Analyzing: ASSASSIN'S CREED BLACK FLAG

This game is considered open-world, as is there is no enclosed sections separated by loading screens. However the game does have missions that require load times, but you can just easily leave the area without hitting a "Quit Level", and the game will act as if you chose to leave the level.

Core Mechanics

• Stealth

• Combat (Stealth, Confrontations, Long Range, Ship)

• Looting

• Sailing

• Upgrading (Character, Ship)

The essence of the game itself is stealth, and assassinations are the main way of getting through the game. The stealth is accomplished through hiding, blending in with crowds, and keeping out of sight, while at the same time completing missions of spying, sabotage, and theft.

A lot of the combat is based around the assassinations you have to commit, but also useful when looting enemies. Much of it relies on attacking singular opponents and countering those who attack you from behind. Often, some of the enemies require you break their defense, either because they are skilled, or because they are powerful.

Looting is an integral part of the game, and is also used to overcome certain gating mechanisms such as stealing keys from guards.

Sailing is the main method of transportation throughout the game, it includes ship-on-ship battles as well as encounters against forts.

Upgrading allows the player to level up, as well as the ship, in order to progress against the tougher enemies.

Gating Mechanics

• Locked doors

• High level enemy ships

• High level fortresses

• Locked areas

• Restricted areas

Remaining truthful to the history of a Spanish occupied Cuba, many areas act as restricted outposts throughout the game. If you are well enough equipped, these areas aren't much of a challenge, however, if you choose to enter one of these areas at a lower level with fewer equipment, there's a high chance you will be overwhelmed with enemies and die. This remains true even when sailing, as certain sections of the sea are restricted, and landing in the field of view of enemy ships will instantly make you a target. Also, if you manage to destroy various ships and forts, the game increases the difficulty of progressing easily by sending "Hunters" after you. These ships are fast and extremely durable, as their main method of attack is to ram your boat, dealing massive damage.

Positive Feedback

• Treasure Map

• Animus Fragments

• Loot Crates

• Gold

Traversing into restricted areas, exploring, and conquering enemies often leads to the game rewarding you with loot, treasure, and men for your crew.

Negative Feedback

• Desynchronization

• Losing Progress

• Respawning Enemies

Attempting dangerous missions, such as destroying a fortress with a low level ship, will lead to desynchronization, meaning the player will lose all progress, gold, and map data gathered since the last save or checkpoint. This also means that any enemies you had already managed to defeat, will respawn, and all that work will have been for nothing.

Sequence 2 Memory 2 Map