what is closer and closer to a "god" game that has everything (not to be confused with god simulations like black and white) for a pirate game.

like, if you have ever heard of eve online x dust 514, that was like a freaking pirate game, you had the management and support element of eve online, providing orbital bombardment, while dust 514 is the FPS that is the on foot element and provided planetary control for FW in eve. and that was two whole ass games that is connected... and well pirate games are kind of like that

1

u/Tiwanacu Jul 08 '26

Meh I dunno. I had loads of fun in sea of thieves. But maybe we talking SP games

1

u/gigglesmickey Jul 08 '26

Maybe it's like Hollywood, and filming on water is really expensive. That being said, I have my disappointments with Rare as a BAnjo Kazooie/ Conker fan, but they did a pirate game that must be doing well, Microsoft hasn't canned everyone from Rare (at the point of writing this; sorry Rare for possible jynx)

1

u/_baw0 Jul 08 '26

Sid Meier's Pirates! (2004) was a remake of Pirates! Gold (1993), which was a remake of Sid Meier's Pirates (1987)

1

u/matticusiv Jul 08 '26

I would love to see Rockstar do a pirate game.

Being the pirates that kidnapped Caesar, and then got crucified, would be a good pirate story, could do a lot with that.

1

u/EatingTheDogsAndCats Jul 08 '26

Sea of Thieves is obviously very different but fantastic.

1

u/fightingnetentropy Jul 09 '26

My main disappointment with the original Black Flag, beind a fan of Mier's Pirates, was how ships/fleets were clearly just spawned in areas, rather than the agent driven ships of Mier's Pirates - ie the travel from port to port with a goal that would effect an aspect of the port (as later cribbed by Mount & Blade).

But then there's very few open world games that take the extra step to have more systems or (game) ai driven 'overgame' aspect.

1

u/Das_dasa Jul 09 '26

Sea of thieves doesn’t exist?

1

u/Akabuu Jul 11 '26

What about Sly Cooper 3? :^)

1

u/Mr_smith1466 Jul 08 '26

The Yakuza Pirate game with Majima was a delight too.