<P> Unlike previous games, gameplay elements focus more on ship - based exploration of the seamless open world map, while also retaining the series' third - person land - based exploration, melee combat, and stealth system . Multiplayer also returns, albeit with only land - based modes and settings . The game spans across the Caribbean with the three main cities of Havana, Nassau and Kingston along with numerous islands, sunken ships, and forts . Players have the option to harpoon large sea animals and hunt land animals . For the first time in the series, naval exploration is a major part of an Assassin's Creed game, where Edward Kenway captains the Jackdaw, a brig he captures from a Spanish fleet . </P> <P> Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag was positively received and was one of the best - selling games of 2013 . It has sold more than 11 million copies . Critics praised the massive open world gameplay, numerous side - quests, graphics and improved naval combat . The light - hearted pirate theme and engaging story were well received by critics . The modern day story however, received a slightly more mixed response, while criticism fell on aspects of the historical story missions which were considered repetitive . The game received several awards and nominations, including winning the Spike VGX 2013 award for Best Action Adventure Game . It was followed by Assassin's Creed Unity and Assassin's Creed Rogue, set during the French Revolution and Seven Years' War respectively, with both released in November 2014 . </P> <P> Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag is an action - adventure, stealth game set in an open world environment and played from a third - person perspective . The game features three main cities; Havana, Kingston, and Nassau, which reside under Spanish, British, and pirate influence, respectively . As well as this, locations like Port - au - Prince and smaller locations like Greater Inagua are used as main story points . It also features 50 other individual locations to explore, including atolls, sea forts, Mayan ruins, sugar plantations, and underwater shipwrecks, with a 60 / 40 balance between land and naval exploration . It has a more open world feel, with missions similar to those found in Assassin's Creed, as well as fewer restrictions for the player . The world opens up sooner in the game, as opposed to Assassin's Creed III, which had very scripted missions and did not give players freedom to explore until the game was well into its first act . The player will encounter jungles, forts, ruins, and small villages and the world is built to allow players much more freedom, such as allowing players to engage, board, and capture passing ships and swimming to nearby beaches in a seamless fashion . In addition, the hunting system has been retained from Assassin's Creed III, allowing the player to hunt on land, and fish in the water, with resources gathered used to upgrade equipment . </P> <P> A new aspect in the game is the Jackdaw, the ship that the player captains . The Jackdaw is upgradeable throughout the game, and is easily accessible to the player when needed . In addition, a new underwater component has been added . The player has access to a spyglass, allowing the examination of distant ships, along with their cargo and strength . It can also help determine if an island still has animals to hunt, treasures to find, high points to reach for synchronization or additional side - quests to complete, such as assassinations and naval contracts . An updated form of the recruit system introduced in Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood has returned, allowing Edward to recruit crew members . While Kenway's crew will remain loyal to him, they can be promoted to captain acquired ships, and are needed to assist in boarding enemy vessels, they cannot assist in combat or perform long - range assassinations, as in previous games . Ubisoft removed this aspect of the brotherhood system, believing it allowed players to bypass tense and challenging scenarios too easily . </P>

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