When it comes to transitioning to fresh hardware, one of the many trends we’ve witnessed over the years is the application of cross-generation releases. Think back to when PlayStation 3 was first released; major third-party titles like FIFA, Call of Duty, Ghost Recon and others were ported over to Sony’s then-new platform in addition to PlayStation 2. Indeed, this is a trend that is again being noticed with the arrival of PlayStation 4 and Xbox One, with many of the holiday season’s hottest releases arriving on both generations of machines.
Ubisoft is no exception, with future juggernauts Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag and Watch Dogs, to name but a few, due to receive a PS4 and Xbox One release in addition to their aging predecessors. However, we’re confident that this isn’t just a quick cash cow; Ubisoft is clearly embracing new technology to the fullest, with Assassin’s Creed IV in particular flexing some sumptuous next-gen muscles.
In fact, we’re so convinced by the highly-successful historical stab-‘em-up’s PS4 debut that PSU.com feels PS4 is the only way to go for this year’s annual Assassin’s Creed adventure.
Here’s why.
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1) It’s the best-looking Assassin’s Creed yet
Pirates may be notorious for looking rough around the edges and possessing poor hygiene, but the PS4 version of Black Flag is anything but rough around the edges. The power afforded by Sony’s next-gen rig has allowed Ubisoft to inject Edward Kenway’s nautical adventure with some impressive visual enhancements. Player immersion will benefit from the advantage of increased wave and wind effects, while local vegetation sway realistically in the warm Caribbean breeze. Aside from that, the PS4 release looks silky smooth and sharp, and while these extra effects are subtle, it all comes together to create the best-looking Assassin’s Creed yet.
2) Plundering in your pocket
One of the main features Sony has been trumpeting this year is the relationship between PS4 and PlayStation Vita, specifically Remote Play. Fortunately, Assassin’s Creed doesn’t skimp on this either, with Ubisoft confirming you’ll be able to stream Black Flag from your new console straight to Sony’s handheld. Given how well Liberation worked on PS Vita, Black Flag is surely just as well-suited to short bouts on the handheld; now, you can plunder the high seas and hunt down long-lost treasure on the go. It’s just another advantage that the PS4 version promises over any other release.
3) Pirate’s booty—aka unique content
Perhaps the juiciest advantage of owning the PS4 version is the addition of exclusive content. Yes, this is also available on the PS3, but when you combine it with the above additions, it makes the next-gen package all the more tempting. Ubisoft is offering PlayStation gamers the chance to enjoy a couple of hours worth of extra content in the shape of new missions fronted by Aveline de Grandpre, the heroine of PS Vita spin-off Assassin’s Creed III: Liberation. This is great news for fans of the portable sneak-‘n-stab effort, which is easily one of the PS Vita’s strongest titles to date and provided the Assassin’s Creed series with its first proper female protagonist. Being exclusive to Sony’s handheld, it’s fitting that Ubisoft has decided to extend Aveline’s quest in the shape of PS4/PS3-only missions, essentially rewarding its loyal customers who helped make the PS Vita title a success.
So there you have it: three cast-iron reasons why you need to pick up Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag on PS4 over any other console. Don’t agree? Then let us know your reasons in the comments section below.