Assassin's Creed: Black Flag Resynced reviews are in — and it's the best AC game in years
Assassin's Creed: Black Flag Resynced launches tomorrow, July 9, and review scores are already making it the most-talked-about Ubisoft release in years. The remake scores 84 on Metacritic (84/100) and 86 on OpenCritic with a 93% recommendation rate — making it the second-highest-rated AC game ever, behind only the original 2013 Black Flag's 88. For a studio that has struggled with AC Mirage and Shadows, this one looks like a genuine comeback.
The remake
Fifteen Ubisoft studios worked on Resynced, and critics say they largely got it right. Edward Kenway's story, the Caribbean atmosphere, and the naval combat — the three things that made the original special — all carry over intact. Visually, it's a significant step up, with upgraded weather effects and lighting that make the open seas feel alive.
New additions include three original companion officers, each with their own story arcs, an expanded backstory for Kenway, and a seamless open world with no loading screens between areas. The Abstergo office segments that annoyed many players in 2013 are gone, replaced with optional modern-day inserts.
Not everything lands. Reviewers flag weak enemy AI, a simplified parkour system (though it can be tuned in settings), and combat that has been modernised in ways some fans won't love. Stealth, however, gets a meaningful upgrade: Edward can now crouch freely and stalk enemies anywhere, not just in bushes.
What's missing
The two obvious omissions are the Freedom Cry DLC and multiplayer, neither of which are included at launch. Ubisoft hasn't confirmed whether Freedom Cry will arrive as a separate release later — though the door appears open. For players who want everything the original offered, that's a real gap.
Price and platforms
Resynced is available July 9 on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam, Epic, and the Ubisoft Store. Standard edition is £49.99 / $59.99; Deluxe is £59.99 / $69.99; Collector's is £174.99 / $199.99. Pre-order momentum is strong, with eGamersWorld tracking over 300,000 Steam pre-orders — a healthy number for a remake with no multiplayer hook.
Whether Ubisoft follows up with Freedom Cry content post-launch could determine how this one is remembered long-term. For now, though, if you ever loved the original Black Flag, the scores suggest this is worth your time.
