Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag

Before the release of Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag I was very unsure about whether I should pre-order the game or not because I was rather unimpressed by its predecessor Assassin's Creed III as it took too long to build the storyline up and I think that there was a lot Ubisoft should have done to improve the game. After a long thought about it I decided to pre-order it and I am glad that I did because this is quite possibly one of the most enjoyable games I have played and I am serious about it. The game is visually amazing, for example the level of detail of the islands and the ships are great and this helps draw you in. The game isn't easy but its not impossible to play and it gives a good challenge, for example its not easy for your ship at first to take down level 20 Brigs but as you progress through the game you are able to make your ship more stronger and more powerful which will make your ship more successful when taking on Brigs, Frigates and Man 'O' War's. Another positive about the game is that you have to think more strategically when taking on ships. For example you would be better off if you were to use your spyglass to view the cargo that is on the ship and then make a decision rather than just ramming any old ship at full pelt. Because of this and the wide range of weapons you have at your disposal it makes plundering ships so much more enjoyable and there are a variety of ways you can sink ships whether it is with your mortars or your set of broadside cannons and you can utilize these in certain situations to make them as effective as possible. Its not just plundering ships that is enjoyable; There is a wide range of islands on the map and there is a lot to do which include assassin and naval contracts, chests and animus fragments to collect and also shanties to chase and catch for your crew to sing. You also have a vast range of animals to hunt such as black jaguars and crocodiles which can earn you some good money and this makes the game that bit better. The storyline is very gripping as well as you take control of Edward Kenway who has come to the west-indies sea in search of money. The game includes real pirates such as Blackbeard and nearly all the characters are interesting to watch and interact with too. I think that the abstergo missions during the sequence however are boring and futile as I personally want to concentrate on playing as Kenway but there is a wealth of secrets and information to uncover from this however so there is a good thing to this. You also have a lot of upgrade options and you can eventually make your ship invincible by searching for plans underwater by using the diving bell you can buy and by also plundering ships for the enough materials and obviously having enough money too. The outcome of this helps you take on the 4 legendary ships on each corner of the maps, they are all level 75 Man 'O' War's and they are all very powerful and hard to defeat which also give you another challenge. In conclusion there is so much to do in this game and it is all fun and enjoyable in different ways and this is by a country mile the best Assassin's Creed in the series and I would definitely recommend this game to anyone as it is just very enjoyable.