Ubisoft CEO claims that Skull & Bones is a quadruple A game that will deliver on its promises of being a lavished pirating experience. Originally a DLC for Assassins Creed Black Flag, Skull & Bones ended up becoming a standalone title that has been plagued with development issues since its indoctrination. Finally seeing the light of day, Ubisoft has thrown their gauntlet giving us a beautifully developed open world in the golden age of piracy. It does not bring much more to the table and begs the question of whether you should buy it or not.
The combat system has some unique features but overall feels like a bulked-up version of Black Flag’s ship combat. Players command warships and engage in battles against rival pirates, merchant vessels, and even the mighty empires of the time. To succeed in these battles, players must carefully consider various factors such as wind direction, ship upgrades, and the unique abilities of their crew. Each ship has its strengths and weaknesses, encouraging players to experiment with different strategies and playstyles. Whether you prefer to engage in close quarters combat or rain down cannon fire from a distance, Skull & Bones offers a wide range of options to suit your playstyle. However, some moments felt underwhelming in the combat. One example is when boarding an enemy ship, the player has no interaction except initiating the boarding. This leaves a lot to be desired as this isn’t Ubisoft’s first time on the high sea and even accomplished it with Black Flag.
Skull & Bones offers a vast and immersive open world for players to explore. From bustling ports to uncharted islands, each location is meticulously crafted, breathing life into the rich pirate lore. As you sail through the Indian Ocean, you’ll encounter hidden treasures, ancient ruins, and mysterious landmarks waiting to be discovered. Depending on supplies, wind, and general direction, players will struggle to travel while completing various tasks. On land, players can obtain tasks, bounties, clothing, and resources. You can also interact with other captains in these community hubs. After some time, it did feel like I was playing Anthem in these sections as they tended to slow down the gameplay significantly.
In Skull & Bones, players can build their pirate empire. As you progress through the game, you’ll acquire resources, upgrade your ship, and recruit a crew of loyal pirates. These upgrades are not just cosmetic but also affect your ship’s performance and combat capabilities. From the hull design to the types of cannons, players have the freedom to customize every aspect of their ship. Additionally, players can invest in their hideouts, unlocking new facilities and upgrades to enhance their pirate operations. Whether you choose to focus on trade, piracy, or exploration, the customization options in Skull & Bones allow you to tailor your gameplay experience to your liking.
Skull & Bones boasts breathtaking visuals that bring the Golden Age of Piracy to life. From the shimmering turquoise waters to the towering storm clouds, every aspect of the game’s environment is meticulously crafted. Ubisoft’s attention to detail is evident in the ship designs, which are historically accurate and beautifully rendered. The weather effects also add another layer of immersion to the game. Sailing through a raging storm feels perilous, with lightning illuminating the dark skies and waves crashing against your ship. The dynamic day-night cycle further enhances the visual experience, creating stunning vistas and atmospheric moments.
The sound design in Skull & Bones is equally impressive. The game’s soundtrack captures the spirit of the Golden Age of Piracy, blending epic orchestral compositions with traditional sea shanties. The sound effects are also top-notch, from the thundering roar of cannons to the creaking of wooden planks as your ship navigates treacherous waters. The attention to detail extends to the voice acting as well. Each character has a distinct personality and accent, adding depth to the game’s immersive world. Combined with the stunning visuals, the sound design in Skull & Bones creates a truly immersive and captivating experience.
Skull & Bones does have a storyline to follow but feels generic. As a pirate captain, players find themselves caught in a web of betrayal and must navigate a dangerous world of rival factions, hidden alliances, and personal vendettas. The game introduces a diverse cast of characters, each with their motivations and agendas. From cunning pirates to ruthless naval officers, the characters you encounter throughout your journey will shape the narrative and influence your rise to power.
Skull & Bones offers a multiplayer experience that allows players to team up and engage in cooperative or competitive gameplay. Whether you choose to form alliances and conquer the seas together or engage in intense naval battles against other players, the multiplayer mode adds another layer of replayability to the game that is desperately needed. Players can strategize and communicate with their crewmates to outmaneuver their opponents, capture valuable loot, and establish dominance over the Indian Ocean. The cooperative missions and player-versus-player modes only add so much to an already bland game.
Skull & Bones is a game that truly embraces the spirit of piracy but offers very little in gameplay. With familiar naval combat, an expansive open world, and customization options, the game delivers on its promise of adventure on the high seas. The stunning graphics and sound design further elevate the gameplay but be ready to spend lots of time traveling between open seas and off-boat adventures. Overall, it’s not a “AAAA Game” in any way and feels more like a B game. I would recommend staying on Sea of Thieves or going back to Black Flag if you want a dependable Ubisoft game.
