Ubisoft's 2013 Black Flag Remake Impresses, but Review Questions Why It Exists
Updated
Updated · Mashable · Jul 8
Ubisoft's 2013 Black Flag Remake Impresses, but Review Questions Why It Exists
3 articles · Updated · Mashable · Jul 8
Summary
Black Flag Resynced is praised as a polished remake of one of Assassin’s Creed’s strongest entries, but the review argues the 2013 original was not old or broken enough to warrant a full rebuild.
Mission design changes drive much of the upgrade: tailing missions now branch instead of ending in failure, parkour and traversal are refined, and stealth scenarios offer more flexible ways to complete objectives.
New side content, recruitable crew members and optional Animus Rifts add value, while the classic non-RPG structure—instant assassinations and little gear or skill-tree management—stands out as a welcome throwback.
The sharpest criticism is Ubisoft’s removal of the original modern-day storyline, which the review says stripped away part of the series’ distinct identity even as visuals and quality-of-life improvements land well.
That leaves the remake as a strong package with questionable purpose, especially when weaker entries like 2007’s Assassin’s Creed or 2012’s Assassin’s Creed III are framed as more deserving remake candidates.