Summary
Although it has spent over a decade in the making,Skull and Bonesmost likely failed to make the big splash Ubisoft hoped it would, with the project being conceived as a sort of newAssassin’s Creed 4: Black Flagexperience, but instead become a shadow of the original game. The fact that some of the key pirate life aspects are nailed inAssassin’s Creed 4: Black Flagand not inSkull and Bones' gameplay loopis quite disappointing, especially for some of those longtime fans who expected a completely different product. Yet, the worst promise forSkull and Bonesto break is something else entirely, and it has to do with its AAA tag.
There are many reasons whySkull and Bonescan feel disappointing, starting from its mobile-like mini-games to harvest resources to the lack of actual pirate action, with the game being more akin to a ship simulator. There are also echoes of what the game was supposed to be or could have been inSkull and Bones, such as the side areas with NPCs where players can explore on foot but find nothing of value. Originally stated to be a quad-A game,Skull and Bonesfell short of that promise by a mile, and that alone makes it walk the plank.
Why Skull and Bones is Not a Quadruple-A Game
In a strange turn of events, recent rumors about anAssassin’s Creed 4: Black Flagremakebeing in the works madeSkull and Boneslook duller even before it came out, and the first impressions from users before launch didn’t leave much room for interpretation. Sitting at a 60 on Metacritic,Skull and Bonesis by far not the disaster some anticipated, but it still fundamentally lacks a soul that makes it a worthwhile experience, and it pales in comparison to the promise it would be a quad-A game.
When word came out thatSkull and Boneswas going to be a $70 game, Ubisoft CEO Yves Guillemot defended the pirate title saying the price was warranted due to it being a quadruple-A game. Already sailing in murky waters due toSkull and Bones' live-service modeland the fact that it’s currently not a beloved approach by gamers at large, the game failing to deliver a sort of ultimate experience to live up to the quadruple-A promise may have been the final nail in the coffin for it.
Skull and Bones is Already Getting Price Cuts
At this stage, it’s hard to even conceive what sort of graphics and gameplay a quadruple-A video game could have, but the rather empty world ofSkull and Bonesis far from it. Some players are already deeming the title a “bargain bin” game, and the fact thatSkull and Bonesgot a price cutjust weeks after launch doesn’t do its reputation any good. Even still,Skull and Bonesbroke fans' trust multiple times during its rocky development, and the overall sentiment is that it should have been more likeBlack Flagwithout the typicalAssassin’s Creedelements.
Promising somethingSkull and Bonescouldn’t deliver on the quad-A promisemay mean future Ubisoft projects likeStar Wars Outlawsare met with skepticism, and it’s something the developer should try and prevent by regaining consumers' trust. A good way to do this would be to deliver a true quad-A game in Ubisoft’s lineup and prove to fans thatSkull and Boneswas a misstep that the developer is trying to correct. However, with highly anticipated titles coming, such asAssassin’s Creed RedandAssassin’s Creed Hexe,Skull and Bones' broken promise sticks out like a sore thumb.
Skull and Bones
WHERE TO PLAY
Set sail into the vibrant open world of Skull and Bones, a naval online action RPG where you rise to become the most fearsome pirate kingpin.ENGAGE IN SPECTACULAR NAVAL COMBATPrepare for devastating battles by crafting a dozen different ships and equip your fleet with powerful loadouts. Unlock stronger weapons as you progress and customize your ships to reflect your unique pirate playstyle.SAIL INTO A DANGEROUS HELL IN PARADISEVoyage into the Indian Ocean and explore a vast open world teeming with cutthroat pirates, deadly sea monsters, supernatural threats, devastating storms, and more.TEAM UP WITH FELLOW PIRATESSail the lawless seas solo or team up with two friends or other players to partake in shareable contracts and rewards.ENJOY EVER-EVOLVING CONTENTEach season, face a brand-new legendary sea lord and discover fresh content, limitless endgame opportunities, and new exciting features designed to enhance your pirate experience.
