Despite its many release delays, Ubisoft Singapore’sSkull and Bonesstill has a fanbase awaiting more information about when it will release. The game, from what its early gameplay previews depict, is about naval warfare with a heavy emphasis on PvP. Even the previews alone show how similar, if not more refined, it is compared to its spiritual predecessorAssassin’s Creed 4: Black Flag.
Similarities between the two games were bound to happen, especially because it is being led by Ubisoft Singapore which supported Ubisoft Montreal onAC4. However, forSkull and Bonesto be a success and set itself apart from the naval battles ofBlack Flag, it needs to be a unique perspective on the pirate game genre and not be a copy of theAssassin’s Creedgame. From the previews given, it seemsSkull and Bonesis attempting an original spin on a pirate game, but it may find itself in Davy Jones’ Locker if it’s not careful.
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Naval Aspects of Black Flag
When companies tap into something that is well-received, it’s natural to want to replicate that same success with other games. However, there’s a fine line between recreating the same gameplay mechanics that players enjoyed andmaking a knockoff version of the original game. Being from the same developer, even going so far as to saySkull and Boneswas inspired by the naval aspects ofBlack Flag,is fine, butSkull and Bonesneeds its own voice too, lest it be lost to the sea.
Playing as Edward Kenway inBlack Flag, players sail the high seas and collect things like sugar, rum, and building materials like wood and metal. As players accrue riches, they are able to upgrade the Jackdaw and take on other, more powerful ships in naval combat and on-deck fighting. To successfully take down an opponent ship, players must board the opposing ship and complete “side activities.” Some of these activities include killing the crew or destroying the ship’s flag.
WhileBlack Flag’s naval combat was never considered easy, players could get the hang of it and maneuver different battles more easily with various upgrades to the Jackdaw. Part of the appeal of the game, though, was being able to exit the ship as well. TheAssassin’s Creedseries has incorporated naval battles for quite some time now, but players never have to remain on the ship for the entirety of the game, which many people enjoy. However,it seemsSkull and Boneswon’t be operatingthis way.
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The Premise of Skull and Bones
There’s still limited information about what players can expect from the upcoming game. So far, it’s been revealed that Skull and Bones has a focus on multiplayer gaming, but will also feature a single-player campaign where players will interact with “iconic” pirate characters. It’s a little hard to see how this concept will come together, however, when players are completely ship-locked for the whole game.
Piracy includes more than naval ships—it’s docking at different places, showing off the treasures earned and spending them without a care, only to go out and pillage more when the funds run out. Pirates are feared and respected simultaneously, doing so much more than simply sailing around the open sea.It seemsSkull and Bonesdidn’t get the memo, though, as the gameplay previews only show off the multiplayer loot heists, and players can’t even exit the ship. Their crew raids the opposing ship for them.
The best part ofBlack Flag, at least to some players, was the duality of being able to explore the land as well as the ocean. Unless the pirate in question is Davy Jones of thePirates of the Caribbeanfranchise who cannot leave his ship, a game that’s supposed to be about living a pirate’s life should include both kinds of exploration—land and sea.Skull and Bonesshould also explore thisin such a way that separates it fromBlack Flagand doesn’t make it a visually stunning but utterly lacking game.
For now, the fate ofSkull and Bonesis pretty much up in the air. Ubisoft Singapore is still at work on the game, reportedly having to change direction because the game’s vision changed dramatically from when it was originally brought to life. HopefullySkull and Boneshas something up its sleeve thatkeeps the best parts ofBlack Flagwithout seeming too similar—if it doesn’t, it could fall to the wayside and disappear in the tide.
Skull and Bonesis currently in development for PC, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One.
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