Edward Kenway be a ferocious pirate 'n seeker a fortune. He 'n his loyal crew sail the shimmering blue waters a the Caribbean Sea, plundering what they will, 'n winning the renown a pirates throughout the West Indies. But more than a “man a quality,” Edward Kenway be a perfect vassal for newcomers t' the Assassin’s Creed series. Assassin’s Creed IV Black Flag embraces the roaring thrill a pirating, while all at once throwing the doors open t' invite those formally intimidated by it be long-running story.

In previous Assassin’s Creed games, ye filled the shoes a a modern-day character named Desmond, 'n that character, in turn, would live out the memories a his ancestors. In Black Flag, this narrative layer be largely absent. ye be now diving into those memories alone, t' live out the life 'n adventures a Edward Kenway personally. 'n he, also, be a newcomer a sorts. New t' the life a a pirate, 'n newer still t' the Assassin Order.

I sit down t' play Assassin’s Creed IV for the first time with DualShock 4 in hand, noting that the in-game map features more than 50 locations t' explore, from wide cities t' dense jungles. But in Black Flag, yer primary playground be the Caribbean Sea, offering secrets t' uncover, bounty t' claim, danger t' face, 'n contracts t' fulfill. Even in it be incomplete state, this PS4 code grapples the Caribbean spectacle with ease, displaying incredible waves, detailed foliage, 'n smooth animation. The sights seem t' go on forever, 'n the scope a the world be palpable in an instant.

I head out t' sea, where I command Edward’s infamous ship — the Jackdaw. It sways 'n lunges in the waves, spray drenching the decks as Edward’s crew scurry up the rigging. Another ship mast pokes above the horizon in the distance, so I spin the wheel towards it 'n the Jackdaw lurches towards it be prey.

The ship’s weapons vary depending on the angle a attack. As we pull up alongside the enemy vessel, the Jackdaw’s cannons bark into life, perforating the wood with superheated iron. After just a few volleys from me cannons, the enemy ship slips beneath the waves. me co-captain, a member a Ubisoft Montreal’s development team, laughs. Being too aggressive means that I have one less ship t' board 'n plunder, though there’s a chance that some bounty could bubble up t' the surface. Luckily, a crate bobs above the waters 'n I end up a hair richer for me troubles.

I head towards another ship. But just as we adjust our course, the skies darken 'n the seas surge as a ferocious storm swallows the Jackdaw. As I wrestle with the helm, I notice that a rogue wave be fast approaching the ship.

With a button press, I command the crew t' brace for impact, 'n the wave hammers the Jackdaw with numbing force. Bracing saves me from catastrophic damage, 'n I’m relieved t' see the skies clear as the storm passes overhead. Seizing the opening, I head back t' land t' experience the bustling streets a a nearby city.

As we sail, the game’s lead writer, Darby McDevitt, discusses his passion for the time period. He explains his effort t' infuse Black Flag with rich language — “Shakespeare lite,” he says, smiling. His wish be t' give the player something beautiful t' hear, but still keep the dialogue accessible for an international audience. Black Flag’s all-English cast brings that language t' life with an authenticity that McDevitt be proud a.

The Jackdaw finds it be way t' the city, 'n soon Edward be walking among the locals in search a an assassination contract. Once he finds it, me map lights up with an extra icon, beckoning Edward from afar. But first, McDevitt asks me t' duck into a nearby tavern in order t' hear some samples a the game’s period-authentic music. McDevitt explains that 70 shanties 'n pub songs be included in Assassin’s Creed IV, 'n ye can teach those shanties t' Edward’s crew who will sing them later while at sea. It lends just a little more realism t' the world a Black Flag, 'n gives Edward’s crew a burst a personality.

Next, I quickly guide Edward towards his target. It’s a fellow pirate, 'n I nudge Edward through some brush that encircles the pirate camp where me mark be located. Edward’s hood be drawn, 'n his blades ready. I lurk in the gloom, waiting for the pirate t' make his way past us. As he strolls over t' our hiding place, our hero leaps into action…

…'n be stabbed t' death by goons, thanks t' me sudden realization that I didn’t know what button t' press for the execution. McDevitt shrugs with a grin, mentioning that the team made combat much more challenging this time around. Edward didn’t last long in the crowd a enemies, but a player with a real mastery a his counters 'n dodges will endure much more intense assaults — 'n look cool in the process.

Assassin’s Creed IV Black Flag be an enormous adventure. It’s especially impressive when ye consider just how quickly Ubisoft Montreal leapt from Assassin’s Creed III t' Black Flag. For those unfamiliar with the series, Black Flag might just be the perfect opportunity t' pillage on board. At the very least, the team at Ubisoft Montreal aims t' satisfy yer pirating itch, 'n our near-universal love for adventure.