Ubisoft has released an extensive new video providing an extensive sneak peek at some of the gameplay that players can expect to find later this year in Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag. Following the game’s protagonist, Edward Kenway, the video begins by showcasing a returning feature, that being contracts, optional assignments to kill specific targets in the game’s world. Edward is assigned to kill a pair of Templar brothers, and after sneaking up on one and taking him out, the second brother makes a run for it.
This kicks off one of the series’ trademark chase sequences, which soon turns into a naval battle as the Templar escapes on a ship, and Edward follows in his own boat, the Jackdaw. Using cannons and various other weapons, the other ship is damaged and boarded by the Jackdaw’s crew. After completing his contract, Edward is able to choose to recruit the remaining crew members, make the ship part of his fleet, or use parts from it to repair damage the Jackdaw may have taken.
Edward then explores a small island and finds a treasure map located on a corpse. He then steers the Jackdaw through a storm, after which a fun little feature, which is collecting sea shanties on your journey and having your crew sing them, is shown. After reaching the island the map indicates, Edward docks the ship and explores it, sneaking around enemy soldiers and freeing potential crew members along the way. Finally, another series trademark, synchronizing your map for the area via high ledges, is shown. It’s also revealed that synchronization points will now double as locations you can automatically warp to via fast travel.
Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag is currently scheduled for an October 29 release in North America. We’ll keep you updated on the game as more media becomes available. For now, check out the video below and let us know what you think.